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Serial Killers True Crime Anthology 2014 (Large Print) by Peter Vronsky
Serial killers; they cross the bounds of evil. They murder at random without logic or reason other than the one twisting in their sick and evil minds. They are diabolical vile creatures devoid of morality or pity. You will meet a chosen few of them in these pages. We will see that serial killers are roaming among us all, from small towns to big cities. They are not limited to a particular place, gene pool, culture, social class or religion. They are not restricted to any particular demographic, political propensity and they can be of any gender. Some of the serial killers chosen for this first annual Serial Killers True Crime Anthology you might have heard of and we present their tales in new ways. Others have not graced every newspaper, tabloid or television screen and represent tales of true crime horror told in detail for the first time in these pages. Five of true crime's most prolific authors have come together in these pages to present their most compelling cases of serial homicide, famous and not so famous. This book contains forensic crime scene evidence photographs and statements that some may find disturbing. Each book is digitally autographed by the authors. This is probably one of the first paperbacks to have that included.
Paperback
First published December 11, 2013
188 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Peter Vronsky
32 books355 followersPETER VRONSKY is an author, filmmaker, and forensic-investigative historian. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in the history of espionage in international relations and criminal justice history.
Peter Vronsky is the author of a series of books on the history serial homicide: Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters (2004); Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters (2007); Sons of Cain: A History of Serial Killers From the Stone Age to the Present (2018)- a New York Times Editors' Choice; and most recently, American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 (2021).
He is also the author of Ridgeway: The American-Fenian Invasion and the 1866 Battle that Made Canada, the definitive history of Canada's first modern battle and the subject of his 2010 doctoral dissertation at U of T.
He lives in Toronto and Venice, Italy.
Peter Vronsky is the author of a series of books on the history serial homicide: Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters (2004); Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters (2007); Sons of Cain: A History of Serial Killers From the Stone Age to the Present (2018)- a New York Times Editors' Choice; and most recently, American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 (2021).
He is also the author of Ridgeway: The American-Fenian Invasion and the 1866 Battle that Made Canada, the definitive history of Canada's first modern battle and the subject of his 2010 doctoral dissertation at U of T.
He lives in Toronto and Venice, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 12, 2013
I was one of the lucky people that the author provided with an ARC advance reading copy.
So first I would like to thank RJ Parker for the opportunity to read such a great book!
I found this book very unique, interesting and informative!
Through the years I've always wondered why and how some one becomes a serial killer.
This book answered a lot of the questions I had. Other books I've read searching for the answers didn't make sense... This one did! So if your looking for answers to questions... This book is for you!
He also told of serial killers that most people haven't heard of... Very unique serial killers of our time!
A great read... I recommend this book for any one who has a fascination for serial killers or are looking for answers!
So first I would like to thank RJ Parker for the opportunity to read such a great book!
I found this book very unique, interesting and informative!
Through the years I've always wondered why and how some one becomes a serial killer.
This book answered a lot of the questions I had. Other books I've read searching for the answers didn't make sense... This one did! So if your looking for answers to questions... This book is for you!
He also told of serial killers that most people haven't heard of... Very unique serial killers of our time!
A great read... I recommend this book for any one who has a fascination for serial killers or are looking for answers!
January 13, 2016
Bah! I didn't mind the narrator. It was everything else. LOL. A full 25% o this book is taken up with an 'intro'.
September 21, 2017
Just stop.
This was horrible. Not only are many of the "facts" about serial killers in general wrong, but the writing is horrible and one story didn't even remove the editor's comments. I love true crime, but don't even give this book a second glance.
This was horrible. Not only are many of the "facts" about serial killers in general wrong, but the writing is horrible and one story didn't even remove the editor's comments. I love true crime, but don't even give this book a second glance.
September 17, 2014
Reads like a bad high school term paper.
I wanted to like this anthology, I truly did. However, I could not force myself to keep reading. The endless introduction was poorly written and terribly edited. The run on sentences were boring, and headache inducing. I would recommend this book only as a cure for insomnia. It is rather impressive how the authors managed to make a reading about a fascinating subject as tedious as watching paint dry. That is, sadly, the highest praise I can give to such a disappointing book.
I wanted to like this anthology, I truly did. However, I could not force myself to keep reading. The endless introduction was poorly written and terribly edited. The run on sentences were boring, and headache inducing. I would recommend this book only as a cure for insomnia. It is rather impressive how the authors managed to make a reading about a fascinating subject as tedious as watching paint dry. That is, sadly, the highest praise I can give to such a disappointing book.
August 24, 2015
Awesome Read!!!!!
I received my copy from RJ Parker for an honest review.
I must say that I have read quite a few true crime stories in the past, and this one exceeded my expectations. I love the way that the authors tell the various types of crimes in each chapter of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves to read true crime. I am now motivated to read all the different works from all the authors!!!
I received my copy from RJ Parker for an honest review.
I must say that I have read quite a few true crime stories in the past, and this one exceeded my expectations. I love the way that the authors tell the various types of crimes in each chapter of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves to read true crime. I am now motivated to read all the different works from all the authors!!!
December 7, 2015
This book primarily covered cases I was already familiar with, but there were a few I did not know of prior to this book.
This book covers a variety of well known cases. It gives a brief overview of the crimes, criminals, and punishment involved. Very little information is given regarding the victims. It does get graphic at times. This is not a book for the weak stomach.
Would I recommend this book? Only to experienced true crime readers. This would not be a great starter book.
This book covers a variety of well known cases. It gives a brief overview of the crimes, criminals, and punishment involved. Very little information is given regarding the victims. It does get graphic at times. This is not a book for the weak stomach.
Would I recommend this book? Only to experienced true crime readers. This would not be a great starter book.
November 22, 2014
loved it!!! will review more when not suffering from brain crippling brain ache :(
May 15, 2016
Would have been better but the formatting was off and a little too like a textbook.
July 12, 2018
Another wonderful Vronsky as well as other fantastic authors! I am looking forward to reading through all the authors PV shares his skill with. This was less informative (educationally) than 2004 "Serial Killers" but we meet new killers & revisit bits/likenesses of 2004 SK. I was completely engaged from start to finish. My favorite about this one was all the authors are great. There wasn't one that was dull or off-putting or a snoozer. Great job folks!
July 19, 2018
Serial Killers Book 1
I read book 3 first and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very disappointed in this book. The grammar was appalling. Not sure whether to buy anymore as they are expensive books.
I read book 3 first and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very disappointed in this book. The grammar was appalling. Not sure whether to buy anymore as they are expensive books.
August 26, 2018
Good read.
Other than the editing errors this was enjoyable to read. I’ve been reading about serial killings for over twenty years and I’m always pleased when I can find more information on a familiar subject.
Other than the editing errors this was enjoyable to read. I’ve been reading about serial killings for over twenty years and I’m always pleased when I can find more information on a familiar subject.
October 17, 2017
I regret bothering to read this book. So poorly written and filled with "facts" that aren't quite fact.
April 14, 2018
Creepy but True
I love horror. For a true crimes book, this is all horror. I absolutely loved it and recommend it to horror fans.
I love horror. For a true crimes book, this is all horror. I absolutely loved it and recommend it to horror fans.
September 30, 2018
I would have given this no stars if I could. This volume is nearly unreadable due to the lack of editing.
December 20, 2014
*Graphic Warning* - This novel explored subject matter that might be disturbing to some readers. It included pictures of crime scene evidence as well as statements made by the killers in written or vocal interviews.
This book was among one of the great deals that I found on OHFB - a site that I love for keeping my Kindle stocked with lots of different books. Since I was always interested in crime and crime-related stories, I knew the included photographs or statements wouldn't bother me. However, I must say that there was little, if any, censoring of either items in their related stories, but there weren't a lot of the photographs throughout the book either. Each of the authors covered a particular serial killer, or killers in a few cases.
They delved into the earliest known information about the serial killer involved and follow him or her through the years, the murders and the repercussions of their actions. Written and taped interviews were used alongside police evidence and court documents to try and find the answers to questions that plagued investigators and society alike over the years. Some of the killers in this volume of the anthology include people from hundreds of years ago to the early part of the 2000s. Some were rich, killing with impunity because of their station in life such as Erzsebet (Elizabeth) Bathory. Others weren't so lucky to come from wealth and made due with what they were given, including the Bloody Benders and Robert Pickton.
For me there wasn't much in the way of pacing for this book. Each of the chapters laid out the timeline for each of the killers without leading into the next. It was much like the chapter was its own case file. That made it easy to set the book down if I needed to take care of something else and come back to it later without feeling lost or confused about where I am in the book. The victims weren't forgotten in the midst of all the coverage of the crimes. Their names, faces and voices gave them more weight than much of the media did during their coverage. Not a lot of detail about the actual crimes filled the pages even though they weren't hidden either.
While I knew of a few of the killers listed, there were a few that I hadn't heard of before, making it an interesting read. Overall, I liked the book and found it interesting to see the evolution of many included killers as well as possible explanations for their methods of madness. I was also glad to see that very little speculation appeared in the various chapters. When it did, the author was sure to note what was speculation and what wasn't. If you're looking for a fairly comprehensive look at a small section of serial killers and what may have led them to do what they did, then this anthology is definitely one to consider!
This book was among one of the great deals that I found on OHFB - a site that I love for keeping my Kindle stocked with lots of different books. Since I was always interested in crime and crime-related stories, I knew the included photographs or statements wouldn't bother me. However, I must say that there was little, if any, censoring of either items in their related stories, but there weren't a lot of the photographs throughout the book either. Each of the authors covered a particular serial killer, or killers in a few cases.
They delved into the earliest known information about the serial killer involved and follow him or her through the years, the murders and the repercussions of their actions. Written and taped interviews were used alongside police evidence and court documents to try and find the answers to questions that plagued investigators and society alike over the years. Some of the killers in this volume of the anthology include people from hundreds of years ago to the early part of the 2000s. Some were rich, killing with impunity because of their station in life such as Erzsebet (Elizabeth) Bathory. Others weren't so lucky to come from wealth and made due with what they were given, including the Bloody Benders and Robert Pickton.
For me there wasn't much in the way of pacing for this book. Each of the chapters laid out the timeline for each of the killers without leading into the next. It was much like the chapter was its own case file. That made it easy to set the book down if I needed to take care of something else and come back to it later without feeling lost or confused about where I am in the book. The victims weren't forgotten in the midst of all the coverage of the crimes. Their names, faces and voices gave them more weight than much of the media did during their coverage. Not a lot of detail about the actual crimes filled the pages even though they weren't hidden either.
While I knew of a few of the killers listed, there were a few that I hadn't heard of before, making it an interesting read. Overall, I liked the book and found it interesting to see the evolution of many included killers as well as possible explanations for their methods of madness. I was also glad to see that very little speculation appeared in the various chapters. When it did, the author was sure to note what was speculation and what wasn't. If you're looking for a fairly comprehensive look at a small section of serial killers and what may have led them to do what they did, then this anthology is definitely one to consider!
February 21, 2017
Very interesting
Read like a textbook or professional journal. Interesting topic and background to each perpetrator. If you like true crime it's worth the read.
Read like a textbook or professional journal. Interesting topic and background to each perpetrator. If you like true crime it's worth the read.
January 19, 2015
WARNING: This book contains forensic crime scene evidence photographs and statements that some may find disturbing.
Inside the covers of this anthology, you won’t find the well known names of serial killer history. No Ted Bundy, no H.H. Holmes or Jack the Ripper, instead you’ll find the true stories of many lesser publicized deviants that took their pleasure from the rapes, mutilations, tortures and deaths of their many victims.
The anthology has case histories presented by five of the top true crime writers available today and they cover killers as diverse as 11 year old Mary Bell to the Bloody Benders of the Old West, and give the real low-down on Elizabeth Bathory, who is often depicted as a vampire or blood drinker in many books.
All five writers bring new information to the table. All case histories are well researched and documented. RJ Parker, along with Peter Vronsky, Dane Ladwig, Sylvia Perrini and Michael Newton present the biographies of these killers will make you feel as if you actually knew them as ‘that’ guy (or gal as the case might be) next door.
Serial Killers True Crime Anthology
Inside the covers of this anthology, you won’t find the well known names of serial killer history. No Ted Bundy, no H.H. Holmes or Jack the Ripper, instead you’ll find the true stories of many lesser publicized deviants that took their pleasure from the rapes, mutilations, tortures and deaths of their many victims.
The anthology has case histories presented by five of the top true crime writers available today and they cover killers as diverse as 11 year old Mary Bell to the Bloody Benders of the Old West, and give the real low-down on Elizabeth Bathory, who is often depicted as a vampire or blood drinker in many books.
All five writers bring new information to the table. All case histories are well researched and documented. RJ Parker, along with Peter Vronsky, Dane Ladwig, Sylvia Perrini and Michael Newton present the biographies of these killers will make you feel as if you actually knew them as ‘that’ guy (or gal as the case might be) next door.
Serial Killers True Crime Anthology
December 15, 2014
As a relative newbie to reading about true crime and serial killers specifically, I've had many head-scratching moments, and yes even "wtf" moments wondering how it is even possible for these animals people to do what they do to others. This anthology was recommended reading and as it turns out, very timely. It provided believable and persuasive ideas, or at least an expert's opinion on the very things I've been wondering about.
The lengthy prologue is among the most fascinating writing I have ever read. For instance, I was very impressed with how the authors of this anthology explain the three parts of the brain (reptilian, limbic, and neocortex) and how things misfire between them in a serial killer's brain to cause them to do what they do. This concept was explained so well that a person with no background in this field (like myself) could not only understand it, but really appreciate the fact that it makes complete sense.
I'm very glad to have read this now so I can continue with the genre a little more informed and educated about what drives and motivates different types of serial killers. Looking forward to the second annual anthology being released soon.
The lengthy prologue is among the most fascinating writing I have ever read. For instance, I was very impressed with how the authors of this anthology explain the three parts of the brain (reptilian, limbic, and neocortex) and how things misfire between them in a serial killer's brain to cause them to do what they do. This concept was explained so well that a person with no background in this field (like myself) could not only understand it, but really appreciate the fact that it makes complete sense.
I'm very glad to have read this now so I can continue with the genre a little more informed and educated about what drives and motivates different types of serial killers. Looking forward to the second annual anthology being released soon.
December 23, 2015
Since Jack the Ripper terrorized London in 1888 serial killers have captured the imagination. They ae the aristocrats of true crime stories, in writing or on the screen. Serial Killers: True Crime Anthology 2045 is the first in a collection of grisly true crime stories by some of the best true crime writers in the business.. Well written, including many details that would not have been included in media reports, these stories will have you flinching at every sound if you’re home alone at night.
If you’re the sensitive type, you need to keep in mind that, in addition to the details of the crimes, forensic photos are also included in this book. So, be warned. This is not a book for the faint of heart, but if you want to get a look at how serial killers operate, this is the book for you.
If you’re the sensitive type, you need to keep in mind that, in addition to the details of the crimes, forensic photos are also included in this book. So, be warned. This is not a book for the faint of heart, but if you want to get a look at how serial killers operate, this is the book for you.
January 16, 2014
There are some really amazing authors in this anthology, some I have read before and others this is the first time. I will be a fan of all from now on. Each and every one gave such well researched and understandable information that made this book just packed with facts that I didn't previously know. The best part for me was while the technical information was in there it was written in a very easy to understand way so I didn't have to stop reading a numerous amount of times to understand the language.
If you are a fan of true crime or just wish to know how the mind of a serial killer works this is a great anthology to give you some of that insight.
If you are a fan of true crime or just wish to know how the mind of a serial killer works this is a great anthology to give you some of that insight.
June 5, 2014
I think every true crime fan needs to read this. The introduction and prologue explains the terminology used in serial killer cases and a lot of history that shows that they have always been among normal people. No one really knows what could turn someone into a cold blooded murderer, but the cases examined here does give some insight. There are 9 chapters devoted to different killers. Their backgrounds, in some cases, are almost as horrifying as their deeds. You never know what the person next to you at a red light or behind you at a check-out stand may be thinking. I think all of us need to be a little more aware of our surroundings.
March 29, 2016
2014 Serial Killers Anthology
I read the 2016 book from this series and thought it was pretty good so I thought I'd read the others.
This is not as good. It's interesting but unfortunately, the trouble with anthologies is often the writers are not of the same standard. This might have been better with a harder edit.
Some of it is a bit ranty / long winded. Some of the 'scientific' explanations and general evolution of serial killers are questionable and overly simplistic.
The proofreading is not great, poured / pored. Bare / bear. There / their type errors which personally drive me crazy.
I read the 2016 book from this series and thought it was pretty good so I thought I'd read the others.
This is not as good. It's interesting but unfortunately, the trouble with anthologies is often the writers are not of the same standard. This might have been better with a harder edit.
Some of it is a bit ranty / long winded. Some of the 'scientific' explanations and general evolution of serial killers are questionable and overly simplistic.
The proofreading is not great, poured / pored. Bare / bear. There / their type errors which personally drive me crazy.
March 3, 2015
Fascinating but uneven
This is the second anthology that I've read of this consortium of authors. The stories should entertain those, like me, who have an interest for true crime stories. I do have an issue, however, with the uneven writing; while some authors, like the writer of the excellent introduction, show excellent writing skills, some others are poorly written, with grammatical errors that obviously and unfortunately have not been edited. This shouldn't deter anyone interested in these matters to read this book, though.
This is the second anthology that I've read of this consortium of authors. The stories should entertain those, like me, who have an interest for true crime stories. I do have an issue, however, with the uneven writing; while some authors, like the writer of the excellent introduction, show excellent writing skills, some others are poorly written, with grammatical errors that obviously and unfortunately have not been edited. This shouldn't deter anyone interested in these matters to read this book, though.
September 3, 2015
WILDLY inconsistent. The introduction by Peter Vronsky is excellent, the pieces by Michael Newton are quite good, the Sylvia Perrini contributions are not horrible, but the Dane Ladwig and RJ Parker chapters are a mess. The whole thing is desperately in need of editing. I got this for free from Kindle Unlimited and I'm quite happy I didn't pay good money for it. Definitely won't be trying this series again.
January 29, 2014
Very interesting but needs some editing
I really enjoyed this account of some of the lesser know serial killers but needs a bit of polish. worth the great price
I really enjoyed this account of some of the lesser know serial killers but needs a bit of polish. worth the great price
February 7, 2014
Ok book
read I.g
guess I need to review to go on...I just started so nothing yet will update when I finish
read I.g
guess I need to review to go on...I just started so nothing yet will update when I finish
Want to read
August 7, 2014Free 08-07-14
http://www.amazon.com/Serial-Killers-...
http://www.amazon.com/Serial-Killers-...
August 13, 2014
So I guess I should know a book about serial killers would be exploitative and gratuitous, but it really is. Minus two stars for graphic photos.
February 23, 2015
the stories were interesting but the editor should br fired.... if there even was one.
January 18, 2015
Lots of interesting stories about lesser known serial killers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews