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The Snapshot Killer: The shocking true story of serial killer Christopher Wilder - from Sydney's beaches to America's Most Wanted
Christopher Wilder was about as bad as they get. A serial killer and predator, he first came to the attention of police in Sydney when as a teenager in 1963 he was charged with rape. As a young adult he relocated to Florida, USA.
Wilder plied his vile and deadly trade on two continents and did so undetected for more than twenty years. He was a chameleon and a predator with a modus operandi refined over the decades, luring young teenage girls with the promise of a career as a photographic model. His final flourish was a six-week spree of abduction, sexual assault and murder crisscrossing the USA and earning him the top spot on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.
Wilder could have been stopped a few times in his evil career - but he wasn't. In addition to his many crimes in the US, he is now also a prime suspect for the infamous Wanda Beach murders - one of Australia's most notorious unsolved crimes. The Snapshot Killer explores how a monster was able to hide in plain sight and tells the tragic story of the many victims - at least twelve, but likely more - whose lives Wilder destroyed, with consequences that continue to resonate to this day.
Wilder plied his vile and deadly trade on two continents and did so undetected for more than twenty years. He was a chameleon and a predator with a modus operandi refined over the decades, luring young teenage girls with the promise of a career as a photographic model. His final flourish was a six-week spree of abduction, sexual assault and murder crisscrossing the USA and earning him the top spot on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.
Wilder could have been stopped a few times in his evil career - but he wasn't. In addition to his many crimes in the US, he is now also a prime suspect for the infamous Wanda Beach murders - one of Australia's most notorious unsolved crimes. The Snapshot Killer explores how a monster was able to hide in plain sight and tells the tragic story of the many victims - at least twelve, but likely more - whose lives Wilder destroyed, with consequences that continue to resonate to this day.
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 11, 2019
This hypnotic story compelled me, not because I enjoy the genre of true crime (I do not), but to try to understand how this horrific charmer got away with the hideous things he did for so many years. Most people have seen old photos of the handsome, well spoken serial killer Ted Bundy and probably consider him not just a psychopath, but a fluke too. I mean, nicely dressed, attractive men with gentlemanly manners are not generally running about torturing and killing girls.
Picture Jason Stratham with a nice tan, a closely trimmed beard, and casual, upscale clothes. Hand him a pair of Ray Ban aviators, and place him behind the wheel of a white Porsche parked at the beach, smiling. Set an expensive camera on the buttery leather seat next to him. Does he look scary? Who he would look like, however, is Christopher Wilder. I know, because as a high school student, I met him.
When the news anchor, a few years later, conveyed that the college sophomore had escaped but that her eyes had been Superglued shut, the story might have shocked you too. In 1984, there was a frenzied nationwide manhunt for the smooth talking serial rapist and murderer who posed as a fashion photographer, luring naïve teenagers and young women away from beaches and shopping malls. We young ladies knew, in the mid 80s, that going to jog alone in a park at night, heading out solo to a night club, or even walking through a parking garage alone in the dark were bad ideas. Few girls would so much as go to lunch by themselves, but the one spot all of us visited alone was our local shopping mall.
As the manhunt led by the FBI was underway, a horrific trail dotted with newly abducted and tortured bodies followed. They were dropped like bloodied breadcrumbs behind Wilder's path covering thousands of miles.
I originally did not understand that it was the man I'd met. They described him as being from Australia, but the photographer I'd been approached by had the same flat Florida speaking voice that I did. What those news stories in 1984 didn't mention was that he'd been raised initially in the US, so he spoke like the average American did. Even people who had known this man for years failed to grasp that he was the same person. Beyond his live-in girlfriend, business partner, and the cop's wife who did embroidery work for him, vast numbers of seasoned detectives and psychiatrists were hoodwinked too - for decades.
For obvious reasons, I've been curious about Wilder since crossing paths with him in the late 1970s, but never really dug into the internet to learn more. Until a few days ago, I'd even forgotten his name. What did stay with me was the charm. If you've seen the movie The Usual Suspects, you'll remember the story narrated by the weakling, Verbal Kent. And then you come to discover the smooth lies, not from Kent, but from the real monster, Kaizer Soze.
Wilder was a talented, evil liar. And then just like that, he was gone.
VERY, VERY GOOD TRUE CRIME BOOK
Here's a photo of Wilder, taken without his knowledge, as he scans a teen fashion show at one of the many malls where he lurked. https://www.bing.com/images/search?vi...
Picture Jason Stratham with a nice tan, a closely trimmed beard, and casual, upscale clothes. Hand him a pair of Ray Ban aviators, and place him behind the wheel of a white Porsche parked at the beach, smiling. Set an expensive camera on the buttery leather seat next to him. Does he look scary? Who he would look like, however, is Christopher Wilder. I know, because as a high school student, I met him.
When the news anchor, a few years later, conveyed that the college sophomore had escaped but that her eyes had been Superglued shut, the story might have shocked you too. In 1984, there was a frenzied nationwide manhunt for the smooth talking serial rapist and murderer who posed as a fashion photographer, luring naïve teenagers and young women away from beaches and shopping malls. We young ladies knew, in the mid 80s, that going to jog alone in a park at night, heading out solo to a night club, or even walking through a parking garage alone in the dark were bad ideas. Few girls would so much as go to lunch by themselves, but the one spot all of us visited alone was our local shopping mall.
As the manhunt led by the FBI was underway, a horrific trail dotted with newly abducted and tortured bodies followed. They were dropped like bloodied breadcrumbs behind Wilder's path covering thousands of miles.
I originally did not understand that it was the man I'd met. They described him as being from Australia, but the photographer I'd been approached by had the same flat Florida speaking voice that I did. What those news stories in 1984 didn't mention was that he'd been raised initially in the US, so he spoke like the average American did. Even people who had known this man for years failed to grasp that he was the same person. Beyond his live-in girlfriend, business partner, and the cop's wife who did embroidery work for him, vast numbers of seasoned detectives and psychiatrists were hoodwinked too - for decades.
For obvious reasons, I've been curious about Wilder since crossing paths with him in the late 1970s, but never really dug into the internet to learn more. Until a few days ago, I'd even forgotten his name. What did stay with me was the charm. If you've seen the movie The Usual Suspects, you'll remember the story narrated by the weakling, Verbal Kent. And then you come to discover the smooth lies, not from Kent, but from the real monster, Kaizer Soze.
Wilder was a talented, evil liar. And then just like that, he was gone.
VERY, VERY GOOD TRUE CRIME BOOK
Here's a photo of Wilder, taken without his knowledge, as he scans a teen fashion show at one of the many malls where he lurked. https://www.bing.com/images/search?vi...
November 16, 2019
Trigger warnings: rape, murder, kidnapping, graphic descriptions of murders, sexual abuse of children, stalking, grooming, manipulation, blood, gore, gun violence, suicide.
Well. This was...horrifying. I knew about the Wanda Beach murders prior to reading this, but I knew nothing of Wilder's crimes in the US (if, indeed, he did commit the Wanda Beach murders...) and Y.I.K.E.S.
Basically, he spent years posing as a scout and a magazine photographer, telling teenage girls and young women that they had the potential to be a model and could he take some photos of them? From his voyeuristic tendencies, he worked his way up to rape and murder, and this was an incredibly compelling book but at the same time I kind of wish this book didn't need to exist because he destroyed so many lives and so many families have been left without closure because of the way his story plays out.
I don't know that I can say I'm glad I read this, but I'm definitely better informed because I read this. I guess.
Well. This was...horrifying. I knew about the Wanda Beach murders prior to reading this, but I knew nothing of Wilder's crimes in the US (if, indeed, he did commit the Wanda Beach murders...) and Y.I.K.E.S.
Basically, he spent years posing as a scout and a magazine photographer, telling teenage girls and young women that they had the potential to be a model and could he take some photos of them? From his voyeuristic tendencies, he worked his way up to rape and murder, and this was an incredibly compelling book but at the same time I kind of wish this book didn't need to exist because he destroyed so many lives and so many families have been left without closure because of the way his story plays out.
I don't know that I can say I'm glad I read this, but I'm definitely better informed because I read this. I guess.
November 26, 2023
A rec from my Dad that was highly engaging but fell short at many points (which my Dad also felt). It was so interesting to read as someone who is really engaged in true crime because I had never heard of Wilder and this story was fascinating. However, this book needed a bit more editing. The narrative lost me at times and seemed to jump around a bit which I struggled to follow.
March 29, 2019
Copy received for an honest review
I was only a small child when all of this happened, but it is something that has been in news over the years, especially with regards to the unsolved Wanda Beach murders.
This book is completely fascinating, yet completely horrifying in that a man, doing what he was doing, got away with it so many times. So many time he was within the grasp of police, and so many times he walked away to do it again.
I would like to think that in this day and age, with social media and insta-everything that this would not happen again, although we know it still does.
Mr McNab had me intrigued and engrossed in this story right away. I know someone who knew one of the girls who was murdered at Wanda Beach, and thy have mentioned on more than one occasion Christopher Wilder and how he got away with it.
Being that Mr McNab is a former police detective, the writing can sometimes come across quite dry, however that didn't bother me. I was so interested in the story itself.
I closed this book, thinking of those who survived, heart hurting for the family of those who were never found.
I am now keen to continue my true crime binge.
I was only a small child when all of this happened, but it is something that has been in news over the years, especially with regards to the unsolved Wanda Beach murders.
This book is completely fascinating, yet completely horrifying in that a man, doing what he was doing, got away with it so many times. So many time he was within the grasp of police, and so many times he walked away to do it again.
I would like to think that in this day and age, with social media and insta-everything that this would not happen again, although we know it still does.
Mr McNab had me intrigued and engrossed in this story right away. I know someone who knew one of the girls who was murdered at Wanda Beach, and thy have mentioned on more than one occasion Christopher Wilder and how he got away with it.
Being that Mr McNab is a former police detective, the writing can sometimes come across quite dry, however that didn't bother me. I was so interested in the story itself.
I closed this book, thinking of those who survived, heart hurting for the family of those who were never found.
I am now keen to continue my true crime binge.
July 8, 2019
Quite repetitive; written in such a way that it could be turned into a mini-series with reiteration at each ad break. I persisted but it didn't reveal anything about the killer, and not a lot about the search for him.
May 29, 2019
I had never heard of Chris Wilder ‘‘The Snapshot Killer’. A man who terrorised young girls in Australia in the ’70s is still a suspect in one of Sydney’s most horrific double murders, The Wanda Beach Murders of 1965 and who fled to the USA to continue his sadistic, murderous spree. I was about to find out, and I almost regret I did.
I didn’t arrive in Australia until the mid-2000s and although an avid true crime documentary watcher, Mr Wilder and his cunning, outlandishness and dark psyche never once appeared in print or on the TV. The full story of the Snapshot Killer was only revealed fully to me by ex-police detective and investigative journalist, Duncan McNab in his most recent release, The Snapshot Killer.
This is a dark, detailed and fascinating timeline of a young, good looking, guy of average intelligence, born in the USA to a good family and raised in Sydney. Who, from a young age got a thrill from dominating and inciting fear in young girls. What floors me about this, and I’m sure in many other serial killer cases is how he could have got away with it for so long.
Did Wilder meticulously hide DNA, prints and bodies? No. He left semen and clothing and young girls bodies dumped for easy discovery. Did he hide his appearance? Not really, unless you count the bad wig he donned on occasion. Did he flee the scenes of his attacks? No. He called the premises of the victims and continued to pester girls that rebuffed his advances.
So, how did Christopher Wilder get away with it for so long?
How did so many young, beautiful girls go willingly with Wilder, in broad daylight at busy shopping malls and beaches? I believe it had a lot to do with the generation he lived in. Wilder lived in a time where there were no computer databases, information sharing between states, or communication between countries. It was also a time where it would have been social suicide for a young girl to bring shame on herself and her family by testifying evidence and admitting being victims of such degrading crimes. After Wilder openly admitted to rape and indecent assault in Australia and was awaiting trial, he, along with help from his family posted bail and headed to Florida where he could pick up where he left off and begin to hone his skills. A new life with renewed vigour and confidence.
Wilder flitted around shopping malls, race tracks and beaches targeting young, white beautiful girls who were looking to break out of their hometown lives and make it big in modelling. Although running his own lucrative construction business, Wilder preferred to play the part of a photographer for local modelling agencies, even going so far as to make fake business cards for bona fide agencies and strut around with a camera round his neck. Often with no film in it at all.
The Snapshot Killer by Duncan McNab. A photo of Christopher Wilders Kill Kit found in his car the day he was shot.
Christopher Wilders ‘Kill Kit’
He would approach young, impressionable girls and tell them ‘they had what it took’ or, ‘they were perfect for an upcoming beer commercial, if they lost a few pounds.’ He would make them feel safe by offering to call their parents later to get approval for the shoots, if they would just go with him for a few snaps. Some would sense something was off and decline, but most would willingly go with the tall attractive man who seemed to have money, work for a legit business and had an exotic Australian accent. The majority were never seen again.
The Psychology of a Serial Killer
The psychology of Wilder is just as disturbing and unusual as Ted Bundy’s, just less infamous. Wilder used charisma, confidence and flashed the cash to get these girls into his car, but as his appetite for evil progressed, he resorted to knocking them out or lacing food with drugs. His torturous behaviours are not for a reader feint of heart. McNab writes in a matter of fact, journalistic style which in no way romanticises, sugar coats or indulges these crimes, of which there are many. He also draws frequently on The Beauty Queen Killer by Bruce Gibney, a book released in the 80’s just after Wilder’s death. This is not in any way plagiarism, rather an exceptional resource as most witnesses, files and clues are long lost in the sands of time. McNab avoids speculation and his past as a police detective is reflected in the careful collation of accurate accounts and careful assessment of clues, statements and TV interviews (predominantly Michael Ushers 2017 interviews) and police reports.
Once the pieces of the puzzle start to click with authorities the chase was on for a serial killer who crossed continents. Even though I guessed the outcome, and the horrendous crimes were committed decades ago, I felt myself still wishing for these young girls to be found alive. The fact that there is still no closure on the tragic and brutal Wanda beach murders and that some young girls have never been found, or that bodies recovered have never been claimed by loved ones, lays heavy on my heart.
The Snapshot Killer is the interesting, baffling and almost surreal story of a man who literally able to get away with murder for over 20 years. This one will stay with me for a while.
I didn’t arrive in Australia until the mid-2000s and although an avid true crime documentary watcher, Mr Wilder and his cunning, outlandishness and dark psyche never once appeared in print or on the TV. The full story of the Snapshot Killer was only revealed fully to me by ex-police detective and investigative journalist, Duncan McNab in his most recent release, The Snapshot Killer.
This is a dark, detailed and fascinating timeline of a young, good looking, guy of average intelligence, born in the USA to a good family and raised in Sydney. Who, from a young age got a thrill from dominating and inciting fear in young girls. What floors me about this, and I’m sure in many other serial killer cases is how he could have got away with it for so long.
Did Wilder meticulously hide DNA, prints and bodies? No. He left semen and clothing and young girls bodies dumped for easy discovery. Did he hide his appearance? Not really, unless you count the bad wig he donned on occasion. Did he flee the scenes of his attacks? No. He called the premises of the victims and continued to pester girls that rebuffed his advances.
So, how did Christopher Wilder get away with it for so long?
How did so many young, beautiful girls go willingly with Wilder, in broad daylight at busy shopping malls and beaches? I believe it had a lot to do with the generation he lived in. Wilder lived in a time where there were no computer databases, information sharing between states, or communication between countries. It was also a time where it would have been social suicide for a young girl to bring shame on herself and her family by testifying evidence and admitting being victims of such degrading crimes. After Wilder openly admitted to rape and indecent assault in Australia and was awaiting trial, he, along with help from his family posted bail and headed to Florida where he could pick up where he left off and begin to hone his skills. A new life with renewed vigour and confidence.
Wilder flitted around shopping malls, race tracks and beaches targeting young, white beautiful girls who were looking to break out of their hometown lives and make it big in modelling. Although running his own lucrative construction business, Wilder preferred to play the part of a photographer for local modelling agencies, even going so far as to make fake business cards for bona fide agencies and strut around with a camera round his neck. Often with no film in it at all.
The Snapshot Killer by Duncan McNab. A photo of Christopher Wilders Kill Kit found in his car the day he was shot.
Christopher Wilders ‘Kill Kit’
He would approach young, impressionable girls and tell them ‘they had what it took’ or, ‘they were perfect for an upcoming beer commercial, if they lost a few pounds.’ He would make them feel safe by offering to call their parents later to get approval for the shoots, if they would just go with him for a few snaps. Some would sense something was off and decline, but most would willingly go with the tall attractive man who seemed to have money, work for a legit business and had an exotic Australian accent. The majority were never seen again.
The Psychology of a Serial Killer
The psychology of Wilder is just as disturbing and unusual as Ted Bundy’s, just less infamous. Wilder used charisma, confidence and flashed the cash to get these girls into his car, but as his appetite for evil progressed, he resorted to knocking them out or lacing food with drugs. His torturous behaviours are not for a reader feint of heart. McNab writes in a matter of fact, journalistic style which in no way romanticises, sugar coats or indulges these crimes, of which there are many. He also draws frequently on The Beauty Queen Killer by Bruce Gibney, a book released in the 80’s just after Wilder’s death. This is not in any way plagiarism, rather an exceptional resource as most witnesses, files and clues are long lost in the sands of time. McNab avoids speculation and his past as a police detective is reflected in the careful collation of accurate accounts and careful assessment of clues, statements and TV interviews (predominantly Michael Ushers 2017 interviews) and police reports.
Once the pieces of the puzzle start to click with authorities the chase was on for a serial killer who crossed continents. Even though I guessed the outcome, and the horrendous crimes were committed decades ago, I felt myself still wishing for these young girls to be found alive. The fact that there is still no closure on the tragic and brutal Wanda beach murders and that some young girls have never been found, or that bodies recovered have never been claimed by loved ones, lays heavy on my heart.
The Snapshot Killer is the interesting, baffling and almost surreal story of a man who literally able to get away with murder for over 20 years. This one will stay with me for a while.
October 13, 2023
Audiobook version for this one. So interesting and awful at the same time. What a awful person the killer was. How he managed to keep away from authorities was astounding and unfortunate in a time where records were all hand written.
Narrator was good.
Narrator was good.
March 29, 2026
This book jumped out at me at a book stall in the Queen Victoria markets in Melbourne. As a Cronulla local myself, I was shocked to hear of the gruesome murders that took place on home soil, on home sand shall I say, sand that I have walked across many times in my life, past the lost souls of those two innocent girls left back in 1965.
A story about Christoper Wilder, an infamous serial murderer, from Sydney's beaches then taking on the east and west coast of America, making the FBI's 10 most wanted list.
Wilder's modus operandi was ingenious and unique, falsely claiming to be a photographer luring vulnerable young girls by the promise of a glamorous career In modelling. The young pretty girls were unsuspecting to this local character who would become one of the worlds worst serial killers.
The setting, its the 1960's, Sydney's beaches north and south were the hit attraction for young teens, both boys and girls engaging in the popular surfing culture, hanging around milk bars, and looking for summer flings. They would play pinball, drink milkshakes and smoke cigarettes in this precious little world without technology.
Early life
Much like many predatory monsters, Christopher was recalled to be a nervous and edgy person in school, a big nail biter. I find it quite interesting this nail biting trait, for many it can be a coping mechanism, to stress and anxiety, perhaps an involuntary response as a result of obsessive compulsive disorder.
Despite the surfing rage of this time, Wilder didn't fit into this category, he didn't own a board and didn't participate. While most of his friends liked this hotshot from America, one friend who has asked not to be named recalled wilder to be 'creepy' and was uneasy around him, believing he was someone who could turn.
This friend was right. At 17 years old, Chris Wilder abducted a 13 year old girl from freshwater beach, drove her to a secluded bushland and raped her. His friends did nothing to stop him. He did not return to the beach that summer.
The Wanda beach murders
On 12 janurary 1965, Christine and Marianne, 15 year old girls were sexually assaulted and brutally stabbed to death, left for dead in the dunes just past Wanda surf club. Coming from Ryde that morning, they were on a beach trip with their younger siblings.
The following day in the police station, Wolfgang, one of the younger brothers, aged seven, who was present the day before, became the star witness providing information as to what happened before they were found dead. Wolfgang recalled the two girls walking off into the dunes, hand in hand with a slightly older teenage boy, tall and blonde hair.
A NSW government psychiatrist by the name of doctor John McGeorge, who had interviewed 7000 criminals, including 500 murdered made an educated prediction on the killer. Doctor John concluded that the killer was probably in his late teens or early 20s, had a split personality and a 'fierce bloodlust' and is likely to kill again. Given his impressive experience, his words held good value to the police.
At the time, Christopher wilder was 20 years old, and lived in the Cronulla area and was questioned at the time of the Wanda murders, however the finger wasn't officially pointed at wilder until 1969, 4 years later he became an offical suspect for the Wanda killings.
The crimes
Duncan has done his research for this book which I thoroughly enjoyed a particular point about the nature of serial killers, taken from a study by the US Federal Beurou of Investigation 2005 behavioural science unit, observing that the predisposition to serial killing is biological, social and psychological in nature, not limited to any singular trait. Later, after Wilder's body was recovered in America, an autopsy revealed nothing unusual about his brain matter, which is indeed fascinating, given his twisted disposition. Biologically speaking, he is just a normal human being.
The survivor
The surviving victims suffered a phenomenon known as Stockholm syndrome which I found enthralling. After a three day captive experience, survivor Tina Rosico was found to be laughing and crying and went home before going to the police. She has been seriously impacted by this violent experience with Wilder, whereby she was constantly in a state of cooperation, and once released, she reacted in a way that was subject to trauma, not doing what an average person would do in that position.
Justice
I found it peculiar that Wiler was eventually captured in New Hampshire, and this particular date that he came unstuck with the interstate police close behind his 6 week killing spree, the date was Friday the 13th! How suspicious, maybe the witches and wizards have a point, maybe there is meaning to the benign, maybe there is an unexplainable spiritual presence working behind the scenes to restore peace in the world. On this occasion, the supernatural forces of the universe wanted justice for the victims of Wilder, and punishment at last. He is no longer free.
On Friday the 13th, Wilder was shot and killed by a state trooper in New Hampshire in a shootout, whereby it's unsure whether wilders death was caused by accident in attempted homicide against the police or by suicide. Jellison, the state trooper was also shot in the ordeal but survived.
A parting word
61 years since the murders, it is truly an atrocity which robbed the innocence of Cronulla locals, and cast a weary shadow on the lives of the victims families. In these times, girls and women are more weary but this story serves as a useful reminder that not everyone has good intentions.
A story about Christoper Wilder, an infamous serial murderer, from Sydney's beaches then taking on the east and west coast of America, making the FBI's 10 most wanted list.
Wilder's modus operandi was ingenious and unique, falsely claiming to be a photographer luring vulnerable young girls by the promise of a glamorous career In modelling. The young pretty girls were unsuspecting to this local character who would become one of the worlds worst serial killers.
The setting, its the 1960's, Sydney's beaches north and south were the hit attraction for young teens, both boys and girls engaging in the popular surfing culture, hanging around milk bars, and looking for summer flings. They would play pinball, drink milkshakes and smoke cigarettes in this precious little world without technology.
Early life
Much like many predatory monsters, Christopher was recalled to be a nervous and edgy person in school, a big nail biter. I find it quite interesting this nail biting trait, for many it can be a coping mechanism, to stress and anxiety, perhaps an involuntary response as a result of obsessive compulsive disorder.
Despite the surfing rage of this time, Wilder didn't fit into this category, he didn't own a board and didn't participate. While most of his friends liked this hotshot from America, one friend who has asked not to be named recalled wilder to be 'creepy' and was uneasy around him, believing he was someone who could turn.
This friend was right. At 17 years old, Chris Wilder abducted a 13 year old girl from freshwater beach, drove her to a secluded bushland and raped her. His friends did nothing to stop him. He did not return to the beach that summer.
The Wanda beach murders
On 12 janurary 1965, Christine and Marianne, 15 year old girls were sexually assaulted and brutally stabbed to death, left for dead in the dunes just past Wanda surf club. Coming from Ryde that morning, they were on a beach trip with their younger siblings.
The following day in the police station, Wolfgang, one of the younger brothers, aged seven, who was present the day before, became the star witness providing information as to what happened before they were found dead. Wolfgang recalled the two girls walking off into the dunes, hand in hand with a slightly older teenage boy, tall and blonde hair.
A NSW government psychiatrist by the name of doctor John McGeorge, who had interviewed 7000 criminals, including 500 murdered made an educated prediction on the killer. Doctor John concluded that the killer was probably in his late teens or early 20s, had a split personality and a 'fierce bloodlust' and is likely to kill again. Given his impressive experience, his words held good value to the police.
At the time, Christopher wilder was 20 years old, and lived in the Cronulla area and was questioned at the time of the Wanda murders, however the finger wasn't officially pointed at wilder until 1969, 4 years later he became an offical suspect for the Wanda killings.
The crimes
Duncan has done his research for this book which I thoroughly enjoyed a particular point about the nature of serial killers, taken from a study by the US Federal Beurou of Investigation 2005 behavioural science unit, observing that the predisposition to serial killing is biological, social and psychological in nature, not limited to any singular trait. Later, after Wilder's body was recovered in America, an autopsy revealed nothing unusual about his brain matter, which is indeed fascinating, given his twisted disposition. Biologically speaking, he is just a normal human being.
The survivor
The surviving victims suffered a phenomenon known as Stockholm syndrome which I found enthralling. After a three day captive experience, survivor Tina Rosico was found to be laughing and crying and went home before going to the police. She has been seriously impacted by this violent experience with Wilder, whereby she was constantly in a state of cooperation, and once released, she reacted in a way that was subject to trauma, not doing what an average person would do in that position.
Justice
I found it peculiar that Wiler was eventually captured in New Hampshire, and this particular date that he came unstuck with the interstate police close behind his 6 week killing spree, the date was Friday the 13th! How suspicious, maybe the witches and wizards have a point, maybe there is meaning to the benign, maybe there is an unexplainable spiritual presence working behind the scenes to restore peace in the world. On this occasion, the supernatural forces of the universe wanted justice for the victims of Wilder, and punishment at last. He is no longer free.
On Friday the 13th, Wilder was shot and killed by a state trooper in New Hampshire in a shootout, whereby it's unsure whether wilders death was caused by accident in attempted homicide against the police or by suicide. Jellison, the state trooper was also shot in the ordeal but survived.
A parting word
61 years since the murders, it is truly an atrocity which robbed the innocence of Cronulla locals, and cast a weary shadow on the lives of the victims families. In these times, girls and women are more weary but this story serves as a useful reminder that not everyone has good intentions.
October 23, 2022
Overall: 3.5 stars.
A well-researched accounting of the crimes of Christopher Wilder, whom I’d heard nothing about previously. He is interesting as a serial killer because he “worked” on two continents, hulked out and went on a murder road trip, and then killed himself - all pretty unusual patterns of behavior. The book does a good job covering his life and well as that of his victims (and very little into the lives of the investigators, which was a nice change for me since I can get burned out on cop bios, but YMMV).
What detracted from this being a 4+ star for me is that the author sometimes jumps around chronologically which is a personal pet peeve of mine. I wish there had been more psychological assessment of Wilder, but since he was never arrested or put on trial and died before he could be, there will never been additional evidence of that kind.
Also, Wilder’s pattern of preying on teenage girls and luring them in shopping malls is mega sleazy and gross, so be aware of that. There’s minimal blood and guts and other gross details otherwise.
A side note on narration: the narrator is Australian, which is appropriate, but his attempts at American accents are just….weird and off-putting since they don’t sound accurate to my ears.
A well-researched accounting of the crimes of Christopher Wilder, whom I’d heard nothing about previously. He is interesting as a serial killer because he “worked” on two continents, hulked out and went on a murder road trip, and then killed himself - all pretty unusual patterns of behavior. The book does a good job covering his life and well as that of his victims (and very little into the lives of the investigators, which was a nice change for me since I can get burned out on cop bios, but YMMV).
What detracted from this being a 4+ star for me is that the author sometimes jumps around chronologically which is a personal pet peeve of mine. I wish there had been more psychological assessment of Wilder, but since he was never arrested or put on trial and died before he could be, there will never been additional evidence of that kind.
Also, Wilder’s pattern of preying on teenage girls and luring them in shopping malls is mega sleazy and gross, so be aware of that. There’s minimal blood and guts and other gross details otherwise.
A side note on narration: the narrator is Australian, which is appropriate, but his attempts at American accents are just….weird and off-putting since they don’t sound accurate to my ears.
February 10, 2025
Duncan McNab delivers a chilling and well-researched account of Christopher Wilder, the so-called “Snapshot Killer,” whose crimes spanned multiple states and left a trail of devastation. Often referred to as the Australian Ted Bundy, Wilder’s methods bore eerie similarities to Bundy’s—using charm, deception, and false promises to lure his victims before committing brutal crimes.
McNab’s writing is compelling, balancing investigative detail with a gripping narrative that keeps you turning the pages. He not only examines Wilder’s crimes but also the broader implications of how law enforcement handled the case.
A standout aspect of the book is how it pieces together Wilder’s movements and patterns, showing how his ability to manipulate and deceive played a crucial role in his attacks. It’s a confronting but fascinating read, particularly for those interested in profiling serial offenders and the challenges of tracking them.
Highly recommended for true crime enthusiasts who appreciate in-depth research and storytelling that doesn’t shy away from the realities of such horrifying cases.
McNab’s writing is compelling, balancing investigative detail with a gripping narrative that keeps you turning the pages. He not only examines Wilder’s crimes but also the broader implications of how law enforcement handled the case.
A standout aspect of the book is how it pieces together Wilder’s movements and patterns, showing how his ability to manipulate and deceive played a crucial role in his attacks. It’s a confronting but fascinating read, particularly for those interested in profiling serial offenders and the challenges of tracking them.
Highly recommended for true crime enthusiasts who appreciate in-depth research and storytelling that doesn’t shy away from the realities of such horrifying cases.
September 14, 2025
Duncan McNab delivers a chilling and well-researched account of Christopher Wilder, the so-called “Snapshot Killer,” whose crimes spanned multiple states and left a trail of devastation. Often referred to as the Australian Ted Bundy, Wilder’s methods bore eerie similarities to Bundy’s—using charm, deception, and false promises to lure his victims before committing brutal crimes.
McNab’s writing is compelling, balancing investigative detail with a gripping narrative that keeps you turning the pages. He not only examines Wilder’s crimes but also the broader implications of how law enforcement handled the case.
A standout aspect of the book is how it pieces together Wilder’s movements and patterns, showing how his ability to manipulate and deceive played a crucial role in his attacks. It’s a confronting but fascinating read, particularly for those interested in profiling serial offenders and the challenges of tracking them.
Highly recommended for true crime enthusiasts who appreciate in-depth research and storytelling that doesn’t shy away from the realities of such horrifying cases.
McNab’s writing is compelling, balancing investigative detail with a gripping narrative that keeps you turning the pages. He not only examines Wilder’s crimes but also the broader implications of how law enforcement handled the case.
A standout aspect of the book is how it pieces together Wilder’s movements and patterns, showing how his ability to manipulate and deceive played a crucial role in his attacks. It’s a confronting but fascinating read, particularly for those interested in profiling serial offenders and the challenges of tracking them.
Highly recommended for true crime enthusiasts who appreciate in-depth research and storytelling that doesn’t shy away from the realities of such horrifying cases.
August 30, 2024
very thoroughly researched, but the amount of unecessary detail made it hard to follow at times. i understand that because there were so many crimes (each one could have it's own book written about it) there is the need for a lot of detail. however, it seems the writer included the name of every single person who was ever involved in wilder's life, no matter how small, which made it hard at times to remember which name was that of a victim. i also understand that these are all real people and each one deserves a mention, but for clarity purposes, the book would've been a much better read if the writer had kept his focus on the most important details.
the book also needed further editing, i noticed a few grammatical errors.
all of that being said, the story of christopher wilder and his poor victims is extremely interesting, frustrating, and captivating, so a good read nonetheless.
the book also needed further editing, i noticed a few grammatical errors.
all of that being said, the story of christopher wilder and his poor victims is extremely interesting, frustrating, and captivating, so a good read nonetheless.
March 13, 2020
Sounds like he really was the Wanda killer.
Good story, and well written, but horribly narrated and spoiled by yet another, otherwise very good narrator ATTEMPTING to do accents that he can't even get close to. They are so bad it is embarrassing, and you have to wonder how this sort of thing every gets released. Stick to Aussie old son, because in that, you are perfect, but American, stay a very long way away. :(
Good story, and well written, but horribly narrated and spoiled by yet another, otherwise very good narrator ATTEMPTING to do accents that he can't even get close to. They are so bad it is embarrassing, and you have to wonder how this sort of thing every gets released. Stick to Aussie old son, because in that, you are perfect, but American, stay a very long way away. :(
November 12, 2019
It took me awhile but finally I realised this book is really boring:). I read most of it then I skimmed through the last 80 pages or so. It was just not terribly interesting which is weird to say about a serial killer. Perhaps because there is nothing from the murderer himself as he died many many years ago?... It just was not very enthralling in the long run.
March 15, 2022
"The Snapshot Killer" is the true story of serial killer, rapist and all-round pervert, Christopher Wilder. He committed crimes across America and in Australia and is a very credible suspect for the 1965 Wanda Beach killings. He lured victims (almost exclusively young teenagers) by posing as a professional photographer and modelling agent. The book is well written and thoroughly researched.
November 1, 2022
I don’t usually like true crime fiction but this book was exceptional. The author takes you through the mind of this serial killer and details how he got away with the murders for so long. All in all a very enjoyable (but tragic) read.
October 13, 2025
When going through the library with an itch for
true crime - this is how I chose this book!
it's safe to say that Christopher Wilder was fucked.
The story was recounted well and respectful of the
victims. It didn't hold back about the police
mishandling. It was methodical and itched the
scratch.
true crime - this is how I chose this book!
it's safe to say that Christopher Wilder was fucked.
The story was recounted well and respectful of the
victims. It didn't hold back about the police
mishandling. It was methodical and itched the
scratch.
August 1, 2019
There was no outcome in the end of this book that would have satisfied me. Thank god for modern technology and advancements.
December 24, 2019
Very Interesting.. Shame he died before telling all...
November 24, 2021
Loved this book. Very well written with heaps of detail and interest throughout.
January 16, 2022
Wow what an interesting and at time gruesome read. This man terrorised women in two countries and evaded police for decades. A really well written book for fans of the genre.
October 24, 2023
Absolute freak of nature... well written though.
January 26, 2026
A rarer type of serial killer, operating in over 2 different countries over a 20-year period. A shocking & terrifying story.
April 12, 2025
DNF. I never thought I would say this about a book. I liked the information about the Snapshot Killer but it got boring for me that there were so many crimes, that were all the same, but still he got away. The ending for him was that he was shot but the ending of this book for me will forever me a mystery. I prefer to read another book on the same guy that is a bit more.
Overall 2/5, would not recommend as a first reader
Overall 2/5, would not recommend as a first reader
April 2, 2021
Interesting very
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