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Happy Face: A Family of Monsters
In this gripping memoir, Keith Jesperson, infamously known as The Happy Face Killer, bares his soul in a chilling collaboration that will captivate true crime enthusiasts and forensic psychology aficionados alike. This riveting account delves deep into the dark psyche of one of America's most notorious serial killers, offering an unprecedented look into the criminal mind.
This title is a must-read for fans of true crime documentaries, podcasts, and books. It provides a raw, unfiltered narrative that rivals the most popular true crime series on Netflix, HBO, and Investigation Discovery. True crime community members will find themselves engrossed in Jesperson's haunting revelations, reminiscent of conversations with killers in hit shows like "Mindhunter" and "Making a Murderer."
Unparalleled Access to a Serial Killer's Mind
Keith Jesperson and Nicole D. Phoenix offer readers an intimate look into the life and crimes of The Happy Face Killer. This book goes beyond the sensationalism often found in true crime media, presenting a nuanced exploration of Jesperson'
- Childhood trauma and formative experiences
- Psychological profile and criminal motivations
- Modus operandi and victim selection process
- Interactions with law enforcement and the justice system
This compelling narrative is perfect for fans
- Serial killer biographies and memoirs
- Forensic psychology and criminology studies
- Cold case investigations and unsolved mysteries
A Valuable Resource for Professionals
Criminology students, forensic psychologists, and law enforcement professionals will find this book an invaluable resource. It offers unique insights
- Criminal profiling techniques
- Behavioral analysis of serial killers
- The psychology of violent crime
- Investigative procedures in serial murder cases
While this book will undoubtedly appeal to the true crime community, it also raises profound questions
- The nature of evil and moral responsibility
- The impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior
- The effectiveness of the criminal justice system
**Content Warning**
This unflinching account contains graphic descriptions of violent crimes and may be disturbing to some readers. It is recommended for mature audiences only.
This title is a must-read for fans of true crime documentaries, podcasts, and books. It provides a raw, unfiltered narrative that rivals the most popular true crime series on Netflix, HBO, and Investigation Discovery. True crime community members will find themselves engrossed in Jesperson's haunting revelations, reminiscent of conversations with killers in hit shows like "Mindhunter" and "Making a Murderer."
Unparalleled Access to a Serial Killer's Mind
Keith Jesperson and Nicole D. Phoenix offer readers an intimate look into the life and crimes of The Happy Face Killer. This book goes beyond the sensationalism often found in true crime media, presenting a nuanced exploration of Jesperson'
- Childhood trauma and formative experiences
- Psychological profile and criminal motivations
- Modus operandi and victim selection process
- Interactions with law enforcement and the justice system
This compelling narrative is perfect for fans
- Serial killer biographies and memoirs
- Forensic psychology and criminology studies
- Cold case investigations and unsolved mysteries
A Valuable Resource for Professionals
Criminology students, forensic psychologists, and law enforcement professionals will find this book an invaluable resource. It offers unique insights
- Criminal profiling techniques
- Behavioral analysis of serial killers
- The psychology of violent crime
- Investigative procedures in serial murder cases
While this book will undoubtedly appeal to the true crime community, it also raises profound questions
- The nature of evil and moral responsibility
- The impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior
- The effectiveness of the criminal justice system
**Content Warning**
This unflinching account contains graphic descriptions of violent crimes and may be disturbing to some readers. It is recommended for mature audiences only.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2025
About the author
Nicole Phoenix
6 books5 followersNicole Phoenix is the author of Contemporary Adult Romance.
Well-traveled in her youth, and still a fan of discovering new things, Nicole currently lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family and a houseful of animals. With a beach, a mountain, and the high desert all within a two-hour drive, mini-adventures abound!
Well-traveled in her youth, and still a fan of discovering new things, Nicole currently lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family and a houseful of animals. With a beach, a mountain, and the high desert all within a two-hour drive, mini-adventures abound!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 8, 2024
I received a free copy of, Happy Face: A Family of Monsters, by Nicole D phoenix, Keith Jesperson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Keith Jesperson, is the happy face killer, this is his story, how he grew up, and killed people. I have no sympathy for this killer. He is not a victim he is a killer and liar.
January 31, 2025
This is a chilling memoir of Keith Jesperson, The Happy Face Killer, told by him himself. In the early 90s, Keith was convicted of killing 8 women (confessed to 160) throughout his life. Hearing it from his own words makes this more chilling.
We get to read about his young life, his life in Canada before moving to the states, his love life, failed marriage, failed jobs, his truck driving job where things really took off, we read about his family, and so much more. Keith tells us everything in this book and he doesn't hold back. If you're a lover of true crime, this is one you definitely want to pick up.
We get to read about his young life, his life in Canada before moving to the states, his love life, failed marriage, failed jobs, his truck driving job where things really took off, we read about his family, and so much more. Keith tells us everything in this book and he doesn't hold back. If you're a lover of true crime, this is one you definitely want to pick up.
December 5, 2024
Ever wonder what it’s like to see into the mind of a serial killer? If you’re a True Crime fan then you need to add this to your TBR ASAP🙌
Happy Face: A Family of Monsters gives readers an inside glimpse into Keith Jesperson’s mind and ultimately get an understanding of why he did what he did. Even after reading, I still have so many questions but this was really chilling to take in. Inside you’ll find drawings and handwritten letters from Jesperson himself. Super creepy and yet fascinating.
Releases January 20th, 2025!
Happy Face: A Family of Monsters gives readers an inside glimpse into Keith Jesperson’s mind and ultimately get an understanding of why he did what he did. Even after reading, I still have so many questions but this was really chilling to take in. Inside you’ll find drawings and handwritten letters from Jesperson himself. Super creepy and yet fascinating.
Releases January 20th, 2025!
August 11, 2025
The “Serial killer culture” has become a prominent phenomenon in our day and age. People are fascinated with the psychology, criminology, and everything in between for serial killers. Whether it is podcasts, tv shows, movies, or books, our civilization has become enamored with the culture of serial killers.
Keith Jesperson is what the media named “The Happy Face Killer”. He was arrested in 1995 over a homicide investigation involving his last victim and has been incarcerated for the last 30 years. There have been and will be no more convictions and/or trials, and so he feels he needs to set the record straight after all the propaganda, lies, tales, etc, that have come out about him over the last three decades. The overall impression that I received as a I read this biography is that Keith Jesperson is/was a pushover, slightly paranoid, highly distrustful of the legal system, and extremely calculating, which to some extent makes absolute sense.
Overall, I think Jesperson would truly choose a different path for himself if he could go back in time and make different decisions. I understand that he wants to right the records and undermine all those who try to lie about him to make a buck or two. At the same time, you must scrutinize what he is saying. You never know what is going on in someone else’s mind when they have nothing but time. It was an alright read and I can appreciate the motive behind it all.
Various nitpicky things that need to be pointed out:
The address of Roberta’s mother should not be listed in this book. I’m sure the woman is long deceased, but you do not want to cause damage to the neighborhood or otherwise.
Yes, the serial killer culture and murderabilia is very popular right now, however, it should not be encouraged to go find shoes that were thrown off from Keith Jesperson during one of the murders he committed.
I felt very uncomfortable by the fact that his murders and sexual fantasies were ramping up and it seems like he just wanted a sex slave on his trucking runs.
The book becomes a bit tedious and boring in various areas that include the “exact” directions that he took throughout his trucking years.
Clean up the grammar, misspellings, etc. before final print.
#ThxNetGalley #NicoleDPhoenix #KeithJesperson #HappyFaceAFamilyofMonsters
Keith Jesperson is what the media named “The Happy Face Killer”. He was arrested in 1995 over a homicide investigation involving his last victim and has been incarcerated for the last 30 years. There have been and will be no more convictions and/or trials, and so he feels he needs to set the record straight after all the propaganda, lies, tales, etc, that have come out about him over the last three decades. The overall impression that I received as a I read this biography is that Keith Jesperson is/was a pushover, slightly paranoid, highly distrustful of the legal system, and extremely calculating, which to some extent makes absolute sense.
Overall, I think Jesperson would truly choose a different path for himself if he could go back in time and make different decisions. I understand that he wants to right the records and undermine all those who try to lie about him to make a buck or two. At the same time, you must scrutinize what he is saying. You never know what is going on in someone else’s mind when they have nothing but time. It was an alright read and I can appreciate the motive behind it all.
Various nitpicky things that need to be pointed out:
The address of Roberta’s mother should not be listed in this book. I’m sure the woman is long deceased, but you do not want to cause damage to the neighborhood or otherwise.
Yes, the serial killer culture and murderabilia is very popular right now, however, it should not be encouraged to go find shoes that were thrown off from Keith Jesperson during one of the murders he committed.
I felt very uncomfortable by the fact that his murders and sexual fantasies were ramping up and it seems like he just wanted a sex slave on his trucking runs.
The book becomes a bit tedious and boring in various areas that include the “exact” directions that he took throughout his trucking years.
Clean up the grammar, misspellings, etc. before final print.
#ThxNetGalley #NicoleDPhoenix #KeithJesperson #HappyFaceAFamilyofMonsters
April 19, 2025
scary and violent
I’m glad this is out there, I mean, this book reflects the darkest realities of our society. By no means an easy read for many reasons but if you can stomach the murder it can be eye opening.
This book perfectly aligns with what we know about the childhood trauma seen in people who become serial killers. He isn’t an exception at all, and if you read this book you will see that. In this case his dad was extremely abusive all throughout his life especially his young adulthood his father really damages him- physically, financially and mentally. He seems to both love and hate his father and keeps his father close despite the fact his father uses him and is a narcissist. I think this prompts him to feel this is a normal way to relate to a person, so later on when he begins to be abused and when he begins to hate people in his life - he keeps them close still! His wife is the second person who he has that level of toxic relationship with, and it’s sad to read about. You wonder how his life would be different if he had different views and standards on his relationships. If he had married someone his own age with the same values even, maybe. He is seeking out and engaging in toxic relationships until he snaps. I think he took out his pent up anger on his victims.
In his story you see these kinds of people: criminal, thief, hustler, johns, hooker, drug addict, suspected tweaker/meth types. This is rough. It’s rough all around… like he surrounds himself with people who steal compulsively, use and lie a lot, disappear randomly, and are unstable in every possible way. At this point in the book you just wish he would have left that life. It is quite depressing and frustrating. Still one of the many realities of alienation in society. Read at your own risk I guess.
I’m glad this is out there, I mean, this book reflects the darkest realities of our society. By no means an easy read for many reasons but if you can stomach the murder it can be eye opening.
This book perfectly aligns with what we know about the childhood trauma seen in people who become serial killers. He isn’t an exception at all, and if you read this book you will see that. In this case his dad was extremely abusive all throughout his life especially his young adulthood his father really damages him- physically, financially and mentally. He seems to both love and hate his father and keeps his father close despite the fact his father uses him and is a narcissist. I think this prompts him to feel this is a normal way to relate to a person, so later on when he begins to be abused and when he begins to hate people in his life - he keeps them close still! His wife is the second person who he has that level of toxic relationship with, and it’s sad to read about. You wonder how his life would be different if he had different views and standards on his relationships. If he had married someone his own age with the same values even, maybe. He is seeking out and engaging in toxic relationships until he snaps. I think he took out his pent up anger on his victims.
In his story you see these kinds of people: criminal, thief, hustler, johns, hooker, drug addict, suspected tweaker/meth types. This is rough. It’s rough all around… like he surrounds himself with people who steal compulsively, use and lie a lot, disappear randomly, and are unstable in every possible way. At this point in the book you just wish he would have left that life. It is quite depressing and frustrating. Still one of the many realities of alienation in society. Read at your own risk I guess.
Read
April 11, 2025Difficult to read
This book is purposefully left with all of the misspellings and grammatical errors that Jesperson wrote it with, but you don't find that out until you read the afterword, which may be frustrating if you aren't aware at the beginning.
Much of this revolves around his truck driving resume, I would assume because that's where he found his victims.
Some if the scenes are quite graphic, so be prepared. Or give it a pass if you can't handle that type of content. Don't downgrade your review for either of the things, because you're given fair warning on my review.
Jesperson leaves nothing to the imagination, that's for sure! He does admit to every crime he committed, and will never be a free man again.
His remorse, I feel, is evident in the last chapters, and he surprised me with what he revealed about his dealings with another true crime author and his time as The Raven on his show ending.
As a view into the mind if a serial killer at work, you would probably need to read it twice as the first time you'd be too focused in the bad writing.
I say, give it a go for true crime fans, but expect it to be VERY different than you're used to. It's extremely unpolished
This book is purposefully left with all of the misspellings and grammatical errors that Jesperson wrote it with, but you don't find that out until you read the afterword, which may be frustrating if you aren't aware at the beginning.
Much of this revolves around his truck driving resume, I would assume because that's where he found his victims.
Some if the scenes are quite graphic, so be prepared. Or give it a pass if you can't handle that type of content. Don't downgrade your review for either of the things, because you're given fair warning on my review.
Jesperson leaves nothing to the imagination, that's for sure! He does admit to every crime he committed, and will never be a free man again.
His remorse, I feel, is evident in the last chapters, and he surprised me with what he revealed about his dealings with another true crime author and his time as The Raven on his show ending.
As a view into the mind if a serial killer at work, you would probably need to read it twice as the first time you'd be too focused in the bad writing.
I say, give it a go for true crime fans, but expect it to be VERY different than you're used to. It's extremely unpolished
April 14, 2025
My love or horror started from a few different places but one that really stands out is when I read a book about Jack the Ripper I found at my local library. That is where the fascination with true crime began. Podcasts, documentaries, books.. it’s everywhere. But it is definitely rare to have an uncensored re-telling straight from the mind of the serial killer themselves.
Keith Jespersen is the Smiley Face Killer. He starts his story from the beginning and there is a lot about his childhood and early adult life. This is usually where my empathy may kick in as anyone who murders 8 women probably had a crappy home life. Were there some messed up things that happened to Keith? Yes. Did his family kind of suck? Also yes. But it is all pretty typical.. and not once in this book did I feel bad for this dude. It took me awhile to finish it because I was just annoyed with him. Also, how the hell does he remember so many details of his life?! He remembers the dates of so much, and exactly what he was doing and who he was with. And it’s details from decades ago. And it’s not just big events. That was wild to me.
If you’re wanting to learn more about how a serial killer recounts their life and what might be going on in their twisted brain, pick this book up now!
Keith Jespersen is the Smiley Face Killer. He starts his story from the beginning and there is a lot about his childhood and early adult life. This is usually where my empathy may kick in as anyone who murders 8 women probably had a crappy home life. Were there some messed up things that happened to Keith? Yes. Did his family kind of suck? Also yes. But it is all pretty typical.. and not once in this book did I feel bad for this dude. It took me awhile to finish it because I was just annoyed with him. Also, how the hell does he remember so many details of his life?! He remembers the dates of so much, and exactly what he was doing and who he was with. And it’s details from decades ago. And it’s not just big events. That was wild to me.
If you’re wanting to learn more about how a serial killer recounts their life and what might be going on in their twisted brain, pick this book up now!
January 17, 2025
I am fascinated by the human mind and what we are capable of as humans. I find the mind of a serial killer the most fascinating of them all. What drives them, what they were capable of.
I grew up reading all I could about the different killers from around the world. Zodiac, The Night Stalker, Gacy, etc. You name it, I read it. I couldn't get enough. Just when I think I have read all there is to read on the subject, along comes Happy Face: A Family of Monsters.
This is a raw, unfiltered, unadulterated look through the eyes of a killer. His words from his childhood to now.It is downright chilling. This is the kind of book that haunts you long after you read it.
You feel like you are in the room with him. Face to face. Hearing his story straight from his mouth. If you like true crime, this is truly something you must read. It's absolutely fascinating and terrifying at the same time.
For someone who finds the subject matter fascinating, this is a true crime masterpiece.
5 severed fingers out of 5
I grew up reading all I could about the different killers from around the world. Zodiac, The Night Stalker, Gacy, etc. You name it, I read it. I couldn't get enough. Just when I think I have read all there is to read on the subject, along comes Happy Face: A Family of Monsters.
This is a raw, unfiltered, unadulterated look through the eyes of a killer. His words from his childhood to now.It is downright chilling. This is the kind of book that haunts you long after you read it.
You feel like you are in the room with him. Face to face. Hearing his story straight from his mouth. If you like true crime, this is truly something you must read. It's absolutely fascinating and terrifying at the same time.
For someone who finds the subject matter fascinating, this is a true crime masterpiece.
5 severed fingers out of 5
January 4, 2025
TAKE A DIVE INTO THE MIND OF A SERIAL KILLER!
Have you ever wanted to see things from a serial killer's point of view, to understand not just what led to them becoming what they are, but how they planned and carried out their crimes?
You're in luck.
Keith Jesperson, the notorious "Happy Face Killer," has shared his story with Nicole D. Phoenix. In HAPPY FACE: A FAMILY OF MONSTERS, you'll follow him through a childhood in rural Canada and Washington, through his career as a truck driver, and finally hear about the crimes that made him famous.
You may be familiar with his crimes, but the details of his story will interest everyone from true-crime junkies to psychological researchers.
Is he a liar? A man trying to shift the blame for his crimes? Or is this the unvarnished truth? You'll have to decide for yourself. But HAPPY FACE is a must-read for anyone who wants insight into how the mind of a killer works!
Have you ever wanted to see things from a serial killer's point of view, to understand not just what led to them becoming what they are, but how they planned and carried out their crimes?
You're in luck.
Keith Jesperson, the notorious "Happy Face Killer," has shared his story with Nicole D. Phoenix. In HAPPY FACE: A FAMILY OF MONSTERS, you'll follow him through a childhood in rural Canada and Washington, through his career as a truck driver, and finally hear about the crimes that made him famous.
You may be familiar with his crimes, but the details of his story will interest everyone from true-crime junkies to psychological researchers.
Is he a liar? A man trying to shift the blame for his crimes? Or is this the unvarnished truth? You'll have to decide for yourself. But HAPPY FACE is a must-read for anyone who wants insight into how the mind of a killer works!
January 20, 2025
Before I read this book I had never heard of the Happy Face Killer, so I was very excited to be able to learn about him and his crimes in his own words and not other works or another form of media.
This made this read a great way to learn about him and his crimes from his own words. The way the book is done you get to follow Jesperson from a child and see how he was brought up and his family dynamic and how it helped shaped him into what he became. When you hear of all these horrible things other serial killers did in their youth, you don't see that in his story. Yet when he does start killing, you see him still acting like the man he was before they started. After reading this I am looking forward to reading more into his crimes.
This book really is a must read for any true crime fan out there.
I was given an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
This made this read a great way to learn about him and his crimes from his own words. The way the book is done you get to follow Jesperson from a child and see how he was brought up and his family dynamic and how it helped shaped him into what he became. When you hear of all these horrible things other serial killers did in their youth, you don't see that in his story. Yet when he does start killing, you see him still acting like the man he was before they started. After reading this I am looking forward to reading more into his crimes.
This book really is a must read for any true crime fan out there.
I was given an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
March 12, 2026
Good book
Really interesting story. With the fact that grammar was not right on several pages the book is interesting and will keep you reading.
Really interesting story. With the fact that grammar was not right on several pages the book is interesting and will keep you reading.
January 7, 2025
As told from the horse’s mouth a pretty gritty tale without holding back. The early life of the killer was fairly bleak and chaotic and we’re immersed in an impressive amount of detail. I wouldn’t say I felt sorry for him per se or excused what he did in any way shape or form but it does form some (very small) level of understanding as to what our early lives and parental influence can shape us into (feel more pressure now).
The writing bounces around a bit but feels very authentically the perpetrator’s own words and a lot of effort has been put into giving a lot of information and background. I suppose languishing in prison for a long period of time affords you the luxury of detail. He doesn’t attempt to particularly excuse or explain what he did, in face he’s honest insofar as he doesn’t have all the answers himself. There is evidently some remorse as displayed in the latter section but is it sorry for being caught overridingly. A fascinating glimpse into his psyche and world and chilling that these people walk amongst us.
A few issues with formatting in my aRC copy, dark background and black type didn’t make for happy eyes but the typos and spellings made it feel raw and authentic. Recommend this book, definitely food for thought.
The writing bounces around a bit but feels very authentically the perpetrator’s own words and a lot of effort has been put into giving a lot of information and background. I suppose languishing in prison for a long period of time affords you the luxury of detail. He doesn’t attempt to particularly excuse or explain what he did, in face he’s honest insofar as he doesn’t have all the answers himself. There is evidently some remorse as displayed in the latter section but is it sorry for being caught overridingly. A fascinating glimpse into his psyche and world and chilling that these people walk amongst us.
A few issues with formatting in my aRC copy, dark background and black type didn’t make for happy eyes but the typos and spellings made it feel raw and authentic. Recommend this book, definitely food for thought.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews