What do you think?
Rate this book
Serial Killers: Shocking, Gripping True Crime Stories of the Most Evil Murderers
The terrifying story of the most monstrous serial killers through history.
Serial killers are the most notorious and disturbing of all criminals, representing the very darkest side of humanity. Yet they endlessly fascinate and continue to capture the public's attention with their strange charisma and deadly deeds. From Jack the Ripper to Ted Bundy and the Moors Murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, these killers transfix us with their ability to commit utterly savage acts of cruelty and depravity.
Only with modern police detection methods and psychological profiling have these figures that have existed throughout human history finally been identified in the deadliest serial killers. These methods, the killers' characters and their crimes are described here in fascinating and terrifyingly gripping detail. The whole history of serial killers is brought to life in 50 chapters,
Herman Webster Mudgett Devil in the White City John Christie The 10 Rillington Place Murders The Zodiac Killer Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, the Moors Murderers Ted Bundy Fred and Rosemary West Jeffrey Dahmer Aileen Wuornos Harold Shipman, Dr Death.
Serial killers are the most notorious and disturbing of all criminals, representing the very darkest side of humanity. Yet they endlessly fascinate and continue to capture the public's attention with their strange charisma and deadly deeds. From Jack the Ripper to Ted Bundy and the Moors Murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, these killers transfix us with their ability to commit utterly savage acts of cruelty and depravity.
Only with modern police detection methods and psychological profiling have these figures that have existed throughout human history finally been identified in the deadliest serial killers. These methods, the killers' characters and their crimes are described here in fascinating and terrifyingly gripping detail. The whole history of serial killers is brought to life in 50 chapters,
Herman Webster Mudgett Devil in the White City John Christie The 10 Rillington Place Murders The Zodiac Killer Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, the Moors Murderers Ted Bundy Fred and Rosemary West Jeffrey Dahmer Aileen Wuornos Harold Shipman, Dr Death.
Audible Audio
Published October 5, 2017
68 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 30, 2019
It was as if he copied the Wikipedia page for each chosen serial killer. Just a blah encyclopedia.
March 7, 2024
“Serial killers for dummies”
As people have said on here before it’s ok if you’ve never read any true crime before but with very brief timid descriptions (3-7 pages per killer), some glaring factual mistakes and lack of focus on the right cases here let it down.
Use this book as a tool to find out what killer’s interest you then read a book specifically about them.
I found myself power reading this rather than enjoying it.
As people have said on here before it’s ok if you’ve never read any true crime before but with very brief timid descriptions (3-7 pages per killer), some glaring factual mistakes and lack of focus on the right cases here let it down.
Use this book as a tool to find out what killer’s interest you then read a book specifically about them.
I found myself power reading this rather than enjoying it.
January 31, 2024
it was like a wikipedia page each. Not great tbh
February 23, 2024
This book is more suited for people who are new to true crime. I’ve read a couple of these kinds of books and this one was okay. It’s just the right amount of information, it isn’t too much but it is also not too shallow.
It’s just in the middle for me.
It’s just in the middle for me.
August 18, 2019
I am quite a keen reader of true crime, and always feel that the truth is always stranger and less believable than fiction.
This book is definitely a Jack of all trades, Master of none. I hadn't heard of the majority of the killers written about so it was an eye opener.
However, the book seems quite rushed and none of the killers are gone into in any depth. Some chapters feel like the author is just reeling off lists of names he's gotten off the Internet. Would give this 2.5 but am torn to round the score up.
This book is definitely a Jack of all trades, Master of none. I hadn't heard of the majority of the killers written about so it was an eye opener.
However, the book seems quite rushed and none of the killers are gone into in any depth. Some chapters feel like the author is just reeling off lists of names he's gotten off the Internet. Would give this 2.5 but am torn to round the score up.
June 16, 2019
Fine to read as something to pass the time, but would not recommend to actually learn anything from.
There is an entire chapter written about a serial killer who did not exist – Lucian Staniak. He was likely invented by a crime fiction author and there is no evidence of his existence nor of his crimes, yet somehow there is an entire chapter written on his notoriety as a serial killer.
Also numerous factual errors and mistakes. Off the top of my head, ones I remember include:
• Ed Gein's chapter stating, 'Despite the fact that it was known that Ed did get along with his brother...' which should be 'did not'.
• In the chapter on Ivan Milat, one of his victim's names is misspelt (written incorrectly as Simone 'Schidl' rather than 'Schmidl').
• In the chapter on Robert Pickton, the book states that a task force was established in early 2008...then goes on to say that 'in July 1998, the task force finally got the break they needed'.
Additionally, the book is just poorly written, with multiple grammatical mistakes and odd word choices. Random apostrophes and quotation marks scattered throughout, with missing question marks when needed and odd use of commas, making it awkward to read.
There is an entire chapter written about a serial killer who did not exist – Lucian Staniak. He was likely invented by a crime fiction author and there is no evidence of his existence nor of his crimes, yet somehow there is an entire chapter written on his notoriety as a serial killer.
Also numerous factual errors and mistakes. Off the top of my head, ones I remember include:
• Ed Gein's chapter stating, 'Despite the fact that it was known that Ed did get along with his brother...' which should be 'did not'.
• In the chapter on Ivan Milat, one of his victim's names is misspelt (written incorrectly as Simone 'Schidl' rather than 'Schmidl').
• In the chapter on Robert Pickton, the book states that a task force was established in early 2008...then goes on to say that 'in July 1998, the task force finally got the break they needed'.
Additionally, the book is just poorly written, with multiple grammatical mistakes and odd word choices. Random apostrophes and quotation marks scattered throughout, with missing question marks when needed and odd use of commas, making it awkward to read.
July 18, 2019
I’ve read a lot of true crime books on serial killers in my time, some very in-depth, some rubbish and so maybe a little too informative... but this one was just right. The level of detail in each part really threw you in to the time when that person was on the loose and you really do feel like a fly watching their crimes unfold.
Each serial killer featured in this book only had small parts but they’re detailed enough that you get the sense of what’s happened and the emotion that surrounded each case but I thought a lot of detail that should have been added wasn’t there and that kinda leaves a black hole in things. But that’s just because I’ve read a lot on almost every serial killer known (don’t judge, I want to be a criminologist) and so I thought important details were missed. But, saying that, what was written was enough to give the reader a gist of the situation and the level of fear around each one.
I’m surprised other big names weren’t in there like, Aileen Wuornos, Albert Fish, Joachim Kroll, Pedro López, Luis Garavito and Samuel Little, just to name a few. And I guess, like Joachim Kross and Pedro López, they aren’t as well known as others... but I’m still quite surprised.
Anyway, great book, a little crammed for each person but nevertheless, it was eye opening.
Each serial killer featured in this book only had small parts but they’re detailed enough that you get the sense of what’s happened and the emotion that surrounded each case but I thought a lot of detail that should have been added wasn’t there and that kinda leaves a black hole in things. But that’s just because I’ve read a lot on almost every serial killer known (don’t judge, I want to be a criminologist) and so I thought important details were missed. But, saying that, what was written was enough to give the reader a gist of the situation and the level of fear around each one.
I’m surprised other big names weren’t in there like, Aileen Wuornos, Albert Fish, Joachim Kroll, Pedro López, Luis Garavito and Samuel Little, just to name a few. And I guess, like Joachim Kross and Pedro López, they aren’t as well known as others... but I’m still quite surprised.
Anyway, great book, a little crammed for each person but nevertheless, it was eye opening.
June 15, 2025
As an avid reader of true crime, this was a bitter disappointment.
The tone was very informal and could have been a lecture rather than a book. It held blantant inaccuracies which were grating.
It doesn't read as though Innes actually enjoys reading about these persons as the descriptions mimic that found on pages such as wikipedia and Murderpedia. There was very little detail with a sense of rushing to publish rather than him enjoying writing it. I can't even say it had potential as too many were included with conjecture presented as fact and it completely flopped.
It also could have used theories and analysed the reasons that crimes were not solved OR the police investigation. For example, Jack the Ripper operated in an area of extreme social poverty with a distrust of the police meaning it was unlikely that they would cooperate or have witnessed the killer as more than a passerby. Additionally, the police didn't have the technology to investigate with fingerprinting only just being brought in to the evidence process.
The tone was very informal and could have been a lecture rather than a book. It held blantant inaccuracies which were grating.
It doesn't read as though Innes actually enjoys reading about these persons as the descriptions mimic that found on pages such as wikipedia and Murderpedia. There was very little detail with a sense of rushing to publish rather than him enjoying writing it. I can't even say it had potential as too many were included with conjecture presented as fact and it completely flopped.
It also could have used theories and analysed the reasons that crimes were not solved OR the police investigation. For example, Jack the Ripper operated in an area of extreme social poverty with a distrust of the police meaning it was unlikely that they would cooperate or have witnessed the killer as more than a passerby. Additionally, the police didn't have the technology to investigate with fingerprinting only just being brought in to the evidence process.
January 20, 2024
"Serial Killers: Shocking, Gripping True Crime Stories of the Most Evil Murderers" by Brian Innes is an anthology that dives into the dark and disturbing world of some of the most notorious serial killers in history. Innes crafts a chilling narrative, offering readers a glimpse into the twisted minds and heinous actions of these criminals. However, the book, while gripping in its subject matter, has both strengths and drawbacks.
One of the commendable aspects of Innes's work is his ability to deliver a concise and engaging overview of each serial killer's story. The book covers a diverse range of cases, providing readers with a variety of criminal profiles and modi operandi. Innes delves into the psychological aspects of these murderers, offering insights into their backgrounds, motivations, and the impact of their crimes on society.
The author skillfully navigates the fine line between informative and sensationalist storytelling. He presents the facts in a manner that is both accessible to true crime enthusiasts and respectful to the victims. The narrative is well-paced, keeping readers hooked with its suspenseful accounts of the crimes and the subsequent investigations.
However, the book's brevity can be a double-edged sword. While it makes for quick and compelling reading, some readers may find themselves craving more in-depth analysis and exploration of the psychological aspects of each case. Innes covers a substantial number of serial killers in a relatively short space, which may leave some wanting a deeper examination of individual stories.
Additionally, the book might be distressing for readers sensitive to graphic details and explicit content. Innes does not shy away from describing the gruesome nature of the crimes, and readers should be prepared for the disturbing realities of the subject matter.
In summary, "Serial Killers" by Brian Innes is a captivating compilation of true crime stories that offers readers a snapshot of some of the most infamous murderers in history. While it provides a chilling overview of these cases, it falls short of providing an in-depth exploration of each individual killer. It serves as a quick and gripping read for those fascinated by the macabre, but readers should be mindful of the explicit content and the book's brevity.
One of the commendable aspects of Innes's work is his ability to deliver a concise and engaging overview of each serial killer's story. The book covers a diverse range of cases, providing readers with a variety of criminal profiles and modi operandi. Innes delves into the psychological aspects of these murderers, offering insights into their backgrounds, motivations, and the impact of their crimes on society.
The author skillfully navigates the fine line between informative and sensationalist storytelling. He presents the facts in a manner that is both accessible to true crime enthusiasts and respectful to the victims. The narrative is well-paced, keeping readers hooked with its suspenseful accounts of the crimes and the subsequent investigations.
However, the book's brevity can be a double-edged sword. While it makes for quick and compelling reading, some readers may find themselves craving more in-depth analysis and exploration of the psychological aspects of each case. Innes covers a substantial number of serial killers in a relatively short space, which may leave some wanting a deeper examination of individual stories.
Additionally, the book might be distressing for readers sensitive to graphic details and explicit content. Innes does not shy away from describing the gruesome nature of the crimes, and readers should be prepared for the disturbing realities of the subject matter.
In summary, "Serial Killers" by Brian Innes is a captivating compilation of true crime stories that offers readers a snapshot of some of the most infamous murderers in history. While it provides a chilling overview of these cases, it falls short of providing an in-depth exploration of each individual killer. It serves as a quick and gripping read for those fascinated by the macabre, but readers should be mindful of the explicit content and the book's brevity.
Currently reading
September 8, 2022My review is for the paperback edition of this book, but that version of the book is not listed on Goodreads for some reason.
I personally think that is insulting & sexiest to think or say that women ae not capable of being sexually deviant, a sadist, rapist, murderer, serial killer, because women are just as deviant, sadistic, cruel, predatory as men are.
So the notion that women that are a serial killer being rare is bullshit in my option, because there ae plenty of real life historical, or modern serial killers that are female.
I personally think that is insulting & sexiest to think or say that women ae not capable of being sexually deviant, a sadist, rapist, murderer, serial killer, because women are just as deviant, sadistic, cruel, predatory as men are.
So the notion that women that are a serial killer being rare is bullshit in my option, because there ae plenty of real life historical, or modern serial killers that are female.
August 22, 2024
It consists of short bios of many serial killers similar to a 2 or 3 page bio in media or tech source material. Closer to 2.5 stars. To me it was interesting enough to raise the star level to 3 because of the end state information included upon each. But I don't recommend this for being truly accurate.
Many of these listed are in the U.K. or within Europe locations history and most of those were hanged or beheaded.
The man who was the model for the movie Psycho was much worse than he was portrayed.
Many of these listed are in the U.K. or within Europe locations history and most of those were hanged or beheaded.
The man who was the model for the movie Psycho was much worse than he was portrayed.
February 2, 2023
I was really excited to read this book because I love a good serial killer story but this didn’t really go into detail about each killer like I thought it would. I didn’t know who half of these people were which im not mad at, but, I could have just googled their wiki pages and gotten more info on each person than I would have by reading this book. I didn’t want to finish it but i have leaving books incomplete so it just turned into background noise for me.
July 5, 2025
This book was a difficult read. I am going into the criminal justice/crime analysis field and was recommended this book to get insight on some of the things I might encounter. The book goes into somewhat graphic detail on the ways each serial killer in the book killed their victims, it describes graphic details on the murder, assaults beforehand, and the way each killer disposed of the bodies. If you cannot handle gore or the thought of gore I DO NOT recommend this book for you.
January 27, 2019
An interesting read if you're into that kind of stuff. There's so many serial killers I've never heard of in this book, which kept my interest, although I feel like there's a lot of details missing which I noticed when reading about the more well known serial killers.
It's good for discovering cases you would want to research more about.
It's good for discovering cases you would want to research more about.
September 5, 2021
Excellent light reading for keen Forensics students
Excellent read for brief but detailed synopsis of an individuals crimes and their capture. I most appreciated the fact that each killer was presented chronologically as you are able to see the development and progress of Forensic science and psychology
Excellent read for brief but detailed synopsis of an individuals crimes and their capture. I most appreciated the fact that each killer was presented chronologically as you are able to see the development and progress of Forensic science and psychology
April 29, 2022
Blurb looked interesting. Seemed to have a decent coverage of the big serial killers of the last century or so.
I was a bit disappointed however. I expected more details of the investigations and the way in which they were caught out and captured. Sadly though, it seemed to be more of a list of their murders and depravity.
I was a bit disappointed however. I expected more details of the investigations and the way in which they were caught out and captured. Sadly though, it seemed to be more of a list of their murders and depravity.
September 5, 2023
True crime is my 'special interest' so I have a load of books on true crime and serial killers. I'm giving this 3⭐ mainly bc it has a whole range of different ppl but not enough on their upbringing. I'm really interested to see how their upbringing is like bc that has a huge impact on their adulthood and shows some sort of 'explanation' on why they did what they did
January 20, 2025
I dunno what I really expected. It was fine for what it was, but it felt more like an encyclopedia entry than anything. At least it had some compassion for victims and gave their actual names instead of describing them as "the beautiful young (hair colour)," which is more than you get from some of these books.
June 4, 2019
I think it is better than an audiobook. Each chapter is like a little podcast, quite interesting. I listened over a few days while working on some mundane tasks. Learning about some new stories were very interesting, but I am into the morbidity of death and destruction.
October 30, 2019
Not a bad quick read; chapters consist of extremely condensed information about a lot of serial killers in mostly North America and UK. Depravity of the human mind knows no bounds, nor is it affected by time or technology.
September 2, 2021
Nice summary of a large verity of serial killers but some of the smaller details are simply not true. Then I get to page 251 and the rest are blank pages with a couple pages printed backwards, the printing and binding place clearly lacks quality control, leaving an uncomfortable end.
September 2, 2023
Am interesting book that overviews the details of main serial killers across the globe. This isn’t like other books by Innes I’ve read in that this isn’t delving in to the psyche or psychological aspects of crime and behaviour but the details of the cases.
September 2, 2018
Editing mistakes need fixed but found it very interesting
July 12, 2019
Interesting book. However I could have got more information online about each individual serial killer to what was in the book..
October 5, 2019
The whose who, A to Z, about serial killers.
February 17, 2021
Great overview to different cases and persons!
March 1, 2021
This is fine! Short little blips on infamous serial killers. A fine book to just kinda pick up and read randomly
April 9, 2021
Interesting, Informative enjoyable read
June 6, 2021
Very straight to the point, gives straight forward information on each case
July 4, 2022
Not well written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews