Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Sex Killer

by Gary C. King

In this riveting true crime book, "The Man Who Loved to Kill Women"--Dayton Leroy Rogers, was known in Portland, Oregon as a respected businessman and devoted husband and father. But at night he abducted women, forced them into sadistic bondage games, and thrilled in their pain, terror and mutilation. His murderous spree was stopped only after, in plain view, he slashed to death his final victim...and when a hunter accidentally stumbled onto the burial grounds of seven other women Rogers had killed one-by-one in the depths of the Molalla Forest did police realize they were dealing with a serial killer whose bloodlust knew no bounds. This is the shocking true story of the horrifying crimes, capture, and conviction of Dayton Leroy Rogers, Oregon's mild-mannered businessman by day--vicious serial killer by night.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Biography, Psychology, Serial Killer, Mystery

281 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1992

About the author

Gary C. King is a freelance author and lecturer who has published more than 500 articles in true crime magazines in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He is also the author of several true crime books including: Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Sex Killer, Driven to Kill, Web of Deceit, Blind Rage, Savage Vengeance, An Early Grave, The Texas 7, Murder in Hollywood, Angels of Death, Stolen in the Night, Love, Lies, and Murder, An Almost Perfect Murder, Butcher, Rage, The Murder of Meredith Kercher, Crime Scene: True Stories of Crime and Detection, and Murder Most Foul: True Crime Stories of Murder and Mayhem.

Driven to Kill, the story of serial child killer Westley Allan Dodd's killing spree, was nominated for an Anthony Award in the Best True Crime Book category at Bouchercon 25.

Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Sex Killer, details the bizarre case of Dayton Leroy Rogers, Oregon's worst serial killer. A German language edition of Blood Lust was published in 1995. Both Blood Lust and Driven to Kill were chosen as featured selections of Doubleday's True Crime Book Club.

King’s television appearances have included Entertainment Tonight, Larry King Live, Inside Edition, Court TV, MSNBC’s Headliners and Legends, E!, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Extra TV, and several other programs. He also frequently provides radio interviews and has given talks at libraries as well as organizations devoted to readers and writers interested in the genre of true crime.

After years of traditional publishing, King recently joined the growing ranks of indie authors.

Reviews

[MadameD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 5/5
Narration 5/5

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been partial to King since the first book I read by him years ago so I wasn't very worried about "liking" this. I actually searched for, and hunted down, this book because I read a paragraph or two about Dayton Leroy Rogers in a different true crime book. He seemed fascinating just from those paragraphs so I started to look.
Besides the few typos I only have one complaint. The thing is, I'm wondering is this would have been noticed by me if a friend hadn't mentioned it. After thinking on it for awhile, I think it would have so I'll mention it.
The women were all prostitutes. Okay, the reader gets that real fast. I mean, to be brutally honest, the fact that they weren't college students is obvious by the mug shot phots included. But King felt the need to pine on and on and on about this fact. I get that the word 'prostitute' would be reiterated in a book of 352 pages. I get that the terms 'hooker', 'street walker' and the rest will probably be used. But to say "Then the trollop got into the car." and such things makes it a little over the top. These girls lost their lives and have families out there. Why not just say that the "dirty slut then hopped into the vehicle looking for fuck for a buck." I mean, seriously, it just wasn't needed and it was a turn-off.
Other than that I have no problems with Blood Lust at all. King is a great t.c. author and his books read very fast because of his writing and the fact that he always writes about fascinating people.

[Ruth Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd never heard of Dayton Leroy Rogers until I started reading this book, which is surprising really, considering he's responsible for at least 7 murders and is currently sitting on Death Row at Oregon State Penitentiary.

The book is well written with an abundance of detail. A little too much at times, as I often found my interest waning. I ended up skimming the last hundred pages or so.


But if you enjoy true crime, this book is definitely worth reading. Not for the faint hearted though!



A little extra about Jennifer Lisa Smith, the last known victim of Rogers.

http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamasco...

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-nor...

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A 2.5 really...

Dayton Leroy Rogers was one of the most prolific serial killers that Oregon had ever known. Eventually sentenced for 7 murders (and only after being caught in the act of killing his last victim, Jenny Smith) it seems highly unlikely that the bodies of Jenny and the others accidentally discovered by a hunter in the Molalla Forest were the only ones he had any involvement with.

Raised in a large family with zealously religious parents and a violently abusive father, Rogers had already developed a fetish for feet by adolescence, after peeping at his sisters and masturbating over their shoes. His favourite victims were prostitutes, and after picking them up and plying them with cartons of vodka and orange would drive them to the forest where he would tie them up and commence torturing them. Getting off on their pain and fear, this would last for hours before being horribly mutilated and killed, and left in the forest stripped of any trophies Rogers had taken a shine to.

Changing his MO slightly for his last victim, Rogers killed Jenny Smith in a parking lot opposite a busy Denny's restaurant. While the many witnesses weren't able to save Jenny, they were able to chase him down and provide important eyewitness evidence that would see him arrested - at which point dozens more women came forward to tell of their own experiences at his hands over the years, which they'd managed to survive.

As with many of these books, what was most clear to me was that Rogers would likely never have been caught if it hadn't been for his last, very public killing. Due to the fact that his victims were prostitutes and largely living transient lifestyles, they weren't often reported as missing until months after their disappearances, which then didn't rank highly on anyone's agenda due to their choice of employment. In fact, Detective Turner (who led on investigating the crimes) is actually portrayed within as someone unusual for actually giving a shit about what might have happened to them. 

The book did a decent job of giving the facts of the case but felt a little tabloidy, and I'd have liked for the author to have thought about his choice of words at times. Describing Rogers' victims variously as whores, streetwalkers and trollops, and always noting whether they were attractive or pointing out a 'well-developed' corpse, I felt this was yet another dehumanising indignity served up to these poor women. In fact, considering that many of the surviving victims also hadn't come forward previously for fear of getting into trouble, more than anything this book really highlighted for me the need to think reasonably about women who sell their bodies for whatever reason. Their continued criminalisation doesn't seem to really protect anyone, other than the johns who abuse them without fear of reprisal, knowing they will never be reported.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Dayton Leroy Rogers and the horrific serial killings of women in the Portland OR area. A very engrossing book, though the language does get a bit florid at times.

[Kace | The Booknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been into true crime/murder/serial killings for the past few days - binge. I found it quietly fascinating and, at the same time, sickening. It was fascinating because I was so amazed by the author's ability to tell the story factually as if they were right there. It's fascinating how it always makes my mind work. My imagination flies whenever I read detectives/police/investigators gather all the pieces of evidence that will help them find the killers and eventually lead to the killer's prosecution. I was appalled and sickened that some people could do these horrible, horrifying things to others. How could they torture and inflict horrendous pain and suffering on their victims and actually enjoyed doing so?

Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Killer was about the man who loved to torture and kill women - Dayton Leroy Rogers, a brutal fetishist who loved torturing women by tying them, threatening them, sexually assaulting them and then eventually murdering them; while being thrilled and pleasured by their horrendous pain, terror and mutilation. No one knew about his vicious and murderous activities at night. No one suspected Dayton, a highly skilled, intelligent, and respectable businessman with a loving wife and son, was capable of assaulting and murdering women on the streets. Not until he slashed to death his last victim in plain view. Witnesses were interviewed, and Dayton was arrested. While the investigation was ongoing, a hunter accidentally stumbled into the graves of other women in the forest. As the police gathered the evidence, they realized that their suspect, Dayton Rogers, might also be responsible for these shocking and horrifying crimes.

This is my first book by the author, and I liked it. I liked the way he narrated the story. It was well researched and well written. Through interviews with investigators, witnesses, victims - the author was able to reconstruct the crime and gave the readers a chilling detailed account of what happened in the summer of 1987. The author also gave the readers an insight into Rogers' childhood and background. Another thing I liked in this book was the investigators involved, particularly that Det. Turner. I love how determined and dedicated he was; and how he equally gave importance to each victim regardless of their background or walks of life. Dayton Leroy Rogers was sentenced to death, his steely determination to bring justice to the victims had paid off.

[Bonnie Kernene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dayton Leroy Rogers killed at least 7 women, probably several more. He is a predatory sexual sadist serial killer. This book talks about his heinous crimes and the known victims. In this book, the victims become real people, not just prostitutes as talked about by the defense. They were real people, with families that loved them. This author does a great job in focusing on the victims and the search for justice for these victims. It is well written and well researched. This author, Gary King, is one of my favorite authors. For me, he has a way of making it all come to life, not just words on the page. I highly recommend this book.

[Susan Stec · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intense, no holds barred look into the life and conviction of a serial murderer. Like all of King's books, its detail oriented format allows the reader to feel part of the investigation. Blood Lust is a true story, and that only intensifies the visually-graphic, gritty-content that instills a fight or flight shudder factor as Gary King gives a large dose of reality.

[Julie Young Buckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Speed

This book just kept having surprise after surprise circumstances. Proof again that fact is way more strange than fiction. The writing takes the reader start to finish. This is some hell of a story.

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book I read in English. Glad I chose this book cause since then I practically only read English books.

[Stephanie]

I'm always game for a cheesy true crime book, but the story in this one just isn't very compelling.... I might go back to it some later day when I'm bored.

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is all about the facts but no details on the victim's and their families so I did not enjoy it or recommend reading this book.

[Miz · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an interesting true crime, but like many true crime books from the late 80s/early 90s, it was poorly excuted (unlike Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders!!). The prose of novelists from this genre has changed so significantly - no "whores" or "trollops" - and it's noticable in this adaptation.

Didn't capture my attention.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good true crime book by Gary C. King, this time with more sexual content than usual. Months of legal wrangling were dealt with succinctly at the end of the book; I appreciated this approach because it is very common for authors to re-tell the entire story during the trial section.

[Bill reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finishing Alieen Wourno's “Dear Dawn,” I had a great idea for a match made in heaven. Dayton Leroy Rogers tortured and killed at least seven prostitutes in 1987. Wournos offed seven of her clients. Of course I need a time machine in order to hook up these two lovebirds. I put my money on Aileen. Dayton's childhood was quite bizarre, as his mother and father were strict Seventh-Day Adventists and dad Orvis beat the hell out of his kids and told them that women who had premarital sex were sluts who should be stoned to death, as prescribed by the Bible. The insanity of the father was surely passed on to his son. Dayton had early problems with the law, with his first arrest at eighteen for stabbing a sixteen year-old girl which resulted in four years probation. A year later, our hero assaulted two teenage girls and was sent to a nut house and was released nine months later after a “cure” by the shrinks. Somehow, the lunatic married a beautiful woman and had a son with her and a normal domestic relationship. He toured Portland, Oregon's red light district, an area filled with hookers seeking money for their next fix. He picked them up for what survivors described as hours of torture and mutilation. The final victim was stabbed to death in a parking lot and six more hacked up hookers were discovered in a Molalla forest, further torn apart by maggots and animals. The numerous hookers interviewed by the police are tragic human beings, many with children. Those poor kids. Rogers received the death penalty but a current search reveals repeated appeals which have, so far, delayed lethal injection. The book is a decent read for those with strong stomachs.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well organized, thorough description of this case and as much as is known about Dayton Rogers. Unfortunately, Rogers refuses to talk, so little is known about what all he actually did and what motivates him. What is known comes from survivors of his extraordinarily evil acts.

Dan Orders managed to read the words, most (but not all) of them correctly. He consistently mispronounced some words. He did make an attempt to distinguish dialog with unique voicing, but it sounded forced and awkward. His performance was barely adequate.

NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Rosie Rand · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would strongly recommend this author educating themselves on the stigma regarding sex workers and the harm that it causes. Tactless and inappropriate terms were used when referring to street workers, and basic prejudices that I would expect from grade schoolers. The only empathy and humanizing components were when they were being quoted from other sources. This book was a disservice to all the victims. Cringeworthy.

[William Engle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid coverage. Lots of good information about the actual forensic investigation happening behind the scenes as Dayton Rogers awaited indictment, particularly around the bodies found at the scene. Really lacked on the investigation into Rogers’s past and what might have happened in his life that caused him to be as deviant/violent as he was. That’s my main gripe with many of these paperbacks I pick up at half price books. I wish there was more focus on the offender’s past/psychology.

[Luis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story about Dayton Leroy Rogers a.k.a. the Mollalla Forest Murderer. Weird guy with the feet fetish, but kind of a slopy serial killer. Lots of details about the investigation, but since Rogers didn't answer any police questions or gave interviews, we do not get into his mind. There is a bit of background, but no answers as to why he committed the murders.

[Tineke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was at points harrowing. The description of murders was intense. The callousness of the murderer claiming he had to defend himself was chilling. I could only laugh with scorn. I truly hope this man is dead.
The book was written well.

[Franquis Vegas]

I was about to start this one, but after looking at the reviews, and the clearly dehumanising language of the author towards the victims I think I'll give it a pass.

[Kristin Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about a psychotic serial killer. Hard to read about the awful things he did to these women, but the writing was good and it takes you through the story from start to finish.

[Cheryl Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

straight forward

This book gets to the point rather quickly while still telling the horrifying accounts. Great read from cover to end.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing. Couldn’t put it down!

I read this in two days, because, I just didn’t want to stop reading it. Fascinating! A real page turner.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't read this book in public. People WILL question why you are reading about serial sex murder while waiting for an oil change.

Anyway, it was a decent read. The author is correct that THE FORREST KILLA makes for an interesting/entertaining story.

2 stars taken off for cover art which falsely claims, "8 pages of shocking photos." I failed to find the so-called shocking images. There were however 8 pages of Rogers' mugshot, Nissan truck, crime scene AFTER the bodies had been removed, a bone, an empty orange juice carton, mugshots of various victims VERY MUCH ALIVE, and the detectives who solved the case.

The only shocking thing about this book was the comparison of Dayton Rogers to Ted Bundy. Don't compare any killer to Bundy. Bundy is the god of serial killers, and Rogers, like all other serial killers, must bow at his humbled feet--foot fetish or no foot fetish.

And the lack of dead bodies.

No corpse pics in a true crime get this a 3/5.

[Brenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I came to my rating, which for a true crime book, is extremely low, on the following factors:

1. King started by telling the story from the almost the ending, to the beginning, then the more grizzly details of discovery. Ann Rule has done this before, but not in this way, she doesn't ruin the intrigue, she builds to it.

2. King had the nerve to saw this guy was worse than Bundy, who was convicted, confessed and is suspected of murdering upwards of a hundred or more women (36/37 confirmed), everyday women, not hookers who put themselves in danger by the "job" they do, and Green River Killer, but not once compared Rogers to Jack the Ripper, who went after prostitutes..one, I found out about this guy by reading this book, so he was a nobody compared to Bundy.

3. The one star is for the story itself, not anything by King.

[Lisa Gatts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I only had one issue and that was with the author Gary King's portrayal of the victims as "street walkers",and other categorical names he used for them . I realize that he is most likely right about their illicit activities and lifestyles. However before they were "whores","streetwalkers", etc. they were most importantly daughters,sisters,mothers,to those close to them.
With that outta the way I have picked up "Murder in Room 305" and can't wait to start that one. Mr. Gary King you have a truly captivating style of writing that is just what I look for in my authors. Keep up the great work. I was not trying to criticize your obvious talent, but just offering a suggestion that is my honest opinion.

[Shad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book last year. It is a very easy read (as long as you can stomach the horrible things he did). It is definitely for an older audience and not for people who are unfamiliar with criminal behavior. I think it does a decent job of analyzing the investigative steps and circumstances that led to his capture, but it is written by a journalist and reads a bit more like a story than I like.

[Kipp Poe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disturbing look at a destroyer of lives

A True Crime story that will leave you scared from reading it. An extremely disturbed individual who left a path of sorrow for the families of the women he met and destroyed.

Gary C King gets the most out of his investigations and he don't hold anything back. The interviews the police had to do with the few women who got away and the others who knew the victims will leave you gasping with terror of what they went through.