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The Serial Killer Next Door
Would you know if you lived next door to a serial killer? Based on her smash hit tour, Emma Kenny - psychologist and true crime expert - reveals the chilling true stories of killers who hide in plain sight.Taking readers on a journey into the dark side of humanity, Emma Kenny explores the ingredient list of experiences that turns regular people into murderous monsters, looking at crimes that shook the world. From Ted Bundy to Joanna Dennehy, Richard Trenton Chase to Aileen Wuornos and many more besides, Emma explores the crime scenes and criminal minds of some of the most notorious serial killers of our time. She also unveils shocking stories of lesser-known killers that even the most dedicated true crime fan will be surprised by. What unites all of these killers is the ability to slip into society. They look just like you and me. Some were married or parents, conscientious neighbours, teachers or fixtures of their community. Join Emma in this compelling exposé of their depraved world to understand what motivates them and what they look for in a victim. Then maybe you'll be able to spot the serial killer next door...
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2024
197 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
October 24, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Serial Killer Next Door, by Emma Kenny, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I could not imagine living next door to a serial killer. This book lists serial killers, men and women, who blended into society, lived among us, worked with us, went to church with us, and killed, multiple people. I am not listing the names of the serial killers, because they are not good people. This was a good read.
December 29, 2024
I really don’t understand the high rating of this book. The writing was terrible, the dramatisation of the killer’s actions was perverse, and it felt completely inauthentic. The final chapter was borderline incomprehensible.
October 26, 2024
I had a hard time with this one. Not because of the subject matter, which I found very interesting, but because of the writing. It felt like a collection of high school essays compiled into a book.
It was written to sound like a lot of opinion and conjecture, and I don’t think it sounded very fact-based. Each telling also was two or more paragraphs too long, rather than a summary the end of each killer’s story felt like she was trying to reach a word-count-minimum and was very repetitive.
I also think it was a big mistake putting the Toy Box Killer and Bundy toward the beginning of the book, TBK being the very first story you encounter. These are some of the most absolutely brutal torturers and killer, and many won’t be able to stomach them. Putting them at the beginning of the book will turn people off of reading the rest, and I think it would’ve been better to put them at the end.
It was written to sound like a lot of opinion and conjecture, and I don’t think it sounded very fact-based. Each telling also was two or more paragraphs too long, rather than a summary the end of each killer’s story felt like she was trying to reach a word-count-minimum and was very repetitive.
I also think it was a big mistake putting the Toy Box Killer and Bundy toward the beginning of the book, TBK being the very first story you encounter. These are some of the most absolutely brutal torturers and killer, and many won’t be able to stomach them. Putting them at the beginning of the book will turn people off of reading the rest, and I think it would’ve been better to put them at the end.
August 23, 2025
This is an ok book if you have an interest in true crime but I expected more of the psychologist point of view of the crimes and what may be going on at the time mentally for that person not just her explaining what they did, and then giving 2 or so lines of the psychological side of things. I already know what they did from documentaries I have watched on true crime cases, the actual psychological side of this book was what i was looking forward to reading about, but it was so small compared to the detail she went into about the crimes and I expected alot more seen as though she is someone with a psychological and counselling background. I was actually kinda disappointed, I got this book because I love Emma Kenny's insights on true crime shows and her YouTube channel, but this book felt like it was mostly just summarising what others have said, not really her professional opinion.
*Also to anyone thinking of reading this just be warned this woman likes to detail crimes right down to the letter, there are some very disturbing descriptions of criminal activity in this book so please be warned check for the book content before you go into it. * Your mental health matters over reading a particular book. 🥰
Happy reading, everybody ☺️📚
*Also to anyone thinking of reading this just be warned this woman likes to detail crimes right down to the letter, there are some very disturbing descriptions of criminal activity in this book so please be warned check for the book content before you go into it. * Your mental health matters over reading a particular book. 🥰
Happy reading, everybody ☺️📚
November 4, 2025
I want to start this review by saying that I really like Emma Kenny—her live shows are compelling, insightful, and clearly well researched. This is the first piece of her written work that I’ve read, and I’m genuinely gutted that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped to.
Let’s begin with the positives. I really appreciated the strong emphasis on the victims and the focus on telling their stories, rather than solely spotlighting the more infamous perpetrators. I also liked that every named individual in the book received a mention at the end—it gave a real sense of respect and completeness.
The book itself is well researched and easy to read, which I expected from Kenny.
However, these positives were unfortunately overshadowed by some issues in the writing. I noticed a lot of repetition—certain words and phrases were used again and again, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in each chapter.
I also had a slight issue with the repeated use of the word monster to describe the killers. While I understand the intention behind it, I feel that it distances them from humanity—turning them into almost mythical figures rather than acknowledging the terrifying truth: that these people can be our friends, neighbours, or even family members. In reality, what makes these crimes so chilling is precisely that they were committed by seemingly “normal” individuals.
I did, however, enjoy the mix of both US and UK cases, and I particularly appreciated the inclusion of female serial killers towards the end—it offered a broader and more balanced view of the topic.
Overall, this isn’t by any means the worst true crime book I’ve read, but it’s not the strongest either. It had real potential, and while the research and intent are solid, the execution just didn’t quite land for me.
Let’s begin with the positives. I really appreciated the strong emphasis on the victims and the focus on telling their stories, rather than solely spotlighting the more infamous perpetrators. I also liked that every named individual in the book received a mention at the end—it gave a real sense of respect and completeness.
The book itself is well researched and easy to read, which I expected from Kenny.
However, these positives were unfortunately overshadowed by some issues in the writing. I noticed a lot of repetition—certain words and phrases were used again and again, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in each chapter.
I also had a slight issue with the repeated use of the word monster to describe the killers. While I understand the intention behind it, I feel that it distances them from humanity—turning them into almost mythical figures rather than acknowledging the terrifying truth: that these people can be our friends, neighbours, or even family members. In reality, what makes these crimes so chilling is precisely that they were committed by seemingly “normal” individuals.
I did, however, enjoy the mix of both US and UK cases, and I particularly appreciated the inclusion of female serial killers towards the end—it offered a broader and more balanced view of the topic.
Overall, this isn’t by any means the worst true crime book I’ve read, but it’s not the strongest either. It had real potential, and while the research and intent are solid, the execution just didn’t quite land for me.
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February 19, 2025I don't rate nonfiction.
While Emma Kenny's writing is engaging and easy to read for the most part, I found it extremely repetitive when reading in one or two sittings. I swear if she mentioned the Macdonald triad one more time I was going to scream. Several cases, one afternoon the other, she mentions in passing that so-and-so has a trait from the MacDonald triad, which is a theory that links to violent behaviour in adulthood. I get it. I got it the first time.
I also found the writing style to be a bit too flowery for the content, with a lot of self inserted opinions to boot. Granted, this isn't the first true crime book I've read where the author is rather... loose with their thoughts, shall we say (I've read most of John Douglas's books, who has the biggest ego going) and Kenny is nowhere near as obnoxious as that, but it did grate after a while. Additionally this contains way too many cases and only dips the toe into all of them. I've been spoilt by better, more in depth, true crime books that focus on one individual and allow the cases to develop organically. Here, we moved rapidly from one case to the next with little to no real cohesion between them. It might work as a YouTube video or stage show, but as a book I expected more.
Not the worst true crime book I've read, but also certainly not the best.
While Emma Kenny's writing is engaging and easy to read for the most part, I found it extremely repetitive when reading in one or two sittings. I swear if she mentioned the Macdonald triad one more time I was going to scream. Several cases, one afternoon the other, she mentions in passing that so-and-so has a trait from the MacDonald triad, which is a theory that links to violent behaviour in adulthood. I get it. I got it the first time.
I also found the writing style to be a bit too flowery for the content, with a lot of self inserted opinions to boot. Granted, this isn't the first true crime book I've read where the author is rather... loose with their thoughts, shall we say (I've read most of John Douglas's books, who has the biggest ego going) and Kenny is nowhere near as obnoxious as that, but it did grate after a while. Additionally this contains way too many cases and only dips the toe into all of them. I've been spoilt by better, more in depth, true crime books that focus on one individual and allow the cases to develop organically. Here, we moved rapidly from one case to the next with little to no real cohesion between them. It might work as a YouTube video or stage show, but as a book I expected more.
Not the worst true crime book I've read, but also certainly not the best.
October 24, 2025
I'm one of the many people on this planet who are fascinated with serial killers and true crime in general. I'm still baffled by how many I've never heard of it have little information on.
November 3, 2024
Listened to the audiobook; Emma Kenny is a fantastic reader and writer. While the details of each of the cases are difficult to listen to, the first chapter really got to me. I liked how she included a chapter dedicated to listing the names of every victim involved.
November 22, 2025
RANT INCOMING:
Having never read a true crime book before, this offering piqued my interest massively. I love crime novels and TV shows like Criminal Minds and the marketing of this book promised to offer context and psychological examination of how serial killers can live undetected within society for so long. I was expecting an in-depth investigation of the societal, cultural and political factors that allowed the real-life killers (who inspire the kind of fiction I like to consume) to get away with their crimes for so long.
The fact that the author has psychology and counselling credentials lead me to believe that this book would employ analytical frameworks and scientific explanations to respond to many great questions about various societal phenomenon. E.g. What does the evasion of police custody for infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy say about white male America? What were the societal and cultural contributions that led to so many victims trusting these violent killers? What was it that whistleblowers were able to identify in these individuals that police missed? Maybe even delving into the psychological responses of survivors.
In actuality this was one of the worst written, shallow, I’d go as far to say offensive books I’ve ever read. Deeply uncomfortable from the first chapter, Kenny essentially sensationalises the torture, rape and murder of innocent victims (most of them women), recounting graphic details and dramatising awful acts of violence. Although she continuously repeats how the victims of these horrific crimes deserve to be remembered, she reduces them to a few generic sentences about how they were ‘adored by their loved ones’ or ‘had their entire lives ahead of them’ which was disgustingly jarring when juxtaposed with the insanely detailed retellings of the violence which was perpetrated against them.
The language used throughout was deeply uncomfortable; often humanising and sympathising with the killers and describing events as ‘unfortunate’ and their minds as ‘fragile’. These are serial killings not happy little accidents? The writing was horrendous; so repetitive, adjective galore, and read like a collection of GCSE essays that were trying to reach their word count.
There was no psychological insight beyond (very quickly) dissecting the killers’ childhoods. There was little to no actual discussion about the methods these people employed to fit into society and lead double lives (isn’t that the whole point of this book?????). There were no new learnings and the single take away was ‘don’t make yourself vulnerable, and always lock your doors’ - like are you actually taking the piss????
This was possibly the worst book I’ve ever read. Glorifies serial killers, disrespects victims by giving new life to the vile acts of violence carried out against them, and then masquerades itself as ‘remembering the lives of the innocent’. Utterly gross. Wish I could give it -5 stars.
Having never read a true crime book before, this offering piqued my interest massively. I love crime novels and TV shows like Criminal Minds and the marketing of this book promised to offer context and psychological examination of how serial killers can live undetected within society for so long. I was expecting an in-depth investigation of the societal, cultural and political factors that allowed the real-life killers (who inspire the kind of fiction I like to consume) to get away with their crimes for so long.
The fact that the author has psychology and counselling credentials lead me to believe that this book would employ analytical frameworks and scientific explanations to respond to many great questions about various societal phenomenon. E.g. What does the evasion of police custody for infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy say about white male America? What were the societal and cultural contributions that led to so many victims trusting these violent killers? What was it that whistleblowers were able to identify in these individuals that police missed? Maybe even delving into the psychological responses of survivors.
In actuality this was one of the worst written, shallow, I’d go as far to say offensive books I’ve ever read. Deeply uncomfortable from the first chapter, Kenny essentially sensationalises the torture, rape and murder of innocent victims (most of them women), recounting graphic details and dramatising awful acts of violence. Although she continuously repeats how the victims of these horrific crimes deserve to be remembered, she reduces them to a few generic sentences about how they were ‘adored by their loved ones’ or ‘had their entire lives ahead of them’ which was disgustingly jarring when juxtaposed with the insanely detailed retellings of the violence which was perpetrated against them.
The language used throughout was deeply uncomfortable; often humanising and sympathising with the killers and describing events as ‘unfortunate’ and their minds as ‘fragile’. These are serial killings not happy little accidents? The writing was horrendous; so repetitive, adjective galore, and read like a collection of GCSE essays that were trying to reach their word count.
There was no psychological insight beyond (very quickly) dissecting the killers’ childhoods. There was little to no actual discussion about the methods these people employed to fit into society and lead double lives (isn’t that the whole point of this book?????). There were no new learnings and the single take away was ‘don’t make yourself vulnerable, and always lock your doors’ - like are you actually taking the piss????
This was possibly the worst book I’ve ever read. Glorifies serial killers, disrespects victims by giving new life to the vile acts of violence carried out against them, and then masquerades itself as ‘remembering the lives of the innocent’. Utterly gross. Wish I could give it -5 stars.
February 4, 2025
The author uses extremely repetitive adjectives. They’re put in for effect (when really not needed half the time) and because she soon runs out of them the same ones keep coming up. Take the word for ‘heinous’ for example, make a list of similar ones, and play word bingo. It helps pass the monotony at times. Otherwise it’s downright annoying and distracting. I found that word specifically three times on one kindle sized page.
Interesting to hear how some of these (heinous!) people live double lives amongst unsuspecting family members, friends and neighbours redeems it very slightly.
Most of these killers I wasn’t aware of, and 80% are non U.K. just to note.
Fine for die hard (sorry!) serial killer fiends I guess, but not for me.
Interesting to hear how some of these (heinous!) people live double lives amongst unsuspecting family members, friends and neighbours redeems it very slightly.
Most of these killers I wasn’t aware of, and 80% are non U.K. just to note.
Fine for die hard (sorry!) serial killer fiends I guess, but not for me.
January 20, 2025
I want to preface this review by saying that I do really like Emma Kenny. My partner and I saw her on her live tour, of this very subject matter, just over a year ago. He had introduced me to her podcast, Bang to Rights, and I do enjoy listening to that (if enjoy is the right word). I can appreciate how much research she puts into the cases that she discusses, and I find that she always treats the cases, especially the victims, with respect. Admittedly, because of the subject matter, I can only take a few of her episodes at a time, before I need to go and listen to something completely different. So when I came to this book, I expected to find it interesting, well written, engaging and slightly stomach churning. So why the mediocre score, I hear you ask, well the few of you who may read this review, at least.
I think the first stumbling block for me was that I was expecting something a little different. The book has 15 chapters, each of which looks at one serial killer at a time. You are given some of their background, musings on why and how they became the horrific killers that they did. But in a strange sense, you don't feel as though you are discovering anything new about their psychopathy, and how these people can commit such heinous crimes one moment, whilst walking amongst us. To me, and maybe it is because I have listened to a lot of her podcasts, but each new case just felt like a repetition of the previous one. Perhaps I am being unkind, but there was something about this book which made it feel a little superficial to me. Constantly, I felt as though she was just skimming the surface. There is detail here - please be aware that there is quite detailed information about what these people did to others to satisfy their sadistic desires - but there seems to be little substance. Of the 15 cases, 5 deal with female serial killers but there was little meaningful exploration as to how female and male psychopathy can differ; for instance why are serial killers predominantly male?
I truly didn't expect to feel this conflicted toward this book. Whilst I felt that her podcasts flow very well, this book felt a little fragmented. Perhaps it is her writing style which jars for me, I honestly don't know.
With a heavy heart, this is 2.5 stars, rounded up.
I think the first stumbling block for me was that I was expecting something a little different. The book has 15 chapters, each of which looks at one serial killer at a time. You are given some of their background, musings on why and how they became the horrific killers that they did. But in a strange sense, you don't feel as though you are discovering anything new about their psychopathy, and how these people can commit such heinous crimes one moment, whilst walking amongst us. To me, and maybe it is because I have listened to a lot of her podcasts, but each new case just felt like a repetition of the previous one. Perhaps I am being unkind, but there was something about this book which made it feel a little superficial to me. Constantly, I felt as though she was just skimming the surface. There is detail here - please be aware that there is quite detailed information about what these people did to others to satisfy their sadistic desires - but there seems to be little substance. Of the 15 cases, 5 deal with female serial killers but there was little meaningful exploration as to how female and male psychopathy can differ; for instance why are serial killers predominantly male?
I truly didn't expect to feel this conflicted toward this book. Whilst I felt that her podcasts flow very well, this book felt a little fragmented. Perhaps it is her writing style which jars for me, I honestly don't know.
With a heavy heart, this is 2.5 stars, rounded up.
June 21, 2025
This book digs into the minds of 15 of some of the most notorious serial killers in the world, mostly from the U.S.
I was a little disappointed that this book doesn't get into any of the lesser known serial killers, I'd actually like to see a book that does that honestly.
But, learning more about these 15 killers was still very interesting, I learned the names of all of the killers victims, which is a lot honestly. I got to read more into detail about how they grew up and what led to them to their first kill. The fact that some of these killers were able to go years even decades without being caught just blows my mind but then I do remember that technology wasn't the same back then.
I was a little disappointed that this book doesn't get into any of the lesser known serial killers, I'd actually like to see a book that does that honestly.
But, learning more about these 15 killers was still very interesting, I learned the names of all of the killers victims, which is a lot honestly. I got to read more into detail about how they grew up and what led to them to their first kill. The fact that some of these killers were able to go years even decades without being caught just blows my mind but then I do remember that technology wasn't the same back then.
May 24, 2025
Told In Kenny's distinctive detailed, compassionate and questioning tone, The Serial Killer Next Door opens up the stories of some of the most heinous serial killers to have existed in recent years.
It was a truly harrowing read but incredibly interesting and told with Kenny's probing curiosity around the themes of nature vs nurture, childhood psychology and the experiences that led to these people taking the lives of innocents in brutal and debassed ways, all without casting the perpetrators in a way that softens the crimes they've committed and wholly holds them towards the light of just judgement.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
It was a truly harrowing read but incredibly interesting and told with Kenny's probing curiosity around the themes of nature vs nurture, childhood psychology and the experiences that led to these people taking the lives of innocents in brutal and debassed ways, all without casting the perpetrators in a way that softens the crimes they've committed and wholly holds them towards the light of just judgement.
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
August 31, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it! This is definitely a genre that intrigues me and it was so interesting to hear so much on each of the serial killers.
I didn’t find the subject matter upsetting as I knew what I was getting in to choosing a book like this, what did make me sad was the woman spending time in prison who obviously didn’t do any of the crimes and also the effect on the families of the victims. The last chapter where she lists all of the victims is very powerful.
I will be certainly checking out her YouTube after listening to this!
I didn’t find the subject matter upsetting as I knew what I was getting in to choosing a book like this, what did make me sad was the woman spending time in prison who obviously didn’t do any of the crimes and also the effect on the families of the victims. The last chapter where she lists all of the victims is very powerful.
I will be certainly checking out her YouTube after listening to this!
January 1, 2025
Ghe book was good but, from the title, it was not what I expected.
First, for those who don’t know, apart from being a criminologist, Emma has a youtube channel where she analyzes criminal cases. She broadcasts twice a week.
I thought, from the title that this book would discuss interviews with, or psychological experiences or feelings of actual neighbors of serial killers.
Instead of that, it is mostly another book analyzing the mind of a serial killer, and just again highliting that many of them have normal lives and jobs and are good at having a double personality.
The book is good, but, maybe it is just my mood, but at the moment, while I was busy with it, I realized that, for the time being i have read enough of those types of books.
First, for those who don’t know, apart from being a criminologist, Emma has a youtube channel where she analyzes criminal cases. She broadcasts twice a week.
I thought, from the title that this book would discuss interviews with, or psychological experiences or feelings of actual neighbors of serial killers.
Instead of that, it is mostly another book analyzing the mind of a serial killer, and just again highliting that many of them have normal lives and jobs and are good at having a double personality.
The book is good, but, maybe it is just my mood, but at the moment, while I was busy with it, I realized that, for the time being i have read enough of those types of books.
October 13, 2025
Honestly exactly what it says on the tin. I particularly enjoyed this book as it didn't feel repetitive or focused on only the most notorious killers. I found myself learning in detail about those who I was only vaguely aware of. Very interesting and straight to the point, definitely worth a read!
August 3, 2025
Am I biased because I love Emma Kenny's YouTube channel and watch it religiously? Maybe. But I thought this was very well done!
October 10, 2025
This was a surface level look at a lot of different serial killers histories. Interesting but if you know the stories could feel basic
August 1, 2025
Fans of true crime will love this, I enjoyed it. The book is very detailed (graphic descriptions of the crimes) so go in with caution. There are many, many trigger warnings.
Interesting to hear about the psychopathy behind the crimes and the criminals, but also the care for victim’s and their families - it’s them we should remember!
Interesting to hear about the psychopathy behind the crimes and the criminals, but also the care for victim’s and their families - it’s them we should remember!
January 30, 2026
Can someone please buy this woman a thesaurus? The word ‘heinous’ appearing three times in half a page sums up how poorly this is written.
April 3, 2025
Very very interesting book. Listened to it on audible but also have a physical copy.
September 10, 2024
😵
Book was good, written well. Only one i think I hadn't heard of that i can remember. . . .
Book was good, written well. Only one i think I hadn't heard of that i can remember. . . .
November 19, 2025
DNF. Tasteless and too graphic. This book reads like 'this bad person did this ' . I don't know why there is a tiny chapter with Bundy , perhaps to pad out the book? Why have it in most people familiar with him will read more detailed analysis or conversations with him. The Amazon Review Killer not in this book attempted to copy cat a couple and family in this book can't help but think if they had less information he wouldn't have had that information. Also anyone with a psychology background can tell you that crimes by persons with mental health are rare particularly in perceptual disorders like schizophrenia but when they do occur they are unusually violent as in one of the cases in here. Overall poor crime literature unfortunately.
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January 21, 2025Our passion for serial stories will likely never abate. True crime has always fascinated us, and while some may not have a strong enough stomach to read tales of serial killers and their horrific acts against another human being, there are just as many with a thirst for the ghoulish and visually horrifying.
THE SERIAL KILLER NEXT DOOR, looks into the lives of fifteen serial killers, including ten chapters on male killers and the final five chapters dealing with the female serial killer. The author is a psychologist who also has a You Tube True Crime series, that is widely viewed and highly respected. There are some serial killers you will be familiar with, and many you may not recognize. But they all have something in common, the penchant to kill without emotion and without regret.
They are as the title implies, often people next door, the sort of person who might be the last person you would suspect. They are often decent human beings, and if you passed them on the street would find nothing out of-the-ordinary about them. Throughout the book, there seems to be a common thread about the killers, and many of them were abused or bullied as children. That seemed to be a harbinger of things to come, affecting their lives and the way they viewed and dealt with people. They were like ticking time bombs, waiting for the right moment or mood to set them off.
The first person mentioned in the book is Parker Ray, who like many of those mentioned in the book, grew up in a home with an abusive alcoholic father, and mother who was addicted to drugs. It provided in essence a perfect storm for a home life where there was no love or respect, but rather pain and horrible memories to carry through life. When Ray killed he loved to hear the sounds of women as they pleaded and screamed in mortal pain. He took great pleasure in drawing it out, before he ultimately snuffed out their lives and then often dismembered them with great glee.
Ted Bundy one of the more famous serial killers, is mentioned here in detail, and the dozens of his unfortunate female victims. Bundy was one of the types of people women were comfortable with, which helped women relax with him, not knowing the deadly secret he harbored. He used ingenious methods to gain their trust, sometimes by acting injured with a cast on his arm for example.
In the book there is a female serial killer Juana Barraza from Mexico. She has a kill ratio that is even higher than many males, killing dozens of women, usually by strangling. Police first thought it was a man, because of the exertion needed to kill. She wanted to be a wrestler at one point, and was quite strong, able to easily overpower unsuspecting victims.
THE SERIAL KILLER NEXT DOOR is most eye-opening, a book where Emma Kenny lays out the details of fifteen psychotic individuals who took a trip to the dark side and enjoyed it there. The book will keep you riveted to the pages from first page to last.
THE SERIAL KILLER NEXT DOOR, looks into the lives of fifteen serial killers, including ten chapters on male killers and the final five chapters dealing with the female serial killer. The author is a psychologist who also has a You Tube True Crime series, that is widely viewed and highly respected. There are some serial killers you will be familiar with, and many you may not recognize. But they all have something in common, the penchant to kill without emotion and without regret.
They are as the title implies, often people next door, the sort of person who might be the last person you would suspect. They are often decent human beings, and if you passed them on the street would find nothing out of-the-ordinary about them. Throughout the book, there seems to be a common thread about the killers, and many of them were abused or bullied as children. That seemed to be a harbinger of things to come, affecting their lives and the way they viewed and dealt with people. They were like ticking time bombs, waiting for the right moment or mood to set them off.
The first person mentioned in the book is Parker Ray, who like many of those mentioned in the book, grew up in a home with an abusive alcoholic father, and mother who was addicted to drugs. It provided in essence a perfect storm for a home life where there was no love or respect, but rather pain and horrible memories to carry through life. When Ray killed he loved to hear the sounds of women as they pleaded and screamed in mortal pain. He took great pleasure in drawing it out, before he ultimately snuffed out their lives and then often dismembered them with great glee.
Ted Bundy one of the more famous serial killers, is mentioned here in detail, and the dozens of his unfortunate female victims. Bundy was one of the types of people women were comfortable with, which helped women relax with him, not knowing the deadly secret he harbored. He used ingenious methods to gain their trust, sometimes by acting injured with a cast on his arm for example.
In the book there is a female serial killer Juana Barraza from Mexico. She has a kill ratio that is even higher than many males, killing dozens of women, usually by strangling. Police first thought it was a man, because of the exertion needed to kill. She wanted to be a wrestler at one point, and was quite strong, able to easily overpower unsuspecting victims.
THE SERIAL KILLER NEXT DOOR is most eye-opening, a book where Emma Kenny lays out the details of fifteen psychotic individuals who took a trip to the dark side and enjoyed it there. The book will keep you riveted to the pages from first page to last.
April 11, 2025
I have read quite a lot of true crime and this is not good for various reasons. It is ok if you are looking for a compendium of various serial killers in the UK and USA, however there is not much of interest besides this. The author is a psychologist but does not go into any real depth about what may cause someone to become a serial killer, their compulsion to kill or how they compartmentalise their actions to be able to present as ordinary people. This book is really just descriptions of murderers and the terrible things they did so is not really adding anything to this genre. There is not much discussion of the victims either so the result is a kind of sensationalising of murderers which is not great.
The way this is written and the language is also a major issue, the book is supposed to be about how serial killers can hide in plain sight and come across a normal, but they are continuously described as monsters or depraved etc. I don’t think it should be necessary to constantly tell the reader that serial killing is bad in this way and it is also lazy to write people off as just evil or inhuman rather than try to explain the behaviour and how humans can do these things. Also it is telling that the female serial killers are not described in this way and in the case of Wurnos are described as victims and their words taken at face value when all the male serial killers are manipulative liars, this makes no sense. There is also lots of conjecture and arm chair diagnosing people with psychopathy when true psychopaths are rare. Some of the people described in this book had genuine serious mental health issues diagnosed by professionals at the time and are still called monsters and this is not good, it should be stated that people with mental illness are more likely to be a danger to themselves than to others and there are major differences between someone who has delusions and kills due to this and people who kill due to psychological issues or behavioural issues.
I think this would have been better told thematically and then serial killers could have been compared and it would have cut out the repetition, I don’t think anything could save the terrible writing though.
The way this is written and the language is also a major issue, the book is supposed to be about how serial killers can hide in plain sight and come across a normal, but they are continuously described as monsters or depraved etc. I don’t think it should be necessary to constantly tell the reader that serial killing is bad in this way and it is also lazy to write people off as just evil or inhuman rather than try to explain the behaviour and how humans can do these things. Also it is telling that the female serial killers are not described in this way and in the case of Wurnos are described as victims and their words taken at face value when all the male serial killers are manipulative liars, this makes no sense. There is also lots of conjecture and arm chair diagnosing people with psychopathy when true psychopaths are rare. Some of the people described in this book had genuine serious mental health issues diagnosed by professionals at the time and are still called monsters and this is not good, it should be stated that people with mental illness are more likely to be a danger to themselves than to others and there are major differences between someone who has delusions and kills due to this and people who kill due to psychological issues or behavioural issues.
I think this would have been better told thematically and then serial killers could have been compared and it would have cut out the repetition, I don’t think anything could save the terrible writing though.
July 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. As much as you can enjoy a book about serial killers that is. The content of this book is horrifying and highlights in many cases how we can be failed by the systems and institutions that are meant to help us. It poses interesting questions regarding the nature vs. nurture debate, the detrimental effects of untreated mental health and the harrowing outcomes of biases in police forces and how this ultimately impacts the victims of these depraved individuals.
This book left me feeling emotionally drained and deeply sorry for what the victims and families had to endure. Surprisingly I also felt myself mourning for the children that some of these monsters once were. Many had endured horrific childhoods filled with abuse and let down by the systems meant to save them and while I will forever be disgusted by the crimes they grew up to commit, I can't help wondering that if someone would have intervened, could they (and ultimately their victims) have been saved from the thought processes that lead to their devastating crimes?
My only criticism is that the book could have really benefited from proofreading. There are some instances of accidental double words right next to each other, words that have seemingly been wrongly changed by autocorrect and one instance where the dates presented in the introduction of a specific case didn't match the dates presented later in the case, which caused myself much confusion and I had to resort to Google to be sure I had the correct information. I would not have expected this from the second printing of the paperback, a year after the release of the hardcover debuted, these are minor flaws of an otherwise excellent book.
This was an incredibly thoughtfully written book that I will be thinking about long after I closed that final page.
This book left me feeling emotionally drained and deeply sorry for what the victims and families had to endure. Surprisingly I also felt myself mourning for the children that some of these monsters once were. Many had endured horrific childhoods filled with abuse and let down by the systems meant to save them and while I will forever be disgusted by the crimes they grew up to commit, I can't help wondering that if someone would have intervened, could they (and ultimately their victims) have been saved from the thought processes that lead to their devastating crimes?
My only criticism is that the book could have really benefited from proofreading. There are some instances of accidental double words right next to each other, words that have seemingly been wrongly changed by autocorrect and one instance where the dates presented in the introduction of a specific case didn't match the dates presented later in the case, which caused myself much confusion and I had to resort to Google to be sure I had the correct information. I would not have expected this from the second printing of the paperback, a year after the release of the hardcover debuted, these are minor flaws of an otherwise excellent book.
This was an incredibly thoughtfully written book that I will be thinking about long after I closed that final page.
October 19, 2024
As a fan of true crime, I absolutely could not put this book down!
I really enjoyed the way this author delved into the psychology behind these heinous killers, but did so in a way that made it easy for the everyday person to understand. And while I had heard of most of these killers before, I had no idea of the things they went through in their own childhoods, not that this excuses their actions by any means, but it certainly provided food for thought. Could any of these crimes have been stopped had they gotten help when they were younger? Or in some cases, not been exposed to the horrific things they were exposed to during their formative years?
One thing that made this book stand out to me, was the fact that the details of these killers did not romanticize them or their crimes in any way, in fact, the author calls out the “rise to fame” of Ted Bundy for that exact reason. I felt they did a really good job at balancing their writing to reflect not only upon the crimes, but also by shining a light on the victims of these horrible tragedies, ensuring that they are not forgotten as simply another victim (in fact there is a whole section in the back of the book dedicated to each and every known soul that was taken at the hands of these ruthless individuals).
A word of warning however, this author does not hold anything back, shining a bright light on the gruesome brutality of these people’s crimes, so if you are squeamish in any way, you might want to give this one a pass. As for me, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future as they continue to study what separates man from monster.
I really enjoyed the way this author delved into the psychology behind these heinous killers, but did so in a way that made it easy for the everyday person to understand. And while I had heard of most of these killers before, I had no idea of the things they went through in their own childhoods, not that this excuses their actions by any means, but it certainly provided food for thought. Could any of these crimes have been stopped had they gotten help when they were younger? Or in some cases, not been exposed to the horrific things they were exposed to during their formative years?
One thing that made this book stand out to me, was the fact that the details of these killers did not romanticize them or their crimes in any way, in fact, the author calls out the “rise to fame” of Ted Bundy for that exact reason. I felt they did a really good job at balancing their writing to reflect not only upon the crimes, but also by shining a light on the victims of these horrible tragedies, ensuring that they are not forgotten as simply another victim (in fact there is a whole section in the back of the book dedicated to each and every known soul that was taken at the hands of these ruthless individuals).
A word of warning however, this author does not hold anything back, shining a bright light on the gruesome brutality of these people’s crimes, so if you are squeamish in any way, you might want to give this one a pass. As for me, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future as they continue to study what separates man from monster.
January 22, 2025
Very fascinating book, Emma Kenny really delves deep into a number of serial killers psyches and explores their crimes and motives. The book contains harrowing and gruesome accounts of the crimes of serial killers and includes a lot of lesser known serial killers. It is a book not for the faint of heart as it contains some truly disturbing and unnerving testimonies and first hand accounts from the killers and witnesses. It is a stark reminder that life can end at any moment and that we should be careful about who we let into our lives and that we should always be vigilant about our safety and the safety of others.
Overall this book can be a tough read but if you're interested in true crime then I highly recommend it as it's very well researched and laid out. It's also to the author's credit that she has an entire chapter listing the names of each of the killer's victims. It is an extraordinarily sad reflection of reality when we remember the names of killers and not their victims but this book has taken a lot of steps to counter that. It was to the author's credit that she described each of the victims mentioned in the book, their lives, and what they had accomplished reminding us that these are not just statistics but they were actual real living people with hopes, ambitions, and dreams which were snatched away from them. The author also describes in many of the cases the toll the loss of a loved one took on the family and friends of the victims.
Overall this book can be a tough read but if you're interested in true crime then I highly recommend it as it's very well researched and laid out. It's also to the author's credit that she has an entire chapter listing the names of each of the killer's victims. It is an extraordinarily sad reflection of reality when we remember the names of killers and not their victims but this book has taken a lot of steps to counter that. It was to the author's credit that she described each of the victims mentioned in the book, their lives, and what they had accomplished reminding us that these are not just statistics but they were actual real living people with hopes, ambitions, and dreams which were snatched away from them. The author also describes in many of the cases the toll the loss of a loved one took on the family and friends of the victims.
October 15, 2024
304 pages
5 stars
This book details brief biographies of several serial killers and includes their methods. I appreciated that Ms, Kenny included the names of their victims.
Suffice it to say that these people, both men and women, suffered great tragedies in their childhoods. Their crimes are described in “living color,” so to speak, and some readers may be sensitive to such material.
The book is very well written and easy to read. It is not at all dry or inaccessible. I applaud Ms. Kenny for her clear descriptions.
Of course the central question is not answered. For it cannot be. Why do some abused people turn to crime and others do not? We cannot answer this question because we just don’t know.
I like that Ms. Kenny closed her book with a discussion about the indomitable human spirit. It is this resiliency that makes some rise above their childhoods. Nature versus nurture? Perhaps they both play a part. Some abusers start misbehaving at a very early age. Is that nature? For a child who is predisposed to misbehavior, does nurture then play a larger part in the formation of their personality? Interesting question.
I want to very much thank NetGalley and Hachette Book Group - Mobius for forwarding this wonderful book to me so that I may read, enjoy and review it. The opinions cited in this review are solely my own.
5 stars
This book details brief biographies of several serial killers and includes their methods. I appreciated that Ms, Kenny included the names of their victims.
Suffice it to say that these people, both men and women, suffered great tragedies in their childhoods. Their crimes are described in “living color,” so to speak, and some readers may be sensitive to such material.
The book is very well written and easy to read. It is not at all dry or inaccessible. I applaud Ms. Kenny for her clear descriptions.
Of course the central question is not answered. For it cannot be. Why do some abused people turn to crime and others do not? We cannot answer this question because we just don’t know.
I like that Ms. Kenny closed her book with a discussion about the indomitable human spirit. It is this resiliency that makes some rise above their childhoods. Nature versus nurture? Perhaps they both play a part. Some abusers start misbehaving at a very early age. Is that nature? For a child who is predisposed to misbehavior, does nurture then play a larger part in the formation of their personality? Interesting question.
I want to very much thank NetGalley and Hachette Book Group - Mobius for forwarding this wonderful book to me so that I may read, enjoy and review it. The opinions cited in this review are solely my own.
September 26, 2024
I read a lot of true crime books and watch true crime documentaries and listen to podcasts so I was looking forward to reading Emma Kenny’s new book. The cover is quite striking as it’s almost monochrome, with the red really standing out.
The book covers a mix of American and UK cases, and looks at female and male killers. I knew most of the cases but not all of them, and this is to be expected if you enjoy true crime. Each chapter focuses on a different killer and I thought the book was sensitive and respectful to the victims. Having said that, the book is not for the faint of heart as it does go into gruesome detail at times and the author doesn’t shy away from the brutality that the victims underwent.
If you enjoy true crime I would recommend this book. It doesn’t waffle on and it’s quite good for picking up and reading a chapter or two when you have time. Despite the minuscule chances of encountering a serial killer it does make you wonder how well you really know your neighbours and those around you!
3.5 rounded to 3.
The book covers a mix of American and UK cases, and looks at female and male killers. I knew most of the cases but not all of them, and this is to be expected if you enjoy true crime. Each chapter focuses on a different killer and I thought the book was sensitive and respectful to the victims. Having said that, the book is not for the faint of heart as it does go into gruesome detail at times and the author doesn’t shy away from the brutality that the victims underwent.
If you enjoy true crime I would recommend this book. It doesn’t waffle on and it’s quite good for picking up and reading a chapter or two when you have time. Despite the minuscule chances of encountering a serial killer it does make you wonder how well you really know your neighbours and those around you!
3.5 rounded to 3.
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