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2015 Serial Killers True Crime Anthology: Volume 2
This is the second volume of the bestselling annual, Serial Killers True Crime Anthology, a collection of some of the best true crime writing on serial killers over the year.
Several of these authors who appeared in Volume 1 of the Anthology, return this year to Volume 2 with new stories.
2015 Serial Killers True Crime Anthology Volume 2:
Peter Vronsky, in the chilling story "Zebra! The Hunting Humans 'Ninja' Truck Driver Serial Killer" describes the carnage perpetrated in 2007 by Adam Leroy Lane, a long haul truck driving serial killer who after repeatedly watching in his truck cab a serial killer DVD movie he was obsessed with, forayed out in the night from Interstate highway truck-stops dressed in Ninja black to re-enact the movie scenes by killing and mutilating unsuspecting women in their homes until he was captured by a fifteen-year old girl and her parents when he attempted to kill her as she slept in her bedroom.
RJ Parker, in "Demons" introduces us to the little known story of Canada's serial killer Michael Wayne McGray who murdered men, women and children indiscriminately and whom even prison could not stop from continuing his killing. In the "Grim Sleeper" Parker describes the brutal crimes of Lonnie Franklin, Jr. who over a 23-year killing career, took a fourteen-year hiatus (thus his nickname) before resuming his murders of women in Los Angeles.
Katherine Ramsland, in "The Babysitter" brings us up to date on the still unsolved horrific1976 mutilation child murders in Detroit that inspired Bill Connington's one-man Broadway play and Joyce Carol Oates 1995 novella Zombie. In "Really! The Other Guy Did It." Ramsland explores the bizarre case of serial killer Douglas Perry who after killing several women underwent a transsexual change into a woman, Donna Perry, who when apprehended, claimed the murders were perpetrated by his former male self who no longer existed. Ramsland asks, "Is guilt in the body or the soul?"
Michael Newton, in "Bad Medicine" and "Angel of Death" describes two serial killers where we least expect them: health care workers. Physician Dr. Harold Shipman who murdered 250 victims in Britain and might be history's most prolific serial killer, and the smiling mild mannered Ohio medical orderly 'Angel of Death' Donald Harvey, who confessed to murdering 87 helpless patients, stating, "So I played God."
Sylvia Perrini, Britain's true crime chronicler of female serial killers in "The House of Horrors" revisits the notorious case of Rosemary West who teamed up with her husband Fred in the rape, torture and murder of ten young women in their rooming house, including her own daughter. In "The Mum Who Killed for Kicks" Perrini looks at the recent case of Joanne Dennehy, a mother of a thirteen-year old who inexplicably went on a thrill kill serial killing spree in which she tortured and murdered three men with a knife and attempted to kill two others.
Kelly Banaski, a newcomer to true crime writing, brings us "Stripped of his medals and female panties", the strange case of a Canadian air force base commander, a colonel who piloted senior government officials and even the Queen of England, who suddenly began to commit a series of panty fetish burglaries that eventually escalated to horrific rape-torture murders of women.
Enjoy and be horrified!!
Several of these authors who appeared in Volume 1 of the Anthology, return this year to Volume 2 with new stories.
2015 Serial Killers True Crime Anthology Volume 2:
Peter Vronsky, in the chilling story "Zebra! The Hunting Humans 'Ninja' Truck Driver Serial Killer" describes the carnage perpetrated in 2007 by Adam Leroy Lane, a long haul truck driving serial killer who after repeatedly watching in his truck cab a serial killer DVD movie he was obsessed with, forayed out in the night from Interstate highway truck-stops dressed in Ninja black to re-enact the movie scenes by killing and mutilating unsuspecting women in their homes until he was captured by a fifteen-year old girl and her parents when he attempted to kill her as she slept in her bedroom.
RJ Parker, in "Demons" introduces us to the little known story of Canada's serial killer Michael Wayne McGray who murdered men, women and children indiscriminately and whom even prison could not stop from continuing his killing. In the "Grim Sleeper" Parker describes the brutal crimes of Lonnie Franklin, Jr. who over a 23-year killing career, took a fourteen-year hiatus (thus his nickname) before resuming his murders of women in Los Angeles.
Katherine Ramsland, in "The Babysitter" brings us up to date on the still unsolved horrific1976 mutilation child murders in Detroit that inspired Bill Connington's one-man Broadway play and Joyce Carol Oates 1995 novella Zombie. In "Really! The Other Guy Did It." Ramsland explores the bizarre case of serial killer Douglas Perry who after killing several women underwent a transsexual change into a woman, Donna Perry, who when apprehended, claimed the murders were perpetrated by his former male self who no longer existed. Ramsland asks, "Is guilt in the body or the soul?"
Michael Newton, in "Bad Medicine" and "Angel of Death" describes two serial killers where we least expect them: health care workers. Physician Dr. Harold Shipman who murdered 250 victims in Britain and might be history's most prolific serial killer, and the smiling mild mannered Ohio medical orderly 'Angel of Death' Donald Harvey, who confessed to murdering 87 helpless patients, stating, "So I played God."
Sylvia Perrini, Britain's true crime chronicler of female serial killers in "The House of Horrors" revisits the notorious case of Rosemary West who teamed up with her husband Fred in the rape, torture and murder of ten young women in their rooming house, including her own daughter. In "The Mum Who Killed for Kicks" Perrini looks at the recent case of Joanne Dennehy, a mother of a thirteen-year old who inexplicably went on a thrill kill serial killing spree in which she tortured and murdered three men with a knife and attempted to kill two others.
Kelly Banaski, a newcomer to true crime writing, brings us "Stripped of his medals and female panties", the strange case of a Canadian air force base commander, a colonel who piloted senior government officials and even the Queen of England, who suddenly began to commit a series of panty fetish burglaries that eventually escalated to horrific rape-torture murders of women.
Enjoy and be horrified!!
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
141 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Peter Vronsky
32 books358 followersPETER VRONSKY is an author, filmmaker, and forensic-investigative historian. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in the history of espionage in international relations and criminal justice history.
Peter Vronsky is the author of a series of books on the history serial homicide: Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters (2004); Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters (2007); Sons of Cain: A History of Serial Killers From the Stone Age to the Present (2018)- a New York Times Editors' Choice; and most recently, American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 (2021).
He is also the author of Ridgeway: The American-Fenian Invasion and the 1866 Battle that Made Canada, the definitive history of Canada's first modern battle and the subject of his 2010 doctoral dissertation at U of T.
He lives in Toronto and Venice, Italy.
Peter Vronsky is the author of a series of books on the history serial homicide: Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters (2004); Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters (2007); Sons of Cain: A History of Serial Killers From the Stone Age to the Present (2018)- a New York Times Editors' Choice; and most recently, American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 (2021).
He is also the author of Ridgeway: The American-Fenian Invasion and the 1866 Battle that Made Canada, the definitive history of Canada's first modern battle and the subject of his 2010 doctoral dissertation at U of T.
He lives in Toronto and Venice, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 13, 2015
A very good compilation by various true crime authors with a wide range of crimes. Some very well known such as Rosemary and Fred West, Lonnie "The Grim Sleeper" Franklin, Jr. and Harold Shipman, some less known such as Adam Leroy Lane, Michael Wayne McCray, Douglas/Donna Perry, Donald Harvey and others.
What I liked most besides the range of topics is that they have virtually unknown murderers from history as well such as Enriqueta Marti and Felipe Espinoza. Many think serial killers are a relatively new phenomenon, but we are finding it is not.
Writing true crime is a challenge to find the balance between reporting and sensationalism and I think these authors: Peter VVronksy, RJ Parker, Katherine Ramsland, Michael Newton, Sylvia Perrini and Kelly Banaski do a good job with that balance.
What I liked most besides the range of topics is that they have virtually unknown murderers from history as well such as Enriqueta Marti and Felipe Espinoza. Many think serial killers are a relatively new phenomenon, but we are finding it is not.
Writing true crime is a challenge to find the balance between reporting and sensationalism and I think these authors: Peter VVronksy, RJ Parker, Katherine Ramsland, Michael Newton, Sylvia Perrini and Kelly Banaski do a good job with that balance.
January 16, 2015
Full Review on Blog The Crime Cove
This anthology...my friends...is True Crime GOLD!
Everything about this book is exceptional. The cases chosen to be included by these crime experts will expose you to the most current of crimes (trials still pending) to the historical, along with some of the most horrific assaults against humans ever to happen. Some will get you thinking about the definition of serial killers and if there is a new subcategory evolving in our society - the spree serial killer. While others will leave you shaking your head as was my reaction after reading about a particular killer having a sex reassignment and no longer feeling she is responsible for the crimes committed before the surgery. hmm... This anthology is full of cases just as compelling and mesmerizing.
These accounts are relayed to us by the top wordsmiths of true crime. The writing seriously shines! Its not simply facts presented to us here. The authors provide a complete story of what was happening at the time geographically, socially and economically adding to the full picture of how and why the crimes occurred and how/why the killer was able to remain at large for so long.
I cannot recommend this anthology highly enough. Seriously, run don't walk to Amazon and order it now. You will not be disappointed. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!
This anthology...my friends...is True Crime GOLD!
Everything about this book is exceptional. The cases chosen to be included by these crime experts will expose you to the most current of crimes (trials still pending) to the historical, along with some of the most horrific assaults against humans ever to happen. Some will get you thinking about the definition of serial killers and if there is a new subcategory evolving in our society - the spree serial killer. While others will leave you shaking your head as was my reaction after reading about a particular killer having a sex reassignment and no longer feeling she is responsible for the crimes committed before the surgery. hmm... This anthology is full of cases just as compelling and mesmerizing.
These accounts are relayed to us by the top wordsmiths of true crime. The writing seriously shines! Its not simply facts presented to us here. The authors provide a complete story of what was happening at the time geographically, socially and economically adding to the full picture of how and why the crimes occurred and how/why the killer was able to remain at large for so long.
I cannot recommend this anthology highly enough. Seriously, run don't walk to Amazon and order it now. You will not be disappointed. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!
January 20, 2015
Another Great One!!
A detailed and insightful look into the minds of some of the most terrifying serial killers of all times.
I recommend this to any true crime/serial killer junkie, but would warn that it's graphic and gory and if you just want to "know how killers think", realize they are disturbed, sick people. They think disturbing, sick thoughts. So before you take a peek into the mind of a serial killer, ask yourself if you are ready for it.
If you are a fan of true crime or just wish to know how the mind of a serial killer works this is a great anthology to give you some of that insight.
A detailed and insightful look into the minds of some of the most terrifying serial killers of all times.
I recommend this to any true crime/serial killer junkie, but would warn that it's graphic and gory and if you just want to "know how killers think", realize they are disturbed, sick people. They think disturbing, sick thoughts. So before you take a peek into the mind of a serial killer, ask yourself if you are ready for it.
If you are a fan of true crime or just wish to know how the mind of a serial killer works this is a great anthology to give you some of that insight.
February 9, 2015
Deliciously disturbing! This is a "hard-to-put-down" account of a number of serial killers. Each story contributed by a different True Crime writer. A few of the stories were very familiar to me and a couple had a lot less detail than I read before. This anthology basically gives you the "nitty-gritty" of each story. Some of the authors really shine in their ability to lure you in to the story, notably: RJ Parker and Peter Vronsky. I will be looking for more by these authors.
February 15, 2015
Well done articles, truly scary what is out there!
January 22, 2020
This book is as you would expect; several authors each focusing on one or other serial killer after the fact. They collated the background information on the subject and then went through the crime, capture (or not), and trial. Very few surprises and no new information on subjects. If it had been much lengthier I doubt I would have expended the effort to read.
October 17, 2017
I made sure to save the names of the authors in this anthology so I never have the displeasure of accidentally reading anything they have written again.
April 26, 2019
Short summaries of crimes with no filler or fluff
March 13, 2015
An anthology type book. Each chapter is written by a different author. The subjects are lesser known serial killers. No Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, etc. I've watched a lot of Bill Kurtis/ID channel shows over the years and think I've only heard of a few of these subjects, before reading this book. Mildly interesting, if you enjoy reading about true crime and the book seems more factual than "dramatic for entertainment purposes". Two chapters were about serial killers in the health care industry. What I found shocking is how many victims they claimed because so many people either didn't do due diligence before hiring them or looked the other way, when there were so many red flags that there was something fishy about these "care givers". From what I can tell, this is the second book in a series. The first one was from the previous year. I may or may not read it. Nothing about this book compels me to read the first one. But I won't say I will never read it.
September 18, 2015
Murder has been with humanity from the beginning, and since the 1888 Jack the Ripper case, we’ve been fascinated with serial killers. People who kill repeatedly, often for inexplicable reasons, seem to tap into some emotional well we humans possess.
2015 Serial Killer True Crime Anthology by R. J. Parker and five other true crime writers really taps that well deeply. Graphical accounts of serial murder cases, including the Babysitter, or Oakland County Child Killer (OCCK), a case that has yet to be solved, among others, that read like fiction, will keep you on the edge of your chair. Some of the best true crime writing I’ve seen, this book is not for the sensitive or squeamish. It includes details that will have you looking askance at your neighbor, or spouse, and sleeping with one eye open. Fourteen first-rate stories penned by some of the best in the business.
2015 Serial Killer True Crime Anthology by R. J. Parker and five other true crime writers really taps that well deeply. Graphical accounts of serial murder cases, including the Babysitter, or Oakland County Child Killer (OCCK), a case that has yet to be solved, among others, that read like fiction, will keep you on the edge of your chair. Some of the best true crime writing I’ve seen, this book is not for the sensitive or squeamish. It includes details that will have you looking askance at your neighbor, or spouse, and sleeping with one eye open. Fourteen first-rate stories penned by some of the best in the business.
March 29, 2016
2015 Serial Killers
Overall this series is pretty good. The first had some editing issues, including the dreaded spell checker fails. Happily, this has improved.
The chapters are mostly well written and interesting, however the trouble with anthologies is one writer is usually not the same calibre. This is no exception, the same writer (PV) has reduced the overall quality of each edition with his long winded, slightly misleading and disjointed segments. Would have been four stars for this edition without his chapter.
Overall this series is pretty good. The first had some editing issues, including the dreaded spell checker fails. Happily, this has improved.
The chapters are mostly well written and interesting, however the trouble with anthologies is one writer is usually not the same calibre. This is no exception, the same writer (PV) has reduced the overall quality of each edition with his long winded, slightly misleading and disjointed segments. Would have been four stars for this edition without his chapter.
June 7, 2015
Interesting but poorly written/edited.
Interesting subject. Writing that could have been significantly improved by a good editor. Misspellings, grammatical errors, bad sentence structure, and other issues abound. Do I care about what the author thinks of the subject? No. Calling him an "asshole" or "fat-fuck" is distracting and unnecessary.
Interesting subject. Writing that could have been significantly improved by a good editor. Misspellings, grammatical errors, bad sentence structure, and other issues abound. Do I care about what the author thinks of the subject? No. Calling him an "asshole" or "fat-fuck" is distracting and unnecessary.
March 7, 2016
Okay. I had to give up on this book. Not because it's not written well, but because I just couldn't get into it. It's about serial killers but they're British serial killers whom I have never heard of. Maybe I'll finish it some other time when I don't have so many other books waiting for me to turn their pages...
March 3, 2016
INFOMATIVE
This book opened my jaundiced eyes to the mindset of serial killers. I am a former law enforcement officer and have seen many things that the normal public should not see nor imagine. Now, after reading this book, when I read of murders in the newspaper, I will look at it with a different viewpoint.
This book opened my jaundiced eyes to the mindset of serial killers. I am a former law enforcement officer and have seen many things that the normal public should not see nor imagine. Now, after reading this book, when I read of murders in the newspaper, I will look at it with a different viewpoint.
December 8, 2015
Found this book insightful, in the minds of SK.
Found this book insightful, and educational. I found out that it is always best to be with someone when you are out at night,or when you are in.
A good read in my opinion, you will like this book, it is hard to put down.
Found this book insightful, and educational. I found out that it is always best to be with someone when you are out at night,or when you are in.
A good read in my opinion, you will like this book, it is hard to put down.
January 27, 2015
Made me shudder. I like how it blasts open the myth of all serial killers being Hannibal Lecters, sophisticated, high iq individuals. Very primal indeed but enjoyable
June 28, 2015
Sorry I got this and read it
Just did not care for this. The writing styles of some of the authors or the content. Would not recommend.
Just did not care for this. The writing styles of some of the authors or the content. Would not recommend.
Read
August 10, 2015Very good
I found quite a few grammar and punctuation errors, but otherwise, it's a pretty good read; especially for the price.
I found quite a few grammar and punctuation errors, but otherwise, it's a pretty good read; especially for the price.
September 9, 2015
Link to the review on my blog:
http://vampireplacebo.wordpress.com/2...
http://vampireplacebo.wordpress.com/2...
January 13, 2016
I know! I know! I hate serial killers but I've been in a true crime wanting-to-read funk so I picked this up.
January 27, 2016
Boring
It took me forever to read this short book. It was a slow read because it was so very boring.
It took me forever to read this short book. It was a slow read because it was so very boring.
February 6, 2016
Factual
I found it to be a bit dry, no emotion or excitement just facts and I suspect that is what it was meant to be.
I found it to be a bit dry, no emotion or excitement just facts and I suspect that is what it was meant to be.
February 11, 2016
Very eye opening
A very good read. Very interesting. Interesting to see inside the sick mind if serial killers. I sure hope they don't get out.
A very good read. Very interesting. Interesting to see inside the sick mind if serial killers. I sure hope they don't get out.
February 25, 2016
A very interesting book.
April 30, 2016
Great mix
Very gripping. Intense at times. I like the mix of authors chosen for this book. Just enough detail about each case.
Very gripping. Intense at times. I like the mix of authors chosen for this book. Just enough detail about each case.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews