The New Encyclopedia of Serial Killers

by Brian Lane, Wilfred Gregg

Originally published in 1992 as The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers, a revised edition of the reference title which features several new cases in an A-Z format, including Beverley Allitt, Robert Black, Jack Unterweger and the Wests. Includes observations on psychology and patterns of behaviour.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Reference, Biography, History, Horror

381 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hear me out... I'm not weird or anything, I just really enjoy psychology. There was a time in my life where I thought it would be cool to be a Forensic Psychologist. Anywho, that didn't work out, but it's still an interesting read and you learn a lot. I just don't suggest you read it before bed if you live alone... talk about some messed up dreams!

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is a great book for reference as it gives a basic outline of the serial killer, what they did and the results of their trial. However I would love to read an updated version as this particular copy was published in the early 1990s.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first true crime books I ever read; and is also the book that brought many dirty looks in my direction while reading it in high school. Who knew that reading a book like this would automatically make people think there was something wrong with you.

[Lis · Rating 4 out of 5]

steven got this for me one christmas and i loved it. morbid? maybe, but you'd be surprised how often one gets to share serial killer trivia in regular conversation.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was curious to find out more about such people...what makes them tick....

[DadHasADD · Rating 3 out of 5]

The short entries in this book offer enough detail to make it quite a killing read.

[Pilar A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

really interesting stuff and must have for anyone who wants to know a history of the most terrible names in history. I couldn't put it down. a must have for those interested in how the mind of deviant killers works

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasing, encyclopedia-format compilation of miniature serial-killers histories. Includes many you don't normally hear about.

[Phil Slattery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, detailed history of the most infamous killers.

[Genaphur · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s got good bits for a jumping off point for many cases I’ve been interested in the past. Of course like the author explains in the into, as soon as the book hit the presses, it would already be out of date. ‘‘Tis the down fall of such topics that are moving faster than we can keep up with.

I did manage to find a few new topics/subjects that I would like to read up more on, which was basically the point.

[Doris N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a few like this and MANY books on individual serial killers and this is still one of my favorites. It is as everyone is stating; concise, complete and clear. I like the fact that the book was edited in a way that someone would be able to read it straight through without that disjointed dictionary feeling.

I am a little sad though that the amount of female serial killers listed here is paltry. Also, almost all violent female serial killers were excluded besides Aileen Wuornos.

[Miz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately it's quite dated and the language/narrative hasn't aged well.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe I read this. I learned about a lot of serial killers I didn't know existed.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a reference book. Of serial killers. I didn't buy this one. But it is interesting. Things you never knew about who exactly was considered to be Jack the Ripper and other such unsolved and solved cases.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most books are rated related to their usefulness and contributions to my research.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.

[April Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great toilet reader!

[Gisselle Garcia-Pack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provides a very brief description of a large number of serial killers from around the world in Encyclopedia-like format. Thus it's name.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the time I read this book and books like it, I had a sick fascination with Serial Killers.

[Courtney Himes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really is what the title says, an encyclopedia. You get small insights into the crimes that these men have committed.

[Stephen Heverin]

The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers by Brian Lane (1994)

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find true crime facinating. This book was all inclusive.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting look into many well known serial killers.