Inside the Mind of John Wayne Gacy: The Real-Life Killer Clown

by Brad Hunter

Brad Hunter has spent over thirty years writing about some of America’s most horrific crimes. In this new book he enters the mind of John Wayne Gacy, the real-life ‘Killer Clown’, often said to be the inspiration for Stephen King’s evil Pennywise in It.

Gacy lured victims to his home with the promise of work or a warm bed and then duped them into putting on handcuffs, claiming he wanted to show them a magic trick. He would then rape and torture his victims before killing them by suffocating or strangling them. Twenty-six were buried in the crawl space beneath his home; others were buried elsewhere on his property, while a handful were dumped in the Des Plaines River.

Gacy was executed for his crimes in 1994, but many questions remain unanswered. How many victims were there? Did Gacy act alone? And what drove John Wayne Gacy to murder? What caused the seemingly normal Gacy to sexually assault, torture and murder at least thirty-three young men and boys? local Democratic Party circles?

Drawing on his many years’ experience investigating and interviewing perpetrators of terrible crimes, Hunter seeks to understand what drove Gacy to unleash a reign of terror in suburban Chicago.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Audiobook, Biography

224 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[MadameD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 5/5
Narration 5/5

Very interesting!

[Ruthy lavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There has been a lot of renewed interest in JWG and his abhorrent crimes recently since Netflix released their 3 part documentary.
I’ve been a huge fan of true crime for many years and I am familiar with his relentless crime spree in the 70’s. Having said that, this book does go some way to comprehensively and chronologically explain in detail, how John went from the boy next door to a heartless narcissist who took pleasure in killing young men.
It is quite short at just over 200 pages, so can be read in 1 sitting, and it crams lots of well researched information into those pages.
This is one of the better accounts of the harrowing story of JWG that I’ve read.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive book about one of the US’s most notorious serial killers. It does focus on John, but it does tell the story of his victim’s. Due to the time period and the lack of law enforcement interest, he unfortunately tortured and killed way more than he should. A lot of people ignored the red flags. Hopefully we will be able to identify all his victims as the case is still being investigated even after his death.

Thanks to Ad Lib for a digital ARC via NetGalley. Anticipated publication date is 8/4/2022.

[Chloe Reads Books]

This seemed very comprehensive and informative, whilst also being easy to listen to.
I will say though, this audiobook needs re-editing. Far too much swallowing that hasn't been edited out!! Wasn't a fun headphone experience.

[Kolby · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and written, this book is a thorough look at Gacy’s possible precursors to becoming a serial killer of such magnitude. Includes quotes from Gacy’s own manuscript written in prison. Author did interviews with people who knew Gacy. Not your usual regurgitation of Gacy lore. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up and put it down on multiple occasions because I had a hard time getting into it. I just don't think the writing was for me and it seemed a little jumbled at times, especially in the beginning. I will say, though, there was some good information about the Gacy case and I liked the way it handled the information about his victims and their families.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Community minded and neighbourly John Wayne Gacy had a terrible secret so vile and depraved it could only be called evil. With promises of a place to sleep, he lured young boys and men to his torture chamber where he performed magic tricks which usually ended in death several hours later. Not only was he a remorseless serial killer, Gacy had a knack for deceit, had a hold over people and inexplicably evaded suspicion, detection and arrest time after time. I cannot begin to fathom what this must have been...and is...like for the families of the victims knowing there were opportunities for arrest. Not only were the police fooled but Gacy's family as well. He was social , entertained politicians and threw neighbourhood parties. He paid well as an employer. Yet some detected something sinister about him.

Author Brad Hunter writes in a matter-of-fact manner about what made Gacy tick including details from his awful upbringing in an abusive home to his marriages to his workplace (grooming grounds) to the actual crimes of rape, torture and murder of at least thirty three men (according to Gacy the number is closer to 45). Hunter uses copious amounts of research, documents and interviews to tell the story of the hideous discoveries in Gacy's crawlspace, on his property and in the river. Gacy was executed in 1994 but many questions remain which are highlighted in the book. It is estimated that the repercussions of his crimes will last a hundred years.

Due to the subject matter this book is loaded with gruesome and disturbing details. While not for everyone, it is an excellent book for those who study or are intrigued by true crime. Gacy didn't look like a monster but he truly was. Books like this which focus on the victims are incredibly important.

My sincere thank you to Ad Lib Publishers and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this informative and fascinating book.

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read into many of the facts behind the life of John Gacy. There has always been a lot of intrigue connected to serial killers and pop culture has fed into that a lot more in recent years.
I did find that although this book was quite factual there seemed to be disconnect within. Some of the same things were said multiple times while other things were barely mentioned that I feel could have used more information.
It was definitely an interesting tale of his life and I would recommend it to readers interested in serial killers or in this case specifically.

[Colin Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very compelling story about the infamous legacy of John Wayne Gacy. Some of the killings are very graphic and painful to think of. You ask yourself how could a human being want to do this type of cruelty to another human being? If you’re into reading about serial killers or how their minds think, this is a good read for that.

[I_S · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Gacy wore a mask of sanity. In reality, it’s only a mask… it covers up the insanity.”

[Louise Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does what many other true crime accounts fail to do - give space and time to the stories of the victims. He makes them people as opposed to statistics. He also resists the urge to over-dramatise the crimes themselves, letting the facts speak for themselves. He gives fair time to Gacy’s background and explores how it may have been that he came to be a killer but does not offer excuses for him. I found this to be a well balanced account which is up there among the better true crime books I have read.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I really am reviewing the second book on John Wayne Gacy in less than year. I was a senior in a suburban Chicago high school when the John Wayne Gacy story broke. I have strong memories of watching the news each night, hearing the body count rise, and then discussing the case with my classmates at school the next day. We were around the same age as many of the victims, and it was chilling. Although I’ve read a number of books about Gacy, I feel compelled to read any new books that are published.

Inside the Mind of John Wayne Gacy focuses much more on Gacy than did Boys Enter the House by David B. Nelson, which I reviewed in 2021. I didn’t learn anything new, and yet somehow reading about the victims makes me feel at least I can do that much for them. The case is still active since five victims remain unnamed. Three victims have been identified since 2011, including Francis Wayne Alexander in October 2021.

At times this book felt more like an article written for a sensationalistic rag. The author constantly used new terms to describe Gacy. At first I found this odd and distracting but I got used to it. Descriptive terms included “corpulent killer,” “nondescript businessman,” “rotund contractor,” and “apex predator.”

The author makes you understand that Gacy really thought he could get away with his behavior – not just at the beginning, but at the end. Taking teenager Robert Piest from his workplace could have been a plea to get caught, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Gacy really thought his brains and reputation with cops and politicians would get him off the hook once again. Fortunately, he was wrong.

This book will appeal to those who remember the Gacy case and would like to know more about the victims. If you are as fascinated by the case as I am, you will want to read Inside the Mind of John Wayne Gacy.

I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

[Ceri Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! I don’t think the name John Wayne Gacy needs explaining to anyone, especially to true crime enthusiasts but if you need a quick reminder here goes!

John Wayne Gacy hailed from Des Plaines, Illinois and was found guilty of the sexual abuse and murders of 33 young males in 1980. He was executed by lethal injection on 10th May 1994 after numerous appeals against his conviction and sentence. His execution was slightly botched with one of the IVs getting blocked and therefore taking longer than normal. If you are interested his last meal was KFC and his last words were ‘Kiss My Ass’. Nice, but then what else would you expect coming from a serial killer of such depravity.

Anyway onwards to the book! Brad Hunter, you’ve done an excellent job! This book is an excellent example of illustrating the fact that even though you think you know all there is to know about a particular crime/serial killer there are always new facts to discover!

It is well written, well presented, factual and informative and keeps the readers attention engaged and interested. The text flows well from chapter to chapter. There’s no jumping backwards and forwards, it’s is all presented in pretty much a chronological order and contains all newly released material relating to recent television documentaries on Gacy

I have watched the documentary The Clown and the Candyman and if you look at all available information plus Gacys insistence he did not act alone I don’t think this link can be ignored. The very idea of a pedophiles network on the scale of which was uncovered sickens me but it would explain the ease at which these type of individuals found their victims as serial killers of this ilk generally have higher victims counts

All in all a very good book, I was captivated from the start and would have finished it much quicker if I didn’t have to force myself to put the book down and go to work!! Definitely worth a 5 star rating!!

[Melissa Cometto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ci sono menti che sono difficili anche solo da immaginare… e poi c’è quella di John Wayne Gacy, il serial killer clown 🤡.
Brad Hunter ci trascina in un viaggio inquietante ma incredibilmente affascinante, raccontando la psiche di uno dei più noti assassini d’America e mettendolo a confronto con altri killer dell’epoca.
Pur conoscendo già il caso, ho trovato questa lettura scorrevole, interessante e ben costruita. L’autore riesce a bilanciare il tono cupo della storia con battute e giochi di parole che alleggeriscono il tutto senza mai toglierne intensità.
È incredibile come una persona all’apparenza normale, ordinaria, sia capace di nascondere tanta oscurità. Molte delle vittime di Gacy sono state identificate solo anni dopo la sua morte — complice la scarsa tecnologia dell’epoca e la sua reputazione all’interno della comunità.
Le somiglianze con Bundy e BTK (storia che devo assolutamente recuperare 👀) sono impressionanti: uomini distinti, ben inseriti nella società, che per “hobby” si divertivano a torturare e uccidere.
Non condivido, invece, chi lo paragona a Dahmer: lui aveva dei problemi mentali comprovati, mentre Gacy e gli altri due no.
Gacy era sadico, metodico e brutale; la sua fame di omicidi era diventata implacabile, e quando si raggiungono certi livelli… basta poco per cadere in fallo.
Non prendetemi per pazza 😅 ma adoro entrare nella mente dei serial killer e cercare di capire cosa possa spingere una persona a compiere gesti tanto ignobili, ancora e ancora.
But I guess we’ll never know.
⭐ Voto: 4.5/5
🧠 Crudo, intelligente e disturbante al punto giusto.

[Keith Chawgo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is released hot on the heels of the world’s increasing fascination of the serial killer and currently there is a lot more interest in Bundy, Dahmer and Gacy himself which makes this book a very timely release.

Hunter delves into the world of John Wayne Gacy but he gives an extra flourish to his disturbing crimes but highlighting the victims and telling their stories. This is quite the achievement because he has done something that very seldom books about killers fail to do and that is to humanise the victims. This gives the book inner depth and as he looks into the mind of John Wayne Gacy, which is a dark grandiose place to be.

Gacy is one of those personalities that thinks he is one of these great people who lives in a small world and as his compass of truth seems to fluctuate at will, Hunter does his best to try to make sense of the man and his crimes. He does explore his upbringing and looks at classic tropes of family situations and physical and mental abuse from alcoholic father etc. which gives a little insight.

Overall, this is a riveting read and well written. If you have a interest in the subject manner and looking for a book that gives a bit more extra and a lot of serious contemplation into the serial killers mind and victims, giving this a must read and highly recommended selection.

[Alisa]

I wanted to listen to this book because I wanted to hear more about John Wayne Gacy but I didn't want to waste my time choosing a dissatisfying podcast. I think it was informative and interesting, and I liked the tidbits about the broader cultural touchstones that were woven into the chapters.

For the negatives: The structure of the book was pretty confusing since it didn't appear to be strictly chronological and I couldn't make out any other organization method, but I was just halfway listening while doing other things so it didn't bother me. I felt the author was a bit crass in reference to some of the victims, making macabre puns and the choice of some phrases seemed inappropriate -- this is pretty recent history and family members of the victims are still alive.

Overall I think it was a decent book on the topic. I would have liked to learn more about the victims and Gacy's family, as well as the theory that that he had an accomplice (now I need to watch The Clown and The Candyman).

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought I knew everything needed to know about John Wayne Gacy (watched documentary series, read other accounts) given I live in Chicago and it's top of mind here. Well I was wrong, the author reveals new information and updated information on stories of the victims and survivors. But also he gives an extensive account of John Wayne Gacy's childhood, marriages, stepchildren, employment, etc. These are supplemented with interviews from neighbors and others who knew him. I never knew this background including that he had a Traumatic Brain Injury when he was a teen and thereafter his personality changed. This book is a must read for true crime lovers. I recommend this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Ad Lib for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Haley Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many questions and no answers!! I really enjoyed this book. It put to bed some myths and rumours of the legendary killer clown.. he never actually killed someone as a clown!!

The similarities between himself and Jeffrey Dahmer are uncanny. Both were raised by at least one abusive parent, and numerous times, they were stopped by police or arrested and charged with crimes, and yet neither we caught until it was way too late.

The author of this book in the series of "inside the mind of.." was much better than the previous author, as although comparisons were made and other killers mentioned, he stuck to the facts and made a clear and concise book based on knowledge and not anecdotes or tangents.

[Sophie Woodmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a huge true crime fan, whether it's books or documentaries.

Somehow I've come down the rabbit hole and started reading about John Wayne Gacy. There's so much that needs unraveling in regards to his actions and a lot of unanswered questions.

This was a great read, most of it was quotes pulled from other authors and their books instead of being a face to face interview book like previous authors I've read.

There was a lot of repetition in the writing and the dates weren't in order so I felt a bit confused going back and forth with the dates.

However I enjoyed all the facts and the storyline of how Gacy went about what he did to those 33 young men and boys. It'll always be a mystery!

[Bevany Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read into many of the facts behind the life of John Gacy. There has always been a lot of intrigue connected to serial killers and pop culture has fed into that a lot more in recent years.
I did find that although this book was quite factual there seemed to be disconnect within. Some of the same things were said multiple times while other things were barely mentioned that I feel could have used more information.
It was definitely an interesting tale of his life and I would recommend it to readers interested in serial killers or in this case specifically.

[Steve Cripwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Known as the 'Killer Clown' John Wayne Gacy killed indiscriminately. He admitted to ending the lives of thirty-three young men and boys but, as he traveled extensively, there may be many more.

This is a sad tale of a monster, who for many years, just 'got away with it‘. Simply because he was well connected and a local businessman. Plus, many of his victims were considered to be outside of normal society at that time. It's written well making a difficult subject easy to read. I found it very informative and raises comparisons with other serial killers. Well worth a read I feel

[Bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having watched the documentary on Netflix I wanted to read this book. It’s basically just the book version of the documentary (but with a little bit more added information) so I already had a rough understanding and knew the backstory. I still found this book interesting and absolutely shocking. The crimes Gacy committed are just horrific. That aside, I found this book kind of rambled on a bit and wondered off topic a bit in places, it goes on to mention other serial killers and their crimes which I wasn’t really interested in, hence 3 stars.

[Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It goes without saying that the crimes that thing commited were horrendous so I will speak about the book itself. The writing is good (though sometimes repetitive) and it establishes the time events take place in a way I did not expect on a true crime book. If you are interested in this case I reccomend it strongly. It delves not only into the crimes but also the mind and psychology of the killer, a little about some of the lives of the victims and the whole timeline of events in great detail up until the death of the devil that creature was (which should have been much much worse).

[Danni (_forbookssake) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into The Mind of John Wayne Gacy: The Real-Life Killer Clown, I already knew a little about him and the case, but not a huge amount, and certainly not all of the details. This book gave me all of the information, and so much more. It is a very in depth and well written look into John Wayne Gacy’s mind and crimes.

As shown in the book, Gacy clearly had a very difficult and traumatising childhood, and yes in some cases that can play a huge role in someone becoming a killer, but in this case I honestly don’t think that it did. It may have inspired Gacy’s modus operandi, but quite simply, Gacy was a monster. I believe he was evil in every sense of the word, and this book just cemented that for me.

I can not even begin to imagine what the families of the victims had to go through, and are still going through, even after all these years. The impact that Gacy’s crimes had on everyone involved, including those involved in his trial, is absolutely devastating. To this day, there are victims that remain unidentified, but hopefully one day that will change, and their families can finally have some answers.

Towards the end of the book, there is mention of a theory that John Wayne Gacy may have had accomplices. It is a very interesting theory, and there is certainly evidence to support it. I would like to dig deeper into this theory. However, even if it is correct, it will never take away the horror of his actions, or the pain he inflicted on so many.

My main take away from this book was that ultimately the police let those boys down. All of the signs were there in front of them. Gacy may as well have had a neon ‘guilty’ sign above his head, but they missed and ignored all of the signs. He was overlooked so many times! So many lives could have been spared if the police had just paid a little more attention.

[James Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside the Mind of John Wayne Gacy is an in-depth investigation of the life and crimes of a serial killer.

I found this book fascinating. Hunter has meticulously researched this, and written it in a very accessible way. I also liked that the writer gave the victims of Gacy a lot of time, rather than focusing entirely on the criminal.

Definitely a read for anyone who likes True Crime.

Many thanks to Brad Hunter, NetGalley, and Ad Lib Publishers for this copy.

[James Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it would be difficult to not know who Gacy was and what he did back in the 70’s. However I found this book throughly interesting to read regardless. I thought the author included a respectful amount of background to each victim, often including some of their background. This made it very personal and all that more harrowing. If you enjoy true crime and want to know the full story, I do recommend.

[Bea .R · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing in this was pretty cheap, but it got me out of my reading slump! it also gave me cold sweats and a sleepless night. It's basically a million ways to call Gacy fat... "the rotund contractor".. "the chubby teenager" etc. I'm less interested in the mind of Gacy and more interested in why the author has such an issue with fat people. anyway this book made me feel very very bad, but I can't fault the author, it was the subject matter that really upset me.

[Jonny Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading a book on Jeffrey Dahmer, I fancied something else biographical about a serial killer. I started this book and got about half way before switching for another. I got a bit bored of the repetitive nature of the killings and story telling. But after picking it up and forgetting most of the repetitiveness I found it interesting. More because it delved into his psyche and his undoing. I heard bits about him but this book filled in the gaps and more! Such a bad guy.

[jo ❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

as much I love deep diving into criminals and learning about them, along with why they did it…. this one rubbed me the wrong way.

i had to push through this entire book, i was so excited to read it but became so disgusted by not only the cops, but everyone else who was involved. why would you help these children when they had come to you in the first place?!!! the justice system really failed these children and young men!