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Serial Killers: The Insatiable Passion
This bestselling book has become a staple of every serious true crime book collector s library. One of the most reliable concise sources of information available about serial killers and their crimes, this book offers a psychological and sociological analysis of this most frightening yet fascinating criminal. Psychologist David Lester, recognized worldwide as a leading authority on death both in the fields of suicide and homicide offers a much-needed assessment of whether or not there is a dependable and useable psychological profile of the serial killer. Separating the facts from the myths by combining documented case histories of notable serial killers with behavioral research, Serial The Insatiable Passion has been welcomed and applauded as an important addition to the literature on serial killers by criminologists, psychologists, sociologists, law enforcement and true crime buffs alike.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 1, 2021
As opposed to professional hit men who tend to murder for extrinsic motives such as money, the serial killer operates on a more intrinsic level.
In his study of 179 serial and mass murderers, author David Lester determined that the need to control and dominate the victim was the most common theme. This often manifested itself in the form of torture (pg 50). Psychological profiles drawn from these case studies indicate that serial killers rarely show any remorse or regret for their atrocious acts. Most of the subjects interviewed were unable or unwilling to empathize with their victims and thus showed no sympathy or mercy for them.
Of the 30 “sadistic criminals” in Lester’s study, over half of the men (yes they were all male) documented their crimes with journals or calendars and 43% kept personal items from each victim (trophies, pg 55). Lester’s findings coincide with other studies suggesting that, after the act of murder is completed and their triumphant feeling of euphoria starts to fade, many serial murderers will collect items from slain individuals in a totemic effort to capture and prolong the moment.
The Visionary Type
According to the author, the “visionary type” of serial killer is one who claims to kill in response to voices or visions from a higher power, usually God or the Devil (pg 73). Visionary type killers are not prone to torture their victims and their murderous acts are generally spontaneous and almost never planned in advance.
The Mission-Oriented Type
“Mission-Oriented types” kill people who are perceived to be repugnant or loathsome (pg 74). MO murderers generally prefer to kill their victims swiftly and never leave weapons at the scene of the crime.
The Control-Oriented Type
“Control-Oriented types” derive a sense of excitement and gratification from having the power to decide whether a particular person lives or dies (pg 77). CO types don’t usually confine their crimes to any specific geographical area, their victims tend to turn up in widely dispersed locations (pg 79).
Anyone looking for thrilling “true-crime” drama is destined to be a little disappointed with Dr. Lester’s methodology. This isn’t sensationalistic journalism or melodramatic fluff. This is a study in abnormal psychology, albeit a problematic one, that attempts to assemble rational data from irrational human behavior.
In his study of 179 serial and mass murderers, author David Lester determined that the need to control and dominate the victim was the most common theme. This often manifested itself in the form of torture (pg 50). Psychological profiles drawn from these case studies indicate that serial killers rarely show any remorse or regret for their atrocious acts. Most of the subjects interviewed were unable or unwilling to empathize with their victims and thus showed no sympathy or mercy for them.
Of the 30 “sadistic criminals” in Lester’s study, over half of the men (yes they were all male) documented their crimes with journals or calendars and 43% kept personal items from each victim (trophies, pg 55). Lester’s findings coincide with other studies suggesting that, after the act of murder is completed and their triumphant feeling of euphoria starts to fade, many serial murderers will collect items from slain individuals in a totemic effort to capture and prolong the moment.
The Visionary Type
According to the author, the “visionary type” of serial killer is one who claims to kill in response to voices or visions from a higher power, usually God or the Devil (pg 73). Visionary type killers are not prone to torture their victims and their murderous acts are generally spontaneous and almost never planned in advance.
The Mission-Oriented Type
“Mission-Oriented types” kill people who are perceived to be repugnant or loathsome (pg 74). MO murderers generally prefer to kill their victims swiftly and never leave weapons at the scene of the crime.
The Control-Oriented Type
“Control-Oriented types” derive a sense of excitement and gratification from having the power to decide whether a particular person lives or dies (pg 77). CO types don’t usually confine their crimes to any specific geographical area, their victims tend to turn up in widely dispersed locations (pg 79).
Anyone looking for thrilling “true-crime” drama is destined to be a little disappointed with Dr. Lester’s methodology. This isn’t sensationalistic journalism or melodramatic fluff. This is a study in abnormal psychology, albeit a problematic one, that attempts to assemble rational data from irrational human behavior.
March 26, 2019
Brilliantly thorough.
January 3, 2025
A book that brings together various studies and theories on the phenomenon of serial killers with fascinating real-life examples and case studies.
January 14, 2008
I actually bought this book and a few others like it because I was doing research for a story. All in all, if you have an interest in aberrant psychology, this book is a must have. It starts out with the more clinical aspects of serial killers, dispelling a lot of misconceptions along the way, and ends up with case studies. All very iteresting without being overly dry.
April 3, 2008
Creepy overview of various serial killers as well as some theory behind their actions.
June 9, 2008
I was trying to write a story about a serial killer. And I've always had a mild fascination with them. Nonetheless, this book fucked my shit up. I fell apart. One bad night.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews