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Twisted - A profile of Indian Serial Killers
There is nothing more terrifying than a human being that stalks and kills for the touch, taste, and empowerment of human flesh. There are cannibals, pedophilic killers, necrophiliacs and sadists who kill in unimaginable ways and violate the human body in every way possible and they walk among us like ordinary people. Twisted take us into the minds of some of the most demented, cruel and emotionless serial killers of India. These are men, women and even a child that killed repeatedly leaving entire communities and cities paralyzed in the grip of fear and compelled us to peek into the darkest recesses of our worst nightmares. Written by a former police officer and forensic psychologist this book is the first authentic analysis of the serial killer phenomenon in India.it explains how each caught, including an analysis of psychological profiles, a method of operation and their similarities to other serial killers in the world This book is a must-read for the thrill seekers and student of criminology alike and guarantees a slow chill that intensifies with each heart pounding page.
246 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 9, 2020
TW: Rape, Pedophilia, Graphic violence
Twisted is not a crime thriller. The authors Shirish, a police officer and Sampada, a psychologist produce a chilling documentation of 24 serial killers in India, which serves as a study for students of criminology and shocks other readers. The killers are broadly divided into 4 categories based on their motives - visionary, mission-oriented, hedonistic lust and comfort-oriented. As I read the terrifying real stories, I was horrified to discover that the killers could perfectly fit in the society. They appear normal, but capable of extreme acts of violence.
It was highly disturbing to read the story of a 7 year-old Amarjeet Sada, who started off killing animals for ‘fun’ and then proceeded to kill babies. The Dandupalya gang and Rajendra Jakkal Gang left my stomach churning. Every woman should read about “Cyanide Mohan” and “Dupatta killer Mahananda Naik”, who targeted young girls who were not deemed conventionally attractive and killed them for their money under false promise of marriage. Ram Niranjan, the “zombie killer” who practised cannibalism and the sisters, Seema & Renuka who killed children are not tales for the squeamish.
It’s also notable that most male serial killers have hedonistic urges and women serial killers are almost always driven by monetary desires. The saddest part is how women and children make the majority of victims. Hence, this book becomes a very important cautionary tale. The narration is so engaging and the psychology is presented in interesting ways, drawing parallels to killers across the world. My only qualm is that sometimes the descriptions of the killing are unnecessarily too graphic, but it achieves the desired result of inducing feelings of utmost terror. Not for the faint-hearted!
Twisted is not a crime thriller. The authors Shirish, a police officer and Sampada, a psychologist produce a chilling documentation of 24 serial killers in India, which serves as a study for students of criminology and shocks other readers. The killers are broadly divided into 4 categories based on their motives - visionary, mission-oriented, hedonistic lust and comfort-oriented. As I read the terrifying real stories, I was horrified to discover that the killers could perfectly fit in the society. They appear normal, but capable of extreme acts of violence.
It was highly disturbing to read the story of a 7 year-old Amarjeet Sada, who started off killing animals for ‘fun’ and then proceeded to kill babies. The Dandupalya gang and Rajendra Jakkal Gang left my stomach churning. Every woman should read about “Cyanide Mohan” and “Dupatta killer Mahananda Naik”, who targeted young girls who were not deemed conventionally attractive and killed them for their money under false promise of marriage. Ram Niranjan, the “zombie killer” who practised cannibalism and the sisters, Seema & Renuka who killed children are not tales for the squeamish.
It’s also notable that most male serial killers have hedonistic urges and women serial killers are almost always driven by monetary desires. The saddest part is how women and children make the majority of victims. Hence, this book becomes a very important cautionary tale. The narration is so engaging and the psychology is presented in interesting ways, drawing parallels to killers across the world. My only qualm is that sometimes the descriptions of the killing are unnecessarily too graphic, but it achieves the desired result of inducing feelings of utmost terror. Not for the faint-hearted!
October 3, 2019
Twisted by Authors Shirish Thorat and Sampada Karandikar is more than just a crime thriller. In this book, Authors have tried to explore the psychology of serial killers and have explained the mentality, the motivations and the techniques of the various categories of serial killers in India. This book intends to invite both students of criminology and thrill seekers alike on a journey into twisted minds of these serial killers. The book talks about the scary stories of 24 serial killers and about their motives, which were broadly psychological, economical, sociological, as well as sexual. What's even scarier is that very often the serial killer fits perfectly into society. He can be a father, a teenager, a housewife and sometimes your babysitter. The most dangerous quality they possess is that they are unpredictable.
I think this book will help people in understanding the complex mindset of criminals and reasons that makes them commit such crimes. This will alert people so that they can study the behaviour of people around them and might help in stopping the crime. I think if we can detect some early signs in their unusual behaviour, we can try to treat such people and prevent extreme crimes. I felt really scared after reading these terrifying real stories, especially the story of Amarjeet Sada. We can never even imagine that a 7 year old kid can kill other little kids. From Amarjeet Sada's story we learn that we should always raise our voice against crime/violence and never try to hide it even if it's happening in our home or neighbourhood. If we will hide such initial crimes, this will give motivation to the wrong doer and a signal to commit it again without any sense of fear and guilt. If Amarjeet Sada's family could do something when he killed one baby, they could save the other two. All other stories are really strange and chilling..
All the crimes committed by serial killers in this book are because of their disturbed mental health. So after reading these crime stories, I would like to say that it is very important to keep a check on emotions like anger, revenge, feelings of inferiority complex etc, as such intense emotions and thoughts can lead to serious crimes.
Both the authors have done a brilliant job by writing this fast-paced, suspenseful and gripping thriller. This book will bring out more awareness about human behavior. Authors have created an effective psychological suspense narrative that consistently ratchets up tension until the story's ultimate climax. I liked how the book is divided into different chapters and short chapters to understand them well. The cover of the book is well-designed and the title is apt.
I think this book will help people in understanding the complex mindset of criminals and reasons that makes them commit such crimes. This will alert people so that they can study the behaviour of people around them and might help in stopping the crime. I think if we can detect some early signs in their unusual behaviour, we can try to treat such people and prevent extreme crimes. I felt really scared after reading these terrifying real stories, especially the story of Amarjeet Sada. We can never even imagine that a 7 year old kid can kill other little kids. From Amarjeet Sada's story we learn that we should always raise our voice against crime/violence and never try to hide it even if it's happening in our home or neighbourhood. If we will hide such initial crimes, this will give motivation to the wrong doer and a signal to commit it again without any sense of fear and guilt. If Amarjeet Sada's family could do something when he killed one baby, they could save the other two. All other stories are really strange and chilling..
All the crimes committed by serial killers in this book are because of their disturbed mental health. So after reading these crime stories, I would like to say that it is very important to keep a check on emotions like anger, revenge, feelings of inferiority complex etc, as such intense emotions and thoughts can lead to serious crimes.
Both the authors have done a brilliant job by writing this fast-paced, suspenseful and gripping thriller. This book will bring out more awareness about human behavior. Authors have created an effective psychological suspense narrative that consistently ratchets up tension until the story's ultimate climax. I liked how the book is divided into different chapters and short chapters to understand them well. The cover of the book is well-designed and the title is apt.
June 28, 2021
2.5 stars
The authors have my respect for their years of experience in the police force, and in studying psychology respectively.
This book made me aware of a number of serial killers in India about whom I'd had no clue earlier.
Also, if anyone is looking for an argument in support of the death penalty, this makes for a pretty convincing one. It's hard to read about so many senseless murders, rapes, not to mention pedophilia and necrophilia without having your stomach turn. I'll admit I definitely think some people should just be put down. In a country like India, where we don't have enough resources to go around, why waste them housing and feeding criminals like these (and as it's been proven over and over again, our prisons aren't able to keep them securely in; these killers escape and continue killing people).
The language in this book though, was very difficult to read. Forced usage of big words muddled with poor grammar made for a painful read at times.
Facts - or even entire passages - were repeated numerous times, rendering several pages at a time redundant.
Also, the sensationalisation of the murders was another thing that irked me.
Another irritant was the fact that there is no real analysis of the psychology of these killers, although the book's title made me think that would be the case. This is a mere telling of the murders committed by each of these killers, one chapter for each of them.
There is a weak attempt at classifying each killer at the end of each chapter. Which was not at all enlightening (this person killed for material gains, this person killed due to lust, this person killed due to seeing visions, etc.). It's the kind of shoddy work college students hand in when they're trying to complete their assignments the night before the deadline.
The authors have my respect for their years of experience in the police force, and in studying psychology respectively.
This book made me aware of a number of serial killers in India about whom I'd had no clue earlier.
Also, if anyone is looking for an argument in support of the death penalty, this makes for a pretty convincing one. It's hard to read about so many senseless murders, rapes, not to mention pedophilia and necrophilia without having your stomach turn. I'll admit I definitely think some people should just be put down. In a country like India, where we don't have enough resources to go around, why waste them housing and feeding criminals like these (and as it's been proven over and over again, our prisons aren't able to keep them securely in; these killers escape and continue killing people).
The language in this book though, was very difficult to read. Forced usage of big words muddled with poor grammar made for a painful read at times.
Facts - or even entire passages - were repeated numerous times, rendering several pages at a time redundant.
Also, the sensationalisation of the murders was another thing that irked me.
Another irritant was the fact that there is no real analysis of the psychology of these killers, although the book's title made me think that would be the case. This is a mere telling of the murders committed by each of these killers, one chapter for each of them.
There is a weak attempt at classifying each killer at the end of each chapter. Which was not at all enlightening (this person killed for material gains, this person killed due to lust, this person killed due to seeing visions, etc.). It's the kind of shoddy work college students hand in when they're trying to complete their assignments the night before the deadline.
January 5, 2022
This is more of a biographical overview of 22 Serial Killers from India. The book traces their crimes from their confessions and gives a cursory analysis of their psyche by fitting them into categories like comfort-oriented, hedonistic/materialistic, missionary killers. This is a good starting point for someone interested in crime, but it really falls short of developing a detailed or in-depth view of the development of the killers’ mental conditions. A complete miss is a fact that none of the stories/biographies attempt to mention the childhood or upbringing of these killers. This book still provides considerable fodder to the reader in terms of the diversity of serial killers that India has had.
A positive point of the book is that it just presents the facts in a straightforward manner, and is based on actual confessions and police reports.
A positive point of the book is that it just presents the facts in a straightforward manner, and is based on actual confessions and police reports.
July 24, 2022
if you like true crime, pick this book up for sure. but massive trigger warnings for some pretty disturbing stuff!
this book is an anthology of sorts about serial killers in india and how they operated, what were their motivations, how did the police finally catch them etc. the authors are experts in their fields (one is a police officer and other a psychologist) so if you’re into criminology or psychology, this book does give a pretty accurate picture of serial killers.
my only complaint would be that there’s just too much information packed into this relatively small book. There are way too many cases discussed. I felt that each case could have been discussed in far more detail, making the more engrossing. Otherwise, a pretty solid read.
this book is an anthology of sorts about serial killers in india and how they operated, what were their motivations, how did the police finally catch them etc. the authors are experts in their fields (one is a police officer and other a psychologist) so if you’re into criminology or psychology, this book does give a pretty accurate picture of serial killers.
my only complaint would be that there’s just too much information packed into this relatively small book. There are way too many cases discussed. I felt that each case could have been discussed in far more detail, making the more engrossing. Otherwise, a pretty solid read.
April 26, 2019
Thrills to Kill
An inexplicable sense of fear grips our heart as we read through these well-documented but spine-chilling narratives with descriptions of diverse serial killers. It is shocking to discover that they lead ordinary, mediocre lives that do not reflect a glimpse of the evil thoughts and murderous plans that they nurture.
The victims are usually trusting and gullible; unaware that their path has fatally crossed with an innocent-looking but demented murderer!
An extremely well-written book that explains the mentality of these dichotomous heinous personalities who are addicted to killing!
An inexplicable sense of fear grips our heart as we read through these well-documented but spine-chilling narratives with descriptions of diverse serial killers. It is shocking to discover that they lead ordinary, mediocre lives that do not reflect a glimpse of the evil thoughts and murderous plans that they nurture.
The victims are usually trusting and gullible; unaware that their path has fatally crossed with an innocent-looking but demented murderer!
An extremely well-written book that explains the mentality of these dichotomous heinous personalities who are addicted to killing!
May 3, 2019
I'm really impressed with this book as it is packed with drama, suspense and thrill. I've certainly become more interested in knowing more about serial killers. It is commendable that the author chose this as a subject for this book, as this book can definitely act as an asset to catch and to know criminals' outlook. It is a real page-turner and nerve-wrecking read with impressive language and style of writing. I extremely adore the cover of this book, black white and red are the three colours that perfectly fit this theme. Congratulations to the authors for penning down this masterpiece.
I recommend it to all! Guys I'm repeating please do not miss reading this one!
I recommend it to all! Guys I'm repeating please do not miss reading this one!
October 24, 2021
I love reading true-crime genre and it is nice to have some Indian authors attempting this type of story narration.
I was not aware of most of the serial killers featured here, but well acquainted with two of the stories.
What I missed however was the details on how the crime was solved. It barely scratches the surface.
But it also highlights the poor criminal procedures of the Indian police establishment. We have to invest a lot more in improving our evidence handling methods and on how crime is solved.
Nearly all crimes here were solved by 'Brute force' method- if you know what I mean.
The book is a quick read, and perhaps a good way to start reading about the Indian crime stories
I was not aware of most of the serial killers featured here, but well acquainted with two of the stories.
What I missed however was the details on how the crime was solved. It barely scratches the surface.
But it also highlights the poor criminal procedures of the Indian police establishment. We have to invest a lot more in improving our evidence handling methods and on how crime is solved.
Nearly all crimes here were solved by 'Brute force' method- if you know what I mean.
The book is a quick read, and perhaps a good way to start reading about the Indian crime stories
August 20, 2023
2.5 stars.
This book could have been good but I think the authors need a good editor because I found quite a lot of repetitions in the profiles of the serial killers and also, to revise bits of texts as well. Moreover, it also need a fact-checker as one example that I could recall was the author writing that serial killer sisters, Renuka & Seema were executed in 2017 whereas, they are still alive and in prison!
Another one could be the counterpoints in the myth of thugs in the profile of Thug Behram as how veritable it is?
Lastly, I would have also appreciated more citations in the book.
This book could have been good but I think the authors need a good editor because I found quite a lot of repetitions in the profiles of the serial killers and also, to revise bits of texts as well. Moreover, it also need a fact-checker as one example that I could recall was the author writing that serial killer sisters, Renuka & Seema were executed in 2017 whereas, they are still alive and in prison!
Another one could be the counterpoints in the myth of thugs in the profile of Thug Behram as how veritable it is?
Lastly, I would have also appreciated more citations in the book.
March 9, 2021
Extreme Actions by so called Humans!
Definitely an eye opener, especially for those in the field of Law Enforcement and Forensics.
What kind of soup is good to increase intelligence? Why does a man collect undergarments? What does a man do to sleep peacefully?
Read this book to find out the answers to the above questions.
Definitely an eye opener, especially for those in the field of Law Enforcement and Forensics.
What kind of soup is good to increase intelligence? Why does a man collect undergarments? What does a man do to sleep peacefully?
Read this book to find out the answers to the above questions.
April 9, 2025
While the book was overall an eye-opener, there were many similarities between some of the criminals, which became a tad boring.
I must also say that the editing was quite poor, with even 5-digit numbers such as 36,000 being written as 36000 without a comma and names of people written without capital letters.
I must also say that the editing was quite poor, with even 5-digit numbers such as 36,000 being written as 36000 without a comma and names of people written without capital letters.
July 30, 2019
A detailed version of Indian serial killers. This book shows few stories from killers perspective which was very unique experience for me. Overall a good read.
May 11, 2021
A good read. Since it's a true crime book some additions are there to entice the readers. Overall a good read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews