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Bonfire Bodies: The Shocking Story of Serial Killer Dennis Nilsen
Between 1978 and 1983, Dennis Nilsen murdered and mutilated at least 12 young men in London. Many of these young men went under the radar socially which enabled Nilsen's shocking killing spree to go undetected for years. This true crime book lifts the lid on his sinister story.
From his early upbringing in Scotland, through to his final act as a free man, this story weaves its way through the darker recess of a disturbed man’s psyche and his compulsion to murder.
This book delves into the details of the killings and what triggered Nilsen to commit them. From his reliance on alcohol and his loneliness, to the extraordinary reasons behind why he bathed the dead bodies and kept them in his apartment for extended periods of time.
Caution: The material in this publication has a strong adult theme and is intended for an adult audience. Reader discretion is advised.
From his early upbringing in Scotland, through to his final act as a free man, this story weaves its way through the darker recess of a disturbed man’s psyche and his compulsion to murder.
This book delves into the details of the killings and what triggered Nilsen to commit them. From his reliance on alcohol and his loneliness, to the extraordinary reasons behind why he bathed the dead bodies and kept them in his apartment for extended periods of time.
Caution: The material in this publication has a strong adult theme and is intended for an adult audience. Reader discretion is advised.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2019
285 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Robert Brown
14 books4 followersRobert Brown is an author and former freelance journalist in is mid-forties from California. Having been born and raised in the UK he moved to the US as a teenager with his family where he now lives with his wife and two children.
Robert has always been intrigued by true crime which led in part to his previous career of a freelance journalist writing for local publications primarily about unsolved murders. It was obvious to Robert that his passion for this genre would lead to him writing his first book "Deadly Illusions" in 2017.
Apart from writing Robert loves to spend time with his family and to indulge his other passion of the great outdoors. Having been raised in the UK it's no surprise that Robert is also a keen anglophile which is also reflected in his writing.
Robert has a unique writing style that uses both his UK and US backgrounds that creates stories that can be enjoyed by readers on both sides of the pond. Keep an eye out for further publications from Robert soon.
Robert has always been intrigued by true crime which led in part to his previous career of a freelance journalist writing for local publications primarily about unsolved murders. It was obvious to Robert that his passion for this genre would lead to him writing his first book "Deadly Illusions" in 2017.
Apart from writing Robert loves to spend time with his family and to indulge his other passion of the great outdoors. Having been raised in the UK it's no surprise that Robert is also a keen anglophile which is also reflected in his writing.
Robert has a unique writing style that uses both his UK and US backgrounds that creates stories that can be enjoyed by readers on both sides of the pond. Keep an eye out for further publications from Robert soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 30, 2019
This book about the infamous UK serial killer is engaging enough, but the author not only includes dialogue throughout, but also the killer's thoughts (!) without citing any sources. Did these words appear in a court transcript? An interview? Another book? Are they invented or assumed?
January 27, 2021
It is often difficult to find good books that are respectful to the victims as they define a portrait of those who commit heinous crimes without sensationalising or glorifying the perpetrator's actions. I feel this book fits the bill nicely. Another great thing about this book is that it helps connect the dots of Mr Nilsen's childhood trauma with how he carried out his crimes in a way that doesn't excuse his actions.
I agree with other people who have reviewed this book and express that it reads a bit too much like fiction to feel completely accurate. After reading the epilogue, it can be assumed that the author did extensive research, including a thorough study of writings and recordings by Mr Nilsen.
Some of the dialogue is verbatim from Mr Nilson's home videos that I was able to find published on YouTube. The author likely filled in dialogue that might not have been accurate, but it makes the content easier to digest since these crimes were so bizarre and gruesome.
This book is a quick read, though I don't recommend it be read entirely in one sitting. If you are planning to read this book, you will enjoy it if you begin with the understanding that it is written in a way that is intended for English speaking readers on both sides of the pond. That said, it does irk me that the author interchangeably uses American colloquialisms and terminology to describe places and things that are inherently British.
I agree with other people who have reviewed this book and express that it reads a bit too much like fiction to feel completely accurate. After reading the epilogue, it can be assumed that the author did extensive research, including a thorough study of writings and recordings by Mr Nilsen.
Some of the dialogue is verbatim from Mr Nilson's home videos that I was able to find published on YouTube. The author likely filled in dialogue that might not have been accurate, but it makes the content easier to digest since these crimes were so bizarre and gruesome.
This book is a quick read, though I don't recommend it be read entirely in one sitting. If you are planning to read this book, you will enjoy it if you begin with the understanding that it is written in a way that is intended for English speaking readers on both sides of the pond. That said, it does irk me that the author interchangeably uses American colloquialisms and terminology to describe places and things that are inherently British.
May 9, 2020
My first true crime of the year 🥳🥳
I enjoyed reading this. I was interested in his process, and how he lured and murdered his victims. (Some things were a little too 🤢, however). Reading how he KNEW what he was doing was wrong, but just couldn't stop himself or even remember that he killed a victim sent shivers down my spine.
The biggest issue I have with this is how it was written. It read more like fiction, as there was a lot of dialogue happening and internal monologue inside of Dennis's mind.I'm just curious as to how the author came upon that information and how much of it was actually fact and how much of it was fiction/speculation. As a result, I found it hard to actually feel sad for the victims, because I had to keep reminding myself that they were actual people who died. Which should never be an issue while reading true crime.
Other than that, I did find this account interesting and will be doing further research into the macabre life of Dennis Nilsen.
I enjoyed reading this. I was interested in his process, and how he lured and murdered his victims. (Some things were a little too 🤢, however). Reading how he KNEW what he was doing was wrong, but just couldn't stop himself or even remember that he killed a victim sent shivers down my spine.
The biggest issue I have with this is how it was written. It read more like fiction, as there was a lot of dialogue happening and internal monologue inside of Dennis's mind.I'm just curious as to how the author came upon that information and how much of it was actually fact and how much of it was fiction/speculation. As a result, I found it hard to actually feel sad for the victims, because I had to keep reminding myself that they were actual people who died. Which should never be an issue while reading true crime.
Other than that, I did find this account interesting and will be doing further research into the macabre life of Dennis Nilsen.
September 21, 2019
Good read
This man, was the Jeffrey Dahlmer of London. Former policeman, now privately employed, fooled people for many years. He was a serial killer. I felt bad for his dog, though. Someone should have adopted her. Was not her fault, who her owner was.
This man, was the Jeffrey Dahlmer of London. Former policeman, now privately employed, fooled people for many years. He was a serial killer. I felt bad for his dog, though. Someone should have adopted her. Was not her fault, who her owner was.
June 27, 2021
Poorly written, invented (and stilted) dialogue and thought processes, unsure whether it’s a novel or true crime book, and the first book I’ve ever deleted from my Kindle. Abandoned.
February 17, 2020
Bonfire of the Vanities
This is actually an Italian event from the 13th century: fato' delle vanitd, translated from Italian to English as "bonfire of the vanities". It's a burning of objects that authorities have condemned as occasions of sin. The focus of this burning destruction which occurred in 1497 was on objects that might tempt one to sin such as vanity items, books, and artworks determined to be immoral.
This title is disgustingly apropos in relation to what the "British" Jeffrey Dahmer did to his victims. Killing the young men he lured into his lair was definitely a huge sin. And he even had artwork Gericault's The Raft of Medusa that he sought to emulate ramping up his desire to recreate the dead and body parts on the painting. On one of the old ship's mast it looks like a screaming ghost of despair: the agony suffered by Nielsen's victims. Their savior turns out to be they're medieval executioner. The painting depicts the ravished, emaciated, and rotting bodies of those who survived and didn't the wreck of a French naval ship.
Ironically Nilsen saw himself as the savior of his victims and his apartment became their Raft of Medusa.
This is actually an Italian event from the 13th century: fato' delle vanitd, translated from Italian to English as "bonfire of the vanities". It's a burning of objects that authorities have condemned as occasions of sin. The focus of this burning destruction which occurred in 1497 was on objects that might tempt one to sin such as vanity items, books, and artworks determined to be immoral.
This title is disgustingly apropos in relation to what the "British" Jeffrey Dahmer did to his victims. Killing the young men he lured into his lair was definitely a huge sin. And he even had artwork Gericault's The Raft of Medusa that he sought to emulate ramping up his desire to recreate the dead and body parts on the painting. On one of the old ship's mast it looks like a screaming ghost of despair: the agony suffered by Nielsen's victims. Their savior turns out to be they're medieval executioner. The painting depicts the ravished, emaciated, and rotting bodies of those who survived and didn't the wreck of a French naval ship.
Ironically Nilsen saw himself as the savior of his victims and his apartment became their Raft of Medusa.
November 2, 2020
Intrigued
I have tried to study or observe, through another person's perspective, especially through true crime authors, the rationale behind serial killers. Like everyone else, I want to understand "WHY" these individuals acted in the manner that they did, and ultimately, like everyone else, I'm still clueless. I guess that I'll just have to keep reading. In all honesty, there's nothing extraordinary about this author, he's well educated, obviously did his due diligence in researching his subject matter and put his words to paper in an intriguing manner. I can't really speak to the style of writing other than to say it was well done. Is he the next Anne Rule of true crime, no. Would I read another of his books? Certainly.
PS: I found it upsetting that no one would adopt Bleep! She was as innocent as any of his other victims, more so, in some respect; she was adopted by him, she had no choice. His other victims, while innocent of the horror that befell them, they did choose to follow him home. The entire situation is tragic.
I have tried to study or observe, through another person's perspective, especially through true crime authors, the rationale behind serial killers. Like everyone else, I want to understand "WHY" these individuals acted in the manner that they did, and ultimately, like everyone else, I'm still clueless. I guess that I'll just have to keep reading. In all honesty, there's nothing extraordinary about this author, he's well educated, obviously did his due diligence in researching his subject matter and put his words to paper in an intriguing manner. I can't really speak to the style of writing other than to say it was well done. Is he the next Anne Rule of true crime, no. Would I read another of his books? Certainly.
PS: I found it upsetting that no one would adopt Bleep! She was as innocent as any of his other victims, more so, in some respect; she was adopted by him, she had no choice. His other victims, while innocent of the horror that befell them, they did choose to follow him home. The entire situation is tragic.
July 13, 2022
Shocking, Terrifying Twisted Individual.
This book is the story of British serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Dennis Nilsen was on a killing spree from 1979-1983, murdering at least 12 young men. He was one very disturbed sick man. Nilsen lured young, gay men to his home and then he would plie his victims with alcohol and food before strangling them. Dennis would then bathe and molest this victim. He would then dress them sleep with them and talk to the corpses before finally butchering them.
The book gives you some very good insight into why Dennis continued his gruesome killing spree, and even if like me you have read about this killer, I found that Robert Brown delves further into the killer's crimes and gives a very good insight into Nilsen’s thinking and feelings he had about the horrific things that he had done.
The book is very graphic but also showed the vulnerability of his victims. if you are a fan of true crime, you will enjoy this book A good read well researched. I am part of the ARC group for Wildblue Press and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book is the story of British serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Dennis Nilsen was on a killing spree from 1979-1983, murdering at least 12 young men. He was one very disturbed sick man. Nilsen lured young, gay men to his home and then he would plie his victims with alcohol and food before strangling them. Dennis would then bathe and molest this victim. He would then dress them sleep with them and talk to the corpses before finally butchering them.
The book gives you some very good insight into why Dennis continued his gruesome killing spree, and even if like me you have read about this killer, I found that Robert Brown delves further into the killer's crimes and gives a very good insight into Nilsen’s thinking and feelings he had about the horrific things that he had done.
The book is very graphic but also showed the vulnerability of his victims. if you are a fan of true crime, you will enjoy this book A good read well researched. I am part of the ARC group for Wildblue Press and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 5, 2020
...and another one's down...
How does a human live in the bonds of evil?
I've read many serial killer biographies.
Des is absolutely broken. He was intelligent. If you have any interest in serial killers, this is one to add to your library.
I do not pity him. He knew what he was doing. But, self medicating with alcohol is common with higher intellect. He was a high functioning alcoholic.
Interesting that going to jail and prison allowed him to stop drinking cold.
Many alcoholics have strong, health dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
As he aged, he was becoming "wet-brained", losing brain cells, having blackouts.
I believe his murderous inclinations are in part due to alcohol sickness.
Add in a developing mental illness, Des was beyond help.
Thanks for the story.
I'm going to take a hiatus from serial killers and enjoy the Holidays.
How does a human live in the bonds of evil?
I've read many serial killer biographies.
Des is absolutely broken. He was intelligent. If you have any interest in serial killers, this is one to add to your library.
I do not pity him. He knew what he was doing. But, self medicating with alcohol is common with higher intellect. He was a high functioning alcoholic.
Interesting that going to jail and prison allowed him to stop drinking cold.
Many alcoholics have strong, health dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
As he aged, he was becoming "wet-brained", losing brain cells, having blackouts.
I believe his murderous inclinations are in part due to alcohol sickness.
Add in a developing mental illness, Des was beyond help.
Thanks for the story.
I'm going to take a hiatus from serial killers and enjoy the Holidays.
March 19, 2021
Flat Narrative
This is the flat retelling of the story of British serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Dubbed Britain's Jeffrey Dahmer, Nilsen lured young, mostly gay men to his home. He plied them with alcohol and food before strangling them, molesting the corpses and butchering them.
The crimes are unquestionably brutal but little sympathy is generated for either the killer or his victims. It is a very matter of fact retelling. I did feel sorry for Nilsen's dog who did not deserve to be punished brcause she had the misfortune to be adopted by a nut job. There really is little in his nackground that would justify his actions. Sad for the victims and the dog.
This is the flat retelling of the story of British serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Dubbed Britain's Jeffrey Dahmer, Nilsen lured young, mostly gay men to his home. He plied them with alcohol and food before strangling them, molesting the corpses and butchering them.
The crimes are unquestionably brutal but little sympathy is generated for either the killer or his victims. It is a very matter of fact retelling. I did feel sorry for Nilsen's dog who did not deserve to be punished brcause she had the misfortune to be adopted by a nut job. There really is little in his nackground that would justify his actions. Sad for the victims and the dog.
April 17, 2020
Very gruesome
This book is very gruesome so if you are easily offended then don't read this book. I love reading about serial killers and have done since I was a kid.
I have three problems with this book. One, too many Americanisms. For a British writer should know better, apartments are called flats in the UK. Two, He doesn't state or quote within the book where all these stories com from or whether they were from transcripts or anything and three, poor bleep. Yes it was sad out the victims that Nilsen killed, but the dog didn't hurt anyone.
This book is very gruesome so if you are easily offended then don't read this book. I love reading about serial killers and have done since I was a kid.
I have three problems with this book. One, too many Americanisms. For a British writer should know better, apartments are called flats in the UK. Two, He doesn't state or quote within the book where all these stories com from or whether they were from transcripts or anything and three, poor bleep. Yes it was sad out the victims that Nilsen killed, but the dog didn't hurt anyone.
September 7, 2020
British serial killer
"The Bonfire Bodies..." took you into the horrifying true story of Britain's worst serial killer Dennis Nilsen. The book gives you some insight into why he continued his gruesome killing spree. It was very interesting to see how the police solved the case and what happened to him after that. Readers who like true crime stories will learn a lot from this book!
"The Bonfire Bodies..." took you into the horrifying true story of Britain's worst serial killer Dennis Nilsen. The book gives you some insight into why he continued his gruesome killing spree. It was very interesting to see how the police solved the case and what happened to him after that. Readers who like true crime stories will learn a lot from this book!
December 10, 2020
Detailed
Dennis Nilsen was a troubled person that killed 12 men. He knew he was sick and what he was doing was wrong but he did not stop. The details of his crimes are told to the police because he wanted them to know what he did. There are times when I was reading this book that I had to stop because it was to detailed.
Dennis Nilsen was a troubled person that killed 12 men. He knew he was sick and what he was doing was wrong but he did not stop. The details of his crimes are told to the police because he wanted them to know what he did. There are times when I was reading this book that I had to stop because it was to detailed.
February 15, 2021
Extreme details makes for slow reading
Although I enjoyed this book, the writer gave you so much detail about absolutely everything that it makes for a slow read. (I read twice a day, usually 2.5 hrs twice daily, but this book seemed to take forever and a day to finish because it just reads so slow with minute details)
Although I enjoyed this book, the writer gave you so much detail about absolutely everything that it makes for a slow read. (I read twice a day, usually 2.5 hrs twice daily, but this book seemed to take forever and a day to finish because it just reads so slow with minute details)
April 24, 2021
Depravity knows no bounds
If you are a true crime fanatic, this is a great book to add to your collection. Even if you have read about this killer, this author delves further into the killer's thoughts, crimes, and his feelings he had about the horrific things that he had done. A real page turner.
If you are a true crime fanatic, this is a great book to add to your collection. Even if you have read about this killer, this author delves further into the killer's thoughts, crimes, and his feelings he had about the horrific things that he had done. A real page turner.
February 17, 2020
Dennis Nilsen was on a killing spree from 1979-1983, murdering at least 12 young men. He was one very disturbed man. At times you nearly pity him, then he does something that shocks you into hating him. Beware, very graphic, not for the faint of heart.
April 24, 2020
The Bonfire Killings
Being a true crime buff I really enjoyed this book. The book was very graphic and gave a very good insight into Neilsons thinking. It also showed the vulnerability of his victims.
Being a true crime buff I really enjoyed this book. The book was very graphic and gave a very good insight into Neilsons thinking. It also showed the vulnerability of his victims.
August 29, 2020
Horrific true story. I wonder why the smell of human decomposition did not give him away. Hard book for me to continue reading. The only thing that got me through it was wanting to know how he would finally get punished.
November 8, 2020
Shocking
It’s a look into your neighbor that seems as normal as anyone on the block. Then, years later, you find out he’s been murdering people right under your nose. Goes to show you really don’t know who you’re living next to.
It’s a look into your neighbor that seems as normal as anyone on the block. Then, years later, you find out he’s been murdering people right under your nose. Goes to show you really don’t know who you’re living next to.
November 28, 2020
Terrifying and compelling!
I like most true crime novels and this is one of the best I've read in a while. Author takes you on a mind blowing journey in which sometimes you wonder if what you're reading is real.
If you're a fan of true crime, you'll enjoy this one!
I like most true crime novels and this is one of the best I've read in a while. Author takes you on a mind blowing journey in which sometimes you wonder if what you're reading is real.
If you're a fan of true crime, you'll enjoy this one!
May 14, 2021
Interesting
Very interesting study of a serial killer, it was a concise and accurate description and the book flowed easily. It was a good book and the author did an excellent job. A bit stomach turning at moments but, I didn't find it gratuitous.
Very interesting study of a serial killer, it was a concise and accurate description and the book flowed easily. It was a good book and the author did an excellent job. A bit stomach turning at moments but, I didn't find it gratuitous.
January 15, 2022
Twisted
I love reading about serial killers but this was too in depth for me. Very graphic details and told in a way that makes it difficult to read. His story is drawn out, after a few pages after he had gotten arrested I had to stop reading.
I love reading about serial killers but this was too in depth for me. Very graphic details and told in a way that makes it difficult to read. His story is drawn out, after a few pages after he had gotten arrested I had to stop reading.
March 25, 2020
The story of a despicable man, badly written.
May 1, 2020
Mediocre at best.
August 23, 2020
Interesting story. A quick read. I found it annoying that some of the grammar and spelling is american when he was scottish/killed in London.
December 15, 2020
While not normally a fan of true crime novels, I was impressed with the research that was obviously done by the author for this book.
February 26, 2021
As gruesome as it was to read, I enjoyed this book. The writing style made the book flow easily.
February 27, 2021
WOW
Very shocking story. Very well written. The story puts you into the mind of a monster. I highly recommend this book.
Very shocking story. Very well written. The story puts you into the mind of a monster. I highly recommend this book.
February 25, 2022
I disturbing rendition of Dennis Nilson's violent acts. Not for the faint of heart.
July 27, 2023
I could not finish this book. I made it through 12-13 chapters and had to quit. Evil, evil man.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews