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The Serial Killer's Apprentice
A psychological examination of the blurred line between victim and accomplice—and how a killer can be created
Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr. was only fourteen when he first became entangled with serial rapist and murderer Dean Corll in 1971. Fellow Houston, Texas, teenager David Brooks had already been ensnared by the charming older man, bribed with cash to help lure boys to Corll’s home. When Henley unwittingly entered the trap, Corll evidently sensed he’d be of more use as a second accomplice than another victim. He baited Henley with the same deal he’d given $200 for each boy they could bring him.
Henley didn’t understand the full extent of what he had signed up for at first. But once he started, Corll convinced him that he had crossed the line of no return and had to not only procure boys but help kill them and dispose of the bodies, as well. When Henley first took a life, he lost his moral base. He felt doomed. By the time he was seventeen, he’d helped with multiple murders and believed he’d be killed, too. But on August 8, 1973, he picked up a gun and shot Corll. When he turned himself in, Henley showed police where he and Brooks had buried Corll’s victims in mass graves. Twenty-eight bodies were recovered—most of them boys from Henley’s neighborhood—making this the worst case of serial murder in America at the time. The case reveals gross failures in the way cops handled parents’ pleas to look for their missing sons and how law enforcement possibly protected a larger conspiracy.
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice tells the story of Corll and his accomplices in its fullest form to date. It also explores the concept of “mur-dar” (the predator’s instinct for exploitable kids), current neuroscience about adolescent brain vulnerabilities, the role of compartmentalization, the dynamic of a murder apprenticeship, and how tales like Henley’s can aid with early intervention. Despite his youth and cooperation, Henley went to trial and received six life sentences. He’s now sixty-five and has a sense of perspective about how adult predators can turn formerly good kids into criminals. Unexpectedly, he’s willing to talk. This book is his warning and the story of the unspeakable evil and sorrow that befell Houston in the early 1970s.
Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr. was only fourteen when he first became entangled with serial rapist and murderer Dean Corll in 1971. Fellow Houston, Texas, teenager David Brooks had already been ensnared by the charming older man, bribed with cash to help lure boys to Corll’s home. When Henley unwittingly entered the trap, Corll evidently sensed he’d be of more use as a second accomplice than another victim. He baited Henley with the same deal he’d given $200 for each boy they could bring him.
Henley didn’t understand the full extent of what he had signed up for at first. But once he started, Corll convinced him that he had crossed the line of no return and had to not only procure boys but help kill them and dispose of the bodies, as well. When Henley first took a life, he lost his moral base. He felt doomed. By the time he was seventeen, he’d helped with multiple murders and believed he’d be killed, too. But on August 8, 1973, he picked up a gun and shot Corll. When he turned himself in, Henley showed police where he and Brooks had buried Corll’s victims in mass graves. Twenty-eight bodies were recovered—most of them boys from Henley’s neighborhood—making this the worst case of serial murder in America at the time. The case reveals gross failures in the way cops handled parents’ pleas to look for their missing sons and how law enforcement possibly protected a larger conspiracy.
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice tells the story of Corll and his accomplices in its fullest form to date. It also explores the concept of “mur-dar” (the predator’s instinct for exploitable kids), current neuroscience about adolescent brain vulnerabilities, the role of compartmentalization, the dynamic of a murder apprenticeship, and how tales like Henley’s can aid with early intervention. Despite his youth and cooperation, Henley went to trial and received six life sentences. He’s now sixty-five and has a sense of perspective about how adult predators can turn formerly good kids into criminals. Unexpectedly, he’s willing to talk. This book is his warning and the story of the unspeakable evil and sorrow that befell Houston in the early 1970s.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2024
About the author
Katherine Ramsland
106 books741 followersI've loved books since I was 3, and the library was a highlight of my childhood. I've been fortunate to be able to find great joy in what others have written and sometimes to give this to readers. I follow my own muse, because it leads me on interesting adventures. I began my writing career with "Prism of the Night: A Biography of Anne Rice." I had a bestseller with "The Vampire Companion." Since then, I've published 69 books and over 2,500 articles, reviews and short stories. I have also been an executive producer for "Murder House Flip" and "BTK: Confession of a Serial Killer." From ghosts to vampires to serial killers, I have taken on a variety of dark subjects, mostly in crime and forensics. I hold graduate degrees in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, criminal justice, creative writing and philosophy. Currently, I teach forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University. My books include "I Scream Man," "How to Catch a Killer", "Confession of a Serial Killer", "The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds", "The Mind of a Murderer", "The Human Predator: A Historical Chronicle of Serial Murder and Forensic Investigation", "Inside the Minds of Serial Killers", "Inside the Minds of Sexual Predators", and "Inside the Minds of Mass Murderers". My background in forensic studies positioned me to assist former FBI profiler John Douglas on his book, "The Cases that Haunt Us", and to co-write a book with former FBI profiler, Gregg McCrary, "The Unknown Darkness", as well as "Spree Killers" with Mark Safarik, "The Real Life of a Forensic Scientist" with Henry C. Lee, and "A Voice for the Dead" with James Starrs. I speak internationally about forensic psychology, forensic science, and serial murder, and has appeared on numerous documentaries, as well as such programs as The Today Show, 20/20, 48 Hours, NPR, Dr. Oz, Coast to Coast, Montel Williams, Larry King Live and E! True Hollywood. Currently, I'm working on a fiction series, The Nut Cracker Investigations, which features a female forensic psychologist who manages a PI agency. "I Scream Man" is the first one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
May 19, 2024
I had no idea what I was in for when I picked up this book. It was disturbing on so many levels that I felt like throwing up. The authors don't shy away from describing exactly what these poor boys went through and it was really hard to listen to at times.
I've never heard of this case before, which is kind of surprising considering the scope of the murders. John Wayne Gacy is far more well known, and yet the Houston Mass Murders happened BEFORE Gacy was caught. Really blows my mind.
What's really interesting here is that Dean Corll had two teenage boys he groomed into helping him procure victims. They were also involved in the murders of several, and knew where the bodies were buried. One of them eventually killed Corll, and manged to save some other potential victims, but that doesn't undo the bad he's done.
The first half focused more on this crime, and the second on some other serial killers who had helpers, and how they got them involved, bit by bit. I feel like we got a good idea about HOW it can happen, but I'm not sure I understand the WHY.
Like, it's one thing you go and steal something or sell drugs for someone because you want their approval, it's a completely different thing to walk in on them raping children and then agreeing on bringing them more, knowing exactly what's going to happen to them when you do.
I know it's easy for me on the outside to say "well I'D never do that", but...Brooks and Henley were both victims and perpetrators, they're right where they belong (one in prison, the other one passed away a few years ago). And I mean, I do believe them when they said that, without Corll, they wouldn't have done things like this 100%, but you can't bring those dead boys back to their families so...
The book is extremely well researched, which I appreciate, and I didn't even mind the super long chapters that much (I'm used to it by now). But I agree with someone who said true crime books should have slightly shorter chapters, because this whole book had only eight chapters and the audio was 11 or 12 hours long, I don't remember now. I felt like there were okay places to end the chapters to make them more digestible throughout.
Something that also stands out to me is how useless the police was (what else is new?), and how no one decided to investigate the link Corll had to a child trafficking ring...did no one really care about those poor kids? Clearly not.
Anyway, I'd recommend this book, I learned a lot from it.
I've never heard of this case before, which is kind of surprising considering the scope of the murders. John Wayne Gacy is far more well known, and yet the Houston Mass Murders happened BEFORE Gacy was caught. Really blows my mind.
What's really interesting here is that Dean Corll had two teenage boys he groomed into helping him procure victims. They were also involved in the murders of several, and knew where the bodies were buried. One of them eventually killed Corll, and manged to save some other potential victims, but that doesn't undo the bad he's done.
The first half focused more on this crime, and the second on some other serial killers who had helpers, and how they got them involved, bit by bit. I feel like we got a good idea about HOW it can happen, but I'm not sure I understand the WHY.
Like, it's one thing you go and steal something or sell drugs for someone because you want their approval, it's a completely different thing to walk in on them raping children and then agreeing on bringing them more, knowing exactly what's going to happen to them when you do.
I know it's easy for me on the outside to say "well I'D never do that", but...Brooks and Henley were both victims and perpetrators, they're right where they belong (one in prison, the other one passed away a few years ago). And I mean, I do believe them when they said that, without Corll, they wouldn't have done things like this 100%, but you can't bring those dead boys back to their families so...
The book is extremely well researched, which I appreciate, and I didn't even mind the super long chapters that much (I'm used to it by now). But I agree with someone who said true crime books should have slightly shorter chapters, because this whole book had only eight chapters and the audio was 11 or 12 hours long, I don't remember now. I felt like there were okay places to end the chapters to make them more digestible throughout.
Something that also stands out to me is how useless the police was (what else is new?), and how no one decided to investigate the link Corll had to a child trafficking ring...did no one really care about those poor kids? Clearly not.
Anyway, I'd recommend this book, I learned a lot from it.
May 1, 2024
4⭐️
If you like true crime this is an absolute MUST read! This is my second favorite true crime I’ve ever read and everyone needs to read it. Please check trigger warnings because this book does not beat around the bush and describes horrendous things in detail. I love that the second half of the book went more into the psychology behind the killer and how to recognize warning signs. Overall a very solid and enthralling true crime novel!
If you like true crime this is an absolute MUST read! This is my second favorite true crime I’ve ever read and everyone needs to read it. Please check trigger warnings because this book does not beat around the bush and describes horrendous things in detail. I love that the second half of the book went more into the psychology behind the killer and how to recognize warning signs. Overall a very solid and enthralling true crime novel!
March 18, 2024
Rating: 3.5 Stars
"The Serial Killer's Apprentice" delves into one of the most unsettling cases in true crime history with an intriguing perspective. Ramsland and Ullman present a professionally written narrative that intricately weaves together the experiences of victims, their families, the community, and the perpetrators. The book evokes a range of emotions, from anxiety to heartbreak, as it delves into the horrifying details of the crimes.
One aspect that stands out is the thoroughness of the research, which is evident throughout the narrative. The authors meticulously examine the Candyman case and delve deep into the psyche of the individuals involved. While the focus on Henley and the initial case dominates the first half of the book, the latter half provides a broader exploration of serial sexual predators and their accomplices.
However, it must be acknowledged that the subject matter makes for a challenging read. The emotional weight of the content, particularly the descriptions of torture and premature deaths, is palpable. Despite this difficulty, the book remains compelling and well-written, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the disturbing realities of serial crime.
"The Serial Killer's Apprentice" delves into one of the most unsettling cases in true crime history with an intriguing perspective. Ramsland and Ullman present a professionally written narrative that intricately weaves together the experiences of victims, their families, the community, and the perpetrators. The book evokes a range of emotions, from anxiety to heartbreak, as it delves into the horrifying details of the crimes.
One aspect that stands out is the thoroughness of the research, which is evident throughout the narrative. The authors meticulously examine the Candyman case and delve deep into the psyche of the individuals involved. While the focus on Henley and the initial case dominates the first half of the book, the latter half provides a broader exploration of serial sexual predators and their accomplices.
However, it must be acknowledged that the subject matter makes for a challenging read. The emotional weight of the content, particularly the descriptions of torture and premature deaths, is palpable. Despite this difficulty, the book remains compelling and well-written, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the disturbing realities of serial crime.
August 2, 2024
To nie jest zwykła książka, nie przeczytacie jej w jeden dzień. Nie będziecie się uśmiechać i czekać z wytchnieniem na zakończenie.
Jest to historia jak najbardziej realna i na faktach. Ujawniająca jednego z najgorszych m0rdercow w Stanach Zjednoczonych. Po nazwisku może i nie skojarzycie kto to..jednak okrzyknięto go jako Candy Man. Teraz coś wam świta? Jeśli tak to już wiecie co to za pozycja…
Dla jednych może się okazać nawet i bulwersująca, ale dla mnie była przerażająca. Pokazująca obraz jak łatwo dzieci zmanipulować i skutecznie (co jeszcze bardziej przeraża) zmusić do okropnych czynów. Jednak autorki po części chcą przestrzec przed takimi osobami jak Cany Man opisując zachowanie, które warto obserwować. Tylko czy można na 100% uchronić swoje dziecko przed złem?
W tej książce przeczytanie zeznania dwóch chłopców - Davida Brooksa i Wayna. Zostali oni „zwerbowani” przed Deana Corlla. Wykorzystywał on przede wszystkim chłopców z dysfunkcyjnych rodzin. Dlaczego? Ponieważ byli „łatwym fantem” wystarczyło by pokazał, że dla nich jest i chce spędzać z nimi czas. Niby nic takiego jednak dla dzieci z rodzin rozbitych czy rodziców uzależnionych od różnych substancji to wszystko czego pragną. Historia o tym jak m0rderca zamienił dzieci na swój wzór i jak doprowadził do stworzenia potwór wyrzutych z emocji.
„Uczeń seryjnego m0rdercy” przerazi was, ale i otworzy oczy na zło czające się na każdym kroku i jak łatwo mu ulec. Szczególnie dzieciom.
Jest to historia jak najbardziej realna i na faktach. Ujawniająca jednego z najgorszych m0rdercow w Stanach Zjednoczonych. Po nazwisku może i nie skojarzycie kto to..jednak okrzyknięto go jako Candy Man. Teraz coś wam świta? Jeśli tak to już wiecie co to za pozycja…
Dla jednych może się okazać nawet i bulwersująca, ale dla mnie była przerażająca. Pokazująca obraz jak łatwo dzieci zmanipulować i skutecznie (co jeszcze bardziej przeraża) zmusić do okropnych czynów. Jednak autorki po części chcą przestrzec przed takimi osobami jak Cany Man opisując zachowanie, które warto obserwować. Tylko czy można na 100% uchronić swoje dziecko przed złem?
W tej książce przeczytanie zeznania dwóch chłopców - Davida Brooksa i Wayna. Zostali oni „zwerbowani” przed Deana Corlla. Wykorzystywał on przede wszystkim chłopców z dysfunkcyjnych rodzin. Dlaczego? Ponieważ byli „łatwym fantem” wystarczyło by pokazał, że dla nich jest i chce spędzać z nimi czas. Niby nic takiego jednak dla dzieci z rodzin rozbitych czy rodziców uzależnionych od różnych substancji to wszystko czego pragną. Historia o tym jak m0rderca zamienił dzieci na swój wzór i jak doprowadził do stworzenia potwór wyrzutych z emocji.
„Uczeń seryjnego m0rdercy” przerazi was, ale i otworzy oczy na zło czające się na każdym kroku i jak łatwo mu ulec. Szczególnie dzieciom.
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May 9, 2024I can't rate this book and could barely even read it. So deeply disturbing. Many victims, all children.
February 8, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Serial Killer's Apprentice, by Katherine Ramsland; Tracy Ullman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Elmer Henley was 14 when he met Dean Corll, a truly horrible man. Elmer helped the serial killer lure in boys. This book was so hard to read at times. The poor innocent murdered boys and their families is who I feel sorry for.
January 10, 2025
Jak napisać zły reportaż? Właśnie tak. Nieobiektywnie, chaotycznie, bez ładu i składu, próbując pokazać, jedynie dobre strony Ucznia. W momencie kiedy zaczynałam pojmować całą tragedię i dramat tej sprawy, autorki zaczynały pisać o czymś zupełnie innym, nawet nie związanym z całą sprawą. Nakreślenie charakterów zarówno mordercy jak i jego pomocników było tak powierzchowne, że nic o nich nie zapamiętałam, może z wyjątkiem tego, że Henley nie był złym chłopakiem.
A czy autorki pisały o ofiarach? Może i tak, ale znowu, chyba tylko po to, żeby przypominać, że to jednak sprawa seryjnego mordercy.
Nie polecam, no chyba, że ktoś chce się przekonać jak nie powinien wyglądać reportaż.
A czy autorki pisały o ofiarach? Może i tak, ale znowu, chyba tylko po to, żeby przypominać, że to jednak sprawa seryjnego mordercy.
Nie polecam, no chyba, że ktoś chce się przekonać jak nie powinien wyglądać reportaż.
April 13, 2024
I'm never sure how to review true crime books like these. It was written very well and I enjoyed receiving the information given to me. I learned about a serial killer I had not previously known existed. I learned about the killings, the victims, and the accomplices. I enjoyed the narration, I didn't feel like I was reading a boring textbook or information pamphlet like I do with some true crime books.
March 30, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up for the incredible research that went into this book.
The title of "The Serial Killer's Apprentice" is enticing for any true crime fan. Billed as a psychological inquiry into the psyche of a killer, author Katherine Ramsland alongside documentarian Tracy Ullman revisit the more than two dozen murders of teen boys in "The Houston Heights" between 1971 and 1973. Ramsland reviews the police and court files, newspaper reports, and interviews Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., one of two young "apprentices" of pedophile and murderer "Candy Man" Dean Corll. David Brooks, the other apprentice, died in prison before they began this project.
First, I would caution many readers that the investigation does not shy away from explicit descriptions of violence and abuse, as well as the effects of those events. The Corll murders serve as an anchor to other information. Ramsland is thorough and offers details related to those murders as well as social and political context and other serial killer team examples. However, while I appreciated this overview, I found the subtitle to be misleading. There are no answers to why Brooks and Henley were so susceptible. There are plenty of hypotheses and research indicating causal relationships, but few conclusions.
Secondly, in an effort to quote and represent the vitriol that LGBTQ+ persons suffered in 1970s Texas, the book is replete with general negative connotations. Ramsland occasionally adds qualifiers to the descriptors, quotes, etc., but they largely stand alone. It seems irresponsible to not clearly acknowledge the differences and shifts in acceptable behavior and language. Along a similar vein, I found the narrator to be grating. The narrator tried to use different intonations and accents to represent the protagonists in the story, but it came across as dismissive and almost comical. I am not sure that there would be a better way to accurately represent the individuals, but I think it's worth trying to find one.
Although only a side note in the book, I was fascinated by the idea that Truman Capote was assigned to cover the trial. It's a shame that he was not able to do so and also did not craft his own piece of narrative nonfiction.
"The Serial Killer's Apprentice: The True Story of How Houston's Deadliest Murderer Turned a Kid into a Killing Machine" will be released in the U.S. on April 16, 2024. Thanks to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for this audio ARC given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The title of "The Serial Killer's Apprentice" is enticing for any true crime fan. Billed as a psychological inquiry into the psyche of a killer, author Katherine Ramsland alongside documentarian Tracy Ullman revisit the more than two dozen murders of teen boys in "The Houston Heights" between 1971 and 1973. Ramsland reviews the police and court files, newspaper reports, and interviews Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., one of two young "apprentices" of pedophile and murderer "Candy Man" Dean Corll. David Brooks, the other apprentice, died in prison before they began this project.
First, I would caution many readers that the investigation does not shy away from explicit descriptions of violence and abuse, as well as the effects of those events. The Corll murders serve as an anchor to other information. Ramsland is thorough and offers details related to those murders as well as social and political context and other serial killer team examples. However, while I appreciated this overview, I found the subtitle to be misleading. There are no answers to why Brooks and Henley were so susceptible. There are plenty of hypotheses and research indicating causal relationships, but few conclusions.
Secondly, in an effort to quote and represent the vitriol that LGBTQ+ persons suffered in 1970s Texas, the book is replete with general negative connotations. Ramsland occasionally adds qualifiers to the descriptors, quotes, etc., but they largely stand alone. It seems irresponsible to not clearly acknowledge the differences and shifts in acceptable behavior and language. Along a similar vein, I found the narrator to be grating. The narrator tried to use different intonations and accents to represent the protagonists in the story, but it came across as dismissive and almost comical. I am not sure that there would be a better way to accurately represent the individuals, but I think it's worth trying to find one.
Although only a side note in the book, I was fascinated by the idea that Truman Capote was assigned to cover the trial. It's a shame that he was not able to do so and also did not craft his own piece of narrative nonfiction.
"The Serial Killer's Apprentice: The True Story of How Houston's Deadliest Murderer Turned a Kid into a Killing Machine" will be released in the U.S. on April 16, 2024. Thanks to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for this audio ARC given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 24, 2025
I was only vaguely familiar with this story, but good lord, it’s scary and disturbing. Written by forensic and criminal psychology experts, this goes deep into the “boat shed” to expose the heinous crimes committed by a serial killer and his, well, apprentice. The line between victim and accomplice becomes quite fuzzy. A fascinating read.
March 31, 2024
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice delves into the chilling story of Elmer Wayne Henley's descent into darkness under the influence of serial killer Dean Corll. With meticulous detail, the book navigates the intricate dynamics of manipulation and coercion that led Henley from unwitting accomplice to active participant in heinous crimes, shedding light on the blurred boundaries between victimhood and complicity. Through Henley's harrowing journey, the author skillfully unpacks themes of adolescent vulnerability, the insidious nature of predation, and the failures of law enforcement, making it a compelling and cautionary tale of how innocence can be corrupted by evil. As a true crime junkie, I found this book fascinating. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.
April 7, 2024
The Serial Killer's Apprentice dives deep into the truths and details of The Candyman case, where Dean Corll lured and murdered young boys with the help of victim-turned-perpetrator, Elmer Wanye Henley, who was only 14 at the time. This was a very heavy read, and may be disturbing for some. I listened to the audio from NetGalley and I do wish the narrator wasn't so monotone.
Thank you NetGalley for this read in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you NetGalley for this read in exchange for my honest review!
September 18, 2024
It is good for serial killers and true crime lovers.
My biggest issue is that the flow and timeline could be much better! This is nonfiction; there's no need to jump back and forth in the timeline to try to generate suspense, and it didn't work.
Otherwise, the grooming and the creations of teen groomers were insane.
The fact that still no one has any idea what the truth is or how many victims there were is scary.
The appendices are some of the best parts of the book.
3.5 Stars rounded up
My biggest issue is that the flow and timeline could be much better! This is nonfiction; there's no need to jump back and forth in the timeline to try to generate suspense, and it didn't work.
Otherwise, the grooming and the creations of teen groomers were insane.
The fact that still no one has any idea what the truth is or how many victims there were is scary.
The appendices are some of the best parts of the book.
3.5 Stars rounded up
September 7, 2024
Bardzo dobrze opisana historia dwójki młodych chłopaków, których jeden błąd, poskutkował lawiną śmierci, nieszczęść i strachu.
Autorki zrobiły kawał roboty.
Jeszcze na koniec zasady, które powinien sobie wykuć KAŻDY rodzic, by wiedzieć, jak dbać o bezpieczeństwo swoich dzieci. Jak choćby minimalnie uchronić je przed podobnym losem.
Autorki zrobiły kawał roboty.
Jeszcze na koniec zasady, które powinien sobie wykuć KAŻDY rodzic, by wiedzieć, jak dbać o bezpieczeństwo swoich dzieci. Jak choćby minimalnie uchronić je przed podobnym losem.
October 10, 2024
2,8⭐️
nie wiem może to wina audiobooka, ale momentami miałam problem żeby ogarnąć o kim jest mowa
nie wiem może to wina audiobooka, ale momentami miałam problem żeby ogarnąć o kim jest mowa
August 27, 2024
Na początku lat 70. w Huston w stanie Teksas, dochodzi do serii zagadkowych zaginięć małoletnich chłopców. Zgłoszenia napływają zewsząd, a zaniepokojeni rodzice regularnie zwracają się z prośbą o pomoc w odnalezieniu swoich synów. Policja jednak ignoruje wszystkie alarmujące wieści, zrzucając je na karb ‘trudnego wieku’ oraz problemów wychowawczych, z którymi zazwyczaj mierzy się większość rodzin. Na korzyść forsowanych przez miejskie władze teorii, przemawiają także listy pożegnalne i ogólne trudności, jakie najczęściej sprawiały dzieciaki; druga połowa XX w. to w końcu rozkwit rynku narkotykowego, era buntu przeciwko ogólnie przyjętym wartościom i zasadom, rozwój ruchu hipisowskiego, czas eksperymentów i smakowanie nowych doświadczeń; nikogo nie mógł więc dziwić fakt, że młodzi ludzie - pełni życia, brawury, ciekawości - postanawiali porzucać swoje rodziny, aby w pełni oddać się pokusom wielkiego świata. Prawda?
****
Kiedy Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. poznaje Deana Corlla ma zaledwie czternaście lat. Corll, przez okolicznych mieszkańców nazywany Candy Manem, wzbudza dobre wrażenie. Jest sympatyczny, uczynny i opiekuńczy; spędza sporo czasu z dorastającymi chłopcami, starając się im zainicjować wspólne aktywności; zabiera ich na wycieczki, organizuje zabawy, zaprasza do swojego domu, obdarowuje drobnymi upominkami oraz słodyczami. Jego zaangażowanie w relacje z młodzieżą wywołują pozytywne odczucia, dlatego Dean dość szybko zdobywa zaufanie i aprobatę społeczności.
****
Gdy w 1971 roku Corll nawiązuje kontakt z Elmerem i nieco starszym Davidem Brooksem, całą trójką podejmują przestępczą działalność - począwszy od stręczycielstwa i nagabywania, na torturach, gwałtach oraz mordach skończywszy. Z inicjatywy Deana Corlla, a przy udziale dwójki wspólników, od początku lat 70. ginie przynajmniej 28 chłopców i młodych mężczyzn. Sprawa wychodzi na jaw tuż po śmierci Corlla, który 8 sierpnia 1973 roku umiera na wskutek postrzelenia przez Elmera Wayne’a Henley’a Jr. Chłopak postanawia ujawnić prawdę na temat serii morderstw i w porozumieniu z policją, doprowadza do wyjaśnienia ich okoliczności.
Na terenie wynajmowanym przez Candy Mana zostaje ujawnionych pierwszych 17 ciał.
****
Publikacja Katherine Ramsland i Tracy Ullman stanowi połączenie elementów true crime z klasycznym reportażem śledczym. To dość śmiałe zestawienie, wziąwszy pod uwagę aktualny boom na historie kryminalne, w których prym wiedzie tania sensacja oraz potrzeba maksymalnego epatowania brutalnością. Na szczęście ,,Uczeń seryjnego mordercy’’ dalece odbiega od podobnych schematów. Współpraca cenionej dokumentalistki Ullman, wraz z badaczką i wykładowczynią psychologii sądowej Ramsland, składa się na w pełni satysfakcjonującą pozycję gatunkową – nie tyle prezentującą niedostępne dotąd kulisy zbrodni z wczesnych lat 70. XX wieku, co naświetlającą przyczyny i skutki działań seryjnego zbrodniarza.
Autorki metodycznie przedstawiają chronologię zdarzeń, wzbogacając ją jednocześnie o niezbędne objaśnienia zagadnień z zakresu dziedzin psychiatrii, kryminologii, pracy profilerskiej, sądowniczej i prawnej. Na kanwie omawianego przypadku Deana Corlla – manipulanta, przestępcy seksualnego, mordercy – kreślą obraz osoby zdolnej do czynienia zła, ale także takiej, która sama w sobie jest źródłem degeneracji i zepsucia. Skomplikowana sieć technik, toksyczna relacja pomiędzy psychopatą, a dwójką podatnych, nieukształtowanych jeszcze nastolatków, świadczą o możliwości wpływu na odrębną jednostkę, umożliwiając jej dowolne ukierunkowanie. Ukazane w książce Ullman i Ramsland koncepcje psychologiczne zdają się potwierdzać i wyjaśniać przynajmniej połowicznie, metodykę działań sprawcy; powolnie nakręcająca się spirala kłamstw, gróźb, szantaży i emocjonalnej zażyłości, doprowadziła do oczekiwanych przez Corlla efektów. Dwójka chłopców, rozdarta na dwie role - rolę ofiary i rolę oprawcy – zatraca się zupełnie w odwróconej moralności.
Co stanowi nadrzędne wartości? Co jest dobre, a co złe? Jak wybrać pomiędzy mniejszą, a większą krzywdą? Kogo poświęcić, a kogo uratować? Czy istnieje jeszcze szansa na odkupienie?
Ciche przyzwolenie społeczeństwa, konsekwentna ignorancja służb, uśpiona czujność opiekunów, brak reakcji ze strony odpowiedzialnych za bezpieczeństwo małoletnich – kto tutaj jest współwinien?
Katherine Ramasland i Tracy Ullman nie podają gotowych odpowiedzi. Porażające, ale przy tym również przejmujące studium ludzkiego bestialstwa, nakreślone z pieczołowitością oraz wszelkimi niuansami, prowokuje do podjęcia niełatwych przemyśleń, stawiania trudnych pytań - do dociekania, badania, zgłębiania, wreszcie zaś - do eksplorowania tego, co najbardziej skryte i… Najmroczniejsze.
****
Kiedy Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. poznaje Deana Corlla ma zaledwie czternaście lat. Corll, przez okolicznych mieszkańców nazywany Candy Manem, wzbudza dobre wrażenie. Jest sympatyczny, uczynny i opiekuńczy; spędza sporo czasu z dorastającymi chłopcami, starając się im zainicjować wspólne aktywności; zabiera ich na wycieczki, organizuje zabawy, zaprasza do swojego domu, obdarowuje drobnymi upominkami oraz słodyczami. Jego zaangażowanie w relacje z młodzieżą wywołują pozytywne odczucia, dlatego Dean dość szybko zdobywa zaufanie i aprobatę społeczności.
****
Gdy w 1971 roku Corll nawiązuje kontakt z Elmerem i nieco starszym Davidem Brooksem, całą trójką podejmują przestępczą działalność - począwszy od stręczycielstwa i nagabywania, na torturach, gwałtach oraz mordach skończywszy. Z inicjatywy Deana Corlla, a przy udziale dwójki wspólników, od początku lat 70. ginie przynajmniej 28 chłopców i młodych mężczyzn. Sprawa wychodzi na jaw tuż po śmierci Corlla, który 8 sierpnia 1973 roku umiera na wskutek postrzelenia przez Elmera Wayne’a Henley’a Jr. Chłopak postanawia ujawnić prawdę na temat serii morderstw i w porozumieniu z policją, doprowadza do wyjaśnienia ich okoliczności.
Na terenie wynajmowanym przez Candy Mana zostaje ujawnionych pierwszych 17 ciał.
****
Publikacja Katherine Ramsland i Tracy Ullman stanowi połączenie elementów true crime z klasycznym reportażem śledczym. To dość śmiałe zestawienie, wziąwszy pod uwagę aktualny boom na historie kryminalne, w których prym wiedzie tania sensacja oraz potrzeba maksymalnego epatowania brutalnością. Na szczęście ,,Uczeń seryjnego mordercy’’ dalece odbiega od podobnych schematów. Współpraca cenionej dokumentalistki Ullman, wraz z badaczką i wykładowczynią psychologii sądowej Ramsland, składa się na w pełni satysfakcjonującą pozycję gatunkową – nie tyle prezentującą niedostępne dotąd kulisy zbrodni z wczesnych lat 70. XX wieku, co naświetlającą przyczyny i skutki działań seryjnego zbrodniarza.
Autorki metodycznie przedstawiają chronologię zdarzeń, wzbogacając ją jednocześnie o niezbędne objaśnienia zagadnień z zakresu dziedzin psychiatrii, kryminologii, pracy profilerskiej, sądowniczej i prawnej. Na kanwie omawianego przypadku Deana Corlla – manipulanta, przestępcy seksualnego, mordercy – kreślą obraz osoby zdolnej do czynienia zła, ale także takiej, która sama w sobie jest źródłem degeneracji i zepsucia. Skomplikowana sieć technik, toksyczna relacja pomiędzy psychopatą, a dwójką podatnych, nieukształtowanych jeszcze nastolatków, świadczą o możliwości wpływu na odrębną jednostkę, umożliwiając jej dowolne ukierunkowanie. Ukazane w książce Ullman i Ramsland koncepcje psychologiczne zdają się potwierdzać i wyjaśniać przynajmniej połowicznie, metodykę działań sprawcy; powolnie nakręcająca się spirala kłamstw, gróźb, szantaży i emocjonalnej zażyłości, doprowadziła do oczekiwanych przez Corlla efektów. Dwójka chłopców, rozdarta na dwie role - rolę ofiary i rolę oprawcy – zatraca się zupełnie w odwróconej moralności.
Co stanowi nadrzędne wartości? Co jest dobre, a co złe? Jak wybrać pomiędzy mniejszą, a większą krzywdą? Kogo poświęcić, a kogo uratować? Czy istnieje jeszcze szansa na odkupienie?
Ciche przyzwolenie społeczeństwa, konsekwentna ignorancja służb, uśpiona czujność opiekunów, brak reakcji ze strony odpowiedzialnych za bezpieczeństwo małoletnich – kto tutaj jest współwinien?
Katherine Ramasland i Tracy Ullman nie podają gotowych odpowiedzi. Porażające, ale przy tym również przejmujące studium ludzkiego bestialstwa, nakreślone z pieczołowitością oraz wszelkimi niuansami, prowokuje do podjęcia niełatwych przemyśleń, stawiania trudnych pytań - do dociekania, badania, zgłębiania, wreszcie zaś - do eksplorowania tego, co najbardziej skryte i… Najmroczniejsze.
August 29, 2024
„Uczeń seryjnego mordercy” to reportaż, którego nie mogłam sobie odmówić. Historie true crime traktujące o zbrodniach, bezwzględnych mordercach, psychopatach to moje must read. Wiem, że brzmi to dość dziwnie i wiele razy to powtarzałam, ale uwielbiam zagłębiać się w takich opowieściach tym samym „zaglądać” do umysłu osoby ogarniętej rządzą zbrodni, odkrywać motywy, jakie nią kierowały oraz wydarzenia, które ukształtowały osobowość.
Kathrine Ramzland wraz z Tracy Ullman zaprasza nas do poznania historii chłopca, Elmera Wayne'a Henleya Jr, który jako nastolatek stał się pomocnikiem seryjnego mordercy, Deana Corlla. Autorki na kartach swojej książki odkrywają przed nam przerażający obraz, jak ze spokojnego nastolatka dość szybko Elmer przekształcił się w bezwzględnego mordercę. Ta opowieść to podróż w głąb ludzkiej psychiki, w której jak na dłoni widać, że czyste zło może bardzo szybko zakiełkować i rozwinąć się w młodym umyśle.
„Uczeń seryjnego mordercy” to dość ciekawie przedstawiona historia, którą pochłonęłam w tempie błyskawicznym. Jak już wspomniałam, uwielbiam takie książki i, mimo iż historię w nich zawarte wydarzyły się naprawdę, są przerażające, brutalne, niektóre opisy zbrodni mogą przyprawiać o dreszcze, to jednak takie książki czyta mi się niezwykle dobrze. Przeczytałam wiele książek traktujących o seryjnych mordercach. Każda z nich zrobiła na mnie ogromne wrażenie, ale i pozostawiła z wieloma pytaniami. Wciąż trudno jest mi znaleźć odpowiedzi, dlaczego człowiek decyduje się na tak przerażający krok, co tak naprawdę nim kieruje. I myślę, że na te pytania nigdy nie uzyskam konkretnej odpowiedzi.
„Uczeń seryjnego mordercy” to kolejny bardzo dobry reportaż z gatunku true crime. Jestem w pełni usatysfakcjonowana lekturą, tym bardziej że historia Deana Corlla do tego momentu była mi zupełnie nieznana. Kathrine Ramzland i Tracy Ullman wykonały kawał dobrej reporterskiej roboty. Oddały w ręce miłośników true crime reportaż dopracowany i szczegółowy, w którym ukazały nam, jak łatwo jest zmanipulować dziecko i sprawić, że będzie wykonywało nasze polecenia. Zachęcam wszystkich fanów reportaży, szczególnie true crime, do sięgnięcia po ten tytuł. Nie będziecie zawiedzeni.
Kathrine Ramzland wraz z Tracy Ullman zaprasza nas do poznania historii chłopca, Elmera Wayne'a Henleya Jr, który jako nastolatek stał się pomocnikiem seryjnego mordercy, Deana Corlla. Autorki na kartach swojej książki odkrywają przed nam przerażający obraz, jak ze spokojnego nastolatka dość szybko Elmer przekształcił się w bezwzględnego mordercę. Ta opowieść to podróż w głąb ludzkiej psychiki, w której jak na dłoni widać, że czyste zło może bardzo szybko zakiełkować i rozwinąć się w młodym umyśle.
„Uczeń seryjnego mordercy” to dość ciekawie przedstawiona historia, którą pochłonęłam w tempie błyskawicznym. Jak już wspomniałam, uwielbiam takie książki i, mimo iż historię w nich zawarte wydarzyły się naprawdę, są przerażające, brutalne, niektóre opisy zbrodni mogą przyprawiać o dreszcze, to jednak takie książki czyta mi się niezwykle dobrze. Przeczytałam wiele książek traktujących o seryjnych mordercach. Każda z nich zrobiła na mnie ogromne wrażenie, ale i pozostawiła z wieloma pytaniami. Wciąż trudno jest mi znaleźć odpowiedzi, dlaczego człowiek decyduje się na tak przerażający krok, co tak naprawdę nim kieruje. I myślę, że na te pytania nigdy nie uzyskam konkretnej odpowiedzi.
„Uczeń seryjnego mordercy” to kolejny bardzo dobry reportaż z gatunku true crime. Jestem w pełni usatysfakcjonowana lekturą, tym bardziej że historia Deana Corlla do tego momentu była mi zupełnie nieznana. Kathrine Ramzland i Tracy Ullman wykonały kawał dobrej reporterskiej roboty. Oddały w ręce miłośników true crime reportaż dopracowany i szczegółowy, w którym ukazały nam, jak łatwo jest zmanipulować dziecko i sprawić, że będzie wykonywało nasze polecenia. Zachęcam wszystkich fanów reportaży, szczególnie true crime, do sięgnięcia po ten tytuł. Nie będziecie zawiedzeni.
January 22, 2026
I hate to mark a book READ and DNF but I did read more than half of the book before putting it down. At first the book was really interesting chronicling a serial killer from the 70s in the Houston Texas area. Dean Corll was killed by one of his "apprentices" after grooming Wayne Henley and David Brooks to kill along with him for 3+ years. There was a lot to be said about how Corll groomed his apprentices and soothed them into the life of gruesome, sadistic murder. Henley and Brooks were the gatherers - they would go out and find young boys to bring back to Corll to torture and murder. At some point Henley could not take anymore and shot Corll dead and then the story was navigated through police records and narrations from Henley and Brooks. Hard to read at times because of the sensitive matter due to the torture, etc. it did get to a point where the book was getting monotonous. There seemed to be a lot of repetition and quoting from psychologists, etc about how Corll worked on making other young men do his bidding. I just got to the point where I couldn't continue reading this in good conscious. So, although the subject matter was interesting and started out the way, there wasn't enough substance for me to continue. Since I did read more than half of the book I counted it as a READ book on my list.
Disclaimer: this is not a book for the light of heart. It is somewhat gruesome in description of the torture done by Corll.
Disclaimer: this is not a book for the light of heart. It is somewhat gruesome in description of the torture done by Corll.
August 18, 2025
Damn men are kinda f**ked up huh
March 3, 2024
Detailed and fascinating account of a serial killer and his young accomplices. One of the most shocking things for me is that this is not a case I’ve previously been aware of despite how prolific the killer was and how shocking the circumstances.
The detail is excellent and told from the perspective of the accomplices and how they were groomed (as we would not recognise)
There is good background of the young accomplices and their early lives and difficulties and an excellent investigative description into the key factors which made them vulnerable and exploration into how this can be picked up upon, recognised and prevented. The original statements and some insightful diagrams and analysis of the victims ages etc are included for a good all round picture of the crimes. I also feel that the victims and their families were respected and the details sensitively handled. Definitely food for thought on how nature and nurture could’ve created these circumstances and also worryingly eye opening on how easily potential victims can be groomed, including the young accomplices in this situation. Not an easy read with regard to the subject matter but very well written. Recommend.
The detail is excellent and told from the perspective of the accomplices and how they were groomed (as we would not recognise)
There is good background of the young accomplices and their early lives and difficulties and an excellent investigative description into the key factors which made them vulnerable and exploration into how this can be picked up upon, recognised and prevented. The original statements and some insightful diagrams and analysis of the victims ages etc are included for a good all round picture of the crimes. I also feel that the victims and their families were respected and the details sensitively handled. Definitely food for thought on how nature and nurture could’ve created these circumstances and also worryingly eye opening on how easily potential victims can be groomed, including the young accomplices in this situation. Not an easy read with regard to the subject matter but very well written. Recommend.
August 26, 2024
Overall: 3 stars
This book was a bit dry and academic, which I don't necessarily mind, but if you're looking for an entertaining narrative about the case as it unfolded, this ain't it. There's a lot of explanation and analysis and citation of scholarly sources, which was fine, but what I felt bogged the book down more than the dry tone was the sheer repetition of points. It almost felt like the author had a minimum word count to reach or something: she explained and gave examples of grooming and adult manipulation of teenagers into criminal behavior about 9,000 times. Yes, we get it: the two teenage accomplices in the "Candyman" murders were groomed by the adult perpetrator, Corll. I'm sure some folks would disagree and argue they were pure evil, but anyone who thinks that isn't going to be persuaded by an academic argument about the psychology of grooming, no matter how many times you repeat it.
In sum, if you're just looking for an introduction to the case, this book is not a good fit for that. (Jack Olson's 1974 book The Man with the Candy: The Story of the Houston Mass Murders is wonderfully written and would be a much better starter book for the Corll crimes). If you're interested in the psychology of grooming and teenage criminality that parallels the Candyman Murders, then this book will fit the bill.
Content Warning: Although this book doesn't detail the torture or murder much at all and isn't gory, the descriptions of the grooming process did curl my stomach, and I sometimes had to skip some parts because it was just too uncomfortable to listen to. So FYI.
This book was a bit dry and academic, which I don't necessarily mind, but if you're looking for an entertaining narrative about the case as it unfolded, this ain't it. There's a lot of explanation and analysis and citation of scholarly sources, which was fine, but what I felt bogged the book down more than the dry tone was the sheer repetition of points. It almost felt like the author had a minimum word count to reach or something: she explained and gave examples of grooming and adult manipulation of teenagers into criminal behavior about 9,000 times. Yes, we get it: the two teenage accomplices in the "Candyman" murders were groomed by the adult perpetrator, Corll. I'm sure some folks would disagree and argue they were pure evil, but anyone who thinks that isn't going to be persuaded by an academic argument about the psychology of grooming, no matter how many times you repeat it.
In sum, if you're just looking for an introduction to the case, this book is not a good fit for that. (Jack Olson's 1974 book The Man with the Candy: The Story of the Houston Mass Murders is wonderfully written and would be a much better starter book for the Corll crimes). If you're interested in the psychology of grooming and teenage criminality that parallels the Candyman Murders, then this book will fit the bill.
Content Warning: Although this book doesn't detail the torture or murder much at all and isn't gory, the descriptions of the grooming process did curl my stomach, and I sometimes had to skip some parts because it was just too uncomfortable to listen to. So FYI.
May 3, 2025
Sometimes when I give a book a 4 (or a 5) it is because it is an enjoyable and entertaining read which itself infers “it was also well written." Still other times that rating is strictly a measurement of how well the book is written and in no way can you say the book was enjoyable. This book isn't for everyone. I like reading true crime and nonfiction. This particular genre of true crime is disturbing and not at all enjoyable to read, in the sense that the content is difficult to process. No one in their right mind “enjoys” this content. But do you learn something important? Do you walk away a little bit braver or more courageous, maybe more insightful? Hopefully, yes. This book will have triggers for anyone who grew up in homes where they were either grossly neglected, physically or sexually abused, or just totally ignored and therefore put at risk. It isn't a self help book either. So if you are that person and still far from a place of healing, this book may not be for you.
In this book, the authors, one a forensic expert and the other, a seasoned documentarian, both students of avid research, take on a complex and complicated question: Was the young teen apprentice in this case driven by his own inner unmotivated evil or was he turned into a killer by his sadistic mentor? If it were the latter, then isn’t the young apprentice therefore, capable of remorse and emotions experienced by any one of us? In this story, there were two teen apprentices, and the bigger focus was on Elmer Wayne Henley Jr., who is currently still in prison in Texas serving out multiple life sentences, the possibility of parole, diminishing with each passing decade. He says he is sorry. He laments the trajectory of his life. And the early years of his life are certainly indicative of a boy, who before he met "The Candy Man," Dean Corll, might have been set on a different path from the morose and gruesome one in which he spiraled. But how? What events or circumstances were so pivotal in his early life, such that could have projected him somewhere so hellish, where he could and would aid a sadistic and psychopathic murderer in the torture and killing of young boys? And how different would those same events and circumstances have needed to be for him to avoid such a path?
Not only that, but victim after victim in this story, came from homes of dysfunction and neglect. No one, no parent-NO one-seemed bothered by the fact that a grown man who sold candy (or gave it away) preferred the company of young boys (their sons)-and this coupled with Corll’s strange personality, constant changing of addresses, and a disturbing family life. Not to mention, these boys from the same neighborhood kept disappearing -and while the police did absolutely nothing- the parents continued to let their children run amok, smoke dope, party with their friends, and offer very little in the way of accountability or supervision. Much less healthy engagement. These children were as good as the walking dead with a killer among them.
The authors definitely offer a lens through which we can better understand how "good" kids can turn so bad; and the author's lean seems clearly bent toward Henley himself being one of those kids who became victim first, then killer, then victim all over again, until he finally somehow, resurrected the "good" kid from inside of himself, made a correct decision, and ended the mayhem. Likewise, they offer a lens through which we can see how family life circumstances, childhood trauma, neglect, and social media can make our kids vulnerable to criminal exploitation. Hello parents-red flags. Sit up and listen.
Naturally you will need to read this and form your own opinions and insights. But here is THE common denominator over and over and over in this tragic story, among not only the apprentices, Henley and Brooks, but also the victims themselves, and that is this: Time after time, they have absent fathers, dysfunctional and abusive homes, disengaged parent or parents, and/or mothers who exposed their children to boyfriends and husbands who abused both them and/or their child. They gave multiple examples of defendants, child predators, who later told investigators and journalists how easy it was to reel in a child who wanted attention, wanted to belong somewhere, wanted to please an adult, or just wanted to be noticed. These same predators would tell their interviewer just how easy it was to gain the confidence and company of a kid whose family life was off the rails.
This book can’t end, and does not end without a discussion on the effect of social media on children today. In the early 70’s when Henley was being apprenticed by Dean Corll, this wasn’t yet a factor. Imagine the ability and the tools the Dean Corll’s of the world have today at their disposal for reeling in young, naive, unsupervised, and hurting kids, away from the eyes of their parent (s). In a 2018 study cited by the authors, one in five American kids reported unwanted sexual solicitation on the internet. Predators usually encouraged face to face contact. Cell phones have exponentially increased this type of online behavior. And now imagine how a vulnerable kid who wants to be seen and loved, who is desperate for approval from an adult-just imagine how much easier that makes the predator’s job to find their prey.
Not many good notes to end on. Just lessons. Remember and honor the tragic victims and their families. And finally, figure out how we can change our world to make children less vulnerable, to not unwittingly aid predators in their crimes. Education, after school programs, all yes. But MORE than anything, the children of this country need parents and/or adult mentors who have healthy engagement with their kids, who are parents not buddies, who are both loving enough to discipline them, and at the same time, loving enough to have dinner around the table, board, games on Friday nights, and for God’s sake knowing what they are doing online and knowing where they are, and who they are with. And parents -little kids don’t need smart phones. And teens need guidance and boundaries if they are on social media and have a phone in their hands 24-7.
In this book, the authors, one a forensic expert and the other, a seasoned documentarian, both students of avid research, take on a complex and complicated question: Was the young teen apprentice in this case driven by his own inner unmotivated evil or was he turned into a killer by his sadistic mentor? If it were the latter, then isn’t the young apprentice therefore, capable of remorse and emotions experienced by any one of us? In this story, there were two teen apprentices, and the bigger focus was on Elmer Wayne Henley Jr., who is currently still in prison in Texas serving out multiple life sentences, the possibility of parole, diminishing with each passing decade. He says he is sorry. He laments the trajectory of his life. And the early years of his life are certainly indicative of a boy, who before he met "The Candy Man," Dean Corll, might have been set on a different path from the morose and gruesome one in which he spiraled. But how? What events or circumstances were so pivotal in his early life, such that could have projected him somewhere so hellish, where he could and would aid a sadistic and psychopathic murderer in the torture and killing of young boys? And how different would those same events and circumstances have needed to be for him to avoid such a path?
Not only that, but victim after victim in this story, came from homes of dysfunction and neglect. No one, no parent-NO one-seemed bothered by the fact that a grown man who sold candy (or gave it away) preferred the company of young boys (their sons)-and this coupled with Corll’s strange personality, constant changing of addresses, and a disturbing family life. Not to mention, these boys from the same neighborhood kept disappearing -and while the police did absolutely nothing- the parents continued to let their children run amok, smoke dope, party with their friends, and offer very little in the way of accountability or supervision. Much less healthy engagement. These children were as good as the walking dead with a killer among them.
The authors definitely offer a lens through which we can better understand how "good" kids can turn so bad; and the author's lean seems clearly bent toward Henley himself being one of those kids who became victim first, then killer, then victim all over again, until he finally somehow, resurrected the "good" kid from inside of himself, made a correct decision, and ended the mayhem. Likewise, they offer a lens through which we can see how family life circumstances, childhood trauma, neglect, and social media can make our kids vulnerable to criminal exploitation. Hello parents-red flags. Sit up and listen.
Naturally you will need to read this and form your own opinions and insights. But here is THE common denominator over and over and over in this tragic story, among not only the apprentices, Henley and Brooks, but also the victims themselves, and that is this: Time after time, they have absent fathers, dysfunctional and abusive homes, disengaged parent or parents, and/or mothers who exposed their children to boyfriends and husbands who abused both them and/or their child. They gave multiple examples of defendants, child predators, who later told investigators and journalists how easy it was to reel in a child who wanted attention, wanted to belong somewhere, wanted to please an adult, or just wanted to be noticed. These same predators would tell their interviewer just how easy it was to gain the confidence and company of a kid whose family life was off the rails.
This book can’t end, and does not end without a discussion on the effect of social media on children today. In the early 70’s when Henley was being apprenticed by Dean Corll, this wasn’t yet a factor. Imagine the ability and the tools the Dean Corll’s of the world have today at their disposal for reeling in young, naive, unsupervised, and hurting kids, away from the eyes of their parent (s). In a 2018 study cited by the authors, one in five American kids reported unwanted sexual solicitation on the internet. Predators usually encouraged face to face contact. Cell phones have exponentially increased this type of online behavior. And now imagine how a vulnerable kid who wants to be seen and loved, who is desperate for approval from an adult-just imagine how much easier that makes the predator’s job to find their prey.
Not many good notes to end on. Just lessons. Remember and honor the tragic victims and their families. And finally, figure out how we can change our world to make children less vulnerable, to not unwittingly aid predators in their crimes. Education, after school programs, all yes. But MORE than anything, the children of this country need parents and/or adult mentors who have healthy engagement with their kids, who are parents not buddies, who are both loving enough to discipline them, and at the same time, loving enough to have dinner around the table, board, games on Friday nights, and for God’s sake knowing what they are doing online and knowing where they are, and who they are with. And parents -little kids don’t need smart phones. And teens need guidance and boundaries if they are on social media and have a phone in their hands 24-7.
June 16, 2024
a little boring
If I wanted to read a textbook, I would have bought a textbook. Or taken a class - and that’s what I felt like here. That I was in class. A large majority of this book is the author describing different case studies and things that I might have cared about at a different time. But I wanted to read about the boys and their involvement. Which is in here - you just have to wade through all the other unnecessary stuff. Like a 10 page bibliography. Or several pages of the book’s “praise”. LOL I found myself skipping pages because I was bored until the book came back around to the actual characters and storyline. Will never read anything from this author again. Was going to give it 2 stars but the photos and police statements in the back of the book redeemed a star.
ALSO - WHY is everyone’s mother named Mary??!! Like for real… all 3 killers mothers and even a stepmother’s names are MARY. Like WTH? Remind me never to date anyone with a mom named Mary.
If I wanted to read a textbook, I would have bought a textbook. Or taken a class - and that’s what I felt like here. That I was in class. A large majority of this book is the author describing different case studies and things that I might have cared about at a different time. But I wanted to read about the boys and their involvement. Which is in here - you just have to wade through all the other unnecessary stuff. Like a 10 page bibliography. Or several pages of the book’s “praise”. LOL I found myself skipping pages because I was bored until the book came back around to the actual characters and storyline. Will never read anything from this author again. Was going to give it 2 stars but the photos and police statements in the back of the book redeemed a star.
ALSO - WHY is everyone’s mother named Mary??!! Like for real… all 3 killers mothers and even a stepmother’s names are MARY. Like WTH? Remind me never to date anyone with a mom named Mary.
January 21, 2024
Thanks, I hated it.
This book is anxiety-inducing, heart-wrenching, and horrifying. But it's also an insightful and valuable window into the complex story of a young man turned killer's apprentice. It's understandable that many people are still divided on Henley - a victim, perpetrator, or somehow both.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
This book is anxiety-inducing, heart-wrenching, and horrifying. But it's also an insightful and valuable window into the complex story of a young man turned killer's apprentice. It's understandable that many people are still divided on Henley - a victim, perpetrator, or somehow both.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
September 16, 2024
This book was, sadly, but nonetheless boring and tedious to read. I have to be honest…I didn’t even finish reading it. I tried, but I only read to page 60-something in about a week. I usually read a book and half of another book in that time frame. But this felt like a chore, so I decided to give up on it. Disappointing.
July 2, 2024
About as interesting as your average true crime podcast. It's interesting to read this sympathetic look at Henley and then how much harsher the google searches are.
June 6, 2024
This book discusses serial killer, Dean Corll, and his two apprentices. One apprentice, in particular, is prominently discussed: Wayne Henley. Henley was just fourteen when he met Corll and began spending time with him. Henley was originally lured to Corll's house by his other accomplice with intentions of sexual assaulting him and possibly murdering him. Corll, however, was hesitant because of the involvement of Henley's mother...Henley would be missed. Corll groomed Henley to become another accomplice, who would lure boys, help bury bodies, and eventually murder them himself. Henley eventually wound-up murdering Corll. (No loss there.)
This book was on the reading list for CrimeCon 2024, which is why I purchased it. The Audible version was about 9ish hours to listen to. The hardcover version is about 340ish pages. I was very impressed with the attention to detail and the research that went into this book. I had learned about Dean Corll from a podcast, but I had not learned much about his two cohorts. I thought the psychology aspect of how Henley came to be involved and participate in these crimes was really thought provoking. I would definitely recommend this book if you are interested in serial killers.
This book was on the reading list for CrimeCon 2024, which is why I purchased it. The Audible version was about 9ish hours to listen to. The hardcover version is about 340ish pages. I was very impressed with the attention to detail and the research that went into this book. I had learned about Dean Corll from a podcast, but I had not learned much about his two cohorts. I thought the psychology aspect of how Henley came to be involved and participate in these crimes was really thought provoking. I would definitely recommend this book if you are interested in serial killers.
April 18, 2024
Truly a horrifying story, a fascinating book, and a public service announcement rolled into one...
In the early 1970s, serial killer Dean Corll was luring, raping, and murdering teenage boy after teenage boy. But he wasn't acting alone. He had two teenage accomplices whom he'd strategically groomed until they were in way too deep. This well-narrated audiobook tells their story, but it does much more than that. After outlining the horrific details of these murders, the authors go on to elaborate on the fascinating psychological underpinnings that come into play in situations like this. In addition, the final chapter includes important information and advice for parents to consider in order to keep their own children safe from predators like Corll.
If you're a true crime aficionado, a lover of all things psychological, or the parent of tweens or teens, you need to get your hands on this book.
But beware; there are so many triggers.
Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for allowing me early access to the ARC audiobook/ebook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
In the early 1970s, serial killer Dean Corll was luring, raping, and murdering teenage boy after teenage boy. But he wasn't acting alone. He had two teenage accomplices whom he'd strategically groomed until they were in way too deep. This well-narrated audiobook tells their story, but it does much more than that. After outlining the horrific details of these murders, the authors go on to elaborate on the fascinating psychological underpinnings that come into play in situations like this. In addition, the final chapter includes important information and advice for parents to consider in order to keep their own children safe from predators like Corll.
If you're a true crime aficionado, a lover of all things psychological, or the parent of tweens or teens, you need to get your hands on this book.
But beware; there are so many triggers.
Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for allowing me early access to the ARC audiobook/ebook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 14, 2024
I was in Houston during Indie bookstore day and wanted to get a book set in Texas. A friend who lives in Houston told me about her favorite bookstore, Murder by the Book. So why not get a “murder” book set in Houston! Right on the counter was a new book that just came out and autographed by the authors, so I picked it up. Wow, this book was disturbing and so well written I was impressed. So much detail, so many people involved in the story, and I can only imagine is was hard to write all the gory details.
Dean Corll, the “candy man” was a serial killer who preyed on innocent young boys and manipulated two teens to help him carry out his sick plans. Who knows how many more kids would’ve lost their lives had the tables not turned and he was murdered. Although 90% of the book is about Corll and his accomplices there is also a lot of explanation about mental disorders and the question whether his accomplices are as guilty as Corll or just more victims.
I hadn’t heard about Corll because this all took place in the 70’s so I was shocked to hear about the Candyman. The book is full of all the gory details of the boys he murdered and how he discarded them like trash. This book is not for the faint of heart, there was many details I couldn’t stop thinking about, and how I hoped the parents of the boys who lost their lives don’t know how their babies spent their final moments.
The book is very well written and very a very interesting read.
Dean Corll, the “candy man” was a serial killer who preyed on innocent young boys and manipulated two teens to help him carry out his sick plans. Who knows how many more kids would’ve lost their lives had the tables not turned and he was murdered. Although 90% of the book is about Corll and his accomplices there is also a lot of explanation about mental disorders and the question whether his accomplices are as guilty as Corll or just more victims.
I hadn’t heard about Corll because this all took place in the 70’s so I was shocked to hear about the Candyman. The book is full of all the gory details of the boys he murdered and how he discarded them like trash. This book is not for the faint of heart, there was many details I couldn’t stop thinking about, and how I hoped the parents of the boys who lost their lives don’t know how their babies spent their final moments.
The book is very well written and very a very interesting read.
March 21, 2024
First off THANK YOU! to Netgalley & Penzler Publishers | Crime Ink for my ARC digital of The Serial Killer's Apprentice.
A psychological examination of the blurred line between victim and accomplice—and how a killer can be created.
BRAVO!!!! I devoured this book in 2 settings! This was so detailed and fascinating to read. My jaw was literally on the floor the entire time. I cannot believe this case is not widely known or discussed more. This was such a great read!
While the subject matter is very heavy and at times, hard to read, it was so well written and definitely will be one I recommend to other true crime fans.
A psychological examination of the blurred line between victim and accomplice—and how a killer can be created.
BRAVO!!!! I devoured this book in 2 settings! This was so detailed and fascinating to read. My jaw was literally on the floor the entire time. I cannot believe this case is not widely known or discussed more. This was such a great read!
While the subject matter is very heavy and at times, hard to read, it was so well written and definitely will be one I recommend to other true crime fans.
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