Spree Killers: Devastating Massacres By Unpredictable Gunmen

by Nigel Cawthorne

Spree Killers Investigating spree killing, this book analyses the psychology of this chilling phenomenon. It examines various cases and shows how the killers suppress their rage and violent fantasies until a small incident sparks off their fatal rampage. Full description

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2009

About the author

Nigel Cawthorne is an Anglo-American writer of fiction and non-fiction, and an editor. He has written more than 80 books on a wide range of subjects and has contributed to The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph Daily Mail and The New York Times. He has appeared on television and BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Many of Nigel Cawthorne's books are compilations of popular history, without footnotes, references or bibliographies. His own web site refers to a description of his home as a "book-writing factory" and says, "More than half my books were commissioned by publishers and packagers for a flat fee or for a for a reduced royalty".

One of his most notable works was Taking Back My Name, an autobiography of Ike Turner, with whom he spent a number of weeks working with him on, taking up residence in Turner's house. The book caused much controversy, resulting in court cases for three years following its release.

Cawthorne currently lives in Bloomsbury, London with his girlfriend and son, Colin (born 1982).

Reviews

[✨Bean's Books✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a play by play of a few of the better known spree killers. The book separates them by the circumstances related to their sprees, their race, sex and/or agenda. Was an interesting read. Sad at more than a handful of areas. Just to think of being shot dead while walking down the street... the thought is very unsettling.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, I was able to pick it up and put down after a few pages which is just what I need right now.
Also quite informative while not dwelling on only a few cases.

[Aimee Massey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and basically well-written as all the books I've read by him are, however, also like the other books of his, he really needed an editor. A lot of silly mistakes slipped through.
Just one example: He described Seattle as "Washington State's capital city."
Olympia's residents and boosters are very, very unhappy.

[Lucii Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible read! Very informing and delicate.

Although it's not 'incredible' to read of the vicious crimes that have been committed over the years, I mean that the writing of this book was, indeed, incredible. The amount of research that went to into writing this is shown throughout its pages and it informs us that no one is really safe. Anyone can become unhinged and commit heinous crimes against humanity.

Though it shows that many of these perps are unhinged and mentally ill, with no help whatsoever due to expenses that come with it (which is ridiculous by the way! I'm in the UK and help is free for most, America should be too!) Goes to show the difference between countries that have help at hand freely and those that don't. America has the most spree killers and mental health expertise comes had a huge price; this is why young adults don't seek help for their suicidal tendencies and depression.

Loved reading this book and found myself shaking my head at some of the crimes committed. (Most spree killers tend to kill themselves after they've done their deed) Although this book mainly covers spree crimes from back in the 50s/60s etc, it was interesting to see what the vietnam war did to people, even those that never served for their country.

Intriguing, interesting and incredibly detailed, this book is one not for the faint hearted.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, couldn't put it down !

The book covers a wide range of cases in different countries and the analysis of the criminals are superb .

However there was some information left out of certain cases that made are interesting, for instance the amityville case left out the murdered families own demonic experiences that linked up to the second family and the columbine massacre left out certain lines the killers spoke that made them particularly interesting like the conversation between student Valeen Schnurr (not Cassie Bernall) and Dylan Klebold where he asked her if she believed in god ( always found this so eerie plus it is used in American horror story in massacre inspired by this case ).

Overall it is an excellent book, definitely recommend reading.

[Lexi Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting enough of a topic, but was poorly written. Nigel Cawthorne seemed unable to make the facts come alive, or to really explain certain things mentioned in the book. It felt like the author was just merely stating the facts without putting in any of his own original thought into what he was writing. However, the information was up to date and plentiful. Some feeling would have made the book alot more fascinationg.

[Rubber Duck Ry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nigel Cawthorne has a very flowing writing style that I really enjoy. The killers and killings were well researched, overall was an enthralling look at Spree Killings. The only aspect I didn't like about the book was the negative epilogue that encourages readers to be fearful.

[Roxanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Glad to be done so I could move on to a new book. Didnt hold my attention.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not interesting.

[Book Shark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book with lots of information the epilogue wasn't great though.