Beyond the Headlines: True Crime’s Myths & Legends

by Jeff Ignatowski

Ever wonder about the truth behind the sensationalized headlines when it comes to history's most infamous killers?So did author Jeff Ignatowski, a nationally known speaker on the psychology of serial killers, who turned that curiosity into his meticulously researched collection BEYOND THE True Crime's Myths and Legends. Includes a Foreword by E.J. HammonMore than a collection of dramatically told true crime stories, Ignatowski's anthology challenges and explores the integrity of widespread myths surrounding infamous personalities such as Jack The Ripper, Dennis Rader, Elizabeth Bathory, Ed Gein, and Ted Bundy. It provides a deeper understanding of their stories through historical insight, criminological analysis, and a careful separation of fact from fiction. Having spent years counseling incarcerated youth offenders and studying serial killer psychology through his collaboration with other true crime and forensic psychiatry experts, he examines in BEYOND THE HEADLINES how these narratives have been molded by and, in turn, shaped public beliefs and media representations. BEYOND THE HEADLINES invites readers to reconsider what they think they know about these "monsters" and their crimes. By challenging conventional narratives, readers will come away with a deeper understanding.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, History

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2024

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that gives a different perspective to the killers than you'd get from their news articles. You understand more of their past and what may have started them down the path of violence. An intriguing read and I can't wait for the other volumes to come out!!

[Diana Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Factual and through review of famous killers known and unknown. Enjoyed the exploration of myths and legends regarding each case

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won a digital copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway. While the content does not make for a light read, it is thoughtfully researched and well-written. I've delved into biographies of several serial killers before and knew about most of those mentioned already, but I read a few details that I hadn't known before, which was wonderful! I especially appreciated the focus on the bigger picture aspects, such as the victims and the circumstances, etc. Definitely recommend this read for folks who like reading and learning about true crime.

[Rami Ungar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a true crime fan, you're bound to enjoy this book. Jeff Ignatowski, who is also the creator of Killers: The Card Game, has written a book about serial killers that dives into their legends and myths and explores fact from fiction while also giving it a personal touch. Plus, when he's forced to speculate, he does not go into outlandish or wild territory, claiming aliens or cults or that sort of thing. Certainly, it is a book any true crime fan will want to have on their shelf.

[Ken Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book. especially liked the set up with the three (3) myths and one (1) legend format for ten serial killers. Also provided an excellent reference section for each chapter. Nicely done!!

[Tom McAuliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re into true crime and separating fact from fiction… This is the book for you!

[Bruce LeMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Amarrah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Beyond the Headlines: True Crime's Myths & Legends. Jack the Ripper, Lizzie Borden, H.H. Holmes, BTK, and Ted Bundy (as well as others) are discussed in this book. It's a relatively quick read that left me wanting more! The writer devotes a chapter to each killer discussing the crimes as well as myths that are attached to the killer/crimes and the lasting legend that each individual has. The writing was clear and well thought out. I enjoyed that the writer broke down each potential suspect and pros/cons for the unsolved murder cases. If you're a true crime junkie like myself, don't hesitate to grab yourself a copy today!

Thank you Jeff Ignatowski for selecting me as a giveaway winner! I hope to see more books from you!

[Sara Evraets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is going to be a big statement, but this was my favorite serial killer book to date. A few things that made it stand out to me was how quickly I felt a lot of information was given and then how the breakdown of myths and legends got you invested and thinking. It made me want to dig or should I say “dive deep” into the waters of these terrifying killers. Bravo! Can’t wait for the next book