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Vampire Killer: A Terrifying True Story of Psychosis, Mutilation and Murder
On 23 January 1978, David Wallin returned to an unlit home. His pregnant wife, Teresa (22), was nowhere to be seen. The radio was still playing and there were some peculiar stains on the carpet. Wallin nervously followed the stains to his bedroom and encountered a scene so chilling that it would haunt him for the rest of his life. Teresa had been sexually assaulted and mutilated. She was also missing body parts and large volumes of blood.
Four days later, the Sacramento Police Department were called to a home approximately a mile away from the Wallin residence. They were not prepared for the horror that awaited them. Daniel Meredith (56) and Jason Miroth (6) were shot multiple times. Evelyn Miroth (38) was disfigured, disembowelled and abused like Teresa. She was also missing body parts and large quantities of blood. David Ferreira (2), who Evelyn was babysitting, was nowhere to be seen and likely in the hands of the deranged mass murderer.
It was official, Sacramento had a blood-thirsty serial killer in their midst. The FBI and local police were under no doubt that he would kill again and that his crimes would continue to escalate if not apprehended immediately.
Vampire Killer is a gripping account of Richard Chase, and one of the most gruesome true crime stories in California’s history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
CAUTION: This book contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to read any further.
Four days later, the Sacramento Police Department were called to a home approximately a mile away from the Wallin residence. They were not prepared for the horror that awaited them. Daniel Meredith (56) and Jason Miroth (6) were shot multiple times. Evelyn Miroth (38) was disfigured, disembowelled and abused like Teresa. She was also missing body parts and large quantities of blood. David Ferreira (2), who Evelyn was babysitting, was nowhere to be seen and likely in the hands of the deranged mass murderer.
It was official, Sacramento had a blood-thirsty serial killer in their midst. The FBI and local police were under no doubt that he would kill again and that his crimes would continue to escalate if not apprehended immediately.
Vampire Killer is a gripping account of Richard Chase, and one of the most gruesome true crime stories in California’s history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
CAUTION: This book contains descriptive accounts of abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to read any further.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
325 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Green
32 books481 followersRyan Green is a true crime author in his late thirties. He lives in Herefordshire, England with his wife, three children, and two dogs. Outside of writing and spending time with his family, Ryan enjoys walking, reading and windsurfing.
Ryan is fascinated with History, Psychology and True Crime. In 2015, he finally started researching and writing his own work and at the end of the year, he released his first book on Britain's most notorious serial killer, Harold Shipman.
He has since written several books on lesser-known subjects, and taken the unique approach of writing from the killer's perspective. He narrates some of the most chilling scenes you'll encounter in the True Crime genre.
"Ryan Green is an incredible storyteller...he doesn’t just tell the story, he allows you to be part of it." ~Blackbird
Ryan is fascinated with History, Psychology and True Crime. In 2015, he finally started researching and writing his own work and at the end of the year, he released his first book on Britain's most notorious serial killer, Harold Shipman.
He has since written several books on lesser-known subjects, and taken the unique approach of writing from the killer's perspective. He narrates some of the most chilling scenes you'll encounter in the True Crime genre.
"Ryan Green is an incredible storyteller...he doesn’t just tell the story, he allows you to be part of it." ~Blackbird
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 6, 2022
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
I can’t believe what I just lisent.
Richard Trenton Chase was clinically insane, but he was free to kill when his delusional mind decided he needed blood to feel good.
His crimes were so brutal, and gruesome. I’m speechless.
I highly recommend it!!!
Narration 5/5
I can’t believe what I just lisent.
Richard Trenton Chase was clinically insane, but he was free to kill when his delusional mind decided he needed blood to feel good.
His crimes were so brutal, and gruesome. I’m speechless.
I highly recommend it!!!
September 27, 2020
I had 14 pages to go in this book and could hardly force myself to read them. This is one upsetting story. If you are a lover of people and animals in general, you’ll have a tough time with this one.
Ryan Green tells this tale, as he has in previous books, as a sort of novel. It is certainly not reportage. He is telling the story, this time from birth to death, in a narrative that quickly becomes excruciating. I don’t believe that any of the details of the case are left out or changed, but his characterization of dreams, lusts, desires, feelings of inadequacy and the motivations for Richard Chase’s actions become real and in a strange way, full of pathos.
One thing that impressed itself upon me was that, in some cases, the parents should be brought to some kind of justice for their actions in raising their child to become a monster. Certainly his mother, Beatrice Chase, is a monster herself and is in a large way culpable for the madness that occurred.
Ryan Green tells this tale, as he has in previous books, as a sort of novel. It is certainly not reportage. He is telling the story, this time from birth to death, in a narrative that quickly becomes excruciating. I don’t believe that any of the details of the case are left out or changed, but his characterization of dreams, lusts, desires, feelings of inadequacy and the motivations for Richard Chase’s actions become real and in a strange way, full of pathos.
One thing that impressed itself upon me was that, in some cases, the parents should be brought to some kind of justice for their actions in raising their child to become a monster. Certainly his mother, Beatrice Chase, is a monster herself and is in a large way culpable for the madness that occurred.
October 24, 2020
A well-written horror story -- except it's true
You might find it difficult to believe that the events recounted in this book really happened, but I can assure you, they did.
From the moment Richard Chase was born, he was in the hands of the two people who would mold him into a monster. His mother was insane and his father was a brute. Between them, they kept the child so confused and fearful that he never had a chance to develop normally.
His mother was aware of his wicked childhood activities, but she kept them secret, burying the mutilated remains of the animals her son brought home. When doctors attempted to treat him, she decided he didn't need those pills.
When she saw the monster that was her son, she was afraid of him and made him leave her home. Now this untreated mess was loose in the world, and how many of us could recognize such a danger in our midst?
The no-holds-barred descriptions of his crimes are difficult to read, even by veteran true crime readers. I feel certain that neither of his parents ever recognized or acknowledged that they were the creators of the snarling beast that was their son.
2
You might find it difficult to believe that the events recounted in this book really happened, but I can assure you, they did.
From the moment Richard Chase was born, he was in the hands of the two people who would mold him into a monster. His mother was insane and his father was a brute. Between them, they kept the child so confused and fearful that he never had a chance to develop normally.
His mother was aware of his wicked childhood activities, but she kept them secret, burying the mutilated remains of the animals her son brought home. When doctors attempted to treat him, she decided he didn't need those pills.
When she saw the monster that was her son, she was afraid of him and made him leave her home. Now this untreated mess was loose in the world, and how many of us could recognize such a danger in our midst?
The no-holds-barred descriptions of his crimes are difficult to read, even by veteran true crime readers. I feel certain that neither of his parents ever recognized or acknowledged that they were the creators of the snarling beast that was their son.
2
March 7, 2025
Jestem wielką fanką historii opartych na prawdziwych wydarzeniach, szczególnie tych, w których autorzy przybliżają sylwetki seryjnych morderców oraz osób z zaburzeniami psychicznymi. Dlatego po raz kolejny zdecydowałam się sięgnąć po książkę Ryana Greena. W swoich krótkich, aczkolwiek szczegółowych powieściach autor przedstawia historie, które mrożą krew w żyłach. „Wampir” to fabularyzowana opowieść o mężczyźnie, którego paranoiczny strach i obsesja doprowadziły do przerażających zbrodni.
Życie Richarda Chase'a od najmłodszych lat było przepełnione lękiem. Dorastał w domu, w którym przemoc była sposobem na wychowywanie; nieustannie bity przez ojca i kontrolowany przez matkę, której obsesja na punkcie zdrowia stała się źródłem jego koszmarów. Coraz bardziej pogrążał się w świecie urojonych chorób. W dorosłym życiu często odwiedzał lekarzy i szpitale, przekonany, że ktoś z najbliższego otoczenia regularnie go truje.
Schizofrenia paranoidalna, na którą chorował Richard, podsycana regularnie narkotykami i alkoholem, na zawsze zmieniła jego postrzeganie świata rzeczywistego. W pewnym momencie swojego życia doszedł do wniosku, że jedynym ratunkiem dla zatruwanego przez lata ciała jest picie krwi. Aby zaspokoić swoje chore żądze, zaczął zabijać; początkowo były to zwierzęta: psy, koty, króliki, jednak z czasem jego obsesja doprowadziła go do popełnienia przerażających zbrodni.
„Wampir” to krótka, ale przerażająca i momentami wręcz odrażająca powieść true crime, oparta na prawdziwych wydarzeniach. Autor na niespełna 200 stronach przedstawia historię młodego mężczyzny, tak drastyczną i pełną brutalnych scen, że niektóre opisy zmusiły mnie do chwilowego odłożenia książki, by oczyścić myśli, które kłębiły się w mojej głowie.
Ryan Green w swojej książce nie szczędzi opisów brutalnych, wręcz makabrycznych scen zbrodni, których dopuścił się Chase. Historia ta wzbudza w czytelniku mnóstwo emocji – od współczucia z powodu trudnego dzieciństwa, przez lęk i strach, aż po obrzydzenie do czynów, jakich dopuścił się Rick, które były dla niego spełnieniem. Czerpał z nich ogromną przyjemność, o czym wielokrotnie wspominał.
„Wampir” autorstwa Ryana Greena to bez wątpienia jedna z najmocniejszych pozycji w jego dorobku. Miałam przyjemność przeczytać kilka jego historii, ale żadna z nich nie wzbudziła we mnie tak głębokich emocji. „Wampir” to powieść, w której autor ukazuje nam przerażające studium choroby psychicznej, nie koloryzuje, szczegółowo i dosadnie opisuje zbrodnie i życie Chase'a. W związku z tym lektura tej książki przeznaczona jest tylko dla osób o mocnych nerwach.
Życie Richarda Chase'a od najmłodszych lat było przepełnione lękiem. Dorastał w domu, w którym przemoc była sposobem na wychowywanie; nieustannie bity przez ojca i kontrolowany przez matkę, której obsesja na punkcie zdrowia stała się źródłem jego koszmarów. Coraz bardziej pogrążał się w świecie urojonych chorób. W dorosłym życiu często odwiedzał lekarzy i szpitale, przekonany, że ktoś z najbliższego otoczenia regularnie go truje.
Schizofrenia paranoidalna, na którą chorował Richard, podsycana regularnie narkotykami i alkoholem, na zawsze zmieniła jego postrzeganie świata rzeczywistego. W pewnym momencie swojego życia doszedł do wniosku, że jedynym ratunkiem dla zatruwanego przez lata ciała jest picie krwi. Aby zaspokoić swoje chore żądze, zaczął zabijać; początkowo były to zwierzęta: psy, koty, króliki, jednak z czasem jego obsesja doprowadziła go do popełnienia przerażających zbrodni.
„Wampir” to krótka, ale przerażająca i momentami wręcz odrażająca powieść true crime, oparta na prawdziwych wydarzeniach. Autor na niespełna 200 stronach przedstawia historię młodego mężczyzny, tak drastyczną i pełną brutalnych scen, że niektóre opisy zmusiły mnie do chwilowego odłożenia książki, by oczyścić myśli, które kłębiły się w mojej głowie.
Ryan Green w swojej książce nie szczędzi opisów brutalnych, wręcz makabrycznych scen zbrodni, których dopuścił się Chase. Historia ta wzbudza w czytelniku mnóstwo emocji – od współczucia z powodu trudnego dzieciństwa, przez lęk i strach, aż po obrzydzenie do czynów, jakich dopuścił się Rick, które były dla niego spełnieniem. Czerpał z nich ogromną przyjemność, o czym wielokrotnie wspominał.
„Wampir” autorstwa Ryana Greena to bez wątpienia jedna z najmocniejszych pozycji w jego dorobku. Miałam przyjemność przeczytać kilka jego historii, ale żadna z nich nie wzbudziła we mnie tak głębokich emocji. „Wampir” to powieść, w której autor ukazuje nam przerażające studium choroby psychicznej, nie koloryzuje, szczegółowo i dosadnie opisuje zbrodnie i życie Chase'a. W związku z tym lektura tej książki przeznaczona jest tylko dla osób o mocnych nerwach.
November 20, 2022
Extremely grim stuff. Sensitive readers, take heed.
March 8, 2024
Heads up that this book is VERY GRAPHIC AND VIOLENT. He did a lot of dissection, desecration and penetration to his dead victims, animals and a toddler included, and it’s laid out in detail.
If you can handle the insanity, it’s a very interesting read.
If you can handle the insanity, it’s a very interesting read.
May 8, 2022
If you love true crime, he writes the best short story!
I have become obsessed with all of his books!!!
I have become obsessed with all of his books!!!
June 13, 2025
Overall: 3.75 stars
CONTENT WARNING: this book is disturbing as hell. Child abuse, mental illness, medical trauma, necrophilia, cannibalism, torture of animals, etc etc. The author doesn’t shy away from the gory details (I kinda got the sense he wants to gross the reader out), so BE. WARNED. I am a hardened veteran of true crime and murder books, and even I felt a little nauseous at some points.
This is a deep dive into Richard Chase’s psychology and childhood and an exploration of what made him go on his extremely bloody and horrific murder spree. I would say about 80% of the book is Chase’s life, pre-murders. The violence is very slow to build, but when it happens it is horrifying.
Pretty much every single person in this story except the murder victims is a horrible person. Chase, his parents, his grandparents….hurt people hurt people, and that cycle of abuse is on full display here. I wouldn’t say the author is excusing Chase’s crimes; I think he’s exploring what would make someone do such things.
The representation of Chase’s thoughts are based on real interviews he gave but are fictionalized and speculative. The author is telling a story, and it’s not a 100% “just the facts” sort of narrative. There are other books about this case that I would recommend if you’re interested in knowing what happened and don’t need Chase’s whole sob story life.
Docking the book a couple points because it seemed a little too speculative at times and veered into murder porn. There’s a fine line between honest depiction of horrific crimes and sensationalism, and I think the author crossed it. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable listen. The narrator did a great job and imbued a lot of emotion into the telling.
CONTENT WARNING: this book is disturbing as hell. Child abuse, mental illness, medical trauma, necrophilia, cannibalism, torture of animals, etc etc. The author doesn’t shy away from the gory details (I kinda got the sense he wants to gross the reader out), so BE. WARNED. I am a hardened veteran of true crime and murder books, and even I felt a little nauseous at some points.
This is a deep dive into Richard Chase’s psychology and childhood and an exploration of what made him go on his extremely bloody and horrific murder spree. I would say about 80% of the book is Chase’s life, pre-murders. The violence is very slow to build, but when it happens it is horrifying.
Pretty much every single person in this story except the murder victims is a horrible person. Chase, his parents, his grandparents….hurt people hurt people, and that cycle of abuse is on full display here. I wouldn’t say the author is excusing Chase’s crimes; I think he’s exploring what would make someone do such things.
The representation of Chase’s thoughts are based on real interviews he gave but are fictionalized and speculative. The author is telling a story, and it’s not a 100% “just the facts” sort of narrative. There are other books about this case that I would recommend if you’re interested in knowing what happened and don’t need Chase’s whole sob story life.
Docking the book a couple points because it seemed a little too speculative at times and veered into murder porn. There’s a fine line between honest depiction of horrific crimes and sensationalism, and I think the author crossed it. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable listen. The narrator did a great job and imbued a lot of emotion into the telling.
April 3, 2022
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I honestly can’t believe that this man existed. The events in this book almost feel like a nightmarish tale. I congratulate the author on the research that he put into this book and the narrator for reading it so well, because this is truly one of the most gruesome of the Green true crime books.
I honestly can’t believe that this man existed. The events in this book almost feel like a nightmarish tale. I congratulate the author on the research that he put into this book and the narrator for reading it so well, because this is truly one of the most gruesome of the Green true crime books.
August 7, 2025
3,5
zwięźle i nawet szczegółowo opisany przypadek
zwięźle i nawet szczegółowo opisany przypadek
October 25, 2020
Vampire Killer another captivating book by Ryan Green
I am part of Ryan Green Launch Team and this is my personal honest review of Ryan’s latest book called the Vampire Killer.
This book is about Richard Chase the Sacramento Vampire Killer. Richard's parents Beatrice and Richard Chase SR gave Richard a bad start to life from the minute he was born. Richard’s mother’s own delusions started at the birth of her son. Richards parents fought both verbally and physically so Richard would retreat to the back garden for peace and quiet and to keep away from his parents which frightened him due to his Young age.
Richard started killing the neighbourhood cats, dogs and birds and when his mother Beatrice caught him from the window with a dead cat in the garden trying to hide it. Beatrice smiled at Richard and then came out said nothing to him and buried the cat herself covering Richards killings up instead of seeking help for this young boy who was clearly showing signs of worse things to come.
Between his father's fists and his mother’s own delusions Richard had no hope. This young boy as he grows up hears voices in his head and as he grows up, they get worse until after a string of delusions send him to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. His mother Beatrice gets him discharged and convinces Richard that he does not need medication as he is better.
This starts Richard of on his delusions that he is being poisoned. Slowly carnage builds up as his head starts to explode and the pains in his body return Richards cannibal, and necrophile begins he goes out stalking his first victim.
Sadly 6 people become his victims in the span of a month in Sacramento, California and each case Richard does more depraved things to each body.
Richard shoots his first victim in a drive by shooting. His name was Ambrose Griffin, who was a 51-year-old engineer and father of two.
His second attempt is foiled when a couple returning home find him in their house. Richard has pilfered their belongings; he had also urinated and defecated on their child's bed and clothing.
His 3rd victim Theresa Wallin is 3 months pregnant and after shooting her in the head Richard drags her onto her bed. Richard then had sexual intercourse with her corpse while stabbing her with a butcher knife. Richard also removed multiple organs and drank her blood. Richard then stuffs dog faeces from Wallin's yard down her throat before leaving. On his way home Richard chews on her left nipple which he cut of
His last victims where Danny Meredith, whom he shot with his .22 handgun, then took Meredith's wallet and car keys. He then fatally shot Evelyne Miroth, her six-year-old son Jason, and her 22-month-old nephew David Ferreira, before mutilating Evelyne Miroth and engaging in necrophilia and cannibalism with her corpse.
The FBI where called in and Chase was arrested shortly afterwards - police who searched Chase's apartment found that the walls, floor, ceiling, refrigerator, and all of Chase's eating and drinking utensils were soaked in blood.
Eventually Richard is arrested, convicted and put on death row and gets the nickname "The Vampire of Sacramento from the other prisoners.
Ryan Green catches Richards State of mind right from the beginning until Richard’s death from suicide on death row
Once again, another Good researched and captivating book from Ryan Green.
I am part of Ryan Green Launch Team and this is my personal honest review of Ryan’s latest book called the Vampire Killer.
This book is about Richard Chase the Sacramento Vampire Killer. Richard's parents Beatrice and Richard Chase SR gave Richard a bad start to life from the minute he was born. Richard’s mother’s own delusions started at the birth of her son. Richards parents fought both verbally and physically so Richard would retreat to the back garden for peace and quiet and to keep away from his parents which frightened him due to his Young age.
Richard started killing the neighbourhood cats, dogs and birds and when his mother Beatrice caught him from the window with a dead cat in the garden trying to hide it. Beatrice smiled at Richard and then came out said nothing to him and buried the cat herself covering Richards killings up instead of seeking help for this young boy who was clearly showing signs of worse things to come.
Between his father's fists and his mother’s own delusions Richard had no hope. This young boy as he grows up hears voices in his head and as he grows up, they get worse until after a string of delusions send him to a psychiatric hospital for treatment. His mother Beatrice gets him discharged and convinces Richard that he does not need medication as he is better.
This starts Richard of on his delusions that he is being poisoned. Slowly carnage builds up as his head starts to explode and the pains in his body return Richards cannibal, and necrophile begins he goes out stalking his first victim.
Sadly 6 people become his victims in the span of a month in Sacramento, California and each case Richard does more depraved things to each body.
Richard shoots his first victim in a drive by shooting. His name was Ambrose Griffin, who was a 51-year-old engineer and father of two.
His second attempt is foiled when a couple returning home find him in their house. Richard has pilfered their belongings; he had also urinated and defecated on their child's bed and clothing.
His 3rd victim Theresa Wallin is 3 months pregnant and after shooting her in the head Richard drags her onto her bed. Richard then had sexual intercourse with her corpse while stabbing her with a butcher knife. Richard also removed multiple organs and drank her blood. Richard then stuffs dog faeces from Wallin's yard down her throat before leaving. On his way home Richard chews on her left nipple which he cut of
His last victims where Danny Meredith, whom he shot with his .22 handgun, then took Meredith's wallet and car keys. He then fatally shot Evelyne Miroth, her six-year-old son Jason, and her 22-month-old nephew David Ferreira, before mutilating Evelyne Miroth and engaging in necrophilia and cannibalism with her corpse.
The FBI where called in and Chase was arrested shortly afterwards - police who searched Chase's apartment found that the walls, floor, ceiling, refrigerator, and all of Chase's eating and drinking utensils were soaked in blood.
Eventually Richard is arrested, convicted and put on death row and gets the nickname "The Vampire of Sacramento from the other prisoners.
Ryan Green catches Richards State of mind right from the beginning until Richard’s death from suicide on death row
Once again, another Good researched and captivating book from Ryan Green.
August 7, 2021
I have read and listened to many books by true crime author Ryan Green and I think this is the most disturbing one yet. If you are at all squeamish, don't try to read this one! Richard Chase has to be one of the most horrific serial killers that I have heard of and this book describes in gory horror the many truly awful things that he did.
Richard's mother is depicted as being a woman with mental issues, but there has to be more than that and the abuse that was done to him to create such a monster. Starting out with animal mutilations, Richard eventually progresses to killing innocent people just for his own delusional mind.
Ryan Green is my go-to author when I want to read true crime. He manages to take the facts of a case and write them into a story that could be fiction. Unfortunately, these crimes are not fiction, but they could stand up against the most horrific horror story you have read. At the same time, Mr. Green is also able to create sympathy for the killer by describing his childhood and the abuses he suffered.
Richard's mother is depicted as being a woman with mental issues, but there has to be more than that and the abuse that was done to him to create such a monster. Starting out with animal mutilations, Richard eventually progresses to killing innocent people just for his own delusional mind.
Ryan Green is my go-to author when I want to read true crime. He manages to take the facts of a case and write them into a story that could be fiction. Unfortunately, these crimes are not fiction, but they could stand up against the most horrific horror story you have read. At the same time, Mr. Green is also able to create sympathy for the killer by describing his childhood and the abuses he suffered.
November 20, 2020
Mental Instability Leads to Horror: Nature or Nuture?
It was apparent early that there was something terribly wrong with Richard Trenton Chase. Yet so many ignored what was right in front of them - parents, neighbors, law enforcement, mental health and medical professionals, as well as, friends / acquaintances. There was something really the matter with Chase, yet he was left to torture & drink the blood of countless innocent animals.
It was deplorable how his parents let Chase loose on an unsuspecting public on several occasions. They paid to have their son to have his own apartments, because he was too difficult to live with. They callously sent him to his elderly grandmother when they themselves were not capable of caring for him. His grandmother kept returning him to his parents' care because he was "unruly" after his parents would send him to her because unusual and aggressive behavior. His parents were not stable people, but nowhere near as unhinged as their son. Too bad the police weren't called every time he violently acted out. Had this been done there would have been a record of his increasingly abhorrent behavior maybe a pattern of his craziness would have been noticed sooner.
When I was studying Criminal Justice in graduate school we had a couple classes taught by FBI agents and coincidentally the example they used when discussing disorganized killers was Richard Chase. I saw the actual police (FBI) photos of only the sides of the two women's bodies. This was because the actual focus was on the circular shapes on the bloody floor near the victims' destroyed bodies. Thank God or I would still be haunted by those images.
This book gave me so many insights into what happens when a monster's behavior is left unchecked. The classic example of an organized clever murderer is 6 foot 9 inch Ed Kemper, if he hadn't turned himself in no one would have arrested him for the Co-Ed Killings. His deviant homicidal actions were never even associated with Kemper until he turned himself in & confessed. As with Kemper part of Chase's problems originated from his chaotic home life, especially his mother's behavior towards him, his father, and her covering up when she did notice his animal abuse (killing) tendencies. Chase is a prime example of a unorganized killer who had luck on his side. So many of his perverted activities should of had him locked up for lengthy amounts of time.
Ryan Green was very thorough in detailing what led up to Richard Chase's behavior, but also the terror, depravity, and heartbreak he inflicted on his many victims both human (and animals) their families & owners. If you are a true crime reader you are most certain to "enjoy" this book. I check to make sure that my doors are locked whether I'm at home or not, whether it's daytime or nighttime. Chase saw it as an invitation to come in if he tried your door and it was unlocked. How terrifying! I read other stories about the vampire killer yet Ryan's account was downright chilling.
It was apparent early that there was something terribly wrong with Richard Trenton Chase. Yet so many ignored what was right in front of them - parents, neighbors, law enforcement, mental health and medical professionals, as well as, friends / acquaintances. There was something really the matter with Chase, yet he was left to torture & drink the blood of countless innocent animals.
It was deplorable how his parents let Chase loose on an unsuspecting public on several occasions. They paid to have their son to have his own apartments, because he was too difficult to live with. They callously sent him to his elderly grandmother when they themselves were not capable of caring for him. His grandmother kept returning him to his parents' care because he was "unruly" after his parents would send him to her because unusual and aggressive behavior. His parents were not stable people, but nowhere near as unhinged as their son. Too bad the police weren't called every time he violently acted out. Had this been done there would have been a record of his increasingly abhorrent behavior maybe a pattern of his craziness would have been noticed sooner.
When I was studying Criminal Justice in graduate school we had a couple classes taught by FBI agents and coincidentally the example they used when discussing disorganized killers was Richard Chase. I saw the actual police (FBI) photos of only the sides of the two women's bodies. This was because the actual focus was on the circular shapes on the bloody floor near the victims' destroyed bodies. Thank God or I would still be haunted by those images.
This book gave me so many insights into what happens when a monster's behavior is left unchecked. The classic example of an organized clever murderer is 6 foot 9 inch Ed Kemper, if he hadn't turned himself in no one would have arrested him for the Co-Ed Killings. His deviant homicidal actions were never even associated with Kemper until he turned himself in & confessed. As with Kemper part of Chase's problems originated from his chaotic home life, especially his mother's behavior towards him, his father, and her covering up when she did notice his animal abuse (killing) tendencies. Chase is a prime example of a unorganized killer who had luck on his side. So many of his perverted activities should of had him locked up for lengthy amounts of time.
Ryan Green was very thorough in detailing what led up to Richard Chase's behavior, but also the terror, depravity, and heartbreak he inflicted on his many victims both human (and animals) their families & owners. If you are a true crime reader you are most certain to "enjoy" this book. I check to make sure that my doors are locked whether I'm at home or not, whether it's daytime or nighttime. Chase saw it as an invitation to come in if he tried your door and it was unlocked. How terrifying! I read other stories about the vampire killer yet Ryan's account was downright chilling.
February 24, 2025
❗OSTRZEŻENIE O TREŚCIACH PRZEZNACZONYCH DLA OSÓB PEŁNOLETNICH❗
True Crime to zdecydowanie moja ulubiona dziedzina. Dlatego z całego serca kocham tę serię. Jeśli tak, jak ja lubicie trie crime i seryjnych morderców to musicie poznać wszystkie części. Jednak do rzeczy...
Richard Trenton Chase. Jeden z seryjnych morderców Ameryki, lecz moim zdaniem niedoceniony. Znika nieco w blasku postaci takich jak Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy czy Jeffrey Dahmer, a wcale nie był od nich łagodniejszy. Wampir z Sacramento, bo taki miał przydomek, zabił 6 osób w zaledwie miesiąc.
Rozcięty brzuch, zabrana trzustka i nerki, odcięty sutek, zwierzęce odchody w ustach, wypita krew... To tylko przykład jednej ofiary Richarda. Możecie sobie wyobrazić skalę okrucieństwa i szaleństwa, jaka nim kierowała.
Sprawa wymagała profilera, a że był to czas kiedy profilowanie zdobywało popularność, sprawę przejął Robert Ressler. Po analizie wytypował profil sprawcy, który jak się potem okazało, pokrywał się niemal w 100% z osobą Chase'a.
Koniec końców pokazano rysopis podejrzanego. Rozpoznała go koleżanka ze studiów, która po wielu latach przypadkiem spotkała Richarda pod supermarketem. Kiedy go zatrzymano i zaczęto przeszukiwać jego dom, policja ujrzała horror. Oprócz bałaganu, w lodówce były części ciała, w mikserach ludzkie tkanki.
Kiedy przyjrzymy się bliżej samej postaci Richarda, okazuje się, że przedstawiał idealną Triadę McDonalda. Są to trzy główne punkty, które za młodu właściwie każdy seryjny morderca przeszedł. Fascynacja ogniem, znęcanie się nad zwierzętami oraz moczenie się w nocy.
Gdy był małym chłopcem, ciągłe kłótnie rodziców doprowadziły do rozwodu. W wieku dojrzewania stał się odludkiem i polubił życie w brudzie. Pojawiły się narkotyki i alkohol. Miał problemy z erekcją przez co wszelkie kontakty intymne z kobietami nie miały racji bytu. W pewnym momencie jego psychika szalała do tego stopnia, że miał problemy z otaczającą go rzeczywistością. Doszło do tego, że uważał, że jego serce zamiera więc on sam musi pić krew by żyć. Stwierdzono u niego schizofrenię paranoidalną i zatrzymano w szpitalu psychiatrycznym, z którego uciekł. Po złapaniu go i tak wkrótce został wypuszczony. Bez leków jego choroba się pogarszała. Po ostatecznym procesie został skazany na karę śmierci, jednak jej nie doczekał bo w 1980 roku zmarł po przedawkowaniu leków psychotropowych. To bardzo skrócona historia gościa, którego życie mogło wyglądać zupełnie inaczej. Jeśli chcecie więcej szczegółów to zapoznajcie się z tą książką bo tam jest masa smaczków, o których nie wspomniałam. Kolejna część genialnej serii. Autor jak zawsze fantastycznie przedstawił postać i nie bał się zwracać uwagi na kontrowersyjne aspekty. Polecam!
True Crime to zdecydowanie moja ulubiona dziedzina. Dlatego z całego serca kocham tę serię. Jeśli tak, jak ja lubicie trie crime i seryjnych morderców to musicie poznać wszystkie części. Jednak do rzeczy...
Richard Trenton Chase. Jeden z seryjnych morderców Ameryki, lecz moim zdaniem niedoceniony. Znika nieco w blasku postaci takich jak Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy czy Jeffrey Dahmer, a wcale nie był od nich łagodniejszy. Wampir z Sacramento, bo taki miał przydomek, zabił 6 osób w zaledwie miesiąc.
Rozcięty brzuch, zabrana trzustka i nerki, odcięty sutek, zwierzęce odchody w ustach, wypita krew... To tylko przykład jednej ofiary Richarda. Możecie sobie wyobrazić skalę okrucieństwa i szaleństwa, jaka nim kierowała.
Sprawa wymagała profilera, a że był to czas kiedy profilowanie zdobywało popularność, sprawę przejął Robert Ressler. Po analizie wytypował profil sprawcy, który jak się potem okazało, pokrywał się niemal w 100% z osobą Chase'a.
Koniec końców pokazano rysopis podejrzanego. Rozpoznała go koleżanka ze studiów, która po wielu latach przypadkiem spotkała Richarda pod supermarketem. Kiedy go zatrzymano i zaczęto przeszukiwać jego dom, policja ujrzała horror. Oprócz bałaganu, w lodówce były części ciała, w mikserach ludzkie tkanki.
Kiedy przyjrzymy się bliżej samej postaci Richarda, okazuje się, że przedstawiał idealną Triadę McDonalda. Są to trzy główne punkty, które za młodu właściwie każdy seryjny morderca przeszedł. Fascynacja ogniem, znęcanie się nad zwierzętami oraz moczenie się w nocy.
Gdy był małym chłopcem, ciągłe kłótnie rodziców doprowadziły do rozwodu. W wieku dojrzewania stał się odludkiem i polubił życie w brudzie. Pojawiły się narkotyki i alkohol. Miał problemy z erekcją przez co wszelkie kontakty intymne z kobietami nie miały racji bytu. W pewnym momencie jego psychika szalała do tego stopnia, że miał problemy z otaczającą go rzeczywistością. Doszło do tego, że uważał, że jego serce zamiera więc on sam musi pić krew by żyć. Stwierdzono u niego schizofrenię paranoidalną i zatrzymano w szpitalu psychiatrycznym, z którego uciekł. Po złapaniu go i tak wkrótce został wypuszczony. Bez leków jego choroba się pogarszała. Po ostatecznym procesie został skazany na karę śmierci, jednak jej nie doczekał bo w 1980 roku zmarł po przedawkowaniu leków psychotropowych. To bardzo skrócona historia gościa, którego życie mogło wyglądać zupełnie inaczej. Jeśli chcecie więcej szczegółów to zapoznajcie się z tą książką bo tam jest masa smaczków, o których nie wspomniałam. Kolejna część genialnej serii. Autor jak zawsze fantastycznie przedstawił postać i nie bał się zwracać uwagi na kontrowersyjne aspekty. Polecam!
February 12, 2025
True crime to swoisty literacki fenomen, przynajmniej mnie jako czytelniczkę fascynuje, a opisuje rzeczy, która absolutnie fascynować nie powinny. Ryan Green wziął na tapetę Richarda Chase’a postać ze wszech miar przerażającą, bo oprócz nekrofilii, kanibalizmu należy pamiętać o uzależnieniu od picia krwi (sic!)
Wampir z Sacramento jak nazywany jest Chase patrząc przez pryzmat jego dzieciństwa może budzić współczucie, ponieważ dzieciństwo naznaczone przemocą odcisnęło na nim jako człowieku spore piętno, bo dorastanie z brutalnym ojcem i matką obsesyjnie kontrolującą musiało go „zniszczyć” i sprawić, że stworzył swój paranoidalny świat.
Zdecydowanie jednym z mocniejszych punktów książki jest refleksja nad naturą zła. Niezmiennie cenie, gdy autor nie narzuca mi swoich odpowiedzi na stawiane pytania i tutaj tak właśnie jest Green zadaje pytania fundamentalne jak chociażby odpowiedzialność społeczeństwa wobec osób chorych oraz czy całej tej dramatycznej tragedii rozgrywanej w kilku aktach można było zwyczajnie zapobiec.
Autor nie szczędził słów krytyki wobec systemu opieki psychiatrycznej, ponieważ pomimo tego, że Chase wielokrotnie był poddany konsultacjom psychiatrycznym, nie został prawidłowo zdiagnozowany, co uniemożliwiło udzielnie jakiejkolwiek systemowej pomocy, a przez to już na zawsze można gdybać czy ofiary Wampira z Sacramento można było przed nim uchronić.
Już sam bohater reportażu gwarantuje, że nie będzie łatwo i przyjemnie jednak nawet mnie ta książka zaskoczyła swoją drastycznością opisów jego upadku i absolutni makabrycznych zbrodni. Ta książka pomimo tego, że nie jest obszerna to zawiera mnóstwo szczegółów, nie tylko z życia Wampira, ale i jego ofiar, dzięki czemu obraz konsekwencji działań Chase’a jest jeszcze pełniejszy i bardziej dramatyczny.
Wstrząsający reportaż, pozbawiony taniej sensacji, przedstawia obraz jednej z najbardziej makabrycznych spraw kryminalnych w historii. Ukazuje jak zło, może w kimś kiełkować i rozrastać się. Reportaż pełen analiz i rzeczowego przedstawienia faktów. Zdecydowana polecajka.
Recenzja w ramach współpracy z Wydawnictwem Wielka Litera
Wampir z Sacramento jak nazywany jest Chase patrząc przez pryzmat jego dzieciństwa może budzić współczucie, ponieważ dzieciństwo naznaczone przemocą odcisnęło na nim jako człowieku spore piętno, bo dorastanie z brutalnym ojcem i matką obsesyjnie kontrolującą musiało go „zniszczyć” i sprawić, że stworzył swój paranoidalny świat.
Zdecydowanie jednym z mocniejszych punktów książki jest refleksja nad naturą zła. Niezmiennie cenie, gdy autor nie narzuca mi swoich odpowiedzi na stawiane pytania i tutaj tak właśnie jest Green zadaje pytania fundamentalne jak chociażby odpowiedzialność społeczeństwa wobec osób chorych oraz czy całej tej dramatycznej tragedii rozgrywanej w kilku aktach można było zwyczajnie zapobiec.
Autor nie szczędził słów krytyki wobec systemu opieki psychiatrycznej, ponieważ pomimo tego, że Chase wielokrotnie był poddany konsultacjom psychiatrycznym, nie został prawidłowo zdiagnozowany, co uniemożliwiło udzielnie jakiejkolwiek systemowej pomocy, a przez to już na zawsze można gdybać czy ofiary Wampira z Sacramento można było przed nim uchronić.
Już sam bohater reportażu gwarantuje, że nie będzie łatwo i przyjemnie jednak nawet mnie ta książka zaskoczyła swoją drastycznością opisów jego upadku i absolutni makabrycznych zbrodni. Ta książka pomimo tego, że nie jest obszerna to zawiera mnóstwo szczegółów, nie tylko z życia Wampira, ale i jego ofiar, dzięki czemu obraz konsekwencji działań Chase’a jest jeszcze pełniejszy i bardziej dramatyczny.
Wstrząsający reportaż, pozbawiony taniej sensacji, przedstawia obraz jednej z najbardziej makabrycznych spraw kryminalnych w historii. Ukazuje jak zło, może w kimś kiełkować i rozrastać się. Reportaż pełen analiz i rzeczowego przedstawienia faktów. Zdecydowana polecajka.
Recenzja w ramach współpracy z Wydawnictwem Wielka Litera
October 27, 2021
I read so much true crime.
So. Much. True. Crime.
There’s not much written about Richard Chase (The Vampire of Sacramento). Three or four books. I think I’ve read them all.
Richard is the only serial killer who’s crimes are so disturbing to me that I almost cannot believe he existed.
Richard was a severely mentally disturbed human. But he was not insane.
Richard believed his blood was draining out of his body. He believed the Nazis were turning his blood to powder. He believed his organs were shrinking and failing. He drank blood and ate organs in an attempt to replenish.
He unknowingly reached out for help many times with his behavior but was ignored by mental health officials, law enforcement and enabled by his parents. Especially his mother, who, before he started killing, checked him out of a mental health clinic because she thought he was “cured.”
Richard killed. Richard raped. Richard stabbed and raped the stab wounds. Richard ate internal organs…flesh and drank blood. First the blood of animals and then the blood of humans. Richard kidnapped a baby. Killed him. Cut off the top of his head and tried to eat the brains with a spoon. Then cut off the babies penis and used it as a straw to suck up blood.
Richard was a severely mentally disturbed human. But he was not insane.
When Richard was caught…he tried to cover up his crimes. Someone who is insane, would not have had the mental capability to do that.
I think Richard Chase is an important case study, and should probably be more well-known.
He didn’t have the looks of Bundy…the charm of Dahmer or the social status of Gacy.
But he is an important example of how sometimes evil is a human…hiding in plain site.
So. Much. True. Crime.
There’s not much written about Richard Chase (The Vampire of Sacramento). Three or four books. I think I’ve read them all.
Richard is the only serial killer who’s crimes are so disturbing to me that I almost cannot believe he existed.
Richard was a severely mentally disturbed human. But he was not insane.
Richard believed his blood was draining out of his body. He believed the Nazis were turning his blood to powder. He believed his organs were shrinking and failing. He drank blood and ate organs in an attempt to replenish.
He unknowingly reached out for help many times with his behavior but was ignored by mental health officials, law enforcement and enabled by his parents. Especially his mother, who, before he started killing, checked him out of a mental health clinic because she thought he was “cured.”
Richard killed. Richard raped. Richard stabbed and raped the stab wounds. Richard ate internal organs…flesh and drank blood. First the blood of animals and then the blood of humans. Richard kidnapped a baby. Killed him. Cut off the top of his head and tried to eat the brains with a spoon. Then cut off the babies penis and used it as a straw to suck up blood.
Richard was a severely mentally disturbed human. But he was not insane.
When Richard was caught…he tried to cover up his crimes. Someone who is insane, would not have had the mental capability to do that.
I think Richard Chase is an important case study, and should probably be more well-known.
He didn’t have the looks of Bundy…the charm of Dahmer or the social status of Gacy.
But he is an important example of how sometimes evil is a human…hiding in plain site.
September 27, 2020
A monster lives among us.
Reading about Rick's unbalanced, inconsistent, sad, and violent childhood made me feel very sorry for him initially. It probably contributed somewhat to his mental illness. The author paints a poignant picture of an impressionable young boy who is constantly verbally tortured by his parents, in particular his mother.
This may have contributed to him torturing and killing birds and small animals. The poor kid was shunned by others, had no one and nowhere to turn to. He was the loneliest kid in the world.
The author displays a keen insight into what makes Rick, and his parents tick. The fact that his mother had a mental illness would have possibly been genetically passed on to Rick. But I also feel that it was both of his parent's treatments of him that completely scrambled his brains.
However, I don't think that this excuses him from the truly horrendous and graphic murders that he went on to commit. The descriptions of these murders, which include mutilations of the victims post mortem, are probably the most grotesque and graphic that I have ever read. Yet they are necessary, as they illustrate the full horror of the crimes this monster barely passing as a man committed.
I am just so glad that Rick was finally caught, before he could go on to commit anymore terrible murders.
I highly recommend this book for fans of true crime, and for those interested in reading about the development of a person from semi normal to psychotic, beyond redemption.
Reading about Rick's unbalanced, inconsistent, sad, and violent childhood made me feel very sorry for him initially. It probably contributed somewhat to his mental illness. The author paints a poignant picture of an impressionable young boy who is constantly verbally tortured by his parents, in particular his mother.
This may have contributed to him torturing and killing birds and small animals. The poor kid was shunned by others, had no one and nowhere to turn to. He was the loneliest kid in the world.
The author displays a keen insight into what makes Rick, and his parents tick. The fact that his mother had a mental illness would have possibly been genetically passed on to Rick. But I also feel that it was both of his parent's treatments of him that completely scrambled his brains.
However, I don't think that this excuses him from the truly horrendous and graphic murders that he went on to commit. The descriptions of these murders, which include mutilations of the victims post mortem, are probably the most grotesque and graphic that I have ever read. Yet they are necessary, as they illustrate the full horror of the crimes this monster barely passing as a man committed.
I am just so glad that Rick was finally caught, before he could go on to commit anymore terrible murders.
I highly recommend this book for fans of true crime, and for those interested in reading about the development of a person from semi normal to psychotic, beyond redemption.
April 25, 2025
This book was incredibly well-written—it's the second book I've read by Ryan Green, and he does a great job of telling such difficult stories. That said, Vampire Killer is one of the most disturbing true crime books I’ve ever read. Richard Chase’s story is absolutely foul and beyond comprehension. The things he did were so grotesque that I honestly felt sick reading about them.
Of course, Chase was severely mentally ill, but I wish the book had given more insight into how his parents processed everything—especially after it all unfolded. The innocent people affected by his actions, as well as the animals, make this story even more devastating. What he did with the bodies and organs is horrifying.
It’s frustrating that he wasn’t locked up sooner. If the police had done their job properly—especially after the cow incident where he was literally covered in blood—it might have prevented further tragedy. That alone should’ve been a massive red flag. Also, his mother giving him medication to keep his mind stable but then pulling him off it? Another heartbreaking failure.
Overall, this book is gripping and informative, but not for the faint of heart. Be prepared for a very dark and disturbing read.
Of course, Chase was severely mentally ill, but I wish the book had given more insight into how his parents processed everything—especially after it all unfolded. The innocent people affected by his actions, as well as the animals, make this story even more devastating. What he did with the bodies and organs is horrifying.
It’s frustrating that he wasn’t locked up sooner. If the police had done their job properly—especially after the cow incident where he was literally covered in blood—it might have prevented further tragedy. That alone should’ve been a massive red flag. Also, his mother giving him medication to keep his mind stable but then pulling him off it? Another heartbreaking failure.
Overall, this book is gripping and informative, but not for the faint of heart. Be prepared for a very dark and disturbing read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2022
Vampire Killer: A Terrifying True Story of Psychosis, Mutilation and Murder (Ryan Green's True Crime) was a great true crime story by Ryan Green. January 23, 1978, David Wallin returned home to find his pregnant wife, sexually assaulted and mutilated. She was missing body parts and large volumes of blood. Four days later the Sacramento Police Department were called to a home near the Wallin residence. They weren't prepared for what they saw. Daniel Meredith and Jason Miroth were shot multiple times. Evelyn Miroth was disembowelled and abused. Two year old David Ferreira, who Evelyn was baby sitting, was nowhere to be seen and it seems at the hands of the deranged mass murderer. This is the gripping account of Richard Chase, one of the most gruesome true crime stories in California's history. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
September 26, 2020
From Child Abuse Grows A Monster
Richard Chase had the promise of a great life when he was born. Two parents that could not get along and a mother that had mental issues that took her problems out on him. She also took him to the emergency room daily with imagined problems and when the local hospitals refused to see them they just broadened their area. Ryan Green got into this young boys mind and put to paper all his thoughts and fears, as well as the depravity that started as a young boy and grew to horrendous heights before he was stopped. If you are a true crime fan this is a must read, but be warned it is very graphic and it was necessary to get across just how far gone his mind was.
Richard Chase had the promise of a great life when he was born. Two parents that could not get along and a mother that had mental issues that took her problems out on him. She also took him to the emergency room daily with imagined problems and when the local hospitals refused to see them they just broadened their area. Ryan Green got into this young boys mind and put to paper all his thoughts and fears, as well as the depravity that started as a young boy and grew to horrendous heights before he was stopped. If you are a true crime fan this is a must read, but be warned it is very graphic and it was necessary to get across just how far gone his mind was.
September 23, 2020
A must read for all TC fans!
Another amazing TC! I really think Ryan has outdone himself this time!!!Though you may just need a strong stomach for this one!
This is perhaps also a cautionary tale, as sadly perhaps this could have been prevented. Arguably so could a lot of cases like this, but somehow, this tale is both heart rendering for the child who should have been taken better care of (and definitely taken to psychologists etc!!), and also terrifying. I don't really know what is more scary. What was done by the perpetrator. Or what wasn't done by the mental health facilities earlier!!
Another amazing TC! I really think Ryan has outdone himself this time!!!Though you may just need a strong stomach for this one!
This is perhaps also a cautionary tale, as sadly perhaps this could have been prevented. Arguably so could a lot of cases like this, but somehow, this tale is both heart rendering for the child who should have been taken better care of (and definitely taken to psychologists etc!!), and also terrifying. I don't really know what is more scary. What was done by the perpetrator. Or what wasn't done by the mental health facilities earlier!!
September 30, 2020
Horror Personified
Only Ryan Green can write a detailed account of a gruesome killer. This time he details the crimes and maybe perhaps the reasons why a person could do what Richard Chase did. The Vampire Killer is a story about a man so tortured by his belief that his heart was being poisoned that he began killing, drinking his victim's blood, and sometimes eating their organs. This book is a train wreck from the beginning but I couldn't stop watching and reading. This is not for the squeamish but, if you want to get inside the mind of a serial killer, check out this and other books by Ryan Green.
Only Ryan Green can write a detailed account of a gruesome killer. This time he details the crimes and maybe perhaps the reasons why a person could do what Richard Chase did. The Vampire Killer is a story about a man so tortured by his belief that his heart was being poisoned that he began killing, drinking his victim's blood, and sometimes eating their organs. This book is a train wreck from the beginning but I couldn't stop watching and reading. This is not for the squeamish but, if you want to get inside the mind of a serial killer, check out this and other books by Ryan Green.
December 29, 2023
Schizophrenia is such a horrible illness.
[I have often thought that if I could cure any ailment— anything in the world— that would be the one that I would choose. More than cancer, more than HIV, progeria, or any of those other supremely worthy causes, schizophrenia strikes some weird chord deep in the pit of my stomach. Seeing it in action always makes me so, so sad.]
Richard Chase was a severely mentally-ill man who perpetrated some of the most brutal crimes that I have ever been exposed to. That being said, he was no Bundy. Almost everyone is a victim in this story, and it certainly is a bloody one.
Translation:
This ain’t for the weak.
[I have often thought that if I could cure any ailment— anything in the world— that would be the one that I would choose. More than cancer, more than HIV, progeria, or any of those other supremely worthy causes, schizophrenia strikes some weird chord deep in the pit of my stomach. Seeing it in action always makes me so, so sad.]
Richard Chase was a severely mentally-ill man who perpetrated some of the most brutal crimes that I have ever been exposed to. That being said, he was no Bundy. Almost everyone is a victim in this story, and it certainly is a bloody one.
Translation:
This ain’t for the weak.
July 2, 2022
I love true crime and I love how in-depth Green’s research is for his subjects, but good lord tone it down on the gore lol. I have a fairly strong stomach, and I’ve certainly read more graphic and disturbing materials, but (SPOILER): I find I have a difficult time reading through the mangling of dead children. It’s a lot, and it is true crime, but holy moly. That was by far the most disturbing part of this entire book.
Fantastic research and amazingly well-written. If you have the stomach for it, I would recommend this to any true crime fanatic.
Fantastic research and amazingly well-written. If you have the stomach for it, I would recommend this to any true crime fanatic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
Vampire Killer is an unflinching true story account of what can happen when your family and mind betray you.
Although I had never heard of this case before, I know that I will never forget it now. Richard Chase and the horrors of his actions are both shocking and terrifying. It is a story of abuse and suffering, both in terms of a boy's childhood and the monster he would later become.
Ryan Green did such a wonderful job of researching and writing this book, proving once again that he is at the top of his game!
Although I had never heard of this case before, I know that I will never forget it now. Richard Chase and the horrors of his actions are both shocking and terrifying. It is a story of abuse and suffering, both in terms of a boy's childhood and the monster he would later become.
Ryan Green did such a wonderful job of researching and writing this book, proving once again that he is at the top of his game!
February 12, 2023
Anyone triggered by child abuse or trauma should skip this book. I read it anyhow and felt really sullied by the content of the last few chapters of Richard Chase's killing spree. I had to go with a lighter book content afterward! I love to read or watch true crime but debasing a baby is beyond my scope of okay. I'm almost disturbed the author put the part in the book about Baby David. My heart is broken in a million pieces for the mother.
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December 4, 2025
3.5/5☆
Mam z tą książką taki problem, że moim zdaniem autor za bardzo poszedł w swoją wyobraźnię.
Nie mamy pojęcia co ten "wampir" myślał, co odczuwał, jak dokładnie to odczuwał, a książka opisuje to tak dokładnie... dlatego te obrzydliwe opisy wprowadzają mnie w zastanowienie, czy autora za bardzo nie poniosła jego wizja.
Zapewne miałabym inne odczucia z wiedzą, że to wszystko było wytworem wyobraźni, a nie True crime.
Mam z tą książką taki problem, że moim zdaniem autor za bardzo poszedł w swoją wyobraźnię.
Nie mamy pojęcia co ten "wampir" myślał, co odczuwał, jak dokładnie to odczuwał, a książka opisuje to tak dokładnie... dlatego te obrzydliwe opisy wprowadzają mnie w zastanowienie, czy autora za bardzo nie poniosła jego wizja.
Zapewne miałabym inne odczucia z wiedzą, że to wszystko było wytworem wyobraźni, a nie True crime.
September 24, 2020
Sick, twisted, demented and horrifying! An addictive, sinister, true crime thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seat. Green NEVER disappoints!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
October 4, 2020
Horrifyingly descriptive
If you are a fan of true crime and horror, you have definitely chosen the right author. The scenes depicted in this book were absolutely horrifying and even worse were real. As gruesome as the book was I could not put it down! I will definitely be checking my locks extra tonight before bed.
If you are a fan of true crime and horror, you have definitely chosen the right author. The scenes depicted in this book were absolutely horrifying and even worse were real. As gruesome as the book was I could not put it down! I will definitely be checking my locks extra tonight before bed.
October 7, 2020
Really holds the reader's interest
This book is a must have for any true crime enthusiast. The author delves deeply into this killer's life from childhood to adulthood, and in doing so, takes the reader into a mind filled with evil madness. Couple that with a dysfunctional family life, and the outcome was horrific.
This book is a must have for any true crime enthusiast. The author delves deeply into this killer's life from childhood to adulthood, and in doing so, takes the reader into a mind filled with evil madness. Couple that with a dysfunctional family life, and the outcome was horrific.
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