Killer Cults: Stories of Charisma, Deceit, and Death (Profiles in Crime Book 3)

by Stephen Singular

What’s scarier than a murderer? Someone with the charisma to compel others to kill for them . . . or to kill themselves. Meet these cult leaders—and get an inside look at their beliefs and how they controlled others.    Some cults, led by leaders like Charlie Manson, Jim Jones, and David Koresh, are notorious. But others are less well known, such as Shoko Asahara and his doomsday cult, Aum Shinrikyo, who orchestrated the sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway. Or Joseph Di Mambro and Luc Jouret, who founded the Order of the Solar Temple, a doomsday cult that led to the death of 51 members by murder or suicide. Then there is Marshall Applewhite, leader of Heaven’s Gate, who, along with 38 followers, killed themselves in the belief that the Hale-Bopp comet signaled the arrival of a spaceship that would transport them to a higher plane of existence. What makes cult leaders so compelling is their often-unfathomable power over their adherents. Why do people kill others or themselves for a questionable set of beliefs? Killer Cults tells the stories behind both famous and unfamiliar cults, and the people behind them. Across a series of profiles, we learn the jaw-dropping truth behind some of the most mystifying and deadly cults, and their leaders, all of whom led their followers down a dark, murderous path.

Genres: True Crime, Crime, Nonfiction, Cults, History

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2021

About the author

Stephen Singular is the author or co-author of 22 non-fiction books, many of them about high-profile criminal cases. He’s also written sports and business biographies and social commentary. Two of the books have been “New York Times” bestsellers.

His first book, Talked to Death, set the tone for his journalistic career. Published in 1987, it chronicled the assassination of a Denver Jewish talk show host, Alan Berg, by a group of neo-Nazis known as The Order. The book was nominated for a national award — the Edgar for true crime — and became the basis for the 1989 Oliver Stone film, “Talk Radio.” Talked to Death was translated into several languages and explored the timeless American themes of racism, class, violence, and religious intolerance.

Reviews

[Rowan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a collection, sort of an omnibus I guess, of true crime stories loosely based on "cults" - the definition the author uses for "cult" is never delineated. Although most of the stories feature organizations that are widely agreed by experts to fit into the most widely accepted definition of cults, at least the last one, the "Cult of Columbine" probably is not, although that was possibly the most moving story in the book.

In addition, most of the cult stories have at least one killing involved.

The stories seemed to be compiled of a loose reading of source materials that are listed in the back for each of the cults, and not of any direct or in depth research, so at times the coverage is cursory, perhaps of necessity.

The writing style is fairly direct, and overall not bad, but at times it could've used more editing. I did see one typo in the last chapter, plus the writer didn't seem to be able to paragraph very well. Some paragraphs were just a hodgepodge of thoughts; some needed to be cut into two or three shorter paragraphs. That made it harder to read. Sometimes the style felt a bit incoherent because of the jumble. Occasionally as well statements seemed to heading towards details and ended in vagueness, giving an impression of a failure of research.

It happened that I had just completed *The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple* by Jeff Guinn as I right before I read that chapter, and I felt some of the statements in that chapter were misleading -- perhaps due to that vagueness -- or even incorrect. That detracted a bit from my enjoyment of the material also. Because of that, some of the stories I didn't know as well I found myself wondering which statements were true, which ones were vague interpretations of others' writings, and which might be slightly misleading.

I soldiered through the book regardless, mostly out of stubbornness.

I would say if you like true crime and want it as light reading, you might enjoy the read through more than I did, especially if you are not sensitive to the style. You might like this book if you want to find new cults to look into and later find a better researched longer book (or multiple books) on that specific cult. However, if you are looking for a reference, don't trust this book as a source. Double check anything you read in this book.

[Taylor Nicke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cool read. It’s written more like a study and less like individual stories about each cult and/or cult leader. I like that they didn’t just focus on North American cults and presented organizations from around the world.

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read a true crime book that was this recent--I remember some of the stuff mentioned in here happening, which is actually wild. It was interesting! I knew pretty much everything about the big cults mentioned in this book (i.e. Jonestown, the Family, Children of God, et cetera), but I learned about some that I'd had zero idea existed. It was a nice little overview.

[Jake Gutru · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting dive into some cults and their stories, both well-known and obscure. I did find some chapters to be lacking in specific details, while other areas had far more information, and while this was likely due to a lack of source material it did leave a few questions in some areas for me. It made me want to learn more about each individual group in a "morbidly curious" kind of way, as learning about cults always shocks me. It's a great springboard for further research, and the author does a great job of telling each story without much discernible bias.

[Annie Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating.

[Jennie Garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️- Cons: This book needed a better editor, it had so many mistakes. One of the photos from the Adolfo Contanzo and the Matamoros Cult it says the shoot out was in 1969 (when Adolfo was 7) instead of 1989. To say Ogun was the patron saint of criminals was gross. He was a big inspiration for the liberation of Haiti. A sensitivity editor would’ve caught the misgendering of Chris Korda. The “he/she” references were gross. Some of these cults could have a little bit more information. I know it’s supposed to be introduction, but a lot of them could’ve used a few extra pages.
Pros: I learned about a few cults that I haven’t heard before. Now I can research the cults that I’m interested in. I learned new details about the FLDS. This cult is the gift that keeps on giving horrible things.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. Was hoping for a much more psychological perspective on the “why” behind these cults. Singular’s writing is more expository than I was anticipating.

Side note: though published in 2020, author Stephan Singular uses very outdated/inaccurate language describing sex workers and the transgender community.

[Clay Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Killer Cults: Stories of Charisma, Deceit, and Death* is a gripping exploration of the dark world of cults, authored by Stephen Singular. This book, published in 2020, delves into the lives of notorious cult leaders and their followers, unraveling the complex dynamics that lead individuals to commit unspeakable acts under the influence of charismatic figures.

The book presents a series of profiles on both well-known and obscure cults, such as the infamous Jim Jones and the lesser-known Aum Shinrikyo, which was responsible for the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. Singular examines the psychological manipulation employed by these leaders, highlighting how their charisma can compel followers to engage in extreme behaviors, including mass suicides and violent acts.

Readers are introduced to a variety of cults, with Singular providing insights into their beliefs, motivations, and the tragic outcomes of their ideologies. The author aims to uncover the reasons behind the allure of these groups, asking critical questions about faith, control, and the human psyche.

Singular's writing is primarily expository, which some readers have found to be a double-edged sword. While it offers a straightforward presentation of facts, it lacks the depth that many hoped for in terms of psychological analysis. Several reviews noted that the book sometimes skims over the more intricate aspects of cult beliefs and rituals, focusing instead on the sensational elements of their tragic ends. This approach has led to mixed reviews, with some praising the informative nature of the book while others criticize its superficial treatment of complex subjects.

The reception of *Killer Cults* has been varied. Some readers appreciate the book as a solid introduction to the subject of cults, acknowledging its role as a springboard for further research. However, critiques have emerged regarding the need for better editing, with some pointing out factual inaccuracies and outdated language regarding sensitive topics such as gender identity and the portrayal of marginalized communities.

Moreover, the book's handling of graphic content related to violence and abuse has been noted, which may not be suitable for all readers. The emotional weight of the stories, combined with the sometimes casual tone of the writing, has led to a disconnect for some, who expected a more serious treatment of such grave subjects.

Overall, *Killer Cults: Stories of Charisma, Deceit, and Death* is a thought-provoking read that shines a light on the chilling influence of cult leaders. While it serves as an accessible entry point into the world of cults, readers looking for an in-depth psychological analysis may find it lacking. Singular's work is a reminder of the power of charisma and the vulnerabilities of human belief, making it a relevant read for those interested in true crime, psychology, and sociology.

[Cara B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved true crime stories and cults have always terrified my family and I, but I also find it so interesting to learn about. This book puts these true crime events into its own chapter for each event. It was interesting to learn about Jim Jones, David Koresh, Warren Jeffs, The Columbine Massacre, etc. Most of these events didn't end well and it's crazy to think people really did get away with those things. I've heard about most of the cults/people but I had never actually dug deeper, like Jim Jones. I have heard of him, specifically the phrase "Drink the Kool-Aid" which came from the massacre that happened at Jonestown but I didn't realize it was so much more. Like the number of people that died at that is crazy! While reading this I defiantly questioned how the hell someone could believe in this crazy stuff that some random person claims is true or that they are a prophet. But picture it like this, imagine your best friend claims they have seen/met god and that god told them and are the "chosen one" You might actually believe it if they are super serious. You never know who could be in a cult, the person in the cult might not know they're in one before its too late, YOU might be in a cult and not realize it.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of a basic primer, but not bad. Most of the chapters in this collection focus on fairly well-publicized cults and individuals, with these chapters often being longer but more cursory overviews of already well-documented stories. As such, the majority of the book is a simple coverage of events that are easily understood through more complex and detailed narratives elsewhere. But, there are a few chapters that cover lesser-known groups and events, which I found fairly interesting, even if I knew that these, too, were rather cursory treatments. The most revelatory for me was the sort of loose-knit cult surrounding the Columbine shooters. I knew that Columbine was continually held up as an event that imitators admired and sought to replicate, but framing this as a loose cult with a particular outlook on those events was an interesting perspective that I'd never heard before. I know that in order to learn more I definitely need to turn elsewhere, but for little instances and things like this, Singular's book proved a useful, easy-to-read introduction.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a nice brief overview of some major cults like The Family, Peoples Temple, the Manson family, etc. But it did cover a few groups that I was not familiar with the Sullivanians or The Order. I was very pleased that NXIVM was mentioned as on the outside it didn’t look like a “typical cult” but it’s extremely interesting. However, there were a few chapters that I wasn’t sure if I would have considered as cults. But overall, it’s a nice basic summaries of the different cults that have occurred throughout history and today.

[Paris Purnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book strictly for the purpose to learn more about cults. This was a beyond disturbing book to read. But I am glad that I did indeed finish it because it was kind of tough to get through. The final cult at the end of the book, hit close to me the most. (Although I will not mention it in my review.) I learned a lot and plan to use this information to keep my mind open yet stoic. Some of the techniques these leaders used were so sad to hear and my heart goes out to all affected by these people. The victims’ voices are what I care about most. The leaders, I don’t.

[N.J. Gallegos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice informative book about cults. There's the usual suspects: the Manson Family, Heaven's Gate, Jonestown, but several I'd never heard of and I'm a true crime fan. I could have used a little more background on some of the cults (Branch Davidians) as there was more information about the siege in Waco rather than the daily ins and outs of the cult. My favorite new cult is definitely The Church of Euthanasia. I'm not saying they're right but... you gotta admire a cult that opposes pro-lifers and embraces the absurdity of humanity. Their slogan: Save the Planet, Kill Yourself. Catchy ain't it?

[Stuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting read - terrible Kindle edition

The content is interesting (yet horrific) and well written. But avoid this Kindle edition which is so badly indexed that there are missing pages, at least 2 missing chapters and at the beginning of every chapter if you swipe to the next page, it instead goes to the next chapter so you have to page back to the first page of each chapter. Very sloppy. Go for the paper edition instead.

[Lucas Moctezuma · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology of different well-known cults. It's a little too cursory and reads more like a series of true crime snippit stories. Doesn't really feel like a proper exploration of the cults, their leaders, survivors or stories. There are better books if that is what you are looking for.

But glad I read it because now I'm aware of cults I had no idea existed and got a good snapshot of what they are like. For example, the Church of Euthanasia, the High Priestess of Blood and The Order.

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're into true crime, have a degree in psychology, or just want to understand how cults happen, then this book is for you! It not only went into depth with groups I never heard of, but also some infamous ones like Jim Jones and the Peoples to Charles Manson. I did like the fact they threw in facts about how the leaders operate, to why they do what they do, how they target, but also how they market themselves to outsides and lure them in.

[Ethan P · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a really good read if you’re looking for overviews of cults. The book covers 19 different ones and does a great job at explaining why they started, what they stand for, and what happened to them. It doesn’t go into too much detail (about 10 pages per cult), but provides sources in the back that can lead the reader to find out more about what interests them.

[Nicole Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of different notorious cults. Some sections felt half-baked, but overall a great resource for those with little knowledge about cults. I learned a lot and will probably be looking for other books to get more in-depth information.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boggling how some people, from all walks of life, allow themselves to fall prey to "charismatic leaders" and, how the mind can justify almost anything. Core message from this book: don't ever cede your personal power.

[Abby Frye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok but then again I have read entire books focused on each individual cult mentioned in here. More of an overview of some cults than anything. Good for someone just starting to dip their toes in wanting to learn about cults.

[Sienna Tobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good for research purposes if you need information about a similar topic. Includes all sources at the end. A really horrifying but interesting read. Very informative. Structured well, each chapter is a different cult/topic

[Shannon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I learned about a few cults that I have never heard of and got a new perspective on ones I did know. it was a bit dense at times but I think that’s just due to the nature of the book and not so much the authors ability

[Ally Jindra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty decent book, not too bad but, eh, not too good either. The author hasn't really found a good tone yet. It reeks of try-hard high school creative writing. I kind of wish his wife, who wrote the introduction, wrote the whole book. Other than that, it was a quick, informative book.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting cult stories that I’ve never heard of. Of course some I’ve read about before, but there was a lot that I have never even imagined that were going on. It’s crazy to imagine that these things actually took place.

[Leanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary! Especially how many cult leaders get more paranoid, controlling, and dangerous as they get older

[Carla Cardinal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that covers not only the well known cults, but the obscure ones as well. Singular has done a lot of research and presents it 8n and engaging way.

[Oren Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read if you're interested in the history and psychology of cults.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an overview of all of the "big name" cults. Many of which I had never heard of and I was surprised to see how recent some of them where!

[Mackayla Hearon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, horrific, and interesting

[maddy eger · Rating 2 out of 5]

another skip for me