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Monster: The True Story of Serial Killer Peter Kurten
Peter Kurten, a German who'd been sent to prison for deserting his comrades, sat in a cell contemplating what to do when he got out. He had no control within the prison walls and it drove him mad. The things that happened to him while in custody, unlocked oppressed sadistic feelings within Peter, and forced him to unleash a level of sexual deviancy on innocent victims in and around Dusseldorf, Germany, that no one will ever forget. Young girls, women, and men would succumb to horrific attacks including being bludgeoned by a hammer and stabbed to death. In several instances, Peter admitted to drinking blood from his victims and needing the act of rape and murder to reach orgasm. Oddly, the man lived a double life and his love for his wife drove him to turn himself in. Had he not done so, 'The Monster' would have continued to keep the country locked in fear. for many more years.
138 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2016
61 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Swinney
20 books175 followersC. L. Swinney is the author of eleven international best-selling true crime books and a best-selling Crime Fiction series.
Chris consulted for a mini-series in Hollywood, has been interviewed several times for television and radio programs, and several of his books have been considered for television and film rights.
He donates proceeds from book sales to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Cancer research, PTSD/Military support groups, StopHungerNow.Org, and victims of violent crimes.
Find him at the following locations:
Email: theclswinney@yahoo.com
TWITTER: @clswinney
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/clswinney
Chris consulted for a mini-series in Hollywood, has been interviewed several times for television and radio programs, and several of his books have been considered for television and film rights.
He donates proceeds from book sales to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Cancer research, PTSD/Military support groups, StopHungerNow.Org, and victims of violent crimes.
Find him at the following locations:
Email: theclswinney@yahoo.com
TWITTER: @clswinney
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/clswinney
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 30, 2017
A hodgepodge of facts and fancy
I was interested in this criminal and his crimes after reading about him in a long and serious work by Colin Wilson. As this book was to be devoted to Kurten I felt that there would be more information made available. However, this work was a strange medley of fact and editorial musings. As there were no footnotes, descriptions of Kurten's thoughts as he acted on his impulses had no business intruding on the story. I assume this was not a novel, so the author's insights into Kurten's mind had no place in the commentary. It is possible that Kurten revealed his thoughts when on trial, but with very few exceptions, this wasn't made clear -- something that footnotes or an authorial note would have explained. I doubt that I will read further books by Mr Swinney.
I was interested in this criminal and his crimes after reading about him in a long and serious work by Colin Wilson. As this book was to be devoted to Kurten I felt that there would be more information made available. However, this work was a strange medley of fact and editorial musings. As there were no footnotes, descriptions of Kurten's thoughts as he acted on his impulses had no business intruding on the story. I assume this was not a novel, so the author's insights into Kurten's mind had no place in the commentary. It is possible that Kurten revealed his thoughts when on trial, but with very few exceptions, this wasn't made clear -- something that footnotes or an authorial note would have explained. I doubt that I will read further books by Mr Swinney.
November 24, 2016
Another great read
Most of the serial killers that I read about are from the United States and from the 1970's to present day. In this book you get a look at a 'monster' from Germany that started his rein of terror in 1913 by killing his 1st victim, a 10yr old girl. Peter Kürten didn't have a preferred type like we see in most serial killers, so nobody was safe! Swinney also gives us some information about Kürtens' formative years which helps explain (but not excuse) how someone can be so demented!
This book is a quick read. Its also well written and researched.
Most of the serial killers that I read about are from the United States and from the 1970's to present day. In this book you get a look at a 'monster' from Germany that started his rein of terror in 1913 by killing his 1st victim, a 10yr old girl. Peter Kürten didn't have a preferred type like we see in most serial killers, so nobody was safe! Swinney also gives us some information about Kürtens' formative years which helps explain (but not excuse) how someone can be so demented!
This book is a quick read. Its also well written and researched.
June 5, 2018
Excellent - a reign of terror in Germany by a man who eluded police and kept citizens in fear for years.
March 6, 2017
This is my first book by C.L. Swinney and it will not be my last I hope. I received a free copy of this book from GoodReads in one on there giveaways. I would like to thank them for giving me the chance to read this book.
The Monster", "Peter Kurten" is a man that has no remorse for his crimes and kind of enjoying them. This book describes him and his crimes very accurately. The writing of this book is very well written and descriptive, and will keep you in disbelief and how a man could be like this; evil and demented.It was in May 1913 that Kurten the perpetrator struck. Kruten was given the name of "The Dusseldorf Vampire" because of the way he killed his victims. Once you start to read this book you will find as I did that it is hard to put it down, because it will hold your interest and try to understand what could make a manEvil as Kurten .
This is a true story of a cruel and devious has killer of no other kind and that Swinney has described his life a actions.
This book is for True Crime and not for the faint of heart. I will look forward to another book by C.L. Swinney. gave this book 5*
The Monster", "Peter Kurten" is a man that has no remorse for his crimes and kind of enjoying them. This book describes him and his crimes very accurately. The writing of this book is very well written and descriptive, and will keep you in disbelief and how a man could be like this; evil and demented.It was in May 1913 that Kurten the perpetrator struck. Kruten was given the name of "The Dusseldorf Vampire" because of the way he killed his victims. Once you start to read this book you will find as I did that it is hard to put it down, because it will hold your interest and try to understand what could make a manEvil as Kurten .
This is a true story of a cruel and devious has killer of no other kind and that Swinney has described his life a actions.
This book is for True Crime and not for the faint of heart. I will look forward to another book by C.L. Swinney. gave this book 5*
March 23, 2020
Charlize Theron isn't the only Monster
The definition of a Monster according to my heavy red HC American Heritage Dictionary is "one who inspires horror or disgust". There is no doubt that Peter Kurten's crimes were monstrous ("hideous, frightful, and shocking").
He had a terrible childhood, as did his siblings, yet they never turned into psycho killers. It seemed Peter had a predisposition for violence and mayhem. Something he could control in a few cunning manner (making sure he could accost a victim with the lowest risk to himself). There were times in his life when Kurten was under the abusive control of his father and later when he lost his freedom when incarcerated. These two things caused him to be irrationally angry, but he directed it at the wrong people.
It would have been understandable if he had gone after his father instead he took out his suppressed rage on innocent victims. This is my first book by CL Swinney. It certainly won't be my last. He was excellent at recreating the life of an early 20th century "lust murderer" as this was before the term serial killer was coined.
His research lead Swinney to write a chilling account of a wicked perverted sadist who knew what he was doing yet continued to hide behind a facade of gentility. Gleefully hurting men, women, and especially young girls. The author takes you back to post WW1 Germany and in frightening detail tells you the shocking & bizarre story of the Dusseldorf Vampire.
The book comes with a well-deserved warning. The vile acts Kurten performed on his innocent helpless young victims are wicked, gruesome, and not for the faint of heart. In the past I'd read shorter accounts of Peter Kurten and his despicable crimes. None were as thorough as CL Swinney's book. I definitely recommend it to other true crime fans.
The definition of a Monster according to my heavy red HC American Heritage Dictionary is "one who inspires horror or disgust". There is no doubt that Peter Kurten's crimes were monstrous ("hideous, frightful, and shocking").
He had a terrible childhood, as did his siblings, yet they never turned into psycho killers. It seemed Peter had a predisposition for violence and mayhem. Something he could control in a few cunning manner (making sure he could accost a victim with the lowest risk to himself). There were times in his life when Kurten was under the abusive control of his father and later when he lost his freedom when incarcerated. These two things caused him to be irrationally angry, but he directed it at the wrong people.
It would have been understandable if he had gone after his father instead he took out his suppressed rage on innocent victims. This is my first book by CL Swinney. It certainly won't be my last. He was excellent at recreating the life of an early 20th century "lust murderer" as this was before the term serial killer was coined.
His research lead Swinney to write a chilling account of a wicked perverted sadist who knew what he was doing yet continued to hide behind a facade of gentility. Gleefully hurting men, women, and especially young girls. The author takes you back to post WW1 Germany and in frightening detail tells you the shocking & bizarre story of the Dusseldorf Vampire.
The book comes with a well-deserved warning. The vile acts Kurten performed on his innocent helpless young victims are wicked, gruesome, and not for the faint of heart. In the past I'd read shorter accounts of Peter Kurten and his despicable crimes. None were as thorough as CL Swinney's book. I definitely recommend it to other true crime fans.
December 3, 2016
*This was a free read thanks to Goodreads Giveaways!*
Short and concise along with being able to easily digest it within an hour or two. Due to the large font the 130 pgs. can easily make up a book half its length to perhaps 60-70 pages.
What we have hear is essentially a case profile of one of Europes most notorious serial killers. The author a retired police office in his own right throws out the understandable but necessary caveat that due to the time period of the early 1900's when these atrocities occurred that he had to rely solely on documentation and research as witnesses or locals of Dusseldorf are no longer available to be interviewed. With that being said, we are presented with a short highlight reel rundown/timeline of the events occurred that Kursten was involved in from his horrible upbringing to his time spent in a military prison and the events that occurred after which were inspired by his personal life events up to this point.
This was informative to a point as it does give a decent high-level review of the crime file, but at this point being that the author could not interview individuals from the time period, being that he often referred to the psychological trauma experienced from his upbringing, I think it would have added more depth and substance if he would have involved experts from that field to review his work and give a recount from their own perspectives. I can look at Derek Jeters stats on the back of his baseball cards or even from his wikipedia pages, but to hear from his contemporaries, sports journalists etc. that gives me so much more flavor.
All in all, a solid attempt a capturing Peter Kurten's story, perhaps someday this will be one of many compiled entry into an omnibus if you will with others by the author.
Short and concise along with being able to easily digest it within an hour or two. Due to the large font the 130 pgs. can easily make up a book half its length to perhaps 60-70 pages.
What we have hear is essentially a case profile of one of Europes most notorious serial killers. The author a retired police office in his own right throws out the understandable but necessary caveat that due to the time period of the early 1900's when these atrocities occurred that he had to rely solely on documentation and research as witnesses or locals of Dusseldorf are no longer available to be interviewed. With that being said, we are presented with a short highlight reel rundown/timeline of the events occurred that Kursten was involved in from his horrible upbringing to his time spent in a military prison and the events that occurred after which were inspired by his personal life events up to this point.
This was informative to a point as it does give a decent high-level review of the crime file, but at this point being that the author could not interview individuals from the time period, being that he often referred to the psychological trauma experienced from his upbringing, I think it would have added more depth and substance if he would have involved experts from that field to review his work and give a recount from their own perspectives. I can look at Derek Jeters stats on the back of his baseball cards or even from his wikipedia pages, but to hear from his contemporaries, sports journalists etc. that gives me so much more flavor.
All in all, a solid attempt a capturing Peter Kurten's story, perhaps someday this will be one of many compiled entry into an omnibus if you will with others by the author.
October 19, 2016
The monsters that walk among us
It would be difficult for a writer of fiction to create a monster more evil than Peter Kurten. The eldest of thirteen children living with a brutal alcoholic father and an extremely abused mother in a one-bedroom apartment, Peter Kurten left home at the earliest opportunity and survived by taking up a life of crime.
As is the norm, his level of criminal activity increased over the years until he was attacking and murdering men, women and children without remorse because killing brought him sexual pleasure.
Mr. Swinney has produced a remarkable book that not only covers the gruesome murders but also seeks answers as to how this monster was created.
Includes photos.
It would be difficult for a writer of fiction to create a monster more evil than Peter Kurten. The eldest of thirteen children living with a brutal alcoholic father and an extremely abused mother in a one-bedroom apartment, Peter Kurten left home at the earliest opportunity and survived by taking up a life of crime.
As is the norm, his level of criminal activity increased over the years until he was attacking and murdering men, women and children without remorse because killing brought him sexual pleasure.
Mr. Swinney has produced a remarkable book that not only covers the gruesome murders but also seeks answers as to how this monster was created.
Includes photos.
December 2, 2016
Once again a great C L Swinney true crime
I would tell any true crime reader to read this book. It is about a truly demented killer that in his day had police baffled. I do feel that Swinney may have held back on some of his descriptions and as crazy as it sounds, I feel that for us to truly understand, or try to, this and other killers we need to know the whole story. That said, do read this book if you are into true crime. It is a great read.
I would tell any true crime reader to read this book. It is about a truly demented killer that in his day had police baffled. I do feel that Swinney may have held back on some of his descriptions and as crazy as it sounds, I feel that for us to truly understand, or try to, this and other killers we need to know the whole story. That said, do read this book if you are into true crime. It is a great read.
October 14, 2016
True crime Author C.L. Swinney did an excellent job researching and writing this book about serial killer Peter Kurten. This was a real page turner and I highly recommend to all book to all true crime fans. I have to admit that I was shocked at some of the things I read as I thought I had heard it all.
Read
May 2, 2018As an avid true crime fan, is it bad to say this is my 'favorite' story? What Peter Kurten did was horrifying and fascinating all at once. I appreciated this relatively brief overview of the terror he caused Duseldorf over his brief reign of terror.
May 2, 2019
A good and interesting true story but a poor writing style.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews