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The Serial Killer Files: The Who, What, Where, How, and Why of the World's Most Terrifying Murderers
THE DEFINITIVE DOSSIER ON HISTORY'S MOST HEINOUS!
Hollywood's make-believe maniacs like Jason, Freddy, and Hannibal Lecter can't hold a candle to real life monsters like John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and scores of others who have terrorized, tortured, and terminated their way across civilization throughout the ages.
Now, from the much-acclaimed author of Deviant, Deranged, and Depraved, comes the ultimate resource on the serial killer phenomenon. Rigorously researched and packed with the most terrifying, up-to-date information, this innovative and highly compelling compendium covers every aspect of multiple murderers; from psychology to cinema, fetishism to fan clubs, trophies to trading cards.
Discover who they are:
Those featured include Ed Gein, the homicidal mama's boy who inspired fiction's most famous Psycho, Norman Bates; Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi, sex-crazed killer cousins better known as the Hillside Stranglers; and the Beanes, a fifteenth-century cave-dwelling clan with an insatiable appetite for human flesh.
How they kill:
They shoot, stab, and strangle. Butcher, bludgeon, and burn. Drown, dismember, and devour . . . and other methods of massacre too many and monstrous to mention here.
Why they do it:
For pleasure and for profit. For celebrity and for companionship. For the devil and for dinner. For the thrill of it, for the hell of it, and because such men are monsters, who live - beyond the frontiers of madness.
Plus:
in-depth case studies, classic killers: nicknames, definitions of every kind of deviance and derangement, and much, much more.
For more than one hundred profiles of lethal loners and killer couples, Bluebeards and black widows, cannibals and copycats; this is an indispensable, spine-tingling, eye-popping investigation into the dark hearts and mad minds of that twisted breed of human whose crimes are the most frightening . . . and fascinating.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 18hrs. and 17mins.
©2003 Harold Schechter (P)2016 Tantor
Hollywood's make-believe maniacs like Jason, Freddy, and Hannibal Lecter can't hold a candle to real life monsters like John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and scores of others who have terrorized, tortured, and terminated their way across civilization throughout the ages.
Now, from the much-acclaimed author of Deviant, Deranged, and Depraved, comes the ultimate resource on the serial killer phenomenon. Rigorously researched and packed with the most terrifying, up-to-date information, this innovative and highly compelling compendium covers every aspect of multiple murderers; from psychology to cinema, fetishism to fan clubs, trophies to trading cards.
Discover who they are:
Those featured include Ed Gein, the homicidal mama's boy who inspired fiction's most famous Psycho, Norman Bates; Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi, sex-crazed killer cousins better known as the Hillside Stranglers; and the Beanes, a fifteenth-century cave-dwelling clan with an insatiable appetite for human flesh.
How they kill:
They shoot, stab, and strangle. Butcher, bludgeon, and burn. Drown, dismember, and devour . . . and other methods of massacre too many and monstrous to mention here.
Why they do it:
For pleasure and for profit. For celebrity and for companionship. For the devil and for dinner. For the thrill of it, for the hell of it, and because such men are monsters, who live - beyond the frontiers of madness.
Plus:
in-depth case studies, classic killers: nicknames, definitions of every kind of deviance and derangement, and much, much more.
For more than one hundred profiles of lethal loners and killer couples, Bluebeards and black widows, cannibals and copycats; this is an indispensable, spine-tingling, eye-popping investigation into the dark hearts and mad minds of that twisted breed of human whose crimes are the most frightening . . . and fascinating.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 18hrs. and 17mins.
©2003 Harold Schechter (P)2016 Tantor
Audible Audio
First published December 30, 2003
630 people are currently reading
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About the author
Harold Schechter
79 books1,397 followersAka Jon A. Harrald (joint pseudonym with Jonna Gormley Semeiks)
Harold Schechter is a true crime writer who specializes in serial killers. He attended the State University of New York in Buffalo, where he obtained a Ph.D. A resident of New York City, Schechter is professor of American literature and popular culture at Queens College of the City University of New York.
Among his nonfiction works are the historical true-crime classics Fatal, Fiend, Deviant, Deranged, and Depraved. He also authors a critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Edgar Allan Poe, which includes The Hum Bug and Nevermore and The Mask of Red Death.
Schechter is married to poet Kimiko Hahn. He has two daughters from a previous marriage: the writer Lauren Oliver and professor of philosophy Elizabeth Schechter.
Harold Schechter is a true crime writer who specializes in serial killers. He attended the State University of New York in Buffalo, where he obtained a Ph.D. A resident of New York City, Schechter is professor of American literature and popular culture at Queens College of the City University of New York.
Among his nonfiction works are the historical true-crime classics Fatal, Fiend, Deviant, Deranged, and Depraved. He also authors a critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Edgar Allan Poe, which includes The Hum Bug and Nevermore and The Mask of Red Death.
Schechter is married to poet Kimiko Hahn. He has two daughters from a previous marriage: the writer Lauren Oliver and professor of philosophy Elizabeth Schechter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
September 28, 2016
As a fan of true crime, I was so excited to read this book. However, once I brought it home from Barnes and Noble, I was just about instantly disappointed. There's more cons than pros with The Serial Killer Files, that I almost don't know where to start.
The biggest, most obvious annoyance I have with this book is that the author is straight up bad at writing. I feel like he wanted to be a successful fiction author but just didn't have the chops, hence leading him to write subpar nonfiction like this. He notoriously uses the same descriptors over and over again (most notably "psycho" and its variables, as well as "savage", "slicing" and "the annals of crime." Without hyperbole, he uses the word "psycho" at least once almost every single page. He also can't hide his lack of skill with writing when he grossly sensationalizes these crimes, often using poor word choice to make the horrific crimes seem as if the author finds them sexually tantalizing. He also shows almost fanboy-ish levels of interest in a select few of offenders, his favorites being Albert Fish, Jeffery Dahmer, H.H. Holmes, and John Wayne Gacy. He talks about these guys so often that he often resorts to repeating their stories without adding new details--padding the novel in a way that doesn't hide his lack of skill.
Pushing the author's obvious lack of talent aside, he also can't stop himself from injecting his own opinions and attempting to pass them off as fact--which is simply unacceptable in a work of nonficiton. In a section discussing the various elements of culture that society often blames for crimes, he defends pornography with all the vitriolic rage of a Red Pill poster. He flat-out lies and claims that there's no proof that porn negatively impacts it's viewers--a claim that has long since been disproved through various studies (to be fair, this book was published in 2003, the year these studies were being performed or just coming out). He also left a sour taste in my mouth by ending the book on a section titled "Serial Killer Groupies", in which he derisively writes about how its "women's proclivity" to fall for bad boys, and that women's universal taste for these "bad boys" is a "fact of life." Again, a dull, dim-witted juvenile man with no intelligence trying to pass off his rejection-fueled scorn for women as universal facts.
Which leads me to my next point: anyone trying to educate themselves on the topic of true crime or the acts/behaviors/thoughts/motives of serial killers should steer clear of this book. The Serial Killer Files offers small glimpses into the crimes and motives of the killers, but often glosses over major elements of even well-known offenses. Also, with his trite sensationalism, the killer portraits read like wannabe entertainment reviews instead of informational, cut-and-dry, to-the-point facts. Disappointingly, this is another book that unfortunately provides less information than a select killer's wikipedia article.
Something I did enjoy with this book is that it did have a wide scope that introduced me to a broader range of killers than I was previously familiar with. And with his desperate and not so thinly veiled attempt to promote himself as an entertainment writer (by providing top 12 lists of his favorite killer movies and fiction--seriously) I came away with one or two recommendations. And while he does include a bibliography, he doesn't ever source his material and claims in the text, so its ultimately for show and minor reference than any real use.
Ultimately, this book comes of distorted in intent. It seems way more like the author's attempt to break into writing "for the big time" with sensationalist, extreme, shock journalism-style writing versus being a professional, factual, knowledgeable source of accurate information. I could forgive the sparse facts if only the author took himself seriously and put some real effort into providing the information his book is aimed to provide, instead of trying to make something as serious as serial murder "sexy" and took a more appropriate, articulate tone. I have a hard time enjoying, let alone recommending this book, especially not to people who are new to the topic of true crime and are looking for an exhaustive, informative book on the subject (if I find such a book, I'll sing it's praises). This is the kind of thing you'd pick up with half interest from the library and return before getting halfway through the text.
The biggest, most obvious annoyance I have with this book is that the author is straight up bad at writing. I feel like he wanted to be a successful fiction author but just didn't have the chops, hence leading him to write subpar nonfiction like this. He notoriously uses the same descriptors over and over again (most notably "psycho" and its variables, as well as "savage", "slicing" and "the annals of crime." Without hyperbole, he uses the word "psycho" at least once almost every single page. He also can't hide his lack of skill with writing when he grossly sensationalizes these crimes, often using poor word choice to make the horrific crimes seem as if the author finds them sexually tantalizing. He also shows almost fanboy-ish levels of interest in a select few of offenders, his favorites being Albert Fish, Jeffery Dahmer, H.H. Holmes, and John Wayne Gacy. He talks about these guys so often that he often resorts to repeating their stories without adding new details--padding the novel in a way that doesn't hide his lack of skill.
Pushing the author's obvious lack of talent aside, he also can't stop himself from injecting his own opinions and attempting to pass them off as fact--which is simply unacceptable in a work of nonficiton. In a section discussing the various elements of culture that society often blames for crimes, he defends pornography with all the vitriolic rage of a Red Pill poster. He flat-out lies and claims that there's no proof that porn negatively impacts it's viewers--a claim that has long since been disproved through various studies (to be fair, this book was published in 2003, the year these studies were being performed or just coming out). He also left a sour taste in my mouth by ending the book on a section titled "Serial Killer Groupies", in which he derisively writes about how its "women's proclivity" to fall for bad boys, and that women's universal taste for these "bad boys" is a "fact of life." Again, a dull, dim-witted juvenile man with no intelligence trying to pass off his rejection-fueled scorn for women as universal facts.
Which leads me to my next point: anyone trying to educate themselves on the topic of true crime or the acts/behaviors/thoughts/motives of serial killers should steer clear of this book. The Serial Killer Files offers small glimpses into the crimes and motives of the killers, but often glosses over major elements of even well-known offenses. Also, with his trite sensationalism, the killer portraits read like wannabe entertainment reviews instead of informational, cut-and-dry, to-the-point facts. Disappointingly, this is another book that unfortunately provides less information than a select killer's wikipedia article.
Something I did enjoy with this book is that it did have a wide scope that introduced me to a broader range of killers than I was previously familiar with. And with his desperate and not so thinly veiled attempt to promote himself as an entertainment writer (by providing top 12 lists of his favorite killer movies and fiction--seriously) I came away with one or two recommendations. And while he does include a bibliography, he doesn't ever source his material and claims in the text, so its ultimately for show and minor reference than any real use.
Ultimately, this book comes of distorted in intent. It seems way more like the author's attempt to break into writing "for the big time" with sensationalist, extreme, shock journalism-style writing versus being a professional, factual, knowledgeable source of accurate information. I could forgive the sparse facts if only the author took himself seriously and put some real effort into providing the information his book is aimed to provide, instead of trying to make something as serious as serial murder "sexy" and took a more appropriate, articulate tone. I have a hard time enjoying, let alone recommending this book, especially not to people who are new to the topic of true crime and are looking for an exhaustive, informative book on the subject (if I find such a book, I'll sing it's praises). This is the kind of thing you'd pick up with half interest from the library and return before getting halfway through the text.
September 28, 2014
This book exceeded all my expectations. When looking for a book about serial killers, I was mainly looking for reasons why they did what they did. I found those reasons and so much more. Not only did the author include the psychology sections that I was looking for, they also provided cultural information, like why are people so fascinated by serial killers and how long has this been going on(which the author pointed out that it has been going on practically forever). The author had information about the popular killers, like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer, and also ones that are not as heard of. Although the book was completely disturbing and disgusting, it held my interest all the way until the end.
I also particularly liked that the author included further reading and a bibliography in the back, although I don't think that I need to know any more about serial killers at this point. Very good read and I recommend it to people who are interested in serial killers as long as they can stomach the great amount of horrific details.
I also particularly liked that the author included further reading and a bibliography in the back, although I don't think that I need to know any more about serial killers at this point. Very good read and I recommend it to people who are interested in serial killers as long as they can stomach the great amount of horrific details.
February 25, 2008
I have a morbid fascination with death so what better book for me? It outlined many famous cases and I learned about many new ones. People never fail to disgust me, this book proves why.
February 24, 2017
Interesting premise but WAY too broad. It should have been split into multiple books, and then maybe each chapter wouldn't have been so redundant. He used the same phrasing to describe multiple people, and every time he re-mentioned someone, he'd describe them all over again.
December 31, 2023
4,0 ✨✨✨
Darkside should hire better translators.
Darkside should hire better translators.
September 27, 2022
Well, you can't say its not informative. This is basically the definitive guide to serial killers. Not necessarily the individual serial killers, though its not short on information, but the who, what, why of serial killers. (Hey, its in the name!)
My biggest criticism is how repetitive and long winded it can get. For example, I'm pretty sure Albert Fish and his crimes are repeated at least on 5 separate occasions.
My biggest criticism is how repetitive and long winded it can get. For example, I'm pretty sure Albert Fish and his crimes are repeated at least on 5 separate occasions.
May 2, 2020
Another book every true crime addict should have in her library
Very detailed discussion and profiles
Very detailed discussion and profiles
July 2, 2018
The book was repetitive and not all that interestingly written. It was very difficult to get through.
September 5, 2010
I read this as part of my research for a psych paper on Nature Vs. Nurture in Criminal Psychology. Although it was a bit redundant at times, I found it incredibly informative.
I especially enjoyed the tidbits it provided on the historical context of serial killers- the fact that the term wasn't widely used until the 1980's shocked me. The information given about cases from the 19th century and earlier were especially interesting, in my opinion, just because you never really hear about the older stuff.
It didn't really provide me with any ideas on nature vs. nurture that I didn't already have, but it had actual case studies that helped provide reason/context to my own thoughts/ideas on the subject.
The book did a good job of taking common facts that most of us know, and breaking it down to pull out as much detail and specific information as possible. "Serial killer" seems like a pretty specific title, but after reading this book, the phrase "serial killer" seems so incredibly vague and broad, as there are so many different kinds/reasons/psychopathies, etc etc. behind that phrase.
Overall it was a solid read. Short sections, which are always appreciated. A few areas made me a bit queasy (although I feel I have a pretty strong stomach), but other than that, it was incredibly informative and a solid collection of case studies/information that's accessible to the general public, but doesn't dumb any of it down.
I especially enjoyed the tidbits it provided on the historical context of serial killers- the fact that the term wasn't widely used until the 1980's shocked me. The information given about cases from the 19th century and earlier were especially interesting, in my opinion, just because you never really hear about the older stuff.
It didn't really provide me with any ideas on nature vs. nurture that I didn't already have, but it had actual case studies that helped provide reason/context to my own thoughts/ideas on the subject.
The book did a good job of taking common facts that most of us know, and breaking it down to pull out as much detail and specific information as possible. "Serial killer" seems like a pretty specific title, but after reading this book, the phrase "serial killer" seems so incredibly vague and broad, as there are so many different kinds/reasons/psychopathies, etc etc. behind that phrase.
Overall it was a solid read. Short sections, which are always appreciated. A few areas made me a bit queasy (although I feel I have a pretty strong stomach), but other than that, it was incredibly informative and a solid collection of case studies/information that's accessible to the general public, but doesn't dumb any of it down.
October 13, 2017
absolutely the most complete media about the subject! absolutely loved it.
it not only chooses to explore more less known serial killers but it also does a wonderful job at truly explaining the phenomenon. from motive, to psyche, to genre, to race, everything is looked upon. it even ends with a wonderful recommendation list of different media and arts about serial murders (fictional and not)!
if true crime interests you, you absolutely NEED to read this one!
it not only chooses to explore more less known serial killers but it also does a wonderful job at truly explaining the phenomenon. from motive, to psyche, to genre, to race, everything is looked upon. it even ends with a wonderful recommendation list of different media and arts about serial murders (fictional and not)!
if true crime interests you, you absolutely NEED to read this one!
April 27, 2017
Very informative book... if you're into serial killers! :)
December 31, 2018
Se eu pudesse dar mil estrelas eu daria e é isto.
April 14, 2022
Li pro TCC...é uma grande loucura pensar em quantos fatores interferem pra uma pessoa se tornar um serial killers...e como a gente é fascinado por isso.
Read
August 6, 2011If you're looking for information on the big-name serial killers, try another book--there are several for each killer listed in the back for more information--because it only has a condensed listing/summary of the major killers.
The first few chapters overview the types of serial killers and the history of serial killing.
This a fact-based book covering brutal cases with stark clarity. There are a lot of little known killers mentioned, as well as the usual suspects of Bundy, Gacy, Dahmer, Jack the Ripper, the Zodiac Killer, Son of Sam, Richard Rameriz - the Night Stalker, and others.
Quick, concise entries about various killers are sorted by types of killing--grouping the sexual sadists together, the posioners in another spot, even the black widows.
The first few chapters overview the types of serial killers and the history of serial killing.
This a fact-based book covering brutal cases with stark clarity. There are a lot of little known killers mentioned, as well as the usual suspects of Bundy, Gacy, Dahmer, Jack the Ripper, the Zodiac Killer, Son of Sam, Richard Rameriz - the Night Stalker, and others.
Quick, concise entries about various killers are sorted by types of killing--grouping the sexual sadists together, the posioners in another spot, even the black widows.
May 30, 2020
(3,5)
Com certeza esse é um dos livros mais completos sobre serial killers, o que não significa que é o melhor. Apesar da boa diagramação da Darkside (que só peca no tamanho da fonte), a leitura é muito cansativa. O excesso de repetições, bem como as descrições detalhadas dos crimes – colocadas ali só pelo shock value – também foram aspectos que não me agradaram. Entretanto, as análises psicológicas foram em sua maioria interessantes, ainda que repletas de julgamentos da parte do autor que poderiam ter ficado de fora. No geral, é um livro que vale a leitura para quem se interessa pelo assunto, mas que eu só voltaria a ler para consultar informações específicas.
Com certeza esse é um dos livros mais completos sobre serial killers, o que não significa que é o melhor. Apesar da boa diagramação da Darkside (que só peca no tamanho da fonte), a leitura é muito cansativa. O excesso de repetições, bem como as descrições detalhadas dos crimes – colocadas ali só pelo shock value – também foram aspectos que não me agradaram. Entretanto, as análises psicológicas foram em sua maioria interessantes, ainda que repletas de julgamentos da parte do autor que poderiam ter ficado de fora. No geral, é um livro que vale a leitura para quem se interessa pelo assunto, mas que eu só voltaria a ler para consultar informações específicas.
July 30, 2017
I guess I cant get enough of learning about serial killers and criminal minds.
When u have a passion about something , you don't stop doing and pursuing it. While reading about true crime and the life of the killers , you understand how complicated human mind can be. Sometimes you start having empathy about those kind of people. But most of all the time you are shocked how people can turn into such monsters.
When u have a passion about something , you don't stop doing and pursuing it. While reading about true crime and the life of the killers , you understand how complicated human mind can be. Sometimes you start having empathy about those kind of people. But most of all the time you are shocked how people can turn into such monsters.
June 13, 2019
This is obviously meant to be a reference book and not well suited to Audible. The author tends to repeat the same info over and over. Sometimes word for word. He must have repeated the same info on Albert Fish at least 25 times.
May 30, 2022
The narrator is a bit dry and says the most disturbing things with a flat tone. The book was EXTREMELY repetitive saying the same things over and over and going over the same cases time and again.
December 27, 2023
I read this years ago. Very digestible. The passages are short and informative and I learned a lot. It’s not super detailed but it can’t be because it covers so many different people. 4.1 stars
July 26, 2023
I had heard a great deal about Harold Schechter as a true crime writer and found this book somewhere for cheap. Pulled it out to read because this month's reading theme is Criminal Protagonist and it's all about criminals. Not what I was expecting -- to the point that I am questioning a bit my interest in reading about true crime. I cannot put my finger on it -- and perhaps it is tied to the fact that the book is from about 2002 or 2003, so 20 years behind -- but I got the distinct impression that Schechter doesn't like women or the LGBTQIA+ community. There was a different tone when dealing with murders of straight men then murders of women or gay men -- straight men got less graphic detail and less sensationalist language, i.e., a bit more respect as victims. And he clearly despises sex workers from his willingness to use every slang term for the profession and their work. He had a lot of compassion for the childhoods of some of the men who commit horrendous crimes with discussions of their perspectives and how they were shaped by the brutality they experienced. Less so for the females -- women and children like Mary Bell -- although he would at least acknowledge that they had it hard, but seemed to allow less leeway in terms of what they became.
The tone of the book was irritating to me in that it was not consistent -- at times using formal or academic language and at other times much more colloquial or street vernacular. Often in the same paragraph. It was like it couldn't decide to be an informative look at things or a sensationalist tabloid-style review. Quite a few of the more well-known stories were told multiple times (at least in separate chapters) without really any additional details. Other lesser-known instances which is what I was most interested in were only addressed briefly. Let's just say I am not going out of my way to find anything else by the author.
The tone of the book was irritating to me in that it was not consistent -- at times using formal or academic language and at other times much more colloquial or street vernacular. Often in the same paragraph. It was like it couldn't decide to be an informative look at things or a sensationalist tabloid-style review. Quite a few of the more well-known stories were told multiple times (at least in separate chapters) without really any additional details. Other lesser-known instances which is what I was most interested in were only addressed briefly. Let's just say I am not going out of my way to find anything else by the author.
April 30, 2018
An encyclopedic tome, to the point of repetitiveness, covering dozens of mass murderers and serial killers, organizing information around various themes. As fascinating as I find the subject matter, I did have to limit the amount I would read in any one sitting, as the catalog of horrors would get a bit overwhelming at times.
One of the interesting points that was brought up was on the subject of capital punishment. The relative of a victim was quoted saying "Those boys died in agony. This guy up here gets an art show. That's not right.". Even though I am generally against the death penalty, it is difficult to maintain that stance in the face of the utterly disgusting nature of many of these crimes, plus the sheer volume, and in most cases, the utter lack of remorse.
One of the interesting points that was brought up was on the subject of capital punishment. The relative of a victim was quoted saying "Those boys died in agony. This guy up here gets an art show. That's not right.". Even though I am generally against the death penalty, it is difficult to maintain that stance in the face of the utterly disgusting nature of many of these crimes, plus the sheer volume, and in most cases, the utter lack of remorse.
February 14, 2021
Not for the faint of heart. There are no crime scene photos, few photos at all in this book, but there are relentless descriptions of violent acts by violent men (and some women, and though most of them were poisoners, that is also a form of torture-murder.) I had to read this book in small servings and so very slowly, so as not to become depressed by the long history of this type of crime (starting well before Jack the Ripper,) not to mention the abuse most of these offenders suffered as children, often as adoptees or in foster care. I cannot feel any empathy for them, though, not those who know the difference between right and wrong.
A lot of people take an interest in TRUE CRIME (or they used to.) This is a very thorough guide and a definite distraction from the daily COVID-19 news.
A lot of people take an interest in TRUE CRIME (or they used to.) This is a very thorough guide and a definite distraction from the daily COVID-19 news.
October 24, 2010
It was a pretty interesting read overall. However, the writing really started to annoy me in the long run. Every time the author tried to describe a murder in the most 'gruesome' details, it came off as if the author intended to gross you out on purpose, making it seem way worse than it actually was. There wasn't much variation of words either; it was just dull and repetitive to me. Though that could've been caused by the translator of this book.
Also! (I almost forgot) There were a lot of interesting chapters left out, no idea why. But that was a shame, really.
Also! (I almost forgot) There were a lot of interesting chapters left out, no idea why. But that was a shame, really.
October 20, 2018
Actual Rating 4.5
This was such a conclusive, interesting, and entertaining non-fiction. While a lot of the information in this I knew already I did actually learn a lot and I really enjoyed the fast-paced and no-nonsense approach with which Harold Schechter approached this book. It was entertaining without being sensationalized and I think it was respectful of the material covered. Highly recommend for a really good true-crime read with a more analytical approach.
This was such a conclusive, interesting, and entertaining non-fiction. While a lot of the information in this I knew already I did actually learn a lot and I really enjoyed the fast-paced and no-nonsense approach with which Harold Schechter approached this book. It was entertaining without being sensationalized and I think it was respectful of the material covered. Highly recommend for a really good true-crime read with a more analytical approach.
September 13, 2019
The book was good but was very repetitive.
May 5, 2017
The dark side of human nature is an endless source of morbid fascination, and with this book we go right to the heart of some of the most appalling human behavior. Despite the brutality of the topic, the author's conversational writing style makes this an easy book to read.
We start at the beginning, when the term 'serial killer' was first defined. The author talks about specific traits common to serial killers, using notorious cases as examples. From there, this book covers a little bit of everything, from the types of killers, to their methods of killing and body disposal. The cases explored span from Jack the Ripper to modern-day killers.
A major flaw in this book, for me, was the repetition. The author relies on a handful of the more well-known serial killers for examples, and the same details are cited multiple times throughout. This might be due, in part, to the way the book is set up, though the information is repeated as if we hadn't read the exact details in a different section.
The other problem area, for me, was with the 'Why They Kill' section. We're lead to believe that all serial killers have mother issues, come from abusive homes, and are abnormally fixated on sex. While this is a general truth for many killers, it's an oversimplification and not true for all killers. The author also appears to support the nurture over nature theory, which is another generality that doesn't hold true. Abuse, in and of itself, does not create a serial killer. The fact is that, most often, it's a combination of nature and nurture, and occasionally simply nature. In fairness, much of the neuroscience research in this area has been published within the past decade, before this book's publication. Still, I felt this section tried too hard to simplify a complicated issue.
Overall, this is a good read, covering a vast topic and focusing on a handful of darkly intriguing cases.
We start at the beginning, when the term 'serial killer' was first defined. The author talks about specific traits common to serial killers, using notorious cases as examples. From there, this book covers a little bit of everything, from the types of killers, to their methods of killing and body disposal. The cases explored span from Jack the Ripper to modern-day killers.
A major flaw in this book, for me, was the repetition. The author relies on a handful of the more well-known serial killers for examples, and the same details are cited multiple times throughout. This might be due, in part, to the way the book is set up, though the information is repeated as if we hadn't read the exact details in a different section.
The other problem area, for me, was with the 'Why They Kill' section. We're lead to believe that all serial killers have mother issues, come from abusive homes, and are abnormally fixated on sex. While this is a general truth for many killers, it's an oversimplification and not true for all killers. The author also appears to support the nurture over nature theory, which is another generality that doesn't hold true. Abuse, in and of itself, does not create a serial killer. The fact is that, most often, it's a combination of nature and nurture, and occasionally simply nature. In fairness, much of the neuroscience research in this area has been published within the past decade, before this book's publication. Still, I felt this section tried too hard to simplify a complicated issue.
Overall, this is a good read, covering a vast topic and focusing on a handful of darkly intriguing cases.
March 21, 2018
This book doesn't have any plot, mostly because its about serial killers and what they did instead of a story. The setting is sadly usually in London, before today I had no idea how many people are murdered there every year. Main events include murder, death, suicide, kidnapping and more! My favorite serial killer being the Axeman.
One figurative device i found was a metaphor "Ripped apart like paper". Another i found was imagery "The dark hallway like streets that no one drives on". The best one was personification "The gun had become a great friend, a useful friend". Another example of personification is "It is written that he thought of his so called Friends pawns and the tools they used to commit the murders his real Friends.". The last one is hyperbole "The sound of a neck or arm breaking into splinters.".
I liked this book. It was one of the few books that is both violent and educational. That is why the world is beautiful. because books like this allow people to know how much the world sucks too. I say these things in the name of me because i'm awesome.
One figurative device i found was a metaphor "Ripped apart like paper". Another i found was imagery "The dark hallway like streets that no one drives on". The best one was personification "The gun had become a great friend, a useful friend". Another example of personification is "It is written that he thought of his so called Friends pawns and the tools they used to commit the murders his real Friends.". The last one is hyperbole "The sound of a neck or arm breaking into splinters.".
I liked this book. It was one of the few books that is both violent and educational. That is why the world is beautiful. because books like this allow people to know how much the world sucks too. I say these things in the name of me because i'm awesome.
March 21, 2022
"Os bons homens se limitam a sonhar aquilo que os maus praticam". — Platão
Nesse compilado de casos criminais, infancias traumáticas repletas de abusos, humilhações e palco para distúrbios psicológicos que podem transformar seres humanos em "monstros" sem compaixão e empatia, que sentem êxtase ao fazerem o outro sentir dor, agonia e humilhação. Sendo uma forma de colocar suas fantasias para fora e a raiva do mundo que provém de acontecimentos familiares ou abandono.
O livro trás descrições bem detalhadas das atrocidades cometidas por cada assassino, suas jornadas e punições quando descobertos. Mostra o quão um indivíduo pode causar dor tendo plena consciência disso e até que ponto são comandados por suas fantasias e prazeres.
Chega a ser espantoso eles não sentirem remorso algum.
O livro é bem sólido, meio cansativa a leitura pelo tanto de informações, mas muito muito interessante e expressamente não indicado para pessoas sensíveis
Nesse compilado de casos criminais, infancias traumáticas repletas de abusos, humilhações e palco para distúrbios psicológicos que podem transformar seres humanos em "monstros" sem compaixão e empatia, que sentem êxtase ao fazerem o outro sentir dor, agonia e humilhação. Sendo uma forma de colocar suas fantasias para fora e a raiva do mundo que provém de acontecimentos familiares ou abandono.
O livro trás descrições bem detalhadas das atrocidades cometidas por cada assassino, suas jornadas e punições quando descobertos. Mostra o quão um indivíduo pode causar dor tendo plena consciência disso e até que ponto são comandados por suas fantasias e prazeres.
Chega a ser espantoso eles não sentirem remorso algum.
O livro é bem sólido, meio cansativa a leitura pelo tanto de informações, mas muito muito interessante e expressamente não indicado para pessoas sensíveis
November 9, 2025
A very difficult read, but as someone interested in psychology, I wanted to understand this dark streak in humanity. The chapters focused solely on the killers and their actions were especially hard to get through, but my biggest interest lay in exploring how people become this way. The book does address that, delving into the common traits shared by these individuals, the interplay of environment and genetics.
November 30, 2022
Má tradução, mal estruturado, extremamente repetitivo, muito fraco. Uma desilusão.
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