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The Science of
Science of Serial Killers: The Truth Behind Ted Bundy, Lizzie Borden, Jack the Ripper, and Other Notorious Murderers of Cinematic Legend
Discover the real-life inspirations behind history’s most infamous serial John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Charles Manson, and so many more.
Gothic media moguls Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl, authors of The Science of Monsters, The Science of Women in Horror, and The Science of Stephen King, and co-hosts of the Horror Rewind podcast called “the best horror film podcast out there” by Film Daddy , present a guide to the serial killers who inspired the movies and media we all know and love. Delve into the brutal truth behind horror’s many monsters portrayed on the silver screen are based on true murderers. Uncover the truth behind the real monsters of horror, answering such questions Through interviews, film analysis, and bone-chilling discoveries, join Kelly and Meg as they learn about the horrors of true crime through the decades.
Gothic media moguls Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl, authors of The Science of Monsters, The Science of Women in Horror, and The Science of Stephen King, and co-hosts of the Horror Rewind podcast called “the best horror film podcast out there” by Film Daddy , present a guide to the serial killers who inspired the movies and media we all know and love. Delve into the brutal truth behind horror’s many monsters portrayed on the silver screen are based on true murderers. Uncover the truth behind the real monsters of horror, answering such questions Through interviews, film analysis, and bone-chilling discoveries, join Kelly and Meg as they learn about the horrors of true crime through the decades.
264 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2021
67 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 17, 2022
Glorifying death dealer's.
This was repugnant.
This was repugnant.
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November 6, 2021This book is AWESOME. Look for me review at Mystery & Suspense magazine soon!
January 27, 2022
I think this is a good book for people newer to True Crime.
December 19, 2021
Wasn't a fan of the style choice for the writing. Things didn't seem to transition well, in my opinion. It was hard to get into it because every paragraph was "what is the _____ of ______?" So something like what is the psychology of blank or what is the science of blank.
January 16, 2022
3 out of 5 stars - Don't let the title fool you, this book lacks science. It's more of a brief review of a bunch of serial killers. The information is gathered from interviews with authors about their books and with actors/directors/producers about their movies about serial killers. I got a decent list of recommended books and movies from this book. Overall, it's interesting, but it's more for someone new to true crime. One last thing, I think the information related to Jack the Rippers victims being all prostitutes is inaccurate.
August 9, 2022
Not sure why it’s titled this because very little science is given to each serial killer they discuss. There are clips of someone they interviewed but it’s not the full interview nor someone that directly studies serial killers.
This is more of a cliff notes version of serial killers. So people who have never heard of these killers will like this book, perhaps however this book is not going to be a huge hit for true crime fans because it’s not elaborate enough.
This is more of a cliff notes version of serial killers. So people who have never heard of these killers will like this book, perhaps however this book is not going to be a huge hit for true crime fans because it’s not elaborate enough.
January 27, 2022
This was mostly a collection of serial killers ranging from Jane Toppin, Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer.
If you are brand new to True Crime, then this would be for you. You get a wide range of cases packed into bite sized pieces.
It was a little lacking in science with a giant focus on movie and television portrayals of these monsters.
If you are brand new to True Crime, then this would be for you. You get a wide range of cases packed into bite sized pieces.
It was a little lacking in science with a giant focus on movie and television portrayals of these monsters.
February 11, 2022
The title of this book suggests that we will look at what drives, creates and shapes serial killers - the “science” or biology behind them. However, this element is barely touched on in the text. This book is more just a chat about which serial killers have had films made of them. I enjoyed the book as I like both film and true crime, however, it is not what I expected it to be about.
January 21, 2022
Maybe 1% science and 99% cliff notes, movie plots and tangents. I was entertained however change the title. Felt like it lacked focus to say the least. Knowing this it can be a fun, quick read if you want a quick run down.
September 11, 2022
Perhaps an interesting read for those who are new to true crime. Found it quite surface level, a bit all over the place in respect of the plot points at times and felt it needed to ground itself in a lot more science than it did.
January 6, 2022
I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn't get to love status for me. I think partly, it's one of those serial killer books that has chapters about many different serial killers and I already knew about most of them. Also, when I saw The Science of Serial Killers, I thought it would be delving into the psychology of serial killers and things like that, but that's not really what happens in the book. There's a lot of things seemingly thrown into random chapters like something about lead poisoning affecting children, but with nothing about how this could make one a serial killer or if Bundy even suffered from it. I felt a lot of the "science" in the book was kind of like that. I think when reading this one, the term science has to be taken pretty loosely.
Let's move on to what I did like about this book because I did like it, I just didn't love it. I like that it's got short, easy-to-digest chapters and I think this kind of book is great for true crime newbies so they can read shorter stuff and then further research the ones they want to know more about. There are a lot of movie and book references in the book and I will definitely be adding some new movies to my watch list. I would also be interested in reading some of the resource materials used for this book. There were five killers I had never heard of so it was nice that the entire book wasn't well-known ones that I already knew about.
Overall, this is probably a good book for those new to true crime and those who already like other books from these authors and their "The Science Of..." series.
Let's move on to what I did like about this book because I did like it, I just didn't love it. I like that it's got short, easy-to-digest chapters and I think this kind of book is great for true crime newbies so they can read shorter stuff and then further research the ones they want to know more about. There are a lot of movie and book references in the book and I will definitely be adding some new movies to my watch list. I would also be interested in reading some of the resource materials used for this book. There were five killers I had never heard of so it was nice that the entire book wasn't well-known ones that I already knew about.
Overall, this is probably a good book for those new to true crime and those who already like other books from these authors and their "The Science Of..." series.
August 16, 2021
Thank you to the authors for a digital ARC!
The Science of Serial Killers by Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence was an in depth look into some of the most famous serial killers in history, and also a few I wasn’t familiar with at all. Not only that, but each story tied in with the portrayal of said killer on television, in books and in movies. A truly unique take on reading about these heinous crimes.
My most favorite section was the Female serial killer section. They, of course, covered Aileen Wournos and the movie made about her, Monster. But they also covered Jane Toppen, the world’s first female serial killer. This also led me to discover a new author and book about this woman and her hideous crimes against patients while she was a nurse. The chapter also covered serial killer Amy Archer-Gilligan who coined the phrase “black widow”. I discovered yet another author of poetry!
From the obvious like Ted Bundy and BTK, to the not so obvious like Lake Bodom (fantastic section) and the Gainesville Ripper, this book is chalk full of interesting facts and the science behind the story.
The Science of Serial Killers by Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence was an in depth look into some of the most famous serial killers in history, and also a few I wasn’t familiar with at all. Not only that, but each story tied in with the portrayal of said killer on television, in books and in movies. A truly unique take on reading about these heinous crimes.
My most favorite section was the Female serial killer section. They, of course, covered Aileen Wournos and the movie made about her, Monster. But they also covered Jane Toppen, the world’s first female serial killer. This also led me to discover a new author and book about this woman and her hideous crimes against patients while she was a nurse. The chapter also covered serial killer Amy Archer-Gilligan who coined the phrase “black widow”. I discovered yet another author of poetry!
From the obvious like Ted Bundy and BTK, to the not so obvious like Lake Bodom (fantastic section) and the Gainesville Ripper, this book is chalk full of interesting facts and the science behind the story.
December 21, 2023
This was a decent book with good overview of some popular killers, and provided quite a few recommendations for other books or movies but that’s not what I thought it would be or what I wanted. There’s not really any science at all it’s more of a beginners guide to the most famous serial killers And gives Wikipedia like summaries of their lives, and crimes, followed by interviews with other writers or directors of portrayals through documentaries or fictional movies. There’s also several tangents that don’t matter like the morality of the death penalty. That doesn’t have anything to do with the psychology or science of serial killers.
June 23, 2025
Känslan är att varje kapitel är ett uppslag i en tidning med lyxiga, blanka sidor, där informationen delges i textrutor. Faktan är snuttifierad, men emellanåt kommer riktigt matiga analyser på samhälls- och detaljnivå, samt en del intressanta intervjuer. Förhoppningsvis låter jag inte alltför dryg om jag kallar det här en bra instegsmodell för den som kanske inte förkovrat sig så djupt in i true crime ännu.
September 6, 2022
I learned some new information, however, this book is mostly short snippets of information that directs you to other sources. Quick, interesting, and easy read. I checked it out from the library.
November 30, 2024
These books are fascinating!
August 17, 2021
A very enthusiastic thank you to the authors, Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence, for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. I’m grateful and humbled.
“The Science of Serial Killers” is the latest installment in “The Science of..” series by Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence. It’s an in-depth look at well-known serial killers and the famous books, movies, and television that are associated with them. The authors have conducted a unique study on people such as Lizzie Borden, Ted Bundy and Charles Manson. Also included are serial killers whose name one doesn't necessarily recognize but whose stories are familiar, such as Ivan Milat (Wolf Creek) and Aileen Wuornos (Monster).
True Crime fans have a true gem here. Each chapter features a different notable killer. We then learn who they were, who they appeared to be, and what they did and the why and the how, if it is available. There is a section in the book about the killers who were never caught and that we still don’t know the identity of to this day. The comparison that was presented between male and female serial killers was particularly interesting. I can relate to the story told in the chapter about Lizzie Borden. The author talks about the movie, “The Legend of Lizzie Borden”, being an early memory of how fact and fiction can be intertwined to create some of the horror we loved. As a child myself, I remember that movie introducing me to the undeniable fact that women can also be villains. Mind Blown!! The science behind male versus female killers is also discussed. This is an interesting point this book makes that I, personally, haven’t seen before. I particularly loved how each chapter is tied into a famous movie or tv show that is based upon or associated with a specific person, including a section about specific people whose names are unknown.
I confidently recommend each of the books in this series by these authors. Each book follows a similar format in that each chapter uses a particularly famous form of media, usually a movie, to introduce and explore the subject. This newest installment is no exception. It’s perfect for science lovers, true crime buffs, or horror addicts (like me). It’s apparent that these ladies love what they do and that they love horror. This can also be observed by listening to their podcast, Horror Rewind. They love horror and they love writing. So, if you do too, these authors are for you.
“The Science of Serial Killers” is the latest installment in “The Science of..” series by Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence. It’s an in-depth look at well-known serial killers and the famous books, movies, and television that are associated with them. The authors have conducted a unique study on people such as Lizzie Borden, Ted Bundy and Charles Manson. Also included are serial killers whose name one doesn't necessarily recognize but whose stories are familiar, such as Ivan Milat (Wolf Creek) and Aileen Wuornos (Monster).
True Crime fans have a true gem here. Each chapter features a different notable killer. We then learn who they were, who they appeared to be, and what they did and the why and the how, if it is available. There is a section in the book about the killers who were never caught and that we still don’t know the identity of to this day. The comparison that was presented between male and female serial killers was particularly interesting. I can relate to the story told in the chapter about Lizzie Borden. The author talks about the movie, “The Legend of Lizzie Borden”, being an early memory of how fact and fiction can be intertwined to create some of the horror we loved. As a child myself, I remember that movie introducing me to the undeniable fact that women can also be villains. Mind Blown!! The science behind male versus female killers is also discussed. This is an interesting point this book makes that I, personally, haven’t seen before. I particularly loved how each chapter is tied into a famous movie or tv show that is based upon or associated with a specific person, including a section about specific people whose names are unknown.
I confidently recommend each of the books in this series by these authors. Each book follows a similar format in that each chapter uses a particularly famous form of media, usually a movie, to introduce and explore the subject. This newest installment is no exception. It’s perfect for science lovers, true crime buffs, or horror addicts (like me). It’s apparent that these ladies love what they do and that they love horror. This can also be observed by listening to their podcast, Horror Rewind. They love horror and they love writing. So, if you do too, these authors are for you.
September 27, 2021
What an amazing read! Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence have written yet another astounding entry in their "Science Of" book series. These two horror authors never cease to amaze me with how in depth they are able to get about each topic in their books. With this latest release i feel this is definitely their finest work yet! From all the research that was done and interviews with some of the actual people who were apart of some of these horrifying cases. Finding out the Science behind what it is that made these killers tick or turn to violence in the first place gets truly terrifying. I loved reading more about the Serial Killers I have known about for many years and learning even more new things about them that I hadn't known before! And there's a good amount of killers that I had never heard of before that Meg and Kelly included here and it was very interesting, fun and scary to learn about these other Serial Killers from so very long ago and to more recent years. The Science of Serial Killers is a tremendous accomplishment and every horror or true crime fan should definitely put this at the top of their must read lists! Hafdahl and Florence just keep on bringing the heat in all of these books and I will be here for all of them!
January 13, 2022
Loved it!
Perfect true crime read! I have taken a lot of notes from this as there were many recommendations on movies and other books to read!
The perfect book for true crime readers.
I need to look up the authors other work! :)
Perfect true crime read! I have taken a lot of notes from this as there were many recommendations on movies and other books to read!
The perfect book for true crime readers.
I need to look up the authors other work! :)
May 29, 2023
The title is misleading as science is not the main focus of this book. Instead, it is a series of modern day film and book adaptations of famous criminal cases.
Lizzi Borden is first up and the author recalls Elizabeth Montgomery as the possible axe murderer.
Next it is Johnny Depp as Jack the Ripper in Victorian England. A slew of films have been made about Jack.
The Devil in the White City is an excellent book and Martin Scorcese is working on a movie based on the killer H.H. Holmes.
Lake Bodom is a film based on the murder of three young people at a lake in Finland in 1960. It remains unsolved.
Wolf Creek is loosely based on the crimes of Ivan Milat in the Australian outback. I did not like it and plan to read a lengthy book on Ivan.
Aileen Wuornos inspired the excellent movie, Monster, which won a Best Actress Oscar for Charlize Theron.
Arsenic and Old Lace was based on Amy Archer-Gilligan, a woman who poisoned a few husbands and several residents of her boarding house.
I highly recommend America's First Female Serial Killer, a book about Jane Toppan, an Irish immigrant who offed dozens of patients while working as a nurse. The author of the Toppan book is interviewed and during her research was constantly asked about Ted Bundy and cannot understand the ongoing cultural fascination with him, especially by fellow women.
The Stepfather was inspired by John List and Robert Blake also played the man who killed his family and was finally captured after being profiled on America's Most Wanted.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark was published before DNA matched Joseph DeAngelo to the Golden State Killer case.
Jeffrey Dahmer inspired My Friend Dahmer and David Berkowitz, Summer of Sam.
Dear Mr. Gacy is a film based on the book by Jason Moss, The Last Victim. Moss was an attorney who interviewed Gacy and later committed suicide.
A Good Marriage is a Stephen King short story which was written after King read an account of the BTK Killer.
Mark Twitchell was a screenwriter in Canada who identified with Dexter Morgan of the Showtime series and is now in prison for murder. His diary detailed the crimes.
A chapter on Ted Bundy is worthless. Zac Efron played him in the one of the countless movies based on the serial killer. Lead poisoning and crime are analyzed.
Gianni Versace was the subject of a TV series and Henry Lee Lucas is full of s***.
Israel Keyes receives a short chapter and the book referenced, American Predator is only a passable read.
The Zodiac Killer left cryptic messages and the case remains unsolved. Movies and books are available.
Wind River is an excellent movie and it tells of the unsolved murders of Native American women in the western U.S. The Highway of Tears runs through Canada and more than one hundred indigenous women have been killed between 1969 and 2006. A recent analysis has New York as #1 for the number of serial killer victims.
Bill James' daughter and co-author of The Man from the Train is interviewed and they believe that they solved the mystery. I read the overlong book and remain unconvinced of their conclusion on the Axe-man.
Richard Speck had a tattoo, "born to raise hell" on his arm and I read the book of that title many years ago. He murdered eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966.
The Amityville Horror is covered with more books and movies I and have always found the story silly.
Another book that I read many years ago by Gerold Frank covers the Boston Strangler. Tony Curtis was in the film.
The final story concerns Joe Ball, a man who may have fed his victims to alligators. Tobe Hooper directed Eaten Alive after hearing about Mr. Ball.
Overall, the book is a decent read.
Lizzi Borden is first up and the author recalls Elizabeth Montgomery as the possible axe murderer.
Next it is Johnny Depp as Jack the Ripper in Victorian England. A slew of films have been made about Jack.
The Devil in the White City is an excellent book and Martin Scorcese is working on a movie based on the killer H.H. Holmes.
Lake Bodom is a film based on the murder of three young people at a lake in Finland in 1960. It remains unsolved.
Wolf Creek is loosely based on the crimes of Ivan Milat in the Australian outback. I did not like it and plan to read a lengthy book on Ivan.
Aileen Wuornos inspired the excellent movie, Monster, which won a Best Actress Oscar for Charlize Theron.
Arsenic and Old Lace was based on Amy Archer-Gilligan, a woman who poisoned a few husbands and several residents of her boarding house.
I highly recommend America's First Female Serial Killer, a book about Jane Toppan, an Irish immigrant who offed dozens of patients while working as a nurse. The author of the Toppan book is interviewed and during her research was constantly asked about Ted Bundy and cannot understand the ongoing cultural fascination with him, especially by fellow women.
The Stepfather was inspired by John List and Robert Blake also played the man who killed his family and was finally captured after being profiled on America's Most Wanted.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark was published before DNA matched Joseph DeAngelo to the Golden State Killer case.
Jeffrey Dahmer inspired My Friend Dahmer and David Berkowitz, Summer of Sam.
Dear Mr. Gacy is a film based on the book by Jason Moss, The Last Victim. Moss was an attorney who interviewed Gacy and later committed suicide.
A Good Marriage is a Stephen King short story which was written after King read an account of the BTK Killer.
Mark Twitchell was a screenwriter in Canada who identified with Dexter Morgan of the Showtime series and is now in prison for murder. His diary detailed the crimes.
A chapter on Ted Bundy is worthless. Zac Efron played him in the one of the countless movies based on the serial killer. Lead poisoning and crime are analyzed.
Gianni Versace was the subject of a TV series and Henry Lee Lucas is full of s***.
Israel Keyes receives a short chapter and the book referenced, American Predator is only a passable read.
The Zodiac Killer left cryptic messages and the case remains unsolved. Movies and books are available.
Wind River is an excellent movie and it tells of the unsolved murders of Native American women in the western U.S. The Highway of Tears runs through Canada and more than one hundred indigenous women have been killed between 1969 and 2006. A recent analysis has New York as #1 for the number of serial killer victims.
Bill James' daughter and co-author of The Man from the Train is interviewed and they believe that they solved the mystery. I read the overlong book and remain unconvinced of their conclusion on the Axe-man.
Richard Speck had a tattoo, "born to raise hell" on his arm and I read the book of that title many years ago. He murdered eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966.
The Amityville Horror is covered with more books and movies I and have always found the story silly.
Another book that I read many years ago by Gerold Frank covers the Boston Strangler. Tony Curtis was in the film.
The final story concerns Joe Ball, a man who may have fed his victims to alligators. Tobe Hooper directed Eaten Alive after hearing about Mr. Ball.
Overall, the book is a decent read.
July 31, 2024
In *The Science of Serial Killers*, Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence delve into the chilling real-life stories that have inspired some of the most infamous characters in horror media. Building on their previous works that explore the science behind monsters, women in horror, and Stephen King's creations, the authors turn their focus to the gruesome realities of serial killers, offering a meticulously researched and deeply engaging guide that connects true crime with its fictional counterparts.
Hafdahl and Florence explore the dark motivations and psychological underpinnings of notorious killers such as John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Charles Manson, providing readers with insights into what drives these individuals to commit their heinous acts. The authors' expertise in horror and true crime shines through as they dissect the science behind these killers' actions, using interviews, film analysis, and historical records to paint a comprehensive picture of the macabre.
One of the book's strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between true crime and its representation in popular culture. Hafdahl and Florence expertly reveal how real-life serial killers have influenced horror films and media, providing a fascinating look at the interplay between reality and fiction. They address compelling questions, such as how detectives have historically identified and captured criminals like the Boston Strangler and the BTK Strangler, and whether modern science has the potential to unmask elusive figures like Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac Killer.
The book also delves into the distinctions between male and female serial killers, exploring how gender influences the methods and motivations behind their crimes. It is not just a recounting of grisly crimes; it is a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between science, psychology, and horror. Hafdahl and Florence's ability to weave together interviews with experts, film analysis, and historical context makes this book a must-read for fans of true crime and horror alike.
Hafdahl and Florence explore the dark motivations and psychological underpinnings of notorious killers such as John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Charles Manson, providing readers with insights into what drives these individuals to commit their heinous acts. The authors' expertise in horror and true crime shines through as they dissect the science behind these killers' actions, using interviews, film analysis, and historical records to paint a comprehensive picture of the macabre.
One of the book's strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between true crime and its representation in popular culture. Hafdahl and Florence expertly reveal how real-life serial killers have influenced horror films and media, providing a fascinating look at the interplay between reality and fiction. They address compelling questions, such as how detectives have historically identified and captured criminals like the Boston Strangler and the BTK Strangler, and whether modern science has the potential to unmask elusive figures like Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac Killer.
The book also delves into the distinctions between male and female serial killers, exploring how gender influences the methods and motivations behind their crimes. It is not just a recounting of grisly crimes; it is a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between science, psychology, and horror. Hafdahl and Florence's ability to weave together interviews with experts, film analysis, and historical context makes this book a must-read for fans of true crime and horror alike.
April 25, 2023
The more I think about this book, the more I keep deleting stars…I’m going to say 1.5 stars rounded up, but I’m pretty sure that is too generous. This book was all over the place. The title is complete misinformation; once in a great while something about science is mentioned, but nothing in this book is truly evaluated in a scientific manner. Oh, and don’t read this if you are looking for a book that gives a short synopsis for each of the many serial killers included, because in most cases, the specifics of the crimes were not even discussed. For some reason, the authors chose to discuss the murderers from the point of view of films that were made about them, or factionalized versions based on or “inspired” by their crimes. That was a weird way of doing things. For one thing, if you didn’t watch all of the movies they mention, it has very little meaning to you. I also felt that by using that angle, they tended to glamorize these killers, even though more than once they mentioned criticism of others sensationalizing the deeds of the murderers. Kind of contradicting themselves really. Rather quickly I made the decision to skim through the book rather than reading it chapter by chapter, because I could not warm up to the way the book was put together. I also saw errors in some of the facts; for example, the book stated that Robert Blake was convicted of killing his girlfriend, when in fact he was acquitted (even if no one believes he was innocent, he was NOT convicted). At the end, I was just angry that a book with this title did not significantly or consistently delve into the scientific angle of the true crimes included in it. I definitely won’t consider reading anything else in the series either based on this book. The only thing positive I can really say is that THANK GOD I borrowed this from my library’s eBook service and didn’t waste money on it!
April 8, 2025
My first impression of this book was possibly more idealistic than I should have hoped for, though the contents honestly shouldn't have surprised me too much if I'd have thought about it for more than 2 seconds.
If I could give a 2.5/5 stars, I would, because that's how I feel about this book: about 50/50. Half of me isn't much impressed with the "science" explored, as some chapters went something like this: This killer used a gun to kill his victims, but how does a gun work exactly? He used his hands to shoot this gun, but what is the science behind hands? Not to mention the fact that he wore shoes, but why is shoes?? And don't get us started on the fact that he breathed, which of course involves science too!
Now on the other hand, there are interesting tidbits to be sure, and figures from serial killer history that I had never heard of before this book, so there was still some meat on these bones to sup off of, and some of the interviews included were genuinely informative. But if I were to make a pie chart of what is in this book, there'd be a considerable share dedicated to just film history, so for those looking for exclusively scientific discussion, be warned of the interviews with filmmakers and actors, and interludes of film discussion.
All-in-all, I reccomend this book to those who are interested in killers depicted in film, beginners to the true crime genre, and I suppose anyone else with a taste for horror, as the authors of this book offer a lot in that department, which I plan on checking out if I happen to come across their other works, as to their credit, there is an interesting line-up series by the same vein (The Science of Stephen King, The Science of Witchcraft, The Science of Monsters, etc). However, if and when I find these books, my expectations will be much more realistic in terms of how much science I'll be reading.
If I could give a 2.5/5 stars, I would, because that's how I feel about this book: about 50/50. Half of me isn't much impressed with the "science" explored, as some chapters went something like this: This killer used a gun to kill his victims, but how does a gun work exactly? He used his hands to shoot this gun, but what is the science behind hands? Not to mention the fact that he wore shoes, but why is shoes?? And don't get us started on the fact that he breathed, which of course involves science too!
Now on the other hand, there are interesting tidbits to be sure, and figures from serial killer history that I had never heard of before this book, so there was still some meat on these bones to sup off of, and some of the interviews included were genuinely informative. But if I were to make a pie chart of what is in this book, there'd be a considerable share dedicated to just film history, so for those looking for exclusively scientific discussion, be warned of the interviews with filmmakers and actors, and interludes of film discussion.
All-in-all, I reccomend this book to those who are interested in killers depicted in film, beginners to the true crime genre, and I suppose anyone else with a taste for horror, as the authors of this book offer a lot in that department, which I plan on checking out if I happen to come across their other works, as to their credit, there is an interesting line-up series by the same vein (The Science of Stephen King, The Science of Witchcraft, The Science of Monsters, etc). However, if and when I find these books, my expectations will be much more realistic in terms of how much science I'll be reading.
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November 22, 2021Science of Serial Killers was a highly anticipated read for me. I have really enjoyed Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence's Science of series so I was excited to read a new installment in this series.
I have to say that I am generally NOT a true crime fan. But as a lover of horror and dark fiction I do find it impossible to avoid the true crime genre completely. The fact that Hafdahl and Florence utilize horror movies as a jumping point into the realities of serial killers made it easier for me to get into this particular subject.
They do a phenomenal job at balancing between how fascinating the killers stories are while uplifting that people were victimized by horrendous acts of violence. Fascinating subjects are explored to bring the perplexing realities to light such as what happens to our brains when we lie, cults and method acting. They also touch upon the controversies of utilizing genealogy websites for gathering evidence of crime.
The nature of each chapter is enough to wet your appetite for any given subject and a solid bibliography provides plenty of resources for the curious.
The brief chapters does leave this book more of a book for horror fans who want more tidbits of information about the different movies. But a die hard true crime fan may be left disappointed at the thumbnail sketches of the realities. However, as a horror fan who wants more information this is the perfect choice for me. The information is presented in an engaging, well researched way. I am thrilled to have a signed copy on shelf next to the other books in this series.
I am also posting this review on my blog:
http://glamorousbookgal.blogspot.com/...
I have to say that I am generally NOT a true crime fan. But as a lover of horror and dark fiction I do find it impossible to avoid the true crime genre completely. The fact that Hafdahl and Florence utilize horror movies as a jumping point into the realities of serial killers made it easier for me to get into this particular subject.
They do a phenomenal job at balancing between how fascinating the killers stories are while uplifting that people were victimized by horrendous acts of violence. Fascinating subjects are explored to bring the perplexing realities to light such as what happens to our brains when we lie, cults and method acting. They also touch upon the controversies of utilizing genealogy websites for gathering evidence of crime.
The nature of each chapter is enough to wet your appetite for any given subject and a solid bibliography provides plenty of resources for the curious.
The brief chapters does leave this book more of a book for horror fans who want more tidbits of information about the different movies. But a die hard true crime fan may be left disappointed at the thumbnail sketches of the realities. However, as a horror fan who wants more information this is the perfect choice for me. The information is presented in an engaging, well researched way. I am thrilled to have a signed copy on shelf next to the other books in this series.
I am also posting this review on my blog:
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October 17, 2025
DNF – read up to the start of section 3.
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this book feels like a misleading title. the account of cases are very surface level, not going into much science, and the science parts are shoehorned in with tenuous links to the matter at hand at best.
the part about Ivan Milat feels especially egregious in its formulaic writing of going "X was used/Y was involved. what is [the science of] X/Y? according to Z [insert quote here]". I'm sure if you were a complete newbie this wouldn't be too bad, but it comes across as patronising/condescending and almost textbook-like. the textbook feel isn't helped with the random fact boxes that appear in each chapter, and in the Ivan Milat chapter I actually had to put the book down in disbelief at the lines "what is the science of memory? when we learn something[...] we form connections between neurons in the brain." – how is the science of killers at all? it was this chapter that made me finally nope out of reading this book.
the constant comparisons/talk about fictional killers or the portrayal of real-life killers in films/media is also incredibly uncomfortable in that comes across as glamorising them, even if the authors condemn it themselves. the research feels hastily put together in places, especially given the large quantity of chunks of quotes with little analysis/follow up of these. it very much felt like the authors wanted to jump onto the true crime bandwagon and just put something together with little consideration for the facts or nuance. it feels sensationalist which, for me, is just plainly and inherently disrespectful to the victims of the killers. I'm a big true crime fan and I think there are ways to approach the genre – this isn't it.
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this book feels like a misleading title. the account of cases are very surface level, not going into much science, and the science parts are shoehorned in with tenuous links to the matter at hand at best.
the part about Ivan Milat feels especially egregious in its formulaic writing of going "X was used/Y was involved. what is [the science of] X/Y? according to Z [insert quote here]". I'm sure if you were a complete newbie this wouldn't be too bad, but it comes across as patronising/condescending and almost textbook-like. the textbook feel isn't helped with the random fact boxes that appear in each chapter, and in the Ivan Milat chapter I actually had to put the book down in disbelief at the lines "what is the science of memory? when we learn something[...] we form connections between neurons in the brain." – how is the science of killers at all? it was this chapter that made me finally nope out of reading this book.
the constant comparisons/talk about fictional killers or the portrayal of real-life killers in films/media is also incredibly uncomfortable in that comes across as glamorising them, even if the authors condemn it themselves. the research feels hastily put together in places, especially given the large quantity of chunks of quotes with little analysis/follow up of these. it very much felt like the authors wanted to jump onto the true crime bandwagon and just put something together with little consideration for the facts or nuance. it feels sensationalist which, for me, is just plainly and inherently disrespectful to the victims of the killers. I'm a big true crime fan and I think there are ways to approach the genre – this isn't it.
April 28, 2022
The Review
I absolutely loved this read. As someone who has been fascinated with true crime and in particular the psychology behind the few individual criminals who can be classified as “serial killers”, and as a big-time fan of horror films and books, I was instantly drawn to the authors and their work. The amount of detailed research and history each put into these killers and crimes, and yet were able to craft it into a concise and very readable book, was astounding to read.
What really stood out though was the author's work to identify the fascination and inspiration these true-life killers had on some of the most iconic horror films of our era. From Jack the Ripper’s inspiration for the film From Hell to the murders of the DeFeo family that inspired the Amityville Horror film series, both authors did such an amazing job of breaking down each film and project that these killers were responsible for and showcased how the intricate details of their crimes lead to some of cinema’s darkest and most memorable horror moments.
The Verdict
Haunting, visceral, and engaging, authors Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence’s “The Science of Serial Killers: The Truth Behind Ted Bundy, Lizzie Borden, Jack the Ripper, and Other Notorious Murderers of Cinematic Legend” is must-read nonfiction read! The in-depth analysis of both film and true crime will have horror fans enthralled by the information the authors share. With the wide array of different criminals, from the prolific to the under-the-radar crimes that will absolutely shock you, this is one collection readers won’t want to miss.
I absolutely loved this read. As someone who has been fascinated with true crime and in particular the psychology behind the few individual criminals who can be classified as “serial killers”, and as a big-time fan of horror films and books, I was instantly drawn to the authors and their work. The amount of detailed research and history each put into these killers and crimes, and yet were able to craft it into a concise and very readable book, was astounding to read.
What really stood out though was the author's work to identify the fascination and inspiration these true-life killers had on some of the most iconic horror films of our era. From Jack the Ripper’s inspiration for the film From Hell to the murders of the DeFeo family that inspired the Amityville Horror film series, both authors did such an amazing job of breaking down each film and project that these killers were responsible for and showcased how the intricate details of their crimes lead to some of cinema’s darkest and most memorable horror moments.
The Verdict
Haunting, visceral, and engaging, authors Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence’s “The Science of Serial Killers: The Truth Behind Ted Bundy, Lizzie Borden, Jack the Ripper, and Other Notorious Murderers of Cinematic Legend” is must-read nonfiction read! The in-depth analysis of both film and true crime will have horror fans enthralled by the information the authors share. With the wide array of different criminals, from the prolific to the under-the-radar crimes that will absolutely shock you, this is one collection readers won’t want to miss.
September 8, 2022
I enjoyed the authors previous book The Science of Stephen King and was really excited to read this book! The cases discussed in this book are categorized in ten different sections. e.g: Crimes of the Past, Foreign Murder, Women Killers, Double Lives, etc .. with cases like Lizzie Borden, Ivan Milat, John List, Jack the Ripper, and so forth.
Each chapter begins with information about the case/crime and the science behind each case discussed are information such as forensic investigation, history about 911, psyche of the killers and many more. The information are pretty concise so it wasn't overwhelming or too sciency for me.
There are A LOT of cases discussed in this book. However, if you've read a lot of true crime books, you will find the cases here are very familiar and they may not be new to you kind of cases. I would recommend this book for those who would like to try the true crime genre.
But ….. One thing that really frustrates me a lot about this book is the SPOILERS! This book also talks about other books and movies that were inspired by the cases discussed in this book - for example, the book A Good Marriage and movies like Scream. I wish the authors didn't reveal the ending of the books and movies when comparing them with the real cases! Ugh.
Each chapter begins with information about the case/crime and the science behind each case discussed are information such as forensic investigation, history about 911, psyche of the killers and many more. The information are pretty concise so it wasn't overwhelming or too sciency for me.
There are A LOT of cases discussed in this book. However, if you've read a lot of true crime books, you will find the cases here are very familiar and they may not be new to you kind of cases. I would recommend this book for those who would like to try the true crime genre.
But ….. One thing that really frustrates me a lot about this book is the SPOILERS! This book also talks about other books and movies that were inspired by the cases discussed in this book - for example, the book A Good Marriage and movies like Scream. I wish the authors didn't reveal the ending of the books and movies when comparing them with the real cases! Ugh.
February 11, 2024
SCIENCE OF SERIAL KILLERS" BY MEG HAFDAHL, KELLY FLORENCE.
I had a great time reading this book. I was immediately drawn to the authors and their work because I have always been fascinated by true crime, especially the psychology of the rare individual criminals who can be considered "serial killers," and I love horror films and books. It was amazing to read how much in-depth background information and study each author put into these murders and crimes while still managing to condense it into a manageable and highly enjoyable book.
The author's efforts to pinpoint the fascination and inspiration these real-life murders had on some of the most recognizable horror films of our time, however, truly stood out. Both authors did an incredible job of dissecting every movie and project that these killers were involved in, from Jack the Ripper's inspiration for the movie From Hell to the DeFeo family murders that served as the basis for the Amityville Horror film series. They also demonstrated how the minute details of these crimes contributed to some of the most macabre and memorable horror scenes in cinema history.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
I had a great time reading this book. I was immediately drawn to the authors and their work because I have always been fascinated by true crime, especially the psychology of the rare individual criminals who can be considered "serial killers," and I love horror films and books. It was amazing to read how much in-depth background information and study each author put into these murders and crimes while still managing to condense it into a manageable and highly enjoyable book.
The author's efforts to pinpoint the fascination and inspiration these real-life murders had on some of the most recognizable horror films of our time, however, truly stood out. Both authors did an incredible job of dissecting every movie and project that these killers were involved in, from Jack the Ripper's inspiration for the movie From Hell to the DeFeo family murders that served as the basis for the Amityville Horror film series. They also demonstrated how the minute details of these crimes contributed to some of the most macabre and memorable horror scenes in cinema history.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
June 23, 2023
The Science of Serial Killers by Meg Hafdahl & Kelly Florence is a well-researched, intelligently written book that answers the question: Why do serial killers do the awful, monstrous things they do? A book for anyone who wants to understand criminal minds, this book examines the lives and minds of some of the notorious serial killers in history — Ted Bundy, Lizzie Borden, Jack the Ripper, and many others.
The authors examine crimes that were committed in foreign lands and the modus operandi of some of the criminals such as living double lives, hiding in plain sight, traveling, and home invasion. This book is filled with history, written in a voice that is engaging, it is filled with fascinating details of crimes in history and the brains behind those crimes. I must admit that there were chilling moments, startling discoveries, and psychological insights that will have readers spellbound as they move from chapter to chapter.
The authors examine crimes that were committed in foreign lands and the modus operandi of some of the criminals such as living double lives, hiding in plain sight, traveling, and home invasion. This book is filled with history, written in a voice that is engaging, it is filled with fascinating details of crimes in history and the brains behind those crimes. I must admit that there were chilling moments, startling discoveries, and psychological insights that will have readers spellbound as they move from chapter to chapter.
October 27, 2023
This book is all over the place. If you are deep into serial killers this work will be a waste of time. The authors talk about the most random things. Interviewing script writers, talking about abortion, bronchitis, and meteor impacts! The title should be "Stuff About Serial Killers: Astrology, Movies, and Random Crap
I don't know what these ladies were trying to do but they need to focus their topic. The authors went on a tangent about abortions in the world during the John Christie chapter rather than spend some time speaking about Timothy Evans who was wrongly convicted and executed.
During the Aileen Wournos chapter the authors have the audacity to not only paint her as a victim of society but also asking about her last moments and if they were harrowing because of the drug that was used in her lethal injection! I'm sure it was less harrowing than those men who were murdered on a dark road. They give half a paragraph to the victims families, but 2 1/2 pages to lethal injection.
I don't know what these ladies were trying to do but they need to focus their topic. The authors went on a tangent about abortions in the world during the John Christie chapter rather than spend some time speaking about Timothy Evans who was wrongly convicted and executed.
During the Aileen Wournos chapter the authors have the audacity to not only paint her as a victim of society but also asking about her last moments and if they were harrowing because of the drug that was used in her lethal injection! I'm sure it was less harrowing than those men who were murdered on a dark road. They give half a paragraph to the victims families, but 2 1/2 pages to lethal injection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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