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Serial Killer Groupies
Ted Bundy received hundreds of love letters from women every week while he was in prison. Women not only sent fan love mail, but marriage proposals, money and gifts. The same goes for Jeffrey Dahmer, Richard Ramirez, John Wayne Gacy and many other notorious and not so famous serial killers.
Groupies will do almost anything to get close to the prisoner that they are attracted to. They give up jobs, family, spend money on him, and even move across country to be in the same town as him. Most Serial Killer Groupies (SKG's) are attractive and well educated, for example, Doreen Lioy who married Ramirez had an above-average IQ of 152 and a University Degree. Many are already married, they are mothers, and in several cases, they work in law enforcement or psychology. They sometimes wait for hours just to have a few minutes every week or so to have a face-to-face visit in the prison.
Some SKG's are attracted to the celebrity status they acquire. They go on talk shows to announce their undying love for the serial killer and proclaim that he was not capable of these killings. Or, that he has changed. Some have taken credit for 'changing' the killer and that he's been regenerated.
The research and writing of Serial Killer Groupies started in 2012 after an interview I had with Paul Bernardo, who receives copious amounts of fan mail each month. This book depicts several cases of fan fare some killers receive and known medical conditions that many 'groupies' have.
Groupies will do almost anything to get close to the prisoner that they are attracted to. They give up jobs, family, spend money on him, and even move across country to be in the same town as him. Most Serial Killer Groupies (SKG's) are attractive and well educated, for example, Doreen Lioy who married Ramirez had an above-average IQ of 152 and a University Degree. Many are already married, they are mothers, and in several cases, they work in law enforcement or psychology. They sometimes wait for hours just to have a few minutes every week or so to have a face-to-face visit in the prison.
Some SKG's are attracted to the celebrity status they acquire. They go on talk shows to announce their undying love for the serial killer and proclaim that he was not capable of these killings. Or, that he has changed. Some have taken credit for 'changing' the killer and that he's been regenerated.
The research and writing of Serial Killer Groupies started in 2012 after an interview I had with Paul Bernardo, who receives copious amounts of fan mail each month. This book depicts several cases of fan fare some killers receive and known medical conditions that many 'groupies' have.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2014
45 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Parker
84 books178 followersRJ Parker, P.Mgr., MCrim, is an award winning and bestselling true crime author and co-owner with his daughters of RJ Parker Publishing. Inc. He has written 17 true crime books, available in eBook, paperback and audiobook editions, and have sold in over 100 countries. He holds Certifications in Serial Crime and Criminal Profiling.
ALL Paperbacks under RJ Parker Publishing are in the KINDLE MATCHBOOK program: When you purchase any print book, you get the eBook for FREE
Besides gifting books to his cause, Wounded Warriors, and donating to Victims of Violent Crimes, RJ has daily contests on Facebook where he gifts eBooks and autographed books.
Join RJ on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorRJParker
Email - authorrjparker@gmail.com
Website - http://rjparkerpublishing.com/
Member of the Canadian Association of Authors
Member of the Writer's Alliance of Newfoundland
ALL Paperbacks under RJ Parker Publishing are in the KINDLE MATCHBOOK program: When you purchase any print book, you get the eBook for FREE
Besides gifting books to his cause, Wounded Warriors, and donating to Victims of Violent Crimes, RJ has daily contests on Facebook where he gifts eBooks and autographed books.
Join RJ on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorRJParker
Email - authorrjparker@gmail.com
Website - http://rjparkerpublishing.com/
Member of the Canadian Association of Authors
Member of the Writer's Alliance of Newfoundland
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 29, 2015
Anyone who's had to sit through a college lecture will understand what I'm referring to when I say that Serial Killer Groupies reads like the reference notes that you took for the purpose of writing a paper. You know - the notes that you're supposed to expand upon, turning your scribbles into something bigger and more intricate than just what you copied down.
Groupies was a book of references notes, all collected and organized into one big volume-o-horror. If you would enjoy reading what is essentially a bunch of case files, then this book will be right up your alley.
While there's nothing wrong with textbooks or reference books, I prefer to see something of a personal touch added to non-fiction. Give me some author opinion, or doctor opinion...something. I want to know common links between cases, possible reasons why people could go off the rails, etc. - not just facts lined up like little ducks in a row, going from Case A to Case B.
But maybe this just isn't THAT kind of book. And I'm wrong for wanting more. O.o
Groupies was a book of references notes, all collected and organized into one big volume-o-horror. If you would enjoy reading what is essentially a bunch of case files, then this book will be right up your alley.
While there's nothing wrong with textbooks or reference books, I prefer to see something of a personal touch added to non-fiction. Give me some author opinion, or doctor opinion...something. I want to know common links between cases, possible reasons why people could go off the rails, etc. - not just facts lined up like little ducks in a row, going from Case A to Case B.
But maybe this just isn't THAT kind of book. And I'm wrong for wanting more. O.o
February 28, 2017
There are just a couple of things I'll credit this book for:
1). It gave me a couple of serious titles on this subject that may be worth reading.
2). I hold out hope that the author's claim of donating a percentage of proceeds to Victims of Violent Crimes is not only true but that the percentage is substantial
Otherwise, I kick myself for not spotting the deficits of this book from the cover design. (Yes--book, cover, etc.) The very basic Adobe layout, the vague claim of being a bestselling author, this book sets up a lot of the standards that make self-publishing so anathema to many--a need for editing and layout expertise (changes of font colors, folks, midchapter) but also a poor sense of focus. The author probably saw the dearth of serious work about women who fall in love with serial killers and thus the opportunity for a niche market but ultimately has little to nothing to contribute to that niche outside of crime summaries one can find in any other true crime book (most of which will probably be much more expertly written). There is very little insight brought to the attraction of these killers nor to the psychologies of these women that hasn't been covered already in many texts already out there about Bundy, Danny Rolling, et al. A vague introduction and conclusion naming a couple names to present an air of research, but ultimately a lot of vague assertions about lots of unnamed studies. But break this book down, and I'll bet you'll find far more on the killers than the supposed subject of this book. I just hope the paper inside is recyclable.
1). It gave me a couple of serious titles on this subject that may be worth reading.
2). I hold out hope that the author's claim of donating a percentage of proceeds to Victims of Violent Crimes is not only true but that the percentage is substantial
Otherwise, I kick myself for not spotting the deficits of this book from the cover design. (Yes--book, cover, etc.) The very basic Adobe layout, the vague claim of being a bestselling author, this book sets up a lot of the standards that make self-publishing so anathema to many--a need for editing and layout expertise (changes of font colors, folks, midchapter) but also a poor sense of focus. The author probably saw the dearth of serious work about women who fall in love with serial killers and thus the opportunity for a niche market but ultimately has little to nothing to contribute to that niche outside of crime summaries one can find in any other true crime book (most of which will probably be much more expertly written). There is very little insight brought to the attraction of these killers nor to the psychologies of these women that hasn't been covered already in many texts already out there about Bundy, Danny Rolling, et al. A vague introduction and conclusion naming a couple names to present an air of research, but ultimately a lot of vague assertions about lots of unnamed studies. But break this book down, and I'll bet you'll find far more on the killers than the supposed subject of this book. I just hope the paper inside is recyclable.
October 20, 2016
When studying the dark world of serial killers, the women who attach themselves to them, follow them, write to them and in many cases marry them are a curious subject. In Serial Killer Groupies seasoned true crime author RJ Parker looks at the psychology behind their obsessions and the reasons why they often give up their families, their careers, and their homes just to be close to a man who has carried out some horrific acts of violence.
The early chapters are an enlightening read, introducing the reader to the various theories behind the modern-day groupie. Although slightly repetitive in places it does highlight the work of many prominent psychologists such as Dr. Katherine Ramsland, Leon F. Seltzer and Professor John Money who have studied this field and some unusual conditions, ‘hybristophilia,' being one of them. Sometimes referred to as ‘The Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome‘, hybristophilia is a little-known condition where a person can be sexually aroused by being with someone who has committed terrible, and often, violent crimes.
The other reasons women pursue a relationship with an imprisoned serial killer are also examined; a desire to nurture and comfort them, the fantasy of a perfect partner whose whereabouts are known at all times and a genuine belief that they can change this individual and cure their disturbed ways through their love. Many case studies are presented in Serial Killer Groupies looking at the serial killers attracting so much female attention and the women who flock around them.
Especially pleasing about this book is that it is correctly referenced. RJ Parker ensures that when he states statistics, facts or research findings he provides where this information came from allowing the reader to dig deeper should they wish. I comment on this as it is so rare in true crime books with figures and facts thrown in without backup or a clear path on where this data came from and if, most importantly, it has a credible source.
A fascinating read in a well-researched book which will satisfy the true crime fan and those curious on the how and why behind serial killer groupies.
Read my full review of Serial Killer Groupies on Crime Traveller at: http://www.crimetraveller.org/2016/10...
January 16, 2015
Wow! What a page turner! I couldn't wait for this to be released and stayed up late into the night on New Years Eve just to finish it. And it didn't disappoint.
Filled with many jaw dropping moments, this book will kinda mess with you a little. On one hand, you will be shocked and appalled at the extent some people will go to befriend serial murders with the hopes of gaining some notoriety in their own sad desperate lives. They are as bad as the serial killers IMO. Then in some circumstances, you can sort of...maybe...if you stretch your brain to the limit...understand how their motherly nature or nurturing personality would lead them to try and save a tortured soul. But ultimately, no. I simply feel pity for anyone that desperate. Like I said, it kind of messes with you a little bit.
I really enjoy R.J. Parker's work. I appreciate how he delivers the facts without judgement and trusts his readers to make up their own minds and form their own opinions. Once in a while, however, his own finds its way in. Can't be helped. And usually, the sarcasm is pretty amusing. This one seriously made me laugh out loud.
But seriously, I had no idea some of these things were even happening, so I found this book to be most informative, entertainment at its best, well written and would highly recommend it to my fellow true crime friends. Well done, Mr. Parker!
Filled with many jaw dropping moments, this book will kinda mess with you a little. On one hand, you will be shocked and appalled at the extent some people will go to befriend serial murders with the hopes of gaining some notoriety in their own sad desperate lives. They are as bad as the serial killers IMO. Then in some circumstances, you can sort of...maybe...if you stretch your brain to the limit...understand how their motherly nature or nurturing personality would lead them to try and save a tortured soul. But ultimately, no. I simply feel pity for anyone that desperate. Like I said, it kind of messes with you a little bit.
I really enjoy R.J. Parker's work. I appreciate how he delivers the facts without judgement and trusts his readers to make up their own minds and form their own opinions. Once in a while, however, his own finds its way in. Can't be helped. And usually, the sarcasm is pretty amusing. This one seriously made me laugh out loud.
But seriously, I had no idea some of these things were even happening, so I found this book to be most informative, entertainment at its best, well written and would highly recommend it to my fellow true crime friends. Well done, Mr. Parker!
January 3, 2015
This subject kind of fascinates me. It amazes me that so many women want to be associated with serial killers. There are Facebook pages created by them and liked by many women. Some women write, visit and marry these individuals. I have no words for that. These are men who may have stalked, did torture and kill women. Brutally. Some of it is some misguided belief that these men need a mommy's love. Granted some my have been abused, severely, but so are hundreds of others who do not do these things. I just don't understand what is missing from their lives that they turn to these men. This book provided a glimpse into the psychology of these women. While it wasn't a major look into the psychology of these women it is enough to get you started. Interesting fast read.
June 13, 2015
I find it sad and disturbing that seemingly intelligent and sophisticated women literally waste their lives devoting their time, money and energy to the scum of the earth. Only imagine what could be accomplished if this same fervor was directed toward worthy causes.
This book presents unbiased accounts of many instances of serial killer groupies who abandoned their families, their jobs, their entire way of life to be at the beck and call of the lowest form of humanity.
Mr. Parker refrains from being judgmental but I find I am unable to be so generous. It's like these multiple murderers are still collecting victims. I'm sure it amuses them no end.
In spite of several typos, this is a very readable and enlightening book. Includes photos
This book presents unbiased accounts of many instances of serial killer groupies who abandoned their families, their jobs, their entire way of life to be at the beck and call of the lowest form of humanity.
Mr. Parker refrains from being judgmental but I find I am unable to be so generous. It's like these multiple murderers are still collecting victims. I'm sure it amuses them no end.
In spite of several typos, this is a very readable and enlightening book. Includes photos
January 5, 2015
WOW!!
Very interesting to read about groupies! I knew they existed, but who knew how crazy they could be. How totally obsessed, and to think, they think these men love them... Definitely a fascinating read! Thank you RJ for another great read!
Very interesting to read about groupies! I knew they existed, but who knew how crazy they could be. How totally obsessed, and to think, they think these men love them... Definitely a fascinating read! Thank you RJ for another great read!
December 26, 2015
Good research
The author has done in-depth research. The subject matter is disturbing, and the author attempts to make sense of it. We may never understand the more deplorable actions of certain members of society.
The author has done in-depth research. The subject matter is disturbing, and the author attempts to make sense of it. We may never understand the more deplorable actions of certain members of society.
Read
October 29, 2020My new "purse" book.
October 18, 2023
This book reads more like a textbook of cases from history and has mostly information that is already known. If you are new to true crime and don’t know about how a lot of women have fallen in love with serial killers and it interests you, then this book is decent enough in listing some of the more famous serial killers and the women who fell for them. It is shocking that women fall for these men and even financially support them in some cases and even more shocking is that they believe in their innocence. Some women ended up regretting their choices in doing so after later finding out that they were indeed guilty when it was proven by irrefutable evidence such as dna or the people eventually confessing. I try not to judge others but I don’t see how women can fall for these men. Especially when a lot of women fall for a famous serial killer and they are receiving and writing lots of letters to lots of different women and getting money from them to spend in prison canteen and get care packages and books and magazines sent to them yet even some of the women who knew that they were only one of many somehow still fell for them and kept sending them letters and money and whatever else they could. It will make people wonder why for sure.
February 6, 2019
Who would marry John Wayne Gacy?
Well, one woman married Gacy while he was in prison... (who wouldn't want a murderous pedophilia lovin' clown as a groom?) This book deals with several women who have fallen in love with serial killers both in jail and out. There are a few who helped their murderous men commit and conceal their crimes. One woman profiled lost her and her mother's life because of her deadly obsession. I liked the book but wish it would have focused more on the backgrounds of the women versus those of the serial killers who I've read about ad nauseam. A whole section on Veronica Compton probably would have been riveting! Anyway, neat book idea that kept me pretty interested.
Well, one woman married Gacy while he was in prison... (who wouldn't want a murderous pedophilia lovin' clown as a groom?) This book deals with several women who have fallen in love with serial killers both in jail and out. There are a few who helped their murderous men commit and conceal their crimes. One woman profiled lost her and her mother's life because of her deadly obsession. I liked the book but wish it would have focused more on the backgrounds of the women versus those of the serial killers who I've read about ad nauseam. A whole section on Veronica Compton probably would have been riveting! Anyway, neat book idea that kept me pretty interested.
March 25, 2018
Very Interesting!
I honestly just thought that I would cruise through this book and it would be filed into the back of my thoughts but I can't stop thinking about these delusional women! All I can say is "what are they thinking"? Even after I read the book and understand the psychology of the groupie syndrome... follow a rock band, waste your money on t-shirts and leave these psycho losers to rot in prison! Have some dignity and pride in yourselves and some empathy and respect for the victims and their families!
I honestly just thought that I would cruise through this book and it would be filed into the back of my thoughts but I can't stop thinking about these delusional women! All I can say is "what are they thinking"? Even after I read the book and understand the psychology of the groupie syndrome... follow a rock band, waste your money on t-shirts and leave these psycho losers to rot in prison! Have some dignity and pride in yourselves and some empathy and respect for the victims and their families!
January 12, 2019
Fascinating
Read for research
Read for research
Read
September 20, 20251h 39m left
January 2, 2015
Interesting quick read about several well known and some not so well known serial killers and the women who declare their love/fascination for them. Some of the details of the crimes are graphic so be warned. It was a light look at the women who become involved with serial killers so do not expect to go heavy into the psychological makeup of them. That is not to say the author does not delve into it. He did. It is not an in depth look though. I found it to be a good start and interesting to read. It amazes me that so many women want to be associated with serial killers and go so far as to make Facebook pages, write and even visit these individuals. A few even married them. I have no words for that. Overall not a bad look at something I find interesting. It did leave me wanting to look further into the psychology of the women.
August 12, 2015
Serial Killer Groupies was such a tedious read, I struggled to even get through it.
It reads like the essay of a high school student, and really, this is all it is.
The author hasn't spoken with any of these women, nor even anyone associated with them, rather just searched the web, maybe read a few books, then wrote a brief summary of what she learnt.
Another thing that really bugged me was the repetition, of both words and in general.
The author could do with a good thesaurus, the word ' horrible ' being repeated so many times it had me rolling my eyes.
In summary, this book was 'horrible ' , and I am just relieved I can now wash my hands of it.
It reads like the essay of a high school student, and really, this is all it is.
The author hasn't spoken with any of these women, nor even anyone associated with them, rather just searched the web, maybe read a few books, then wrote a brief summary of what she learnt.
Another thing that really bugged me was the repetition, of both words and in general.
The author could do with a good thesaurus, the word ' horrible ' being repeated so many times it had me rolling my eyes.
In summary, this book was 'horrible ' , and I am just relieved I can now wash my hands of it.
March 17, 2015
Serial Killer Groupies
While I found no problem with the book other than the subject matter obviously .I found most of the reasoning solid in why some women are drawn to these men. It does cover most of the usual suspects. Bundy ,The Night Stalker Danny Rollings .If the subject interests you it is covered fairly well.
While I found no problem with the book other than the subject matter obviously .I found most of the reasoning solid in why some women are drawn to these men. It does cover most of the usual suspects. Bundy ,The Night Stalker Danny Rollings .If the subject interests you it is covered fairly well.
May 8, 2016
So disappointed. This book provides thumbnail sketches of dozens of North American serial killers. Then seems to tag on the names of women that had some involvement with the killers. I learned close to nothing about what attracts women to these killers. No more than ten percent of the book even talks about the groupies.
Sadly a lame book.
Sadly a lame book.
January 20, 2015
True crime lite
If your looking for true insight, keep looking. If your looking for a brief synopsis of popular cases, and well know groupies (think Veronica Compton or Carol Anne Boone), then this is the book for you. C plus.
If your looking for true insight, keep looking. If your looking for a brief synopsis of popular cases, and well know groupies (think Veronica Compton or Carol Anne Boone), then this is the book for you. C plus.
June 25, 2015
This is a great subject but this book fell flat. The author could've gone alot deeper with his research and come up with a much longer book.
Also, the writing is juvenile at best. If you're looking for brief synopses, then you might enjoy this book.
Also, the writing is juvenile at best. If you're looking for brief synopses, then you might enjoy this book.
January 20, 2016
This was an interesting concept, but reads like the first draft of a dissertation. There are a few too many personal touches from the author for the tone of this book. Lastly, the connecting sentences/paragraphs could use some work.
February 11, 2015
FASCINATING TALE
A very educating book about serial killers and the women who fall in love with these psychopaths.
A very educating book about serial killers and the women who fall in love with these psychopaths.
January 29, 2015
Strange.......
Not at all what I had thought this book was going to be ........ a quick easy read but very disturbing
Not at all what I had thought this book was going to be ........ a quick easy read but very disturbing
February 9, 2015
It is a very good book
Very clear, concise, and informative. I rear enjoyed the read, and I am looking forward to reading this author's other books.
Very clear, concise, and informative. I rear enjoyed the read, and I am looking forward to reading this author's other books.
March 2, 2015
I always wondered about the women who were serial killer groupies. This is a really interesting study of different women who love serial killers. A bit scary thinking people like this exist.
April 5, 2015
Amazing book
This book kept me interested from the first page to the very last page. Left me intrigued and wanting to read more. Highly recommend this book.
This book kept me interested from the first page to the very last page. Left me intrigued and wanting to read more. Highly recommend this book.
February 7, 2016
A peek at who attaches themselves to despicable men.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews