Sleep My Little Dead: The True Story of the Zodiac Killer

by Kieran Crowley, Danny Campbell (Reader)

The twisted copycat who looked to the stars...
He slipped like a sinister shadow in the night, stalking, then savagely attacking. Most of his unsuspecting targets were shot at close range and one woman was stabbed over one hundred times. After dispatching his victims, police allege he left their bloodstained bodies and crept back to the neatly kept room in his mother's apartment. Sleep my little dead...
The taunting, bizarre letters alleged killer Heriberto Seda sent to the police and the New York Post were full of strange symbols and mysterious references to the Zodiac. For six terror-filled years, the Zodiac killer ruled the night, claiming nine victims in his homicidal rage. One of the biggest manhunts in New York City's history was unleashed...and still the body count rose. When would the terror end?
Police claim his lethal fury finally exploded one summer afternoon. After shooting his own sister, he held her boyfriend hostage and kept scores of heavily armed police pinned down in a ferocious firefight that finally ended with his surrender. But it was only when an alert detective recognized a symbol drawn on Seda's confession as similar to the personal signature used by the Zodiac Killer in his letters, that investigators concluded that the madman they had arrested was in fact the notorious Zodiac Killer. Author Kieran Crowley, an award-winning New York Post reporter who covered the case from the first grisly shooting and cracked the psychopath's secret code, reveals the exclusive inside story and finally solves the biggest remaining mystery of the case.

Genres: True Crime, Crime, Nonfiction

Audio CD

First published October 15, 1997

About the author

KIERAN CROWLEY is a New York Times bestselling crime author and investigative reporter who has received communication from an actual serial killer and deciphered his secret code. Crowley has covered hundreds of trials and thousands of murders and recovered evidence missed by police at numerous crime scenes, some of which helped bring killers to Justice. He lives in New York with his family.

Reviews

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the NYC Zodiac copycat killer, covered by the author as a reporter for the New York Post. The book was published before the case went to trial. Crowley also wrote THE SURGEON'S WIFE, which was good, and ALMOST PARADISE, which was even better. He died in 2016 at age 66.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Sleep My Little Dead: The True Story of the Zodiac Killer by Kieran Crowley

Kieran Crowley’s Sleep My Little Dead offers a chilling and gripping examination of one of America’s most notorious unsolved criminal cases: the Zodiac Killer. With meticulous research and a narrative that blends factual reporting with a keen psychological exploration, Crowley invites readers deep into the dark world of an elusive serial killer whose identity has long remained a mystery.

Compelling Narrative and Structure

The structure of the book is both engaging and methodical, allowing readers to follow the timeline of the Zodiac Killer’s activities from the late 1960s to the present. Crowley presents the known facts of the case alongside personal stories of the victims and the impact on their families, which adds a poignant human element to the chilling events. The author’s storytelling is both gripping and informative, balancing suspense with a thorough analysis of the available evidence.

In-Depth Character Analysis

One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of the Zodiac Killer’s psychology. Crowley delves into the motivations and patterns of the killer’s behavior, drawing on insights from criminology and psychology. By providing context about the social climate of the time, as well as the killer’s infamous communications with law enforcement and the media, Crowley helps readers understand the broader implications of the case. This depth of analysis enriches the narrative, making it more than just a recounting of crimes; it becomes an examination of the mind of a killer.

Fascinating Historical Context

Crowley expertly weaves in the historical context surrounding the Zodiac killings, including the late 1960s counterculture movement and the growing media sensationalism. This backdrop not only enhances the understanding of the events but also illustrates how the case captivated the public’s imagination and became a cultural touchstone. The discussions surrounding the FBI’s involvement and the evolution of forensic science throughout the investigation add layers of intrigue to the narrative.

Thought-Provoking Reflections

In addition to recounting the Zodiac’s crimes, Sleep My Little Dead prompts readers to reflect on the broader issues of justice, obsession, and the societal ramifications of violent crime. Crowley raises important questions about the failure of the justice system to capture the killer and the ongoing fascination with unsolved cases. This reflective quality invites readers to engage critically with the material and consider their own thoughts on crime and punishment.

Conclusion: A Gripping True Crime Read

Sleep My Little Dead is an essential read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the mysteries surrounding the Zodiac Killer. Kieran Crowley masterfully combines thorough research, compelling storytelling, and psychological insight to create a narrative that is both enthralling and thought-provoking. This book not only serves as a detailed account of the Zodiac’s gruesome legacy but also as a meditation on the nature of evil and the complexities of human behavior. Highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of one of America’s most infamous unsolved mysteries.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heriberto Seda was born in New York in 1967. Seda was mentally and physically abusive to his sister, and was in trouble at school for bringing weapons. Seda began actively terrorizing people in 1990. He killed three and wounded six more before his capture. He copied The Zodiac Killer by sending taunting messages to police. His code was based on maritime flags, which was easy to crack. He claimed that he was selecting victims based on their Zodiac signs, but this was proven to be false. Police eventually captured him in 1996 after an altercation with his sister. He got himself pinned to the murders in the most ridiculous way, and was eventually put on trial. He is currently still alive and incarcerated at Dannemora.

This book is less than 300 pages for those interested in a shorter true crime read. It offered plenty of details about the crimes and the trial. This case was featured on Forensic Files, for those who are interested in the reading list for that. I am glad to have this one marked off my list for the year.

[Danita · Rating 4 out of 5]

It keeps the perspective of what the mind of Seda was and how he got arrested and ultimately convicted. It’s a great read for sure

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting recollections about the rather forgotten "other Zodiac killer", the 1990s' wannabe from New York. Good footnote to those interested in the "real" Zodiac's case, too!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had not been what I expected but was still a decent book. I've watched profiles about the Zodiac on America's Most Wanted multiple times and am intrigued by what drove this killer. So, when I saw Zodiac, I didn't think much about it...however, it is actually a copycat Zodiac on the east coast.

Just a warning to someone thinking they're reading about the "real" Zodiac...they're not..but considering I picked this book up for a few bucks, it was still just fine.

[Annie Slifkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written! Crowley covered the Zodiac copycat for the NY Post so he was very knowledgeable to begin with. To this, he has interviewed many key people in the case. Although, since the book was published in 1997, it contains no information on the trial or guilty plea. Crowley goes into the mindset of the key people - perpetrator, police, victims and family.

[Eevie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a young man who takes to very evil ways. Again, it's your typical True Crime novel.. but written a LOT better than Body Dump. A lot of things seem to be repeated through the story, but it's worth a read if you like to have a grand knowledge of serial killers.

[Stacey Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. An interesting read indeed. A sinister view into the world of the copycat Zodiac killer. Slow paced, yet surprisingly quick. A decent add to ones collection of the taboo topic of serial killers.