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Bind, Torture, Kill: The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Next Door
For thirty-one years, a monster terrorized the residents of Wichita, Kansas. A bloodthirsty serial killer, self-named "BTK"—for "bind them, torture them, kill them"—he slaughtered men, women, and children alike, eluding the police for decades while bragging of his grisly exploits to the media. The nation was shocked when the fiend who was finally apprehended turned out to be Dennis Rader—a friendly neighbor . . . a devoted husband . . . a helpful Boy Scout dad . . . the respected president of his church.
Written by four award-winning crime reporters who covered the story for more than twenty years, Bind, Torture, Kill is the most intimate and complete account of the BTK nightmare told by the people who were there from the beginning. With newly released documents, evidence, and information—and with the full cooperation, for the very first time, of the Wichita Police Department’s BTK Task Force—the authors have put all the pieces of the grisly puzzle into place, thanks to their unparalleled access to the families of the killer and his victims.
Written by four award-winning crime reporters who covered the story for more than twenty years, Bind, Torture, Kill is the most intimate and complete account of the BTK nightmare told by the people who were there from the beginning. With newly released documents, evidence, and information—and with the full cooperation, for the very first time, of the Wichita Police Department’s BTK Task Force—the authors have put all the pieces of the grisly puzzle into place, thanks to their unparalleled access to the families of the killer and his victims.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2007
2008 people are currently reading
11483 people want to read
About the author
Roy Wenzl
3 books14 followersRoy Wenzl is an award-winning reporter for the Wichita Eagle. He is the primary author of Bind, Torture, Kill: The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Next Door (Harper Collins, 2007) and a co-producer of the documentary film The Miracle of Father Kapaun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 756 reviews
November 8, 2025
3.0 stars—It has been years since I’ve read a book about a serial killer. So, even though I’ve watched a documentary years ago on BTK, I thought it might be an interesting subject to study more in-depth. “Bind, Torture, Kill” was written last year by multiple reporters from the Wichita Eagle newspaper and covers the actions of reporters, police as well as BTK from the first murder to his eventual arrest and trial. The book is very thorough in its coverage of all three agencies and how they interacted over the years. Unfortunately, I felt like the book lost some of its punch during its coverage of both the police and the newspaper reporters. There were many times I found myself speed reading over stories about the newspaper reporters and their interactions with the police when BTK sent clues and letters to them. The portions of the book that covered the crimes of BTK were more interesting, and it was amazing to me that he was able to commit 10 murders over a lengthy time period and the police didn’t even have a suspect years later when BTK reopened the line of communication with the police. Eventually, BTK’s arrogance was his downfall and the authors did an excellent job covering his arrest, confession and eventual plea. The fact that a man as perverted, strange and arrogant as BTK was able to fly under the radar for so many years amazed me. This is definitely a book that would be better for the reader that knows no prior details of the crimes, investigation and capture of BTK. Unfortunately, the details from the documentary I watched were fresh enough that the book offered no new revelations or details so I didn’t find the book near as interesting as I thought I would.
April 26, 2020
“In writing this book, we had a choice to make as well. Others have focused on portraying the evil; we wanted to give equal time to the people who stopped it.”
And that quote is reason number 1 why this book is so great - of course the serial killers themselves are so fascinating to read and learn about, but I also appreciate it when the ones who brought them down are celebrated as the heroes they are - and this book truly delivers in that regard!
Ken Landwehr in particular, who has since unfortunately passed away, showed some real restraint in making sure he did everything right to get this guy. For example, waiting until DNA testing improved, knowing he’d only get minimal chances to test it.
The story of BTK is told in chronological order, and although it’s very fact-driven, I did not find it dry in the slightest. All the goings on behind the scenes is detailed, from what Dennis Rader was planning in between crimes, to what the police and investigators were working with, to the involvement the media had. I loved the multiple perspectives, and the insight into how law enforcement and the newspapers/broadcasters had to work together to try and nail this terrifying predator.
And it IS absolutely terrifying. The stalking, the breaking in, the hiding inside of houses waiting for his victims, the cutting of phone lines... I could not be home alone when I was reading this one! I also had a similar experience with I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.
Another bonus is that a lot of focus is placed on the victims and their families. Instead of just mentioning the victim’s names and the horrible things they went through, we get some insight into who they were as people and the devastation left after their deaths. It’s utterly tragic.
I’d highly recommend this one. I can see why it’s considered THE book on BTK, as all of the information has been obtained from those who lived it. 5 stars.
And that quote is reason number 1 why this book is so great - of course the serial killers themselves are so fascinating to read and learn about, but I also appreciate it when the ones who brought them down are celebrated as the heroes they are - and this book truly delivers in that regard!
Ken Landwehr in particular, who has since unfortunately passed away, showed some real restraint in making sure he did everything right to get this guy. For example, waiting until DNA testing improved, knowing he’d only get minimal chances to test it.
The story of BTK is told in chronological order, and although it’s very fact-driven, I did not find it dry in the slightest. All the goings on behind the scenes is detailed, from what Dennis Rader was planning in between crimes, to what the police and investigators were working with, to the involvement the media had. I loved the multiple perspectives, and the insight into how law enforcement and the newspapers/broadcasters had to work together to try and nail this terrifying predator.
And it IS absolutely terrifying. The stalking, the breaking in, the hiding inside of houses waiting for his victims, the cutting of phone lines... I could not be home alone when I was reading this one! I also had a similar experience with I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.
Another bonus is that a lot of focus is placed on the victims and their families. Instead of just mentioning the victim’s names and the horrible things they went through, we get some insight into who they were as people and the devastation left after their deaths. It’s utterly tragic.
I’d highly recommend this one. I can see why it’s considered THE book on BTK, as all of the information has been obtained from those who lived it. 5 stars.
July 10, 2020
''Ao escrevermos este livro, nós também tivemos que fazer uma escolha. Enquanto muitos se concentraram apenas em retratar o mal, nós resolvemos dedicar a mesma quantidade de tempo às pessoas que o erradicaram.''
Normalmente quando leio livros de biografia e/ou true crime costumo pender para dois lados: ou demoro muito pra ler porque o livro é complexo e cheio de detalhes e eu quero dar toda atenção possível a tudo; ou demoro muito pra ler porque o livro se estende demais em descrições da vida do criminoso.
De certa forma, esse livro faz essas duas coisas. Tem bastante detalhes sobre os crimes e também passa um tempo nos apresentando principalmente aos investigadores que trabalharam no caso BTK e aos jornalistas que cobriram o caso. Mas ele faz dar certo. A leitura é rápida porque você se pega interessado na historia das pessoas que resolveram o caso, nos jornalistas e nas vitimas.
As vezes me pego refletindo sobre o porque me interesso por true crime, historias de serial killers, casos concretos e etcs. E algumas vezes que entro em contato com esse tipo de conteúdo, seja por livros ou series e filmes, acabo pensando ''por que estou lendo/assistindo isso? é só pelo gore? pela violência? estou literalmente me debruçando em cima das entranhas das vitimas desses crimes? o que isso diz sobre mim?'' E são questionamentos que eu levo muito em conta quando leio algum livro de true crime. Fico pensando se a escrita realmente me dá mais do que apenas detalhes mórbidos de crimes extremamente brutais.
Não tive esses questionamentos com esse livro.
Desde o inicio o livro se compromete em falar sobre os crimes e sobre o BTK sim, mas principalmente em falar sobre as pessoas que tiveram suas vidas afetadas por isso. As vitimas, os policiais que ficaram anos nesse caso, os jornalistas que deram cobertura do caso e também ajudaram a policia a capturar o BTK e o próprio estado do Wichita.
Sobre o Dennis Rader: é um homem ridículo que acha que pode colocar 10 assassinatos nas costas de ter ''fantasias sexuais perturbadoras''. Toda vez que ele fala sobre si mesmo e sobre o porque ele fez o que fez, minha vontade era cuspir na cara dele e falar meu querido, fantasias sexuais perturbadoras todo mundo tem, tu não é especial, é só é um imbecil misógino pedófilo narcisista homicida nojento mesmo.
Recomendo MUITO pra quem quer começar a ler true crime. A escrita é muito envolvente do inicio ao fim.
''O fato é que alguns seres humanos matam sem nenhum motivo, e muitas pessoas de lares desfeitos, monoparentais e com familiares alcoólatras, acabam bem''
Normalmente quando leio livros de biografia e/ou true crime costumo pender para dois lados: ou demoro muito pra ler porque o livro é complexo e cheio de detalhes e eu quero dar toda atenção possível a tudo; ou demoro muito pra ler porque o livro se estende demais em descrições da vida do criminoso.
De certa forma, esse livro faz essas duas coisas. Tem bastante detalhes sobre os crimes e também passa um tempo nos apresentando principalmente aos investigadores que trabalharam no caso BTK e aos jornalistas que cobriram o caso. Mas ele faz dar certo. A leitura é rápida porque você se pega interessado na historia das pessoas que resolveram o caso, nos jornalistas e nas vitimas.
As vezes me pego refletindo sobre o porque me interesso por true crime, historias de serial killers, casos concretos e etcs. E algumas vezes que entro em contato com esse tipo de conteúdo, seja por livros ou series e filmes, acabo pensando ''por que estou lendo/assistindo isso? é só pelo gore? pela violência? estou literalmente me debruçando em cima das entranhas das vitimas desses crimes? o que isso diz sobre mim?'' E são questionamentos que eu levo muito em conta quando leio algum livro de true crime. Fico pensando se a escrita realmente me dá mais do que apenas detalhes mórbidos de crimes extremamente brutais.
Não tive esses questionamentos com esse livro.
Desde o inicio o livro se compromete em falar sobre os crimes e sobre o BTK sim, mas principalmente em falar sobre as pessoas que tiveram suas vidas afetadas por isso. As vitimas, os policiais que ficaram anos nesse caso, os jornalistas que deram cobertura do caso e também ajudaram a policia a capturar o BTK e o próprio estado do Wichita.
Sobre o Dennis Rader: é um homem ridículo que acha que pode colocar 10 assassinatos nas costas de ter ''fantasias sexuais perturbadoras''. Toda vez que ele fala sobre si mesmo e sobre o porque ele fez o que fez, minha vontade era cuspir na cara dele e falar meu querido, fantasias sexuais perturbadoras todo mundo tem, tu não é especial, é só é um imbecil misógino pedófilo narcisista homicida nojento mesmo.
Recomendo MUITO pra quem quer começar a ler true crime. A escrita é muito envolvente do inicio ao fim.
''O fato é que alguns seres humanos matam sem nenhum motivo, e muitas pessoas de lares desfeitos, monoparentais e com familiares alcoólatras, acabam bem''
November 16, 2020
I don’t really review non-fiction... and as I don’t consider myself an expert on whatever I’ve read, generally I just star it based on what I thought of the work. True crime is my current obsession - which historically, the genre isn’t something I typically follow (because, paranoia!!).
I remember BTK being caught and some of the news footage surrounding. Evil, BTK is pure evil.
I remember BTK being caught and some of the news footage surrounding. Evil, BTK is pure evil.
June 30, 2017
I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked this up, it’s certainly not my usual flavour. I’m also in two minds as to whether it is good-form (old man) to rate a book which should be shelved as DNF.
Fuck it, I’ll give it a 2. Even now making that decision I’m uncomfortable as, never reading anything like it before, I have little to compare it to.
So, to discuss the 60% I actually read. It’s dry, bitty and at times, difficult to follow. The amount of attention given to the period in which BTK is inactive is frustrating, pointless and ultimately maddening.
This is not an exploration of the killer and motivation (I am willing however, to accept that some analysis could have been carried out in the remaining 40%), it is a collection of newspaper accounts, statements and gap-filling.
Certainly not for me.
Fuck it, I’ll give it a 2. Even now making that decision I’m uncomfortable as, never reading anything like it before, I have little to compare it to.
So, to discuss the 60% I actually read. It’s dry, bitty and at times, difficult to follow. The amount of attention given to the period in which BTK is inactive is frustrating, pointless and ultimately maddening.
This is not an exploration of the killer and motivation (I am willing however, to accept that some analysis could have been carried out in the remaining 40%), it is a collection of newspaper accounts, statements and gap-filling.
Certainly not for me.
April 29, 2012
Though I've read too many serial-killer profiles to think myself fully sane, this is one of the few that has struck me as honest, non-depressing and engrossing at a level beyond titillation and shock.
Wenzl is one of a group of reporters for the Wichita Beacon who put together this intense examination of killer Denis Rader, self-proclaimed BTK killer, whose depredations spread over 30 years, starting in 1974. However, it is even more intensely an examination of the detective force who kept up the hunt through solid police work and finally trapped their quarry by playing to his cheap egotism. The study is careful, balanced and avoids the easy trap of overwhelming the reader with superfluous detail. The writing is a bit too staccato in the "just the facts" mode, but you get used to it.
Rader is an extraordinary figure, despite (or because of) his boneheaded blundering.
• two of his murders were not connected to him initially because he had so muffed the killings that he could not carry out his perverse intentions
• despite his incessant stalking of women, no one seemed to notice
• he never spoke directly of his obsessions to anyone (who lived)
• yet he sent some 15 notes, letters and packages to police, taunting them but more often complaining of not getting enough publicity
• he kept elaborate ring binders of his diary notes and Polaroids of the killings in an unlocked file drawer in his office
• after virtually every killing, he drove off in the victim's car – again, no one noticed
• he was finally captured because he wrote the police for advice – and believed what they suggested!
• upon capture, he detailed his crimes to the detectives over 33 hours of gentle interrogation – they actually had to stop his jabbering
You couldn't make up someone quite like him.
Wenzl is one of a group of reporters for the Wichita Beacon who put together this intense examination of killer Denis Rader, self-proclaimed BTK killer, whose depredations spread over 30 years, starting in 1974. However, it is even more intensely an examination of the detective force who kept up the hunt through solid police work and finally trapped their quarry by playing to his cheap egotism. The study is careful, balanced and avoids the easy trap of overwhelming the reader with superfluous detail. The writing is a bit too staccato in the "just the facts" mode, but you get used to it.
Rader is an extraordinary figure, despite (or because of) his boneheaded blundering.
• two of his murders were not connected to him initially because he had so muffed the killings that he could not carry out his perverse intentions
• despite his incessant stalking of women, no one seemed to notice
• he never spoke directly of his obsessions to anyone (who lived)
• yet he sent some 15 notes, letters and packages to police, taunting them but more often complaining of not getting enough publicity
• he kept elaborate ring binders of his diary notes and Polaroids of the killings in an unlocked file drawer in his office
• after virtually every killing, he drove off in the victim's car – again, no one noticed
• he was finally captured because he wrote the police for advice – and believed what they suggested!
• upon capture, he detailed his crimes to the detectives over 33 hours of gentle interrogation – they actually had to stop his jabbering
You couldn't make up someone quite like him.
Read
November 17, 2025I don't rate biographies and memoirs.
Detailed account of prolific serial killer Dennis Radar, also known as BTK, by several journalists who covered the case over 30 years. At times this felt very gratuitous, very media heavy, with some repetitive and unnecessary facts but overall it was obvious that this was written by individuals very involved in the case.
Detailed account of prolific serial killer Dennis Radar, also known as BTK, by several journalists who covered the case over 30 years. At times this felt very gratuitous, very media heavy, with some repetitive and unnecessary facts but overall it was obvious that this was written by individuals very involved in the case.
June 21, 2017
BTK is hands-down the most arrogant serial killer I've ever read about. The man was caught because he wouldn't stop toying with the police, even after 20+ years of silence. Story aside though, this book was hard to read because of its format. I could tell it had multiple authors since it sort of bounced around sporadically, involving pieces that I would deem unnecessary. I really don't want to know about other cases going on at the same time. Otherwise, a quick read that provides insight into who BTK was and how he was brought down.
April 2, 2020
For thirty-one years, a monster was allowed to roam the streets of Wichita, Kansas. A serial killer calling himself “BTK”, standing for “bind, torture, kill” was known for slaughtering men, women, and children. He had the ability to effortlessly enter homes and kill without being caught. Despite repeatedly bragging about his kills to the media, BTK’s true identity remained unknown for decades. The nation was shocked when he was finally revealed to be Dennis Rader, a man who could fill the role of devoted husband, helpful Dad, friendly neighbor, and deadly killer.
Roy Wenzl has compiled an extensive amount of history on Dennis Rader and his life as BTK within the pages of BIND, TORTURE, KILL. The pages of this true crime book lay out Radar’s long career as a serial killer through the use of investigation details, including documents and evidence. Perhaps what sets this book apart in the genre is the contributions directly to the book from the Wichita Police Department’s BTK Task Force.
If you’re looking for an in-depth and highly detailed look into BTK, this is the ultimate source of knowledge. Prior to picking this one up, I knew the general story of BTK and his criminal career, but what I learned within this book was so much more. Reading this story is completely unsettling as it describes how easy it was for Radar to commit his killings. In addition to having an incredibly well-rounded investigation into BTK, this book also portrays the real-life impact of investigating these crimes by police officers. I truly enjoyed how the Wichita Police Department was described and how the reader was able to gain a look into their lives. If you want to learn about BTK, this is the book!
Roy Wenzl has compiled an extensive amount of history on Dennis Rader and his life as BTK within the pages of BIND, TORTURE, KILL. The pages of this true crime book lay out Radar’s long career as a serial killer through the use of investigation details, including documents and evidence. Perhaps what sets this book apart in the genre is the contributions directly to the book from the Wichita Police Department’s BTK Task Force.
If you’re looking for an in-depth and highly detailed look into BTK, this is the ultimate source of knowledge. Prior to picking this one up, I knew the general story of BTK and his criminal career, but what I learned within this book was so much more. Reading this story is completely unsettling as it describes how easy it was for Radar to commit his killings. In addition to having an incredibly well-rounded investigation into BTK, this book also portrays the real-life impact of investigating these crimes by police officers. I truly enjoyed how the Wichita Police Department was described and how the reader was able to gain a look into their lives. If you want to learn about BTK, this is the book!
August 26, 2018
Not very interesting.
This book is the inside story of BTK the serial killer Dennis Rader who terrorized the residence of Wichita, Kansas for 31 years.
I don't really like the way this book is put together. it has good information in it but for me personally this book comes off as a cops and robbers book in the form of a true crime novel. but instead of being like a real true crime novel where there is plot and story interweaved into the facts, this one is put together with just plain fact telling. There really doesn't seem to be a story to be told. Every chapter is a different fact about the case.
The book revolves around the police and their case against BTK and their eventual capture of him. It seems to me like just a list of dry facts represented in chapters. Perhaps it was written this way because it was actually written by the four crime reporters who covered the story.
The photos add to the facts and to the horror of the facts themselves. it is just a pity that they are in black-and-white and so small that you can barely see things such as blood stains on the walls and items used in the murders. This book should really be in larger print then a mass-market paperback.
I wouldn't normally recommend a book like this but the reasons that I have listed I do not like the book are reasons that somebody else may indeed like it. So with that in mind, I would recommend this book to people who like cops and robbers, mystery, and true crime.
This book is the inside story of BTK the serial killer Dennis Rader who terrorized the residence of Wichita, Kansas for 31 years.
I don't really like the way this book is put together. it has good information in it but for me personally this book comes off as a cops and robbers book in the form of a true crime novel. but instead of being like a real true crime novel where there is plot and story interweaved into the facts, this one is put together with just plain fact telling. There really doesn't seem to be a story to be told. Every chapter is a different fact about the case.
The book revolves around the police and their case against BTK and their eventual capture of him. It seems to me like just a list of dry facts represented in chapters. Perhaps it was written this way because it was actually written by the four crime reporters who covered the story.
The photos add to the facts and to the horror of the facts themselves. it is just a pity that they are in black-and-white and so small that you can barely see things such as blood stains on the walls and items used in the murders. This book should really be in larger print then a mass-market paperback.
I wouldn't normally recommend a book like this but the reasons that I have listed I do not like the book are reasons that somebody else may indeed like it. So with that in mind, I would recommend this book to people who like cops and robbers, mystery, and true crime.
January 20, 2023
This is without a single doubt, the most disturbing and traumatizing true crime book I’ve read in a long time. Word of warning, this book is not for the faint of heart, it is brutal and graphic and there are A LOT of potential triggers throughout. It feels weird giving such a book 5 stars because I wouldn’t really say I enjoyed it in the typical sense you normally enjoy a book. My skin was crawling the whole way through and I often had to pause to collect myself while reading it because I was just so disturbed and horrified by what I was reading. The depravity that humans can inflict on each other is truly terrifying, to think that that can happen just chills me to the bone. This book managed to evoke more emotion than me than any book has in a long time and to actually make me feel physically ill, I have never been more horrified by anything I’ve read.
January 20, 2023
I thought I enjoyed sleep. Why do I read this stuff?! Curiosity? Is my brain broken? After reading his daughter’s memoir, it felt natural to read about Dennis Rader’s ultimate takedown. That, of course, includes the painful details of his crimes. I laughed as this book highlighted how truly stupid he was right before being caught, though. Technological advances will get your ass! May he rot in prison until unusually old and decrepit. Death would be a respite.
February 4, 2022
Es entretenida esta pataleta periodística, nos cuenta el seguimiento y cacería a BTK, no ahonda psicológicamente en el sujeto, pero sí expone claramente los hechos. Un tanto repetitivo, pero está bien. Menudo elemento Rader...
December 20, 2013
Roy Wenzl, and Bind, Torture, Kill tells the story of Dennis Rader, a hopeless horny sex addict who kills women for his women for his pleasure. The book is set in Wichita, Kansas in 1974, when the first family was victimized by the insane killer. Wanting to stalk and kill pretty women for his needs. Dennis follows any women who gets him fired up, showing hostility actions, proving he's a psychopathic, and revealing his sexual temptations. The book is essentially an over look on how life is, which proves how people can be so cruel.
Ultimately, the story of Dennis Rader a serial killer, a man abusing others, strangling then until their last breath is gone, watching them trying to break lose, an laughing at how hopeless they are. It all adds up to a tale of men's hostility, an example for anyone who will do anything to fulfill his needs Bind, Torture, Kill tells that story very well, reminding the loved ones of those who were taken from them, the sadness that fills their heart.
One of the most memorable scene was the Oteros case. Dennis Rader first attempt at killing an innocent women. It had only back fired when the father and two children were there. Rader had strangled Julie Otero and Joe Otero, the parents of the five kids. Afterwards, Rader had took the youngest Joey into the room and tied him up, then went to go tie up Josie, the boy was screaming in the other room. The boy had then passed away and Rader then went to Josie and raped her.
I learned that in life the suspect can be right in front of you. You never know what takes a person to do such evil, which goes to show that anything can break to a point in life where they explode. I've learned from my book to not be scared but to be aware of my surroundings because anyone could be watching.
What I felt for this book was anger, due to the fact of how many lives Dennis Rader took. I was deeply sadden by what he did to little girls and of course the older women too. I felt disgusted at what his thoughts were towards women. It made me mad that he saw us women as a piece of steak on a fork.
Ultimately, the story of Dennis Rader a serial killer, a man abusing others, strangling then until their last breath is gone, watching them trying to break lose, an laughing at how hopeless they are. It all adds up to a tale of men's hostility, an example for anyone who will do anything to fulfill his needs Bind, Torture, Kill tells that story very well, reminding the loved ones of those who were taken from them, the sadness that fills their heart.
One of the most memorable scene was the Oteros case. Dennis Rader first attempt at killing an innocent women. It had only back fired when the father and two children were there. Rader had strangled Julie Otero and Joe Otero, the parents of the five kids. Afterwards, Rader had took the youngest Joey into the room and tied him up, then went to go tie up Josie, the boy was screaming in the other room. The boy had then passed away and Rader then went to Josie and raped her.
I learned that in life the suspect can be right in front of you. You never know what takes a person to do such evil, which goes to show that anything can break to a point in life where they explode. I've learned from my book to not be scared but to be aware of my surroundings because anyone could be watching.
What I felt for this book was anger, due to the fact of how many lives Dennis Rader took. I was deeply sadden by what he did to little girls and of course the older women too. I felt disgusted at what his thoughts were towards women. It made me mad that he saw us women as a piece of steak on a fork.
April 17, 2020
For over 30 years Wichita Kansas was terrorised by a serial killer BTK killing men, women and children alike avoiding police capture and giving graphic details of his exploits to the media even giving them the name by which to call him (talk about egocentric!!)
Written by the reporters who covered the case for more than 20 years this is the complete account from those who were there up to the eventual capture of Dennis Rader the seemingly average guy next door.
It's a no holds barred account of what happened giving focus to his victims and not just his crimes 4/5
Written by the reporters who covered the case for more than 20 years this is the complete account from those who were there up to the eventual capture of Dennis Rader the seemingly average guy next door.
It's a no holds barred account of what happened giving focus to his victims and not just his crimes 4/5
November 12, 2018
Really excellently written and researched, especially given the team writing approach. The narrative style also flowed well in spite of the multiple author approach. The crimes and BTK really made my skin crawl. What a creepy guy. And to think this person got away with those crimes for so long, when one of them was even committed in the same neighborhood as BTK. It’s a good thing he got old and lazy and used a floppy disk of all things to transmit messages. (Shudder).
February 10, 2019
Re reading because I am reading the memoirs of his daughter but so far she hardly speaks about the murders. Definitely not in detail, so perhaps the reread was not necessary but it has been ages since I read it and with a few others finally caught over the years I can use a reminder.
(Although the killing of the Otero family and the way he killed them is something I don't need a reminder for.So cruel
Finished the book this morning. I understand Landwehr (Kenny? passed away in 2014. I would have rather have it be that cowardly controlling piece of shit called Dennis Rader. I hated to read how much he was given the attention. His confessions were apparently live on tv. So they gave him what he graved. Being infamous. Still reading his daughters book.It got a bit better once she learned he was a serial killer but I just do not understand her and that is okay because I have not been in her footsteps thank God.He was a controlling freak asa dad too but she still write(wrote?) him nice letters.
Apparently the only person he "cared" for was his wife.
(Although the killing of the Otero family and the way he killed them is something I don't need a reminder for.So cruel
Finished the book this morning. I understand Landwehr (Kenny? passed away in 2014. I would have rather have it be that cowardly controlling piece of shit called Dennis Rader. I hated to read how much he was given the attention. His confessions were apparently live on tv. So they gave him what he graved. Being infamous. Still reading his daughters book.It got a bit better once she learned he was a serial killer but I just do not understand her and that is okay because I have not been in her footsteps thank God.He was a controlling freak asa dad too but she still write(wrote?) him nice letters.
Apparently the only person he "cared" for was his wife.
December 31, 2019
Sem dúvida um dos relatos mais detalhados do rastro de brutalidade que foi deixado por Rader em seus 30 anos de atrocidades e com informações que nem eu que estudo o caso a vários anos sabia. Não vejo a hora de escrever o roteiro e publicar um vídeo detalhando todo o caso!
March 18, 2021
This was such an interesting and well written true crime book.
I didn't know much about this case, so I learnt a lot from reading this book.
This is one of the best true crime books I've ever read. It was incredibly well written. It was well structured and it stuck to the facts.
It was very organised was set out with clear paragraphs which started with the first murder and ended with the trial, meaning it was very logical and easy to follow.
I loved the fact this book including lots of pictures throughout, not just in the middle.
It was a very challenging book to read at times, with lots of graphic and upsetting details, however, I learnt it a lot about this case.
Highly recommend if you enjoy true crime!
TW: graphic descriptions of murder, rape, sexual assault and violence
I didn't know much about this case, so I learnt a lot from reading this book.
This is one of the best true crime books I've ever read. It was incredibly well written. It was well structured and it stuck to the facts.
It was very organised was set out with clear paragraphs which started with the first murder and ended with the trial, meaning it was very logical and easy to follow.
I loved the fact this book including lots of pictures throughout, not just in the middle.
It was a very challenging book to read at times, with lots of graphic and upsetting details, however, I learnt it a lot about this case.
Highly recommend if you enjoy true crime!
TW: graphic descriptions of murder, rape, sexual assault and violence
Read
April 29, 2020DNF. Usually I love books like this, but this was did not capture my attention at all. The writing is boring.
January 12, 2026
This is an in-depth look at all the different people who were involved in the 30+ year case.
June 11, 2020
I now realize there is so much I never knew about the BTK killings. This is a great true crime book and really feels complete. In my experience, true crime can tend to read dry and leave you with unanswered questions, but not in this case!
August 1, 2021
I’m a fan of true crime and fiction, and while I appreciate the authors’ intent (to incorporate the lives of the cops), it did not make the content more dynamic or interesting. I made it through 20 chapters before I skipped the the last chapter.
File under: skip it
File under: skip it
July 1, 2019
Una historia interesante pero con un desarrollo muy lento y con mucho relleno.
March 13, 2020
"Evil people do evil things by their choice. And when they do, it becomes necessary to hunt them down."
Another great true crime read! This book was insanely well written and I really love that they went in detail about the tireless efforts of the law enforcement agencies that ultimately brought BTK in.
Another great true crime read! This book was insanely well written and I really love that they went in detail about the tireless efforts of the law enforcement agencies that ultimately brought BTK in.
April 4, 2020
A well written and very detailed account of a very fucked up man and the folks who worked hard to catch him.
Started reading the book and finished as an audiobook because somehow the gory stuff was easier to listen to than read?!🤷🏻♀️
Started reading the book and finished as an audiobook because somehow the gory stuff was easier to listen to than read?!🤷🏻♀️
May 13, 2020
The ultimate true crime experience for me is one that strikes the right balance between remembering the victims & their families as people, documenting the facts of the case & the insights into the serial killers themselves & celebrating and acknowledging the people who worked relentlessly to take them down.
Bind, Torture, Kill absolutely nailed this balance and is now firmly cemented in my top 5 true crime reads.
I wasn’t overly familiar with Rader before this read. I knew of BTK but I didn’t know a lot of the details & I was NOT prepared for how truly depraved this man is. Within the first 20 pages I was equally disgusted and outraged and the more I read the more these feelings grew. An absolute animal of a man; the insights into his behaviours & the arrogance he displayed was infuriating. The recounting of his thought processes, the inner workings of this perverted mind; the watching, stalking & groundwork he put in before committing each crime was terrifying.
BTK being told from multiple perspectives really brought it all together nicely. The chronological recollection of how the police & journalists were working together during this time meant that the read was truly engaging, and never once felt bogged down in details – it is a very fact driven narrative and not once did this feel too heavy.
You could feel the investment and frustrations from everyone working these cases and the insights into the personal lives of those involved in taking him down make this a very human experience indeed. I cannot imagine carrying something like this with me for 20-30 years! There were men who worked this case literally till the end of their lives and I cannot put into words the relief I felt for Ken Landwehr and the rest when they finally brought him down.
I actually found myself almost in tears at the end of it all. The sense of closure for the detectives and their families, the victims’ families, everyone who was impacted by Rader in some way, was quite emotional for me and completely unexpected in a true crime read.
All of the stars, would definitely recommend. Just maybe don’t read it while you’re home alone.
Bind, Torture, Kill absolutely nailed this balance and is now firmly cemented in my top 5 true crime reads.
I wasn’t overly familiar with Rader before this read. I knew of BTK but I didn’t know a lot of the details & I was NOT prepared for how truly depraved this man is. Within the first 20 pages I was equally disgusted and outraged and the more I read the more these feelings grew. An absolute animal of a man; the insights into his behaviours & the arrogance he displayed was infuriating. The recounting of his thought processes, the inner workings of this perverted mind; the watching, stalking & groundwork he put in before committing each crime was terrifying.
BTK being told from multiple perspectives really brought it all together nicely. The chronological recollection of how the police & journalists were working together during this time meant that the read was truly engaging, and never once felt bogged down in details – it is a very fact driven narrative and not once did this feel too heavy.
You could feel the investment and frustrations from everyone working these cases and the insights into the personal lives of those involved in taking him down make this a very human experience indeed. I cannot imagine carrying something like this with me for 20-30 years! There were men who worked this case literally till the end of their lives and I cannot put into words the relief I felt for Ken Landwehr and the rest when they finally brought him down.
I actually found myself almost in tears at the end of it all. The sense of closure for the detectives and their families, the victims’ families, everyone who was impacted by Rader in some way, was quite emotional for me and completely unexpected in a true crime read.
All of the stars, would definitely recommend. Just maybe don’t read it while you’re home alone.
April 9, 2018
I was not very aware of this serial killer so it really shocked me to listen to this true account. It is amazing that the killer was on the loose for so many decades before law enforcement was able to catch him. And maybe even more amazing is how well he blended into society and was never suspected by those around him, not his even his wife. The book is well written and the narrator did a nice job too. If you enjoy reading true crime, then this book should find your to-read list.
September 10, 2014
I wasn't particularly familiar with Rader before I picked this book up, but his approach to his crimes fascinates me. He has a mix of organised and disorganised behaviour, no evidence or claims of childhood abuse or trauma, managed to hold several jobs and care for a family that had no clue, avoid capture for over thirty years, and he's utterly ruthless and shows absolutely no guilt. The way he taunted the police and manipulated the media is really impressive considering the 'normal' life he was managing to juggle at the same time, and it's very well documented in this book. Incredibly balanced and informative, it takes accounts from the detectives and journalists that dealt with him, as well as the families of those people and the victims.
This account is a testament to the detectives that dealt with the case and a good example of the stress and pressure that the force have to contend with, not just from outsode sources but also from politicians and other law enforcement services. The decisions that the lead detective Landwehr made were incredibly bold and selfless, if it wasn't for him then Rader's capture could have taken even longer.
I highly recommend it to true crime fans and those that aren't familiar with the genre but have a casual interest. It is an enjoyable read, it's pretty easy to tell that it was written by journalists and recalled from the articles but it's quite refreshing to have those breaks in pace and changes in chronology when you're reading about crimes so ruthless and aggressive.
It has certainly inspired me to look into Rader's case further, despite not being very interested in him before hand.
This account is a testament to the detectives that dealt with the case and a good example of the stress and pressure that the force have to contend with, not just from outsode sources but also from politicians and other law enforcement services. The decisions that the lead detective Landwehr made were incredibly bold and selfless, if it wasn't for him then Rader's capture could have taken even longer.
I highly recommend it to true crime fans and those that aren't familiar with the genre but have a casual interest. It is an enjoyable read, it's pretty easy to tell that it was written by journalists and recalled from the articles but it's quite refreshing to have those breaks in pace and changes in chronology when you're reading about crimes so ruthless and aggressive.
It has certainly inspired me to look into Rader's case further, despite not being very interested in him before hand.
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