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I Am a Killer: What Makes a Murderer: Their Shocking Stories in Their Own Words
What goes through the mind of a killer when they commit murder?
What motivates someone to take a life? How do murderers remember their lives and crimes? With unprecedented access to high-security prisons all around the country, the creators of Netflix's I Am a Killer set out to get answers to these questions—by talking to the killers themselves.
Most of the killers will die in prison, but each one speaks openly about their pasts and their crimes. Additional interviews—with the families of both perpetrators and victims and the law enforcement officials who worked the cases—reveal the constellations of factors that lead to violent crimes. Each profile features exclusive photographs, documents, and commentary from the documentary producers to give a detailed and balanced account of the crime, leaving it up to readers to decide what was right.
What motivates someone to take a life? How do murderers remember their lives and crimes? With unprecedented access to high-security prisons all around the country, the creators of Netflix's I Am a Killer set out to get answers to these questions—by talking to the killers themselves.
Most of the killers will die in prison, but each one speaks openly about their pasts and their crimes. Additional interviews—with the families of both perpetrators and victims and the law enforcement officials who worked the cases—reveal the constellations of factors that lead to violent crimes. Each profile features exclusive photographs, documents, and commentary from the documentary producers to give a detailed and balanced account of the crime, leaving it up to readers to decide what was right.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2022
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July 17, 2022Update I don't know how much more of this I can take. The murderers have all been abused and/or had terrible childhoods sometimes beyond imagining. A mother beat her son so badly she felt the teachers might call social services or the police on her so her husband tied the little boy to the bed and poured gasoline on his back and set it on fire, to cover the beating marks with burns.
If an abused wife kills her husband with a gun she bought, you would think she would be filled with remorse, but no she hides the body and tells lie after lie.
A man sexually abused by his adoptive father (who adopts boys to abuse them, social services checks are obviously worthless), stabs to death the grandparents he loves and steals what money they have around.
All this abuse and all these terrible childhoods might be mitigating circumstances but they do not in any way excuse murder. And if it did - these people have such low impulse controls and are so poorly socialised that they will forever be a danger to society.
After reading Duped: Why Innocent People Confess - And Why We Believe Their Confessions and saw how the police and prosecution were interested only in getting convictions, not innocence or guilt, I became extremely anti-death penalty in the US (before I didn't have this as a major issue). I don't want to have 'reformed' rapists, murderers and child molestors all with multiple convictions back out in society to do their shit yet again. But neither do I want to see them caged like animals or subjected to regimes designed with no humanity at all.
I think, have thought for many years, that prison islands are the answer. Not Papillon Devil's Island style, but places where people who are an extreme danger to society can earn more and more privileges in a penal colony that is as close to a proper society as possible.
It does sound a bit pie in the sky, but why punish people who you are never going to let out - what incentive do they have to improve their behaviour if there can be no further punishment? Just remove them from society and let them live with as minimal prison authority as their behaviour warrants, just nowhere near any of us.
Continuing reading... just not now.
__________
The first story of David Barnett, just proved what I have been reading in Duped: Why Innocent People Confess - And Why We Believe Their Confessions. Not that he had a false or coerced confession, but that the police and prosecutors are in league to not exercise justice but only to get convictions. In this case they wanted the death sentence. They got it. The defence was appalling, she didn't care about her client in any way, and hardly bothered presenting one, acting more like the prosecution in letting him be damned rather than trying to save his life. Is there no such thing as justice? Is only 'law'with all its twisty turns, exclusions, loopholes and the attitude that withholding evidence, witnesses, background (important in a death sentence case) is absolutely fine and the judge can just go along with it?
If an abused wife kills her husband with a gun she bought, you would think she would be filled with remorse, but no she hides the body and tells lie after lie.
A man sexually abused by his adoptive father (who adopts boys to abuse them, social services checks are obviously worthless), stabs to death the grandparents he loves and steals what money they have around.
All this abuse and all these terrible childhoods might be mitigating circumstances but they do not in any way excuse murder. And if it did - these people have such low impulse controls and are so poorly socialised that they will forever be a danger to society.
After reading Duped: Why Innocent People Confess - And Why We Believe Their Confessions and saw how the police and prosecution were interested only in getting convictions, not innocence or guilt, I became extremely anti-death penalty in the US (before I didn't have this as a major issue). I don't want to have 'reformed' rapists, murderers and child molestors all with multiple convictions back out in society to do their shit yet again. But neither do I want to see them caged like animals or subjected to regimes designed with no humanity at all.
I think, have thought for many years, that prison islands are the answer. Not Papillon Devil's Island style, but places where people who are an extreme danger to society can earn more and more privileges in a penal colony that is as close to a proper society as possible.
It does sound a bit pie in the sky, but why punish people who you are never going to let out - what incentive do they have to improve their behaviour if there can be no further punishment? Just remove them from society and let them live with as minimal prison authority as their behaviour warrants, just nowhere near any of us.
Continuing reading... just not now.
__________
The first story of David Barnett, just proved what I have been reading in Duped: Why Innocent People Confess - And Why We Believe Their Confessions. Not that he had a false or coerced confession, but that the police and prosecutors are in league to not exercise justice but only to get convictions. In this case they wanted the death sentence. They got it. The defence was appalling, she didn't care about her client in any way, and hardly bothered presenting one, acting more like the prosecution in letting him be damned rather than trying to save his life. Is there no such thing as justice? Is only 'law'with all its twisty turns, exclusions, loopholes and the attitude that withholding evidence, witnesses, background (important in a death sentence case) is absolutely fine and the judge can just go along with it?
August 12, 2023
My thanks to Source books, Netgalley and the authors.
What can I say besides boring and repetitive.
Boring and repetitive.
Boring and repetitive.
Boring and repetitive.
Blah. I think you get it
What can I say besides boring and repetitive.
Boring and repetitive.
Boring and repetitive.
Boring and repetitive.
Blah. I think you get it
August 7, 2023
This is the kind of book that I like to read, with killers interviewed that are lesser known. I get tired of seeing so many books on the same famous killers. This is written in the prisoner’s own words describing their crimes and they were all new to me. It entices me to find and watch the documentary that was made about these killers with the interviews. The authors went back and did a reinterview after a period of time and talking to other people (victim's family and friends) to get their perspective. It helped them to decide what to follow up on when they went back.
June 5, 2023
If you're a fan of this Netflix series then you'll enjoy this book. It was a good read but I was left wanting more. They say that they published a book for more detail but often I felt myself asking the question "why" or "what?" Overall, this was interesting and good but I just felt like they could've added more backstory and give more detail on things.
October 20, 2023
3.5 ⭐️. Every year I like to read a book that challenges my thinking. This book certainly did that. It’s clear to see that unstable childhoods lie behind a lot of murders, that violence begets violence. In this book hearing the words of the people who had murdered someone was powerful when they told their story. Although a lot of the book was hard to read, a positive light could be seen when someone accepted responsibility and attempted to change in prison. Tough reading but very thought provoking.
September 14, 2023
I thought we would be getting more but this was literally just a novelization of the Netflix show.
April 20, 2024
Warning: this book deals with a lot of abuse and trauma. If you at all can't handle it, this would be a skip.
I vaguely remember these people, so that's a good thing, as a true crime lover. A lot of books just rehash the big names. Did this book make me change my mind after their stories on whether they should be released? No. Especially the LaHood case. The man who is in jail for the crime recently murdered someone in prison on tape. But the book has left that fact out. My sympathy is with the victims, period, end of story. Bottom line, don't abuse children. 100 percent of the felons were abused as kids.
I vaguely remember these people, so that's a good thing, as a true crime lover. A lot of books just rehash the big names. Did this book make me change my mind after their stories on whether they should be released? No. Especially the LaHood case. The man who is in jail for the crime recently murdered someone in prison on tape. But the book has left that fact out. My sympathy is with the victims, period, end of story. Bottom line, don't abuse children. 100 percent of the felons were abused as kids.
June 10, 2023
I received a free copy of, I Am A Killer, by Danny Tipping: Ned Parker, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Very few killers actually admit they killed someone. In this book they do. I have never watched this show on Netflix, so all these stories were new to me. An interesting book on murders there childhood, there crime, and how they are doing now in prison.
July 23, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for an ARC. I’ve never been one for true crime anthologies, but this one is different. I loved it!
What makes this book unique and sets it apart from other true crime anthologies/story collections is that the killers tell their stories. Most anthologies are about famous serial killers — I Am A Killer is interesting, lesser-known cases with commentary by the killers themselves.
The cases are also philosophically perplexing. I love how much this book made me think critically about topics such as the following; If person A beats person B and B goes to the hospital, is told she is wi survive, but ends up slipping unexpectedly and dying after her family pulls the plug on life support…who ended her life?
This is an excellent collection for any true crime fans.
What makes this book unique and sets it apart from other true crime anthologies/story collections is that the killers tell their stories. Most anthologies are about famous serial killers — I Am A Killer is interesting, lesser-known cases with commentary by the killers themselves.
The cases are also philosophically perplexing. I love how much this book made me think critically about topics such as the following; If person A beats person B and B goes to the hospital, is told she is wi survive, but ends up slipping unexpectedly and dying after her family pulls the plug on life support…who ended her life?
This is an excellent collection for any true crime fans.
June 29, 2023
The stories are interesting. The authors don't attempt to make a point or have a purpose in the story. They aren't trying to extoll the problems with the prison system or make you wonder about the innocence of the killers. They are simply presenting a story. However, it is important to note that the focus isn't the victims. The authors attempt to get input from the victims family, but again, the interviews are focused on the killer. As I said, they aren't trying to make a point about anything, but telling a story. I just don't know what the point of the story is. However, if you enjoy true crime, you will most likely enjoy the stories as they are lesser known (unless you have watched the series. then you already know them and I don't feel the book added any information).
September 13, 2023
Trigger Warning- sexual
Abuse, child abuse, rape, suicidal ideation
If you’re hooked on true crime on Netflix, the show I am Killer gives you an inside look on the person who committed the crime and its lasting effects. This book tells the story of 10 convicted “killers” that were featured on the show. Each case has unique circumstances surrounding the story. Rather than just an overview of the case facts, the filmmakers interviewed each inmate to get their side of the story. Often family and friends of the killer or the victim are interviewed as well. Each story tells of a heartbreaking murder, but dives in to the psyche of the killer. Overall I found this book fascinating to read. I wish I could say it was an enjoyable read, but the dark subject matters can be mentally draining. As a fan of the show, I already knew many of the details from the episodes. The reality of the killer’s background and childhood is traumatic and hard to read. Regardless of how traumatic, these stories need to be told and the cases studied to help understand what makes a killer.
Abuse, child abuse, rape, suicidal ideation
If you’re hooked on true crime on Netflix, the show I am Killer gives you an inside look on the person who committed the crime and its lasting effects. This book tells the story of 10 convicted “killers” that were featured on the show. Each case has unique circumstances surrounding the story. Rather than just an overview of the case facts, the filmmakers interviewed each inmate to get their side of the story. Often family and friends of the killer or the victim are interviewed as well. Each story tells of a heartbreaking murder, but dives in to the psyche of the killer. Overall I found this book fascinating to read. I wish I could say it was an enjoyable read, but the dark subject matters can be mentally draining. As a fan of the show, I already knew many of the details from the episodes. The reality of the killer’s background and childhood is traumatic and hard to read. Regardless of how traumatic, these stories need to be told and the cases studied to help understand what makes a killer.
May 18, 2023
Accessing high-security prisons around the country, the creators of Netflix's I Am a Killer set out to seek answers by speaking with killers.. Most of the which will die in prison, but each speaks about their pasts and lawlessness.
Not as addictive as I was hoping, but interesting nonetheless. If you’re a true crime junkie, this is for you.
Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 9.5.23
Not as addictive as I was hoping, but interesting nonetheless. If you’re a true crime junkie, this is for you.
Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: 9.5.23
September 14, 2023
I'm a part time true crime lover and I saw the show on Netflix. There's always something sad in this story, there's a waste of life and there's so much violence.
Sometimes you think it they're guilt or not and it a good read
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Sometimes you think it they're guilt or not and it a good read
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 14, 2024
It‘s an entertaining book, with stories about people’s lives as well as their crimes they committed. However, no one ever questioned the US prison system even though nowadays most people are aware of its flaws, the mass incarceration as well as the death penalty and so on. The US justice system is letting its people down, which is mentioned by some examples such as the adoption system, the police etc. but it is never explored in any depth, they just scratch the very surface of the topic.
June 11, 2022
I thought this was an interesting read. What is it that makes killers do what they did. The results were surprising.
What I liked was the balanced view they took to this. There is information from the victim’s family, witnesses and those invoked in the trial. The idea is that is is up to the reader to form their own view.
What I liked was the balanced view they took to this. There is information from the victim’s family, witnesses and those invoked in the trial. The idea is that is is up to the reader to form their own view.
June 6, 2023
Many of these true crime stories were interesting, but they contained the exact same information seen in the Netflix documentary, so the book felt a little pointless.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-copy.
October 26, 2023
Interesting book about true crime, I recommend to read it, it could be good for you.
December 27, 2024
This collection of stories had a profound and complex effect on me. The first brought me to tears, the second challenged my long-held opposition to the death penalty, and the third left me deeply uncertain. The fourth intensified my criticism of our criminal justice system, while the fifth exposed the failures of our social services and yet restored my hope in humanity. The sixth was deeply saddening, the seventh reinforced my conviction that money holds ultimate power, and the eighth filled me with anger. The ninth again left me uncertain, while the tenth ultimately strengthened my belief in the possibility of reform and redemption.
September 23, 2023
Insightful at the differences between those who killed and felt remorse and responsibility and the psychopaths who didn't.
October 9, 2023
This is a series of interviews with convicted and admitted murderers, many on death row, with the goal in mind to better understand why someone kills. No conclusions are made. Some stories are horrific, some are sad, most find God in prison.
June 26, 2022
4,75 ★
trigger warnings for sexual assault, murder and heavy drug abuse
It feels weird to say I liked this book because after all it’s a book that interviews murderers, but all the stories in this book have a story behind the person. Some of the killers were psychopaths, others were drug addicts, and others just didn’t know any better. Most of the people in this book come from southern states, lower class households, and it truly shows how the way you were raised can really influence your life.
There’s so much to unpack in this book and its stories, but the way it ended, the last chapter, it made me think that therapy and talking about the things we have done wrong in our lives can help us became better people.
trigger warnings for sexual assault, murder and heavy drug abuse
It feels weird to say I liked this book because after all it’s a book that interviews murderers, but all the stories in this book have a story behind the person. Some of the killers were psychopaths, others were drug addicts, and others just didn’t know any better. Most of the people in this book come from southern states, lower class households, and it truly shows how the way you were raised can really influence your life.
There’s so much to unpack in this book and its stories, but the way it ended, the last chapter, it made me think that therapy and talking about the things we have done wrong in our lives can help us became better people.
July 9, 2023
I thought this would be really interesting. I hadn't watched the Netflix series, but I wanted to. I thought it would be really interesting to watch a story and then read about it since the book was supposed to have extra crime scene pics and documents. Unfortunately, I guess because I received an ARC ebook copy of this book, it has no pictures or extra documents. It pretty much reads like an episode transcript. I'm guessing the actual published book will have those pics,etc., so it will probably be much more interesting. But, judging from what I received, I wasn't impressed and found it no more interesting than just watching the series.
3⭐️
I am very grateful to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book.
3⭐️
I am very grateful to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book.
August 2, 2023
In the haunting pages of "I Am a Killer: What Makes a Murderer," Danny Tipping and Ned Parker offer readers an unprecedented and spine-chilling journey into the depths of darkness. With a gripping narrative and unprecedented access to high-security prisons, the authors venture where few dare to tread, exploring the minds of killers to answer the haunting questions that plague society: What compels someone to take a life, and what lurks within the minds of those who commit unspeakable acts?
Through intimate and bone-chilling interviews with the perpetrators themselves, the veil of mystery surrounding these heinous crimes is lifted. Murderers, some destined to spend their lives behind bars, speak candidly about their pasts and the harrowing details of their crimes. Tipping and Parker present readers with an unfiltered glimpse into the twisted minds of these killers, allowing us to confront the very essence of evil.
The book paints a multi-dimensional picture by including interviews with the families of both perpetrators and victims, as well as the law enforcement officials who worked tirelessly to solve these cases. This panoramic view reveals the constellation of factors that culminate in violent crimes, forcing readers to grapple with the complexities of the human psyche and the societal pressures that can push an individual to the brink of darkness.
The authors' meticulous research and storytelling prowess create a palpable sense of dread and fascination, compelling readers to confront the unsettling truth about human nature. Exclusive photographs and documents, as well as commentary from the documentary producers, further immerse us in the world of these killers, leaving us spellbound by the chilling details.
"I Am a Killer" does not shy away from the complexities of the human condition, presenting a balanced account of the crimes and the individuals behind them. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, retribution, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Tipping and Parker offer no easy answers, leaving readers to grapple with the haunting notion that evil can lurk within the most unexpected places.
This book is not merely a voyeuristic exploration of depravity but a profound examination of the human experience. Through the eyes of murderers, we are forced to confront the fragility of our own humanity and the potential for darkness that exists within us all. "I Am a Killer" is a brave and necessary exploration of the shadows that haunt society, a chilling reminder that evil can wear many faces.
"I Am a Killer: What Makes a Murderer" is a riveting and unflinching exposé that investigates the hearts of darkness. Danny Tipping and Ned Parker's masterful storytelling and access to the minds of killers make this book a gripping page-turner that will leave readers both fascinated and haunted. It is a stark reminder that true monsters walk among us, and understanding their motivations is both a terrifying and essential endeavor. A must-read for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of human behavior and the profound consequences of the choices we make.
"A bone-chilling and unflinching dive into the minds of killers. 'I Am a Killer' is an unprecedented true crime journey that will leave you haunted and utterly engrossed."
"Tipping and Parker's fearless pursuit of truth sets this book apart in the true crime genre. 'I Am a Killer' offers an unfiltered glimpse into the darkest corners of human nature."
"An enthralling and compelling narrative that pushes the boundaries of understanding criminal behavior. 'I Am a Killer' is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the complexities of the human psyche."
"This is true crime at its most haunting and riveting. 'I Am a Killer' takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster through the minds of murderers, leaving a mark on your soul."
"With unprecedented access to killers, Tipping and Parker have crafted an utterly absorbing and chilling true crime account. 'I Am a Killer' is a masterclass in investigative storytelling."
"In 'I Am a Killer,' Tipping and Parker go beyond the surface to explore the multifaceted dimensions of violent crimes. A profound and thought-provoking examination of the human condition."
"Tipping and Parker's dedication to authenticity and research is evident on every page. 'I Am a Killer' presents a balanced and unvarnished portrait of murderers, leaving readers grappling with haunting questions."
"Prepare to be captivated and disturbed. 'I Am a Killer' is an unputdownable exploration of evil, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong."
"Tipping and Parker's storytelling is as gripping as it is chilling. 'I Am a Killer' transports readers into the minds of murderers like never before, leaving them breathless and haunted."
"A true crime masterpiece that lingers in your thoughts long after you've finished reading. 'I Am a Killer' offers a poignant and unflinching look into the abyss of human depravity."
"A standout in the true crime genre. 'I Am a Killer' courageously ventures into the darkest recesses of the human mind, leaving readers both disturbed and utterly mesmerized."
Through intimate and bone-chilling interviews with the perpetrators themselves, the veil of mystery surrounding these heinous crimes is lifted. Murderers, some destined to spend their lives behind bars, speak candidly about their pasts and the harrowing details of their crimes. Tipping and Parker present readers with an unfiltered glimpse into the twisted minds of these killers, allowing us to confront the very essence of evil.
The book paints a multi-dimensional picture by including interviews with the families of both perpetrators and victims, as well as the law enforcement officials who worked tirelessly to solve these cases. This panoramic view reveals the constellation of factors that culminate in violent crimes, forcing readers to grapple with the complexities of the human psyche and the societal pressures that can push an individual to the brink of darkness.
The authors' meticulous research and storytelling prowess create a palpable sense of dread and fascination, compelling readers to confront the unsettling truth about human nature. Exclusive photographs and documents, as well as commentary from the documentary producers, further immerse us in the world of these killers, leaving us spellbound by the chilling details.
"I Am a Killer" does not shy away from the complexities of the human condition, presenting a balanced account of the crimes and the individuals behind them. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, retribution, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Tipping and Parker offer no easy answers, leaving readers to grapple with the haunting notion that evil can lurk within the most unexpected places.
This book is not merely a voyeuristic exploration of depravity but a profound examination of the human experience. Through the eyes of murderers, we are forced to confront the fragility of our own humanity and the potential for darkness that exists within us all. "I Am a Killer" is a brave and necessary exploration of the shadows that haunt society, a chilling reminder that evil can wear many faces.
"I Am a Killer: What Makes a Murderer" is a riveting and unflinching exposé that investigates the hearts of darkness. Danny Tipping and Ned Parker's masterful storytelling and access to the minds of killers make this book a gripping page-turner that will leave readers both fascinated and haunted. It is a stark reminder that true monsters walk among us, and understanding their motivations is both a terrifying and essential endeavor. A must-read for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of human behavior and the profound consequences of the choices we make.
"A bone-chilling and unflinching dive into the minds of killers. 'I Am a Killer' is an unprecedented true crime journey that will leave you haunted and utterly engrossed."
"Tipping and Parker's fearless pursuit of truth sets this book apart in the true crime genre. 'I Am a Killer' offers an unfiltered glimpse into the darkest corners of human nature."
"An enthralling and compelling narrative that pushes the boundaries of understanding criminal behavior. 'I Am a Killer' is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the complexities of the human psyche."
"This is true crime at its most haunting and riveting. 'I Am a Killer' takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster through the minds of murderers, leaving a mark on your soul."
"With unprecedented access to killers, Tipping and Parker have crafted an utterly absorbing and chilling true crime account. 'I Am a Killer' is a masterclass in investigative storytelling."
"In 'I Am a Killer,' Tipping and Parker go beyond the surface to explore the multifaceted dimensions of violent crimes. A profound and thought-provoking examination of the human condition."
"Tipping and Parker's dedication to authenticity and research is evident on every page. 'I Am a Killer' presents a balanced and unvarnished portrait of murderers, leaving readers grappling with haunting questions."
"Prepare to be captivated and disturbed. 'I Am a Killer' is an unputdownable exploration of evil, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong."
"Tipping and Parker's storytelling is as gripping as it is chilling. 'I Am a Killer' transports readers into the minds of murderers like never before, leaving them breathless and haunted."
"A true crime masterpiece that lingers in your thoughts long after you've finished reading. 'I Am a Killer' offers a poignant and unflinching look into the abyss of human depravity."
"A standout in the true crime genre. 'I Am a Killer' courageously ventures into the darkest recesses of the human mind, leaving readers both disturbed and utterly mesmerized."
April 22, 2024
It's hard to say a book on murderers is a nice book, but this one was. It doesn't go into gory graphic detail of the crimes, and doesn't bore you with long drawn out details of trials, but dwells on the people involved, and numerous camera interviews with the killer. All the people are or had been on Death Row or doing 25 to life for murder. All are in Missouri, which is a quick to condemn and quick to kill state, extenuating circumstances be damned. Few people get granted parole, and few people get appeals. They pressure people with little education and limited intellect to plea deals that bypass a fair trial and slam them with life sentences instead.
And there are a lot of extenuating circumstances. The psychologist testifies that one girl - just 18 - does not fit the MO of a hard killer, and due to repeatedly being raped as a preteen and been ignored by the police, with a history of mental illness and severe depression, did not deserve maximum punishment for a crime that fit none of the evidence but all of the evidence of a panic reaction (why would you leave your shoes at the scene of the crime if you had pre-planned a murder?). Nope. 25 years.
Many of these killers are barely 18 when they commit the crimes, often drug-addicted, too often raised in homes with years of unspeakable abuse (one father, to hide the bruises and welts on the kid when Social Services was coming, tied him to a mattress, poured lighter fluid on him, and set his back on fire. And you wonder why the kid wound up on death row....), too often without any hope in the world. Some find peace and salvation in the quiet routine of prison. Others, tried as adults at 16 for theft and minor crimes that begin to add up, realize they will spend their entire lives in jail without ever having a chance to even live, deliberately kill a cellmate to get the death penalty, their only way out. Many of them have severe mental and emotional issues, but the Missouri law just doesn't give a shit. There is also evidence and charges of hard racism.
This book tries to give a balanced view, showing both the vulnerable side of the murderers and the harder side, where just being high on something is not an excuse for a life of hard crime, but in some instances, it's very hard to not have sympathy. In almost every case, the authors bring out the humanity involved, in that most of these people were born never having a chance from the start. Everyone is a victim.
A good read that will break your heart. And make you angry at the injustice on all sides.
And **** Missouri and their penal system. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
And there are a lot of extenuating circumstances. The psychologist testifies that one girl - just 18 - does not fit the MO of a hard killer, and due to repeatedly being raped as a preteen and been ignored by the police, with a history of mental illness and severe depression, did not deserve maximum punishment for a crime that fit none of the evidence but all of the evidence of a panic reaction (why would you leave your shoes at the scene of the crime if you had pre-planned a murder?). Nope. 25 years.
Many of these killers are barely 18 when they commit the crimes, often drug-addicted, too often raised in homes with years of unspeakable abuse (one father, to hide the bruises and welts on the kid when Social Services was coming, tied him to a mattress, poured lighter fluid on him, and set his back on fire. And you wonder why the kid wound up on death row....), too often without any hope in the world. Some find peace and salvation in the quiet routine of prison. Others, tried as adults at 16 for theft and minor crimes that begin to add up, realize they will spend their entire lives in jail without ever having a chance to even live, deliberately kill a cellmate to get the death penalty, their only way out. Many of them have severe mental and emotional issues, but the Missouri law just doesn't give a shit. There is also evidence and charges of hard racism.
This book tries to give a balanced view, showing both the vulnerable side of the murderers and the harder side, where just being high on something is not an excuse for a life of hard crime, but in some instances, it's very hard to not have sympathy. In almost every case, the authors bring out the humanity involved, in that most of these people were born never having a chance from the start. Everyone is a victim.
A good read that will break your heart. And make you angry at the injustice on all sides.
And **** Missouri and their penal system. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
July 13, 2023
I had not watched the Netflix series this book is based off of so I came into this without any knowledge of the offenders or their crimes. The authors/show creators chose ten stories from the first two seasons to expand on. The show and the book looked for a way to break out of the true crime mold and investigate the causes and consequences of violent crime. It’s never entirely clear if the offenders interviewed are telling the truth so it’s up to us as the readers to decide. The point is not to sensationalize the crimes or offenders or attempt to overturn the punishment given. All of the people interviewed are guilty and admit to their crimes. Some people take more responsibility than others. The authors not only interview the offenders, but interview their friends, family, and supporters as well as family and friends from the victim’s side. This tactic gives a well rounded view of the case/offender so the reader doesn’t have a biased view of the crime.
I found their stories compelling and deeply sad. Some make excuses for their behavior while others take full accountability. Each person’s story is worth reading and the authors have done their best to provide the full scope of how the crime has affected all people involved. After reading one of the stories, I went to watch the corresponding episode. While it was good to put faces to names and hear their voices, I preferred reading the book. The book provides more details from the directors and producers that they weren’t able to provide during filming because they don’t have a voice in the episodes. Also the book’s writing had a faster pace than the episodes provided.
For those interested in true crime and sociology, I think this is a great book to read. It puts into perspective socioeconomic status, opportunities afforded to us, the criminal justice system across various states and prison culture. It certainly has you valuing your life and decisions more than you may have previously.
Thank you to Sourcebooks for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found their stories compelling and deeply sad. Some make excuses for their behavior while others take full accountability. Each person’s story is worth reading and the authors have done their best to provide the full scope of how the crime has affected all people involved. After reading one of the stories, I went to watch the corresponding episode. While it was good to put faces to names and hear their voices, I preferred reading the book. The book provides more details from the directors and producers that they weren’t able to provide during filming because they don’t have a voice in the episodes. Also the book’s writing had a faster pace than the episodes provided.
For those interested in true crime and sociology, I think this is a great book to read. It puts into perspective socioeconomic status, opportunities afforded to us, the criminal justice system across various states and prison culture. It certainly has you valuing your life and decisions more than you may have previously.
Thank you to Sourcebooks for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2023
I Am a Killer
The authors, Ned Parker and Danny Tipping secured exceptional access to high-security prisons across America. This book is a remarkably interesting read and all the prisoners suffered terrible abuse and had terrible childhoods. What is it that makes killers do what they do? After reading this book the results where surprising. Imagine being so poor and so hungry that you steal to feed yourself and are then beaten and sexually abused afterwards and nobody helps. Alcohol and drugs play a big part in most cases, Race, witness statements, and injustice and other reasons apply also.
Many of the killers will die in prison – either by serving their sentence of life without parole or the death penalty. You will read the psychology of the killers in this book, and I found this book makes you think about the concept and the true depth of these crimes.
I notice most killers do not want to die but have no problem taking another life and somehow, they always blame the drugs and alcohol instead of themselves and the action they took that day. No matter what they could have walked away or just chosen a different life which many of them seem to have done when it is too late for their victims, and they have been caught and incarcerated without parole or getting of death row.
I genuinely feel sorry for what they have had to endure in life as it is just horrific, but also do not forget their victims some suffered horrific abuse at the hands of these criminals. Remember most used the above excuses and only one or two seemed to show genuine remorse. I can see how the authors did such an excellent job finding the underlying cause of these crimes and telling their stories and this is a very professionally researched book and a terrific book club reading topic. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The authors, Ned Parker and Danny Tipping secured exceptional access to high-security prisons across America. This book is a remarkably interesting read and all the prisoners suffered terrible abuse and had terrible childhoods. What is it that makes killers do what they do? After reading this book the results where surprising. Imagine being so poor and so hungry that you steal to feed yourself and are then beaten and sexually abused afterwards and nobody helps. Alcohol and drugs play a big part in most cases, Race, witness statements, and injustice and other reasons apply also.
Many of the killers will die in prison – either by serving their sentence of life without parole or the death penalty. You will read the psychology of the killers in this book, and I found this book makes you think about the concept and the true depth of these crimes.
I notice most killers do not want to die but have no problem taking another life and somehow, they always blame the drugs and alcohol instead of themselves and the action they took that day. No matter what they could have walked away or just chosen a different life which many of them seem to have done when it is too late for their victims, and they have been caught and incarcerated without parole or getting of death row.
I genuinely feel sorry for what they have had to endure in life as it is just horrific, but also do not forget their victims some suffered horrific abuse at the hands of these criminals. Remember most used the above excuses and only one or two seemed to show genuine remorse. I can see how the authors did such an excellent job finding the underlying cause of these crimes and telling their stories and this is a very professionally researched book and a terrific book club reading topic. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2023
I am a Killer is a book with an interesting concept. It's the telling of What makes a murderer, in their own words. What is even more interesting, is the well-roundedness of the telling of the story. First, no serial killers or child abusers are included. Second, the killer has to take ownership of their crime. Most inmates still claim their innocent. Third, the telling of each storyline is not just told from the killers perspective, but from victims, family members, someone who was impacted by this persons actions.
I know there is a TV show, same name, same stories, brought to life on the screen, but I haven't watched it. What I really really appreciate about this was the understanding from the producers/interviewers was that they didn't want to do what you normally see or hear with some narration over the events and/or summation or reminding us of the timeline. You hear directly from the people themselves. In print (and I'm sure on the show as well).
This book focuses on 10 individuals and their crimes, only after they go through a vetting process, which is explained in the how and why in the book. Each story brings to life not only the crime, but also the circumstances behind what shaped these individuals before these crimes were committed, to humanize them more than just labeling them from the 'worst day of their life' that they are then seen from going forward. It's an interesting concept, one that has been done before in different ways, but I just really appreciate the well rounded, multiple viewpoints from different avenues the most. Well done. Highly recommend.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
I know there is a TV show, same name, same stories, brought to life on the screen, but I haven't watched it. What I really really appreciate about this was the understanding from the producers/interviewers was that they didn't want to do what you normally see or hear with some narration over the events and/or summation or reminding us of the timeline. You hear directly from the people themselves. In print (and I'm sure on the show as well).
This book focuses on 10 individuals and their crimes, only after they go through a vetting process, which is explained in the how and why in the book. Each story brings to life not only the crime, but also the circumstances behind what shaped these individuals before these crimes were committed, to humanize them more than just labeling them from the 'worst day of their life' that they are then seen from going forward. It's an interesting concept, one that has been done before in different ways, but I just really appreciate the well rounded, multiple viewpoints from different avenues the most. Well done. Highly recommend.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
September 13, 2023
I am a Killer is a book with an interesting concept. It's the telling of What makes a murderer, in their own words. What is even more interesting, is the well-roundedness of the telling of the story. First, no serial killers or child abusers are included. Second, the killer has to take ownership of their crime. Most inmates still claim their innocent. Third, the telling of each storyline is not just told from the killers perspective, but from victims, family members, someone who was impacted by this persons actions.
I know there is a TV show, same name, same stories, brought to life on the screen, but I haven't watched it. What I really really appreciate about this was the understanding from the producers/interviewers was that they didn't want to do what you normally see or hear with some narration over the events and/or summation or reminding us of the timeline. You hear directly from the people themselves. In print (and I'm sure on the show as well).
This book focuses on 10 individuals and their crimes, only after they go through a vetting process, which is explained in the how and why in the book. Each story brings to life not only the crime, but also the circumstances behind what shaped these individuals before these crimes were committed, to humanize them more than just labeling them from the 'worst day of their life' that they are then seen from going forward. It's an interesting concept, one that has been done before in different ways, but I just really appreciate the well rounded, multiple viewpoints from different avenues the most. Well done. Highly recommend.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
I know there is a TV show, same name, same stories, brought to life on the screen, but I haven't watched it. What I really really appreciate about this was the understanding from the producers/interviewers was that they didn't want to do what you normally see or hear with some narration over the events and/or summation or reminding us of the timeline. You hear directly from the people themselves. In print (and I'm sure on the show as well).
This book focuses on 10 individuals and their crimes, only after they go through a vetting process, which is explained in the how and why in the book. Each story brings to life not only the crime, but also the circumstances behind what shaped these individuals before these crimes were committed, to humanize them more than just labeling them from the 'worst day of their life' that they are then seen from going forward. It's an interesting concept, one that has been done before in different ways, but I just really appreciate the well rounded, multiple viewpoints from different avenues the most. Well done. Highly recommend.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
September 11, 2023
In the book I Am a Killer by Daniel Tipping and Ned Parker we hear about murderers and there murders in their own words. we also hear from those who knew the murderer and although I found this book very interesting what else I found interesting is that in the introduction it said they don’t speak to rapist or pedophiles because they don’t want to sensationalize those things but it seemed every murderer was a victim of pedophilia or rape and or lots of other kinds of terrible abuse. I am not saying that is a positive or negative, I am just saying. This book was very interesting in the times many of these abuse people who went for help like the first story with David and was refused to help they need it so badly what is astounding to me because it didn’t just happen with him it happened with a couple of the murderers in this book when I think of what could’ve possibly been done to help these people and may have even veered their path away from prison makes me really angry. There’s some really good stories in here I also want to mention Linda who I felt bad for in the book they said America has some of the longest prison sentences and a lot of these people in the book at least two I think could be released from prison but it’s not up to me I’m just a reader in review were of the book that I found so very interesting because I’m a big believer in victims having their stories told and although these stories do focus on the killers I found it had great respect for the victims. If you’re a fan of True Crime and you should definitely read IAM a killer it is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
March 19, 2025
This is not what I was expecting. I have not seen the documentary series this is based on. This was made to be an add-on to that series according to the author that would be more since they could only pack so much into the series but to me, it seemed less. It also did not live up to its title. Supposedly one of the criteria was that all the murderers here admitted guilt, which they did not, and one only did when he was interviewed for the show. The second half "What Make a Murderer" I expected maybe more psychology on why they did what they did and more background on the killers. There is no psychology here and their lives, circumstances, past/upbringing were glossed over. The third part of the title "Their shocking stories in their own words" was not in evidence. Again maybe because this is a book and not an interview transcript there wasn't much about anything in "their words". In fact, this is more just a summary of what I assume each episode of the series is with a few quotes from the interviews and other people involved in the cases. There isn't any depth to any of the segments or feel of a documentary or biography about the killers. It doesn't feel like much of any research was done. It feels kind of exploitive really and the victims are more of a footnote. A note at least half of these killers are from Missouri or the midwest around Missouri.
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