Retreat Guest Blogger Rick Reed

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Rick Reed was in law enforcement for 30 years before retiring and becoming the author of the Detective Jack Murphy serial killer fiction series. Reed draws on personal experience as he brings serial killer-fiction to life in the small town of Evansville, Indiana.

His acclaimed true crime book, BLOOD TRAIL, is the account of Reed's capture of serial killer Joseph Weldon Brown in 2000 after Brown claimed his 14th victim.

The Detective Jack Murphy series begins with, The Cruelest Cut, and continues with, The Coldest Fear, available now in all bookstores and as e-books.

He now lives in the San Francisco area with his wife.


[image error] When I saw the Online Reader Retreat advertised I thought it was a great way to connect with readers.  I have to admit I was slightly intimidated by the represented genres because I write true crime and fiction---about serial killers.

I suppose my works could be interpreted as romance because all serial killers have a love/hate relationship with their victims and sometimes with the police investigators.  Also, serial killers have fantasies about their intended victims and some are only capable of a relationship with someone they have total control over.  These killers are both men and women, young and old, of every race and religion, and are out there, among us, and not hiding.

After retiring from almost thirty years in law enforcement, and having the distinction of being one of a handful of detectives to ever catch a serial killer, I became an associate professor of criminal justice at a community college.  One of the classes I taught was titled “Serial Killers—A Global Perspective.”

[image error] I was surprised to find that several students from other colleges had signed up for my class.  There is a strong interest among segments of the public that I would have never guessed possible.  Housewives and factory workers seemed to outnumber the young traditional students.  No one missed class or came late.

As a writer, I have read a lot of the research findings of law enforcement profilers and academics, and I have my own beliefs and opinions on the subject of serial killers.  But, from listening to my readers likes and dislikes in my books, I have some questions of my own.

So this is my chance to ask you, the readers, why you think murder—particularly serial murder—is such an interesting topic and what expectations do you have of law enforcements investigation and resolving of these types of killings?   Also what expectations do you have of the writer?

[image error] Buy the bookLet's chat:  I’ve developed a few questions, but please, don’t restrict your comments to this list.  One thing I found as a detective was that the best information came from the questions not asked.

1. Do you relate to the victims of serial killers?  Do you tend to think, “That could have been me?”

2. Do you think that victims do something or have a lifestyle that brings them to the attention of their slayer?

3. Companion Question to #2:  If you answered the above affirmative, do you think there is something the victim could have done to avoid being targeted?

4. Do you think that all victims are targeted by their killer, or are they victims of convenience?

5. Do you read fiction or non-fiction?

6. Do you think serial killing only occurs within the United States?  (Acts of war or terrorism or religious jihad’s excluded.)

7. Why do you think a person becomes a serial murderer?  Do you think it is a mental or physical phenomenon?  For instance, do you think someone is destined to become a serial killer because of his or her genetic makeup or because of a brain injury or illness?

8. What expectations do you have of the writer of fictional serial killings?