The Zodiac Killer: The Story of America's Most Elusive Murderer

by Michael Butterfield

More than 50 years after the Zodiac Killer mysteriously vanished, his crimes and letters still haunt the world.

The Zodiac Killer conducted a campaign of terror in the late 1960s, killing seven victims before taunting investigators through a series of cryptic letters, clues and coded messages sent to local newspapers.

For more than five decades, investigators have searched for the identity of the Zodiac Killer. Hoaxes and forged letters fueled an ongoing media circus while the mystery inspired TV documentaries, feature films, books, websites, podcasts, and even copycat killers.

This compelling biography is written by Michael Butterfield, a writer and researcher who has been investigating the Zodiac case for more than 30 years. He separates fact from fiction and lays out what we know about the crimes, the mysteries and the theories surrounding the case, its legacy in popular culture, and where the investigation stands today.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrated by Mack Gordon
Presented by Arcturus Digital Audio

This is a case that really fascinates me, but unfortunately this audiobook didn't totally capture my undivided attention.

I won't go over the details of the case too much - Zodiac was the name given to a serial killer who sent cryptic codes to newspapers after his murders. The killer has never been found.

This book begins with a detailed look at what happened with each murder - who, where, when, how - and states facts plainly with no frills.

It then goes into more information on the ciphers, suspects, victims, theories and even pop culture references.

I did find the information felt rather stale, and not particularly in depth. There's a lot of info to take in but it feels mostly superfluous, especially when we come to theories and suspects. Some of it felt unnecessary, or even irrelevant at times.

I think the audio perhaps isn't the best format for this one, since the ciphers were such a crucial part of the case and not being able to look at them or the code-breaking processes described made it harder to follow. The narrator also delivered his lines poorly, with pauses in strange places and emphasis where it perhaps wasn't necessary. His voice was fine for the book but the cadence was off so I found it a little frustrating at times.

It also felt like there was just no real empathy here - it's more about the killer and who he was and so fails to show any worthy amount of compassion to add a much needed human feel to it.

There's a decent amount of information here for people who are new to the case and want a more thorough account, but there's nothing new for those of us wanting more. It was interesting enough but there are perhaps other sources that do the case more justice.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧

A quick recap of the zodiac killer, that I’d say was a fantastic resource for anyone who doesn’t already know a lot of the facts of the case. I was unaware of the huge online community that still “investigate” the murders . For me personally there wasn’t much in the way of new, but that by no means discredits the authors work, in fact Michael Butterfield lays out a concise piece, from what I could tell without much conjecture and in reasonable chronological order.

What held my interest most was the overview of TV, film and book collections that take inspiration from are or based on the killer, I mean I knew the majority of them were out there but to hear them listed all as one was quite something, we are strange creatures us humans. Maybe he’ll still be held accountable.

The audio narration was really good, I quite like a fast pace but I did have to slow it down a little.

Huge thanks to Arcturus Digital Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC 🎧

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I vaguely have some recollection of this in my head however on listening to this audiobook it all seems very new as if I’ve never heard of this before so I’m really unsure 🫤

It is full of information and definitely a good source to begin with if your reading comprehension is on crime / serial killers etc. Due to my own lack of understanding I therefore can’t really comment much on anything said within other than there was a lot of information given not only on the zodiac killer but also this speaks of coding, media, how the public reacted and other known global serial killers throughout the decades.

I think to really absorb all that is offered in this it is one that needs to be digested over time, in pieces or re-read if your not able to digest a lot of detail at one time. This is a credit to the author in that in the short time no time is wasted it is jam packed full of details of various names, dates, places etc!

The narration was done well and easy to listen to it felt particularly fitting for the style of writing as if listening to a documentary type of programme!

With thanks to NetGalley & Arcturus Digital Audio for this ELC in return for an honest review 🎧📚❤️

[Erin Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

✨✨✨Serial Killers are Fascinating ✨✨✨

This is a very informative novel on The Zodiac Killer murders. It lays everything out clearly and concisely but unfortunately without much pizazz. It was a little dry and factual to be honest.

The Zodiac Killer is a fascinating and interesting read though. Plus, it has some good photos and whatnot!! I really enjoyed the chapters 4-6 the most. Especially the ones about theories and the accused!! Those were very interesting.

I love true crime so of course I enjoyed this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was released May 1, 2025 (today!) and is available now!!

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title implies. The Zodiac Killer is a deep-dive into the murders of the infamous killer in the late 60’s that terrorized the San Francisco area, and later spawned numerous copycats. The story is told in a rather dry fashion, with each killing that was attributed to The Zodiac meticulously detailed, sourced from police reports, interviews, etc. Later chapters are devoted to the innumerable suspects, all eventually cleared, as well as details on several copycat killers, movies and television specials that speculated on the identity of the killer, and the mostly preposterous theories about the murders. While this book was definitely exhaustively researched, no new ground is broken, and scant mention made of the investigation itself, save for snippets here and there. Overall, a bit of a disappointment. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Mel (CrazyforBooksandCoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than 50 years after the Zodiac Killer mysteriously vanished, his crimes and letters still haunt the world.

I listened to this on audio and I found it really engaging and easy to listen too. I thought this looked at all the facts available and separated well the fiction from the facts. Would definitely recommend for true crime fans.

Thank you to Netgalley, Arcturus Digital Audio and Michael Butterfield for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ariana Wilroy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was dry and straight forward. If you are looking for a dramatic, fast-paced retelling of the Zodiac Killer, you should skip this title. I really wanted to like it, but I felt like it was a list of facts rather than a suspenseful story.

⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book! ⭐️

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

3.25⭐

This book encouraged me to look into this case, as I did not know much about it. The work seems well-documented, providing some more complex details compared to other sources. While it can serve as an introduction to the topic, I feel like it is therefore more suitable as additional reading.

On the other hand, despite listening to this and hoping that it will feel like a podcast, it did not manage to be that engaging. Maybe the written version, containing also visual details, would be more approachable from this point of view. Some details felt quite technical and it felt like some of the more basic information about the case was not really discussed much. The book also does not preserve any timeline, jumping back and forth, repeating some things and hence making it hard to keep track of everything.

[DustyBookSniffers - Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than fifty years after the Zodiac Killer vanished, his shadow still looms large. In The Zodiac Killer, Michael Butterfield brings a steady, research-driven lens to one of the most infamous unsolved cases in American history. Rather than chasing headlines or feeding conspiracy theories, he lays out the known facts, debunks the fiction, and walks readers through the timeline with clarity and control.

Butterfield’s decades of research are evident. He’s not here to stir the pot, he’s here to sort through it. The result is a thoughtful and accessible overview, especially well-suited for newcomers to the case. The book gives structure to the chaos: the murders, the taunting letters, the codes, the suspects, and the endless media circus that surrounds the Zodiac mystery for decades.

Mack Gordon’s narration is another strong point. It’s even, clear, and never tries to oversell the material. He lets the story speak for itself, which, given the weight of the subject, is the right choice.

That said, as someone already familiar with the Zodiac case, I didn’t come away with any new insights. There’s no breaking news or newly uncovered evidence here. It’s a solid retelling, not a game-changer.

Overall, I’d give it 3.5 stars. It’s well-crafted and informative, especially for those new to the topic, but for seasoned faithful crime readers, it might feel more like a refresher than a revelation.

Thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus Digital Audio for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Michael Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A good overview of the Zodiac Killer case for the uninitiated. Butterfield gives us a grounded, fact-led narrative of the murders, their investigation and aftermath. His account is wonderfully free of the pet theories that sit at the heart of many true crime books - although, later in the book, he gives an overview of some of the unlikely suspects put forwards over the years.

There's no sense of sensationalism - except, perhaps, that which is inherent to writing a book about a criminal case - but a clear demonstration of why this killer continues to fascinate. The Zodiac continues to preoccupy those interested in such cases not because of his crimes (terrible though they were, his confirmed attacks are a fraction of many less well known killers), but because of his manner; his deliberate attempt to create an aura, a panic and a mystique. Butterfield also gives time to the many films and novels inspired by the attacks and there's a sense there that such works need to increase the scale of his crimes to match the impact they had.

We cannot know who the Zodiac Killer is or was - as Butterfield points out, he's likely long dead - but the reader might, through this account, gain some small sense of why he did what he did.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Although this book is full of Zodiac knowledge that those with in depth knowledge will likely know, those who are just getting into the case or only listen to a few podcasters will likely learn a thing or 2. The research and thus facts provided are extremely detailed right down to the type, placement and orientation of stamps and colour of pen used. I appreciated that there were detailed backgrounds and life stories provided for the victims as some true crime channels can get so tunnel visioned on the mystery or killer that they almost footnote the victims in their own deaths. Butterfield doesn’t try to force any particular narrative or suspect but provides them all and allows the reader to come to their own conclusion. Gordon was a great choice for the audiobook version as while he isn’t overly dramatic or putting emphasis on bits he also isn’t overly monotonous which can sometimes come across as disrespectful in other true crime providers. Finally, I absolutely loved that the last words (before sources) are the victims names to make sure that they are the main thing we take away when we close the book for the final time.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Zodiac Killer by Michael Butterfield is a meticulous account of the crimes of the elusive Zodiac Killer. I found this book to be thoroughly researched and I truly appreciated the depth of detail Butterfield went into. Often true crime non-fiction authors find it hard to not bias their work with their own opinions on cases, especially when they are unsolved. Whereas Butterfield remained unbiased and shared various theories and suspects, whilst intelligently debunking some theories and previous author’s retelling of this prolific case.

However, I found the timeline of this book confusing as it often jumped back and forth. It tended to be repetive in some details, to the point I was confused on whether I had heard certain phrases from another true crime retelling of this case or if it was from an earlier chapter.

Overall, it was very informative, detailed and respectful to the victims.

Thank you to NetGalley and Arcturus Digital Audio for an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

[Shreya · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Zodiac Killer" by Michael Butterfield is an intense, gripping story about the infamous Zodiac Killer, a man whose identity continues to remain a mystery to this day. Butterfield investigates that heinous acts and the psychology behind them in his novel, and while the premise is intriguing, I personally felt like the second half of the book fell flat. Learning about the victims was interesting, as there are parts that most common Wikipedia pages don't describe, but I think the blocky paragraphs made me have to re-read them a couple of times. Separating these ideas to make them easier to swallow would have, in my opinion, been better. The second half of the book, which delves into the investigation of the Zodiac Killer, follows a similar pattern with blocky paragraphs, but the information was thorough and detailed. Overall, I very-much enjoyed reading this novel! The psychology behind the Zodiac Killer has always intrigued me, and Butterfield does justice to explain to readers the horrible legacy the Zodiac Killer has left behind.

[Anna the Cosy Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in order for me give an honest review.

"The Zodiac Killer conducted a campaign of terror in the late 1960s, killing seven victims before taunting investigators through a series of cryptic letters, clues and coded messages sent to local newspapers. For more than five decades, investigators have searched for the identity of the Zodiac Killer. Hoaxes and forged letters fuelled an ongoing media circus while the mystery inspired TV documentaries, feature films, books, websites, podcasts, and even copycat killers."

I would like to say that I really enjoyed this book, it was very informative as well as also including pictures and diagrams!

Its was easy to read and understand I've heard of the Zodiac Killer before but was also able to learn a lot more about this case with this book.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those true crime killers that still haunts the public imagination. The audio was high quality and engaging. All murders etc and suspects were told in depth and it was engaging. There are so many books out there already and while this was well researched it added nothing to the narrative of the crimes, there is too much out there already this lacks a unique usp to stand out from the various other which saturate the market. This is a one book tells it all so would appeal to anyone who has not read anything on the subject or wants to avoid reading,. It needs to be marketed in this way as to a true crime reader its too like everything else. This was a quick listen and was good for it all to be under the same book, i would recommend this to anyonr who is into true crime and has not read a lot on this subject. Thank you netgallery, publisher, narrator and author.

[Stefan Nordin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review.

Few serial killers are surrounded by so many myths as the Zodiac. There are tons of books, documentaries and podcasts and they all seem to tout their own favorite theory or suspect.
Butterfield has chosen a different direction with this book and has written an overview or maybe a primer. He presents the known facts in chronological order and then lists popular theories and suspects. All without much bias.
A helpful book for those who are new to the case or want a quick overview. Well written and without any glaring mistakes (as far as I could see). He also does a good job of dispelling some of the false myths that surround the case.

[Paige Wuerdemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always love reading about true crime. As the title implies this book is about the Zodiac Killer.

This book is a deep dive into the killings in a rather to the point and dry fashion. Giving more information as opposed to embellishing the story. I love how the book is sectioned out into different parts, laying out the crimes, the theories and then suspects.

It was a decent read that offered information for people who might not be familiar with the Zodiac Killer.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

the information was good, but the book was poorly written. it was as if the author just threw facts on a page with no regard to making them flow easily or create a path that was easy to follow. the constant run-on sentences and overuse of commas made it extremely difficult to read, and the author went on several tangents that had little to nothing to do with the case itself, but instead was useless information that could’ve saved pages and multiple headaches. overall, it was very informative, but in terms of the ways to learn about the zodiac killer, i would not recommend it.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the theories, suspects and potential Zodiac murders all rolled up into one book.
There was so much to unpick and follow, with so many different directions of the various police departments, Butterfield did a great job at laying out the information in a chronological but also logical and easy to follow manner.
I didn't really care for the inspirations section, but I found the rest really interesting.

[Madi Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gah reading anything about the zodiac killer sends shivers down my spine. The fact that he was never caught, how he taunted law enforcement, how spontaneous he killed, and the fact that he watched as investigators followed his crimes.

It baffles me how he talked to multiple cops on the scenes of his crimes and just walked away.

As much as this fascinates me and makes me wonder I also feel sick for the people murdered and their families.

[Rose Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of information in this book about the zodiac killer. The style the author took was of reporting facts in a chronological order. It is written in third-person factual nonfiction in a neutral and investigative voice. This may work for some but I found it dry and not engaging. It is heavy on the facts and you can tell the author did his research. I listened to the audible but I wish I had the actual book to see the visual illustrations in it.

[Sarah-Louise Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for this Arc.

I enjoyed this book, I have listened to many podcasts that have covered this case, but not in as much detail as this book does.

Michael covers a lot, and all in the correct timeline of events, so you can follow it easily. It’s scary to think that this killer was never caught.

Keep up the good work!

[Rainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Arcturus Digital Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC

As a true crime lover who always throws a podcast or audiobook while I work this was perfect for my work day. It held my attention the entire time. The research and writing are so well done. Definitely something I can listen to again!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed reading this book and finding more about the zodiac killer This was a great detail book a lot of information to take in but very intriguing on the mystery of who may be the person

it was a great read and getting into more of it after 50 tears
Thank you for letting me read it net gallery

[Tom Voigt · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book contains a basic, factual error in its second sentence (regarding where a victim lived).

You read that correctly.

The author -- even after allegedly 30 years of research -- could only make it through one sentence before screwing up.

This was written by a so-called expert?

imagine buying a math book and right away it says 2 + 2 = 5.

[FaithfulReviewer (Jacqueline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Arcturus Digital Audio, the author and NetGalley for an Audio ARC in return for an honest review

Even if you're not a true crime aficionado* you have probably heard of The Zodiac Killer - the infamous, as-of-yet unidentified, serial killer who terrorized California in the 1960s/70s. I would go as far to say that he is as ingrained in our collective memories as much as the elusive Jack The Ripper.

Michael Butterfield delivers an in depth detailed chronological and comprehensive account of the killer and his crimes and gives a critical analysis of the various theories surrounding his identity. For both newcomers to the case and seasoned Zodiac enthusiasts, this book delivers clarity, credibility, and comprehensive storytelling. Michael Butterfield avoids the wild speculation that is common in other books on this subject and doesn't sensationalize to draw in readers.

The book brings the reader right up to date with the case. Including how the so called Z340 cipher, which had remained a mystery for 51 years, was finally cracked in December 2020 by a team of 3 amateur codebreakers -David Oranchak (An American Software developer), Sam Blake (an Australian Applied mathematician) and Jarl Van Eycke (A Belgian Programmer and codebreaking enthusiast).

Narration
Mack Gordon delivers a clear and engaging narration suited to the true crime genre.

*I have more than a passing interest in the true crime genre but I am by no means an aficionado.

#TheZodiacKiller #TrueCrime

[Michaela Sommerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was well written and really informative. I already knew a bit about the zodiac killer and this fleshed it out and bit.

The information is well organised and I enjoyed the narrator as well.

over all if you like true crime you'll enjoy this 💜

[Eliz B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to learn about true crimes

[Bambi Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads like a newspaper

[Charlene Burgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched! Interesting!