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The World of Lore #2
The World of Lore: Wicked Mortals
A chilling, lavishly illustrated Who's Who of the most despicable people ever to walk the earth, featuring both rare and best-loved stories from the hit podcast Lore, soon to be an online streaming series.
Here are the incredible true stories of some of the mortals who achieved notoriety in history and folklore through horrible means. Monsters of this sort--serial killers, desperate criminals, and socially mobile people with a much darker double-life--are, in fact, quite real, including H. H. Holmes, the infamous Chicago serial killer; William Brodie, the Edinburgh criminal mastermind who inspired The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; and Bela Kiss, a Hungarian tinsmith with a most disturbing hobby: collecting women in gasoline drums.
Here are the incredible true stories of some of the mortals who achieved notoriety in history and folklore through horrible means. Monsters of this sort--serial killers, desperate criminals, and socially mobile people with a much darker double-life--are, in fact, quite real, including H. H. Holmes, the infamous Chicago serial killer; William Brodie, the Edinburgh criminal mastermind who inspired The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; and Bela Kiss, a Hungarian tinsmith with a most disturbing hobby: collecting women in gasoline drums.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
315 people are currently reading
4478 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Mahnke
26 books1,316 followersOne of the most successful podcast producers in the world, Aaron Mahnke began his career in 2015 with the launch of Lore, which went on to become a breakout hit.
Aside from racking up over 450-million downloads to date, Lore was adapted for two seasons of television on Amazon, and as a three-book set from Penguin Random House. Aaron has also toured extensively, delivering his trademark storytelling experience to thousands of people across the country.
In 2019, Aaron also published his first comic book series, Wellington, through IDW. And in 2021, he launched the first of a new slate of fiction podcasts, beginning with the breakout hit Bridgewater, starring Misha Collins, Melissa Ponzia, Karan Soni, Alan Tudyk, and Tricia Helfer.
Aside from racking up over 450-million downloads to date, Lore was adapted for two seasons of television on Amazon, and as a three-book set from Penguin Random House. Aaron has also toured extensively, delivering his trademark storytelling experience to thousands of people across the country.
In 2019, Aaron also published his first comic book series, Wellington, through IDW. And in 2021, he launched the first of a new slate of fiction podcasts, beginning with the breakout hit Bridgewater, starring Misha Collins, Melissa Ponzia, Karan Soni, Alan Tudyk, and Tricia Helfer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
April 27, 2018
I really enjoyed the last instalment in this series, The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures, so was really pleased when I received an ARC for the second chapter which explores the more ‘human’ aspects of folklore and myth. Here, we delve into the murky world of infamous mass murderers, changlings, witches, spontaneous human combustion and more.
It’s a large, comprehensive list of various stories that essentially outline that humans are often more monster than the creatures we create. Often, it’s fear of the unknown that drives an individual to turn to stories to rationalise their behaviour. This idea is demonstrated best in the chapters relating to changelings, possessions and witches. Of course your wife isn’t suffering from a mental illness, she’s clearly been swapped for a fairy. A ‘changeling’. That lonely woman who seems a bit odd? Witch. This is told in a laid back conversational way, is very easy to read and told with an obvious passion for the subject matter. I would often find myself eager to get back to this book over others I was reading, and could easily dip in and out of the text.
Sometimes I did find some of the stories slightly repetitive however. We read about H. H. Holmes several times, to the point where I can probably relate his whole life history, and I found the section on witches slightly less interesting compared to the more unusual or unexplainable tales. However, the other stories made up for this, and covered a broad enough area that I came away feeling like I knew a lot more about humans and the development of folklore tales and stories than I did before. I especially enjoyed the chapter on doppelgängers, as it felt the most ‘otherworldly’ and atmospheric. And, perhaps weirdly, also the most believable (other than the true serial killer stories obviously).
Just like the previous novels, the book is scattered with wonderful illustrations throughout that reminded me of old Horrible History books. They compliment the stories well, and help to add that little bit extra to the overall presentation of the text.
I look forward to the next book.
It’s a large, comprehensive list of various stories that essentially outline that humans are often more monster than the creatures we create. Often, it’s fear of the unknown that drives an individual to turn to stories to rationalise their behaviour. This idea is demonstrated best in the chapters relating to changelings, possessions and witches. Of course your wife isn’t suffering from a mental illness, she’s clearly been swapped for a fairy. A ‘changeling’. That lonely woman who seems a bit odd? Witch. This is told in a laid back conversational way, is very easy to read and told with an obvious passion for the subject matter. I would often find myself eager to get back to this book over others I was reading, and could easily dip in and out of the text.
Sometimes I did find some of the stories slightly repetitive however. We read about H. H. Holmes several times, to the point where I can probably relate his whole life history, and I found the section on witches slightly less interesting compared to the more unusual or unexplainable tales. However, the other stories made up for this, and covered a broad enough area that I came away feeling like I knew a lot more about humans and the development of folklore tales and stories than I did before. I especially enjoyed the chapter on doppelgängers, as it felt the most ‘otherworldly’ and atmospheric. And, perhaps weirdly, also the most believable (other than the true serial killer stories obviously).
Just like the previous novels, the book is scattered with wonderful illustrations throughout that reminded me of old Horrible History books. They compliment the stories well, and help to add that little bit extra to the overall presentation of the text.
I look forward to the next book.
June 9, 2025
3.5 stars- I enjoyed this in a different way than the first book in the series, since it was more factual than supernatural. However, I couldn't help but be surprised at how the author shut down certain parts of modern history, like the existence of witches and witchcraft. While many victims of witch trials during Puritan days were obviously innocent, that's not to say that true witches did not and do not STILL exist. I firmly believe it's much more prominent than most people realize. He also scoffed at things like demonic possession, which was surprising in his line of research and work..I would think he'd be a bit more open-minded.
August 2, 2018
This was an audio listen. It is very reminiscent of the podcast series, but I felt it offered little in the way of new content. I enjoyed it overall but several areas were repetitive (such as the information on HH Holmes). Fans of the Lore podcast was find it to be a fun, fast listen or even read, just not entirely memorable.
May 6, 2018
I’ve been intrigued by Lore for a while so when the opportunity to read The World of Lore Volume 2: Wicked Mortals came up - I jumped at it. I haven’t read volume I: Monstrous Creatures but I am definitely going to because of how great this book was. The stories in the book are all incredibly fascinating tales about the darker side of human nature and will be of huge interest to anyone who loves the macabre.
I love the author’s writing style, it is really witty and quirky and so good at creating a chilling uneasy feeling. This feeling is also enhanced by the open-ended, unsolved nature of some of the cases discussed. It gives them such a spooky feeling and had me looking over my shoulder and jumping at shadows. Every single story was interesting, even the ones I was already familiar with, because the author told them in such a skilful manner and gave me new details and perspectives in them.
Another important factor to mention is how fantastic the illustrations are. I am a firm believer that illustrations can make a book that little bit more special and that is definitely the case here. The drawings suit the quirky nature of the book so perfectly, they are gothic and spooky but still have a sense of humour to them. I am absolutely going to have to buy a print copy of Wicked Mortals because I know I will want to read it again.
Overall this is a truly great collection of very odd and inexplicable events and people. These tales deftly prove the expression that truth is always stranger than fiction.
I love the author’s writing style, it is really witty and quirky and so good at creating a chilling uneasy feeling. This feeling is also enhanced by the open-ended, unsolved nature of some of the cases discussed. It gives them such a spooky feeling and had me looking over my shoulder and jumping at shadows. Every single story was interesting, even the ones I was already familiar with, because the author told them in such a skilful manner and gave me new details and perspectives in them.
Another important factor to mention is how fantastic the illustrations are. I am a firm believer that illustrations can make a book that little bit more special and that is definitely the case here. The drawings suit the quirky nature of the book so perfectly, they are gothic and spooky but still have a sense of humour to them. I am absolutely going to have to buy a print copy of Wicked Mortals because I know I will want to read it again.
Overall this is a truly great collection of very odd and inexplicable events and people. These tales deftly prove the expression that truth is always stranger than fiction.
November 5, 2024
Like Aaron Mahnke's first book, I have already re-read this book once, and it will probably be one I re-read quite often. I love books like this. I had listed to Aaron Mahnke's podcast a few times prior to finding out about the books he was writing and I really enjoyed what I had heard, but for some reason, I have really loved the books he's been released based on what he's discussed on the podcasts. This second book looks into the monsters in our midst, the serial killers both solved and unsolved. Those who we know about like H.H. Holmes, the Axeman of New Orleans, and Belle Gunness. As well as those we know nothing about like the murderer in Villisca, Iowa, and others that we know the legend but not the entire truth like Erzsebet Bathory. Again while I knew about most of those mentioned in this book, there were enough new to me stories to keep me going back. Hopefully, Mahnke will continue writing more books based on his podcast in the future.
Reread 2024
Reread for spooky season
Reread 2024
Reread for spooky season
July 2, 2018
I love the Lore books. They’re basically a grown-up version of the Unsolved Mysteries books I devoured from the library when I was a kid.
June 7, 2019
Aaron Mahnke has always been a master storyteller. Whether I explore the stories through his podcast, Lore, or by reading this book, Aaron never fails to make me, as both a listener and reader, fully immerse myself in the stories. I really wish I could meet Aaron someday so I could talk about local (Filipino) folklores and legends with him and tell him how much I appreciate all the hard work he puts in every episode.
January 21, 2019
I bought and loved the first book from the Orange Bookstore, and then waited patiently for them to stock the second and third books which I knew had been released. Sadly, they never did so I ordered this one and book three (still waiting on them to receive book three) and had to start reading straight away! I love Aaron Mahnke's voice, somehow he adds a humour and skepticism into each story without making them unbelievable. If a story has holes, he points them out but doesn't actually say whether he believes in something or not. I like that. There was a line that said something along the lines of that we like a supernatural explanation because it adds mystery. Of course the world is weird enough anyway, but I kind of agree with this. I always wants something to be supernatural just to add more excitement I suppose.
This book focuses in on Wicked mortals, so there is plenty of things for crime buffs to enjoy as well as hexes, demonic possession and unexplained behaviours. I really liked the story about digging up a lost skull- I won't spoil the ending! I'd love to listen to these podcasts as well, and to get my partner to listen to them too (he doesn't read, unfortunately)
A great second book, can't wait for the third to come in too! Five stars.
This book focuses in on Wicked mortals, so there is plenty of things for crime buffs to enjoy as well as hexes, demonic possession and unexplained behaviours. I really liked the story about digging up a lost skull- I won't spoil the ending! I'd love to listen to these podcasts as well, and to get my partner to listen to them too (he doesn't read, unfortunately)
A great second book, can't wait for the third to come in too! Five stars.
November 29, 2018
”’I was born with the Devil in me. I could not help the fact that I was a murderer, no more than the poet can help the inspiration to sing. I was born with the ‘Evil One’ standing as my sponsor beside the bed where I was ushered into the world, and he has been with me since.’”
Now, that's more like it.
I liked the first installment in this series (Dangerous Creatures) and mildly enjoyed the second installment (Dreadful Places), but with this final installment in the Lore trilogy, Aaron Mahnke introduces us to the most depraved minds throughout history, and he does so with style.
Granted, if you are devoted listener to his podcast, none of these stories will be knew. Think of it as an additional bonus (or if you're of a more cynical mindset, you'd probably think of it as nothing more than a cash grab.) Being on the less pessimistic side of things, I found this rather enjoyable.
Mahnke did have a tendency to be like the father who claims he doesn't have a favorite child but really does (I'm looking at you, H.H. Holmes), and some sections held my interest less than others (I could have done without so much witchcraft, since they all kind of blended in together), but this is a thrilling anthology of tales for those who like the darker side of history.
Now, that's more like it.
I liked the first installment in this series (Dangerous Creatures) and mildly enjoyed the second installment (Dreadful Places), but with this final installment in the Lore trilogy, Aaron Mahnke introduces us to the most depraved minds throughout history, and he does so with style.
Granted, if you are devoted listener to his podcast, none of these stories will be knew. Think of it as an additional bonus (or if you're of a more cynical mindset, you'd probably think of it as nothing more than a cash grab.) Being on the less pessimistic side of things, I found this rather enjoyable.
Mahnke did have a tendency to be like the father who claims he doesn't have a favorite child but really does (I'm looking at you, H.H. Holmes), and some sections held my interest less than others (I could have done without so much witchcraft, since they all kind of blended in together), but this is a thrilling anthology of tales for those who like the darker side of history.
September 6, 2022
Another collection of Mahnke's Lore podcasts only this one focuses on 'wicked mortals'. Of course, there are proverbial ghost stories and eerie happenings but it mostly tells tales of the cruelty humans manage to inflict on each other. From witch hunter Matthew Hopkins whose religious zealotry to finding witches amidst the towns and villages he travelled was quite the profitable business to Burke and Hare and H.H. Holmes. The curious happenstances of spontaneous combustion over the centuries. And far too many more.
Of course, there are also the wonderful illustrations by M.S. Corley which are a bit whimsical while being quite chilling.
Fun, spooky - but true - tales that could easily be saved for reading about the campfire or added to a Halloween party.
2022-197
Of course, there are also the wonderful illustrations by M.S. Corley which are a bit whimsical while being quite chilling.
Fun, spooky - but true - tales that could easily be saved for reading about the campfire or added to a Halloween party.
2022-197
January 16, 2019
Running Interjection Tics Count:
45 - "of course"
58 - "you see"
37 - "it seems"
18 - "they say"
18 - "it turns out"
Wicked Mortals vs Monstrous Creatures
- 10 "of course"s
+26 "you sees"
+12 "it seems"
+1 "they say"
+9 "it turns out"
As with the first book in the series, Wicked Mortals is a collection of Lore podcast episodes, this time gathering together stories about the worst of humanity. And H.H. Holmes. So much H.H. Holmes.
If you like the podcast, you'll like this book. If you like true crime stories - famous, and obscure - you'll probably also like this book.
I found it neat, both when I listened to the episode, and when I saw them in the book, that the two Southern Ax Man stories were mentioned. Further fun fact about the Ax Man who traveled between Louisiana and Texas (as opposed to the New Orleans Ax Man) - even though Jack the Ripper is popularly considered to be the first "serial killer" the Ax Man was active before him. One of the major theories of the time was actually that the Ax Man escaped overseas, and he and Jack the Ripper were the same person.
Then again, the tabloids of the day thought EVERYONE was Jack the Ripper, so...
45 - "of course"
58 - "you see"
37 - "it seems"
18 - "they say"
18 - "it turns out"
Wicked Mortals vs Monstrous Creatures
- 10 "of course"s
+26 "you sees"
+12 "it seems"
+1 "they say"
+9 "it turns out"
As with the first book in the series, Wicked Mortals is a collection of Lore podcast episodes, this time gathering together stories about the worst of humanity. And H.H. Holmes. So much H.H. Holmes.
If you like the podcast, you'll like this book. If you like true crime stories - famous, and obscure - you'll probably also like this book.
I found it neat, both when I listened to the episode, and when I saw them in the book, that the two Southern Ax Man stories were mentioned. Further fun fact about the Ax Man who traveled between Louisiana and Texas (as opposed to the New Orleans Ax Man) - even though Jack the Ripper is popularly considered to be the first "serial killer" the Ax Man was active before him. One of the major theories of the time was actually that the Ax Man escaped overseas, and he and Jack the Ripper were the same person.
Then again, the tabloids of the day thought EVERYONE was Jack the Ripper, so...
April 6, 2025
The smaller quantity of supernatural stories in this book allowed Mahnke’s research and storytelling to shine through without his dismissive and vacuous attempts at rationalization, but they gave way to a new problem - politics. This wasn’t nearly as big of a disruption, as it wasn’t nearly as pervasive, but it still hindered my enjoyment of this book somewhat.
September 25, 2018
Man, if I knew that I was ten pages from ending the book I would have finished it instead of going to sleep.
Much like the first book this reads like an extension of the podcast. This is not necessarily a bad thing if you've never heard the podcast but if you've ever heard a podcast in your life you can see how this book would sound. It's weird.
Some great stories in it though. I especially liked how many of them I'd heard before but either A) the stories were told in such a way that it sounded brand new until the big reveal or B) the stories had new/different information than I've heard before and it was good to hear that in addition to what I already knew.
Very cool book, can't wait for #3.
Much like the first book this reads like an extension of the podcast. This is not necessarily a bad thing if you've never heard the podcast but if you've ever heard a podcast in your life you can see how this book would sound. It's weird.
Some great stories in it though. I especially liked how many of them I'd heard before but either A) the stories were told in such a way that it sounded brand new until the big reveal or B) the stories had new/different information than I've heard before and it was good to hear that in addition to what I already knew.
Very cool book, can't wait for #3.
February 16, 2021
4.3 stars
August 23, 2023
3.5⭐️
As a true crime girlie, I was more interested in this installment. However, it wasn’t just true crime; some of these stories had a supernatural twist, which is fair enough considering the nature of this trilogy. Doesn’t matter. All I know is: this book shows incredibly well the reason why people terrify me.
As a true crime girlie, I was more interested in this installment. However, it wasn’t just true crime; some of these stories had a supernatural twist, which is fair enough considering the nature of this trilogy. Doesn’t matter. All I know is: this book shows incredibly well the reason why people terrify me.
November 30, 2024
Uwielbiam podcast i uwielbiam książki, które w sumie są jego rozwinięciem. Świetna pozycja, jeśli ciekawi was tematyka - must read.
September 6, 2018
Fun, creepy stories for fans of the podcast or new to the Lore Universe.
November 29, 2018
After reading the first Lore book (Monstrous Creatures) and enjoying it very much, I was disappointed by this follow up of the popular podcast-based book of non-fiction essays on wicked mortals. I didn't feel that many of the essays reflected the title of Wicked Mortals. The first two sections were my favorite since they outlined various despicable men and women throughout history - though I found some of his selections somewhat odd. I thought too much time was spent on H. H. Holmes who is a well known and documented serial killer when there are so many others that could have been written about. Also, after the first two sections, the book started to veer away from the title of the book and the essays started focusing more on people that had been treated badly (i.e., killed) by groups of people (i.e., a village - think Salem Witch Trials) - though there is a chapter towards the end of the book about John Dee that was very well done. Finally, Mahnke's writing style moved from conversational in his last book to lecturing and being a bit patronizing in this book - which I really got tired of. I'm not sure whether I'm going to read the next one about Dreadful Places.
December 12, 2018
Where the first volume explored superstitions and folklore, specifically monsters and creatures of legend, this volume looks at people who did horrendous things. If you spend a lot of late nights watching creepy videos on Youtube about horrific historical mysteries or strange dark true crime cases, then many of these stories may already be familiar to you. They were to me, though I still enjoyed hearing about them in the context of the entire book. The story about the bunnies though, that was crazy.
August 6, 2018
This is a second installment in the series and I hadn't read the first one yet, but you don't need to do so to enjoy the lecture. The first part was very dark, especially when the author was talking about all these XVI-XVII centuries murders. It gave me constant shivers. The last part is lighter as it deals with a little bit more occultist side of our human nature.
Overall, there is one important thing to remember from this: people are the worst monsters in this world. Sadly, that is true.
Overall, there is one important thing to remember from this: people are the worst monsters in this world. Sadly, that is true.
March 22, 2020
The author Aaron Mahnke has a podcast, Lore. This book is essentially a compilation of a segment of those podcasts, arranged thematically. If you follow the podcast, there are no new stories in this book, but they do have a different impact presented in this order. As in the podcast, the author throws in enough social commentary to keep the stories relevant.
June 11, 2018
I am absolutely in love with everything Aaron Mahnke does. It appeals to all of the weird stuff I enjoy secretly and sometimes not so secretly, and this book was no exception. Although, admittedly I enjoyed Monstrous Creatures a tiny bit more, Wicked Mortals was a wonderful follow up. I am anxiously awaiting book no. 3!
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July 10, 2018DNF 10% in...
So I won't keep reading because of lacking interest. The thing is that I knew every story because I watch them on youtube, so there is no point to keep reading it.
So I won't keep reading because of lacking interest. The thing is that I knew every story because I watch them on youtube, so there is no point to keep reading it.
July 27, 2018
I truly enjoyed this book. Mahnke’s writing style is delightful. His bibliography is a treasure trove.
August 1, 2018
Another excellent addition to the World of Lore series, filled with gorgeous illustrations and stories that will keep me up tonight.
March 18, 2019
I decided to read this one right away because I enjoyed the creatures one so much. While I enjoyed this one I thought it didn't stick to the theme as much as the other one did. This one seems to go off on tangents more which didn't have as much to do with the theme of wicked mortals.
It started out well going into details about certain evil people throughout history. I liked the stories because it was different versions of ones I have heard before. Again like the creatures one this one told me things I didn't know before. I felt like I was learning something in this one which was good.
My issue was about half way through it went from serial killers to people being accused of witch craft and the like. It was more about the people who condemned them but not enough was explored from this angle. I was thinking it was going to follow more specific individuals more, give their back story better. I felt like it ran out of material half way through and just was talking about people faking and lying, which just didn't hold my attention as much.
It started out well going into details about certain evil people throughout history. I liked the stories because it was different versions of ones I have heard before. Again like the creatures one this one told me things I didn't know before. I felt like I was learning something in this one which was good.
My issue was about half way through it went from serial killers to people being accused of witch craft and the like. It was more about the people who condemned them but not enough was explored from this angle. I was thinking it was going to follow more specific individuals more, give their back story better. I felt like it ran out of material half way through and just was talking about people faking and lying, which just didn't hold my attention as much.
October 29, 2018
Based on the Lore podcast, this is collection of stories of murderers, witches, wizards, ghosts, and wicked mortals drawn from history and folklore, some well-known (like Deacon Brodie and grave-robbers Burke and Hare) and others obscure. The tales are well-researched (there is a bibliography of sources in the back) but generally brief and related in an informal manner, making them perfect bedtime reading for those who don't mind a chilling tale before the lights go out.
April 29, 2021
Many interesting tales of unusual people. Some wicked, some evil. You might even be surprised with who ends up really being the wicked ones in the end. Entertaining but none of the stories were new to me, although that is likely due to my own hobby of reading about this subject. Someone newly discovering this mysterious world of lore will likely enjoy this book quite a bit. Although I did listen to audiobook, Manke’s got the perfect voice for this type of work.
March 22, 2021
Another interesting book for fans of folklore and even though there isn’t as much in this volume it delves deeper into the people it talks about, must have been a bit easier to find the history about the people compared to monster sightings in the first volume.
Would recommend it for folklore fans.
Would recommend it for folklore fans.
April 24, 2021
I never get tired of hearing spooky stories or urban legends, and this book is perfectly crafted to scratch that itch. It focuses on people, everyone from witches to sailors to the cursed. While I knew some of these stories, many were new to me, and made the reading experience even more exciting.
The author approached the stories from both angles, skeptic and believer, and offered a heap of mystery. I loved how complex each story was, even the brutal ones. It’s hard to believe these things actually happened, which, combined with the author’s graceful style, make for a fascinating collection.
These books are perfect for anyone who loves creepy stories. I would love to read more!
The author approached the stories from both angles, skeptic and believer, and offered a heap of mystery. I loved how complex each story was, even the brutal ones. It’s hard to believe these things actually happened, which, combined with the author’s graceful style, make for a fascinating collection.
These books are perfect for anyone who loves creepy stories. I would love to read more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews