The Hillside Strangler

by Ted Schwarz

This book is the dramatic psychological study of a brutal killer, whose crimes of rape and murder were gruesome secrets he kept even from himself. Written with exclusive information gleaned from countless conversations with killer Ken Bianchi, his girlfriend, his psychiatrists, as well as policemen and journalists involved with the case.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Psychology

Mass Market Paperback

First published March 31, 1981

Reviews

[Terry Cornell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was published before Angelo Buono's trial had concluded. Buono was Kenneth Bianchi's co-perpetrator in a series of murders that occurred in the L.A. area in the late 1970s. Most of the evidence against Buono was Bianchi's own testimony. As a teenager living an hour north of L.A. during this time it seemed incredulous such horrors were taking place such a short drive away.

Most of the book is focused on Bianchi--who was caught in Bellingham, Washington after murdering two young women on his own. During numerous psychiatric examinations there were indications that Bianchi might have developed a multiple personality order at a young age, and that one of these 'personalities' was responsible for the killings. Bianchi may have also been responsible for the 'Double Alphabet' murders of children in the Rochester, New York area before he moved to Southern California.

My conclusion having read other books on multiple personality disorders, such as 'Sybil', and 'The Minds of Billy Milligan', Bianchi probably developed this as a coping mechanism and a way to 'explain' his villainous behavior. Bianchi had some knowledge of psychology, owned several pysch text books, and attempted to work as an unlicensed therapist for a time. Unless you're into a deep dive on the case, I suggest other resources.

[Emily Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

definitely looking forward to read another true crime classic... this book was a very interesting read. i did find it repetitive at times and losing a bit of interest for the last few pages.

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very dated book (the edition I read was) and it was ok at best. Too much of it relies on verbatim transcriptions of recorded interviews with mental health professionals and or police. The author appears to believe the multiple personality disorder etc that Bianchi has claimed and or had psychiatrists/psychologists diagnose him as suffering from. Either way this book seems to have been a rush to publish to take advantage of the notoriety of the case while it was still big news. I wouldn't say it was a difficult read. But it wasn't that engrossing or hard to put down. I simply finished it because I had started it. I'm positive there are far better books available about this case. Get it from a used bookstore or a library (in the unlikely event they have this book!).

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d give this true crime book a rating around 3.8 if given the opportunity. I’m sure the author would have given a slightly different view on the events in LA given the passage of time and what we know about mental illness and serial killers now. More of an in depth look at Bianchi’s life and mental health than an in depth look at the Hillside Strangler murders. I didn’t much enjoy some of the minutiae of the mental health but enjoyed the book overall. We all need to keep in mind how much early childhood development and loving, caring parents impact who you become as an adult.

[Julie Callicutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt that this piece was superbly written. The book was enticing from the start. The character and personality of each actor was well developed. The storyline was not confusing at all and tied in with each section to further the book along. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, including the investigative piece that detectives used to determine the trail of evidence linking back to the multiple personality and in effect, the subject.

[Cecelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative read diving into the life of the hillside strangler. It gave insight to the killer's life and mental status as well as providing information on the murders and the victims - without being too emotional and depressing.

[Tiara Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of feel like this book is a little scattered, but I still finished it regardless.

[Sophia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read, but if you knew the bare bones story of the Hillside Strangler, there wasn't a lot of new information in the book. I did find the various psychologists techniques and conclusions on Ken Bianchi rather interesting, although it made me feel there were too many of them working with Bianchi and that may well have ultimately hurt the case. Even though this isn't the best true crime book, I can appreciate the vantage point it was written from: published only 2 years after Bianchi was arrested, the storytelling does feel fresher than when crimes are recounted many years later.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like the 2 stars suggest--it was ok. I had no idea that this man possibly had multiple personality disorder, and so as the story unfolded I was surprised. But really the author didn't go into any interesting detail that I wanted. And the epilogue (which was like 70 pages) was completely useless information that I ended up just skimming. All in all I would say, if you are interested in knowing more about this true crime story just google it and save yourself the time.

[Citrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised to find that a couple of the murders took place in Washington State . Aside from a series of dreams where I step into a brilliant white room with blood splatters everywhere ,the book wasn't nearly as graphic as I expected it to be and wasn't what I consider scary . It was much to formal and professional . The journalist was exquisite , I look forward to reading more of his true crime novels .

[kayla** · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the writer tried to pass off opinions and guesses as facts. Really annoying.
Not sure how I feel about the Hillside Strangler, the book wasn't bad but I hated how the author almost made the killer (Bianchi) seem more human than he should have.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

True crime novels about serial killers are always interesting. I have so many misconceptions about some killers, and it's good to clear those up.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting, different take on Ken Bianchi than other's, but no real in-depth work here.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

True story of mass murderer Ken Bianchi.