The Serial Killer Files: The Who, What, Where, How, and Why of the World's Most Terrifying Murderers
THE DEFINITIVE DOSSIER ON HISTORY’S MOST HEINOUS!
Hollywood’s make-believe maniacs like Jason, Freddy, and Hannibal Lecter can&#... read full description
Hollywood’s make-believe maniacs like Jason, Freddy, and Hannibal Lecter can&#... read full description
reviews
Oct 21, 2008
Bobbie
rated it: 
The Serial Killer Files,
The Who, What, Where, How, and Why of the World’s Most Terrifying Murders
Written By: Harold Schechter
Published By: A Ballantine Book, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, USA, 2003, First Edition, 422 pages, paperback (9.1 x 7.4 inches), ISBN 978-0-345-46566-0
“The Serial Killer Files is an overflowing compendium of Serial Killer facts and data which will inform you and keep you riveted!” BCM
If someone thinks about a se More...
The Who, What, Where, How, and Why of the World’s Most Terrifying Murders
Written By: Harold Schechter
Published By: A Ballantine Book, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, USA, 2003, First Edition, 422 pages, paperback (9.1 x 7.4 inches), ISBN 978-0-345-46566-0
“The Serial Killer Files is an overflowing compendium of Serial Killer facts and data which will inform you and keep you riveted!” BCM
If someone thinks about a se More...
5 comments
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Aug 05, 2011
If you're looking for information on the big-name serial killers, try another book--there are several for each killer listed in the back for more information--because it only has a condensed listing/summary of the major killers.
The first few chapters overview the types of serial killers and the history of serial killing.
This a fact-based book covering brutal cases with stark clarity. There are a lot of little known killers mentioned, as well as the usual suspects of Bundy, Gacy, Dahmer, Jack t More...
The first few chapters overview the types of serial killers and the history of serial killing.
This a fact-based book covering brutal cases with stark clarity. There are a lot of little known killers mentioned, as well as the usual suspects of Bundy, Gacy, Dahmer, Jack t More...
Apr 12, 2011
Tabitha
rated it:
Very informative, and plenty (maybe sometimes too much) detail. There are lots of facts, charts and photos to grab your interest as you page through. It answers the question how creative can killers get in gory detail. Great for research or just for idle curiosity about whichever serial killer is currently getting turned into a movie.
In addition to the vast amount of information the book offers, it also contains some great indexes, lists and a bibliography for further reading.
Nothing l More...
In addition to the vast amount of information the book offers, it also contains some great indexes, lists and a bibliography for further reading.
Nothing l More...
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Apr 04, 2011
Ashley
rated it:
I read this as part of my research for a psych paper on Nature Vs. Nurture in Criminal Psychology. Although it was a bit redundant at times, I found it incredibly informative.
I especially enjoyed the tidbits it provided on the historical context of serial killers- the fact that the term wasn't widely used until the 1980's shocked me. The information given about cases from the 19th century and earlier were especially interesting, in my opinion, just because you never really hear about More...
I especially enjoyed the tidbits it provided on the historical context of serial killers- the fact that the term wasn't widely used until the 1980's shocked me. The information given about cases from the 19th century and earlier were especially interesting, in my opinion, just because you never really hear about More...
Oct 23, 2010
Denise
rated it: 
It was a pretty interesting read overall. However, the writing really started to annoy me in the long run. Every time the author tried to describe a murder in the most 'gruesome' details, it came off as if the author intended to gross you out on purpose, making it seem way worse than it actually was. There wasn't much variation of words either; it was just dull and repetitive to me. Though that could've been caused by the translator of this book.
Also! (I almost forgot) There were a lot More...
Also! (I almost forgot) There were a lot More...
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Apr 25, 2011
♥Xeni♥
rated it:
Wow, I finally finished this book; after a couple of months! I started out on my interest in serial killers (and what makes them tick) last fall; half a year later I finally finished this most comprehensive guide on killers!
And really, this book has everything in it. It even reaches out of the strict realm of serial killing into some side branches like mass murderers. The only thing that really bothered me was the repitition of some of the stories. "Yes, I learned about Albert Fis More...
And really, this book has everything in it. It even reaches out of the strict realm of serial killing into some side branches like mass murderers. The only thing that really bothered me was the repitition of some of the stories. "Yes, I learned about Albert Fis More...
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Feb 08, 2009
Sally
rated it: 
I you are remorely interested in this topic, this is the book to read. From a historical perspective, it is a thorough compilation of clinical cases dating back to the 1600's. It can be hard to read, so take it slowly!
Aug 25, 2010
There are serial killers. Then there are those who write about serial killers. Then there are those who read about serial killers. For that last category, in which I include myself, thank God there is Harold Schecter.
Jan 10, 2011
Etty
rated it: 
Buku ini seperti buku psikologi karena selain tentang kejahatan juga menguraikan latar belakang setiap pembunuh yang menyebabkan mereka berubah menjadi predator buas di dunia sepanjang sejarah.
Mar 18, 2009
Montanasmith
rated it:
This book got Tim and I in a huge discussion at dinner about nature vs. nurture and the role of TV and the media with today's serial killers. Brought up some interesting ideas.
Jun 06, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
An excellent reference source for sick and depraved indivuals like myself. Concise acurate information about every major serial killer from around the globe.
Nov 25, 2010
Tina
rated it:
One of the most informative books out there without being dull and monotonous. I will admit if I read it before I went to bed I got a little scared!
Nov 02, 2009
Cai
rated it:
its about how serial killers work on their victims,what's their M.O and the famous serial killer in all time.love it!
Mar 12, 2010
Jonna
rated it:
This book was really slow, some interesting points but difficult to really stay interested in.
Dec 25, 2008
Ruthanne
rated it:
This book is really intense. I am a true crime junkie and I had to read this in small doses. Getting into the psyches of these seriously deranged people at times can be very unnerving. A good book none-the-less. I like that at the end of each section and at the end of the book, there are several other books listed to read pertaining to the same subject/serial killer.
May 01, 2007
Erin
rated it:
Not for the squeamish but very interesting. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in this sort of thing... and by that sort of thing I mean pedophiles who eat children and shove needles up their rectums for sexual pleasure...It's a train wreck kind of deal. Writing is pretty poor but I've found the information to be very accurate. Many, many American horror films were based off of these folks.
If it's good for nothing else, you get a couple of frightened looks if you read More...
If it's good for nothing else, you get a couple of frightened looks if you read More...
Dec 15, 2011
Brian
rated it:
A good read, but I think the author may have ADD. He skips around a LOT.
Sep 05, 2008
Kellie
rated it:
This was a very informative book. Anything you wanted to know about serial killers is in here. I found it interesting that the author definitely communicated his point of view on the death penalty, influence of TV violence and pornography, profiling etc. AND I agreed with most everything he said. There was some repetition but it was good because it was hard to keep track of all the names. This is definitely a good reference book to have around.
Apr 26, 2010
Cara
rated it:
Yike. OK. We're good here. I'm sure it was factually accurate...but you can only take so much. :) I'm done.
I know. Wierd.
Still reading. Still wierd. You can't really read alot of it at once - its disturbing (no surprise there!) but some of the 'killers' were in ancient times and it's like reading a horrible fairy tale. I'm moving into the 'current' killers...so we'll see.
I know. Wierd.
Still reading. Still wierd. You can't really read alot of it at once - its disturbing (no surprise there!) but some of the 'killers' were in ancient times and it's like reading a horrible fairy tale. I'm moving into the 'current' killers...so we'll see.
Jul 11, 2009
Christina
rated it:
This is a listing of almost every known serial killer and what horrible crimes they committed.
It was well-researched and hard to put down, but it turns your insides to jelly with its disturbing, cold facts.
The F.B.iI. says there are about 500 serial killers operating in the world right now. Yikes!
*Fascinating read.
It was well-researched and hard to put down, but it turns your insides to jelly with its disturbing, cold facts.
The F.B.iI. says there are about 500 serial killers operating in the world right now. Yikes!
*Fascinating read.
Mar 13, 2008
Cheri
rated it:
Very informative for anyone who wants to study serial killers and their motives. After adding this book to my list i realized i read some pretty dark books. heh.
Aug 23, 2011
Casey
rated it:
If you're interested in weird things such as this then it's very informative and you'll enjoy it. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
