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Serial Killers Rage and Horror: 8 Shocking True Crime Stories of Serial Killers and Killing Sprees
From rampage killers to hunters that seek out human prey in the shadows of the night, this serial killer anthology is a collection of horror stories. Collectively these men were responsible for hundreds of deaths, and they all belong in the realm of the worst serial killers to date. Delve into eight different cases and explore the heinous deeds committed, the background of each killer, and the apparent motives for their crimes. There are those who went on deadly rampages, such as Cho Seung-Hui and George Hennard; men who decided to inflict as much terror in one day as they possibly could. Famous serial killers are included, such as the Hillside Stranglers, Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono, and the Beast of the Ukraine, Anatoly Onoprienko. There are also lesser known murderers such as Fritz Haarmann and Ronald Dominique, who preyed on young men for their own deviant pleasures. Each of these true murder stories will leave you with a sense of horror and perhaps a little fear. David Parker Ray’s surviving victims still live in fear today, and this notorious true crime story is one of the most sadistic and disturbing. With tales of torture, mind control and violence, very few survived their time in Ray’s toy box. The true crime stories in this book have been selected because of the horrendous nature of their actions and the sheer volume of victims they slaughtered. Innocent people, going about their daily business or asleep in their beds, all make up these serial killers true crime stories.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2017
473 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Jack Rosewood
91 books145 followersI live in one of the most beautiful places in Florida, Jupiter, with my wife, two kids and our golden retriever, Vincent. I've been a full time author for the last 15 years and I wouldn't trade it against anything in the world!
My father was a journalist and wrote about some of the worst crimes you could ever imagine, and that's where my big interest from serial killers and other horrible crimes comes from. Just to hear my father talk about the evil acts of Ted Bundy as we were out fishing as a kid are some of my best memories.
My father was a journalist and wrote about some of the worst crimes you could ever imagine, and that's where my big interest from serial killers and other horrible crimes comes from. Just to hear my father talk about the evil acts of Ted Bundy as we were out fishing as a kid are some of my best memories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 2, 2017
This anthology explores 8 different cases of serial killers. This book will explore the killers, their victims, and give the reader a peek into their minds.
1. DAVID PARKER RAY - The Toy Box Killer
Ray was a kidnapper, rapist, torturer of women and young girls. He carried out his crimes for 40 years before finally getting caught. It is suspected that he killed at least 60, but no bodies have ever been found. You won't believe who one of his accomplices was.
2. JAMES HUBERTY - The McDonald's Massacre (San Diego)
One of the most devastating rampages in modern American history. Driving through the front window of MacDonald's, he exited his vehicle and promptly started shooting the patrons. His end count was 21 dead and 19 horrifically injured. The youngest killed was 8 months old, the oldest was 74 years.
3. FRITZ HAARMANN - The Butcher of Hanover (also known as The Vampire of Hanover)
Harrmann murdered, dismembered and disposed of the young men he lured to his home. He was responsible for at least 27 murders between 1918 and 1924 in Hanover, Germany. His method of murder was to bite his victim's Adam's apple. Once dead, he would dismember the body and throw the parts into a river.
4. ANATOLY ONOPRIENKO - One of the worst serial killers known. He terrorized the Ukraine as he slaughtered families in their own homes, then usually set fire to their homes. Men, women, children -- made no difference to him. When caught, he confessed to taking the lives of 52 people.
5. CHO SEUNG-HUI - Virginia Tech Massacre
In 2007 this young man walked into the buildings at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Virginia. Diagnosed as mentally ill when a child, his family did little more to get him the help he obviously needed. It is said he wanted to recreate what had happened at Columbine. After killing 32 teachers and students and wounding 17, he put his gun to his head and fired a final time.
6. GEORGE HENNARD - The Luby's Massacre
Hennard drove his pickup truck through the glass plated front of Luby's Restaurant in Killeen, Texas. There were 80 people inside, including the staff. Instead of firing his guns randomly, he targeted mostly women first. Those who survived all mentioned how calm he seemed. There were 50 victims in total - 23 killed and 27 wounded. He was shot by police 3 times, but it was his own gun that finally took his life.
7. KENNETH BIANCHI & ANGELO BUONO - The Hillside Stranglers
Between 1977 and 1978, these two cousins tortured and killed women in Los Angeles. Their trials would become the most expensive in the history of California at that time. Sexual abuse, torture, murder ... horrific acts of brutality - before disposing of their naked bodies on hillsides that dotted the area. Buono died of natural causes while behind bars. Bianchi cannot apply for parole until 2025.
8 .RONALD DOMINIQUE - The Bayou Strangler
Bodies of men were turning up in New Orleans, the victims of rape and murder. Before it was all over, 23 men would be dead. In his early years, it was discovered that Dominique was a homosexual. As a school student, he was bullied and teased unmercifully. As an adult, he was unattractive, unlikable and had no friends. His victims ranged in age from 17 to 46. Due to a DNA match, he was finally caught and confessed his crimes.
Among some "honorable" mentions are John Wayne Gacy, Patrick Wayne Kearney. Jeffrey Dahmer, David Edward Maust, and Randy Steven Kraft.
All these men were monsters who preyed on innocent people for their own guilty pleasures. In the last 50 years, there have been many incidents of men going on rampages in schools, colleges, restaurants, often with high kill rates. They often end in suicides. The killers in this book are the stuff of nightmares.
The book is well-written, filled with facts not necessarily widely known. It's hard to say I liked this book .... some of it is hard to read, some of it extremely so. I did give it 5 stars ... even though I got up several times to check my doors and windows. I'm grateful I did not start reading in the middle of the night.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
1. DAVID PARKER RAY - The Toy Box Killer
Ray was a kidnapper, rapist, torturer of women and young girls. He carried out his crimes for 40 years before finally getting caught. It is suspected that he killed at least 60, but no bodies have ever been found. You won't believe who one of his accomplices was.
2. JAMES HUBERTY - The McDonald's Massacre (San Diego)
One of the most devastating rampages in modern American history. Driving through the front window of MacDonald's, he exited his vehicle and promptly started shooting the patrons. His end count was 21 dead and 19 horrifically injured. The youngest killed was 8 months old, the oldest was 74 years.
3. FRITZ HAARMANN - The Butcher of Hanover (also known as The Vampire of Hanover)
Harrmann murdered, dismembered and disposed of the young men he lured to his home. He was responsible for at least 27 murders between 1918 and 1924 in Hanover, Germany. His method of murder was to bite his victim's Adam's apple. Once dead, he would dismember the body and throw the parts into a river.
4. ANATOLY ONOPRIENKO - One of the worst serial killers known. He terrorized the Ukraine as he slaughtered families in their own homes, then usually set fire to their homes. Men, women, children -- made no difference to him. When caught, he confessed to taking the lives of 52 people.
5. CHO SEUNG-HUI - Virginia Tech Massacre
In 2007 this young man walked into the buildings at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Virginia. Diagnosed as mentally ill when a child, his family did little more to get him the help he obviously needed. It is said he wanted to recreate what had happened at Columbine. After killing 32 teachers and students and wounding 17, he put his gun to his head and fired a final time.
6. GEORGE HENNARD - The Luby's Massacre
Hennard drove his pickup truck through the glass plated front of Luby's Restaurant in Killeen, Texas. There were 80 people inside, including the staff. Instead of firing his guns randomly, he targeted mostly women first. Those who survived all mentioned how calm he seemed. There were 50 victims in total - 23 killed and 27 wounded. He was shot by police 3 times, but it was his own gun that finally took his life.
7. KENNETH BIANCHI & ANGELO BUONO - The Hillside Stranglers
Between 1977 and 1978, these two cousins tortured and killed women in Los Angeles. Their trials would become the most expensive in the history of California at that time. Sexual abuse, torture, murder ... horrific acts of brutality - before disposing of their naked bodies on hillsides that dotted the area. Buono died of natural causes while behind bars. Bianchi cannot apply for parole until 2025.
8 .RONALD DOMINIQUE - The Bayou Strangler
Bodies of men were turning up in New Orleans, the victims of rape and murder. Before it was all over, 23 men would be dead. In his early years, it was discovered that Dominique was a homosexual. As a school student, he was bullied and teased unmercifully. As an adult, he was unattractive, unlikable and had no friends. His victims ranged in age from 17 to 46. Due to a DNA match, he was finally caught and confessed his crimes.
Among some "honorable" mentions are John Wayne Gacy, Patrick Wayne Kearney. Jeffrey Dahmer, David Edward Maust, and Randy Steven Kraft.
All these men were monsters who preyed on innocent people for their own guilty pleasures. In the last 50 years, there have been many incidents of men going on rampages in schools, colleges, restaurants, often with high kill rates. They often end in suicides. The killers in this book are the stuff of nightmares.
The book is well-written, filled with facts not necessarily widely known. It's hard to say I liked this book .... some of it is hard to read, some of it extremely so. I did give it 5 stars ... even though I got up several times to check my doors and windows. I'm grateful I did not start reading in the middle of the night.
Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 16, 2017
My favorites, probably not the right word but: Fritz Haarmann The Butcher of Hanover; Cho Seung-Hui Virginia Tech Massacre; or any other school shooting for that matter; George Hennard The Luby’s Massacre; Ronald Dominique The Bayou Strangler.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. 8 very well written murder cases book. They were all very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. All of them could also make great crime movies, college or other PP presentation, or better yet a mini TV series, or even a documentary (True Crime; American Crime Story; Investigative Discovery). You finally had references. I would have like to have seen more but you came around. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free LAK Publishing; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. 8 very well written murder cases book. They were all very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. All of them could also make great crime movies, college or other PP presentation, or better yet a mini TV series, or even a documentary (True Crime; American Crime Story; Investigative Discovery). You finally had references. I would have like to have seen more but you came around. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free LAK Publishing; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 27, 2018
True crime
This book gives a gruesome picture of some of the world's most dangerous serial killers including the McDonald's Massacre in San Ysidro, CA and the Massacre at Virginia Tech.
With the problems within our society these days, I think people could learn from these accounts that our healthcare system is broken especially when people with mental health issues are not taken seriously and are just cast aside like no one cares. These people are victims themselves.
I was not aware of some of these killers but interesting to read about.
This book gives a gruesome picture of some of the world's most dangerous serial killers including the McDonald's Massacre in San Ysidro, CA and the Massacre at Virginia Tech.
With the problems within our society these days, I think people could learn from these accounts that our healthcare system is broken especially when people with mental health issues are not taken seriously and are just cast aside like no one cares. These people are victims themselves.
I was not aware of some of these killers but interesting to read about.
February 13, 2017
Not a book to read on a quiet night at home by yourself! Excellent true crime reading.
Yet again: just when you think you've heard it all before-you haven't. Such unimaginable deeds these killers do. This is a great book and I really love this format. This contains 8 true crime case studies. Eye opening-eye popping really.
These were all cases I'd not heard of before. And some from many years ago-1918-it's not just modern times which are plagued by these monsters. Graphic descriptions of some of the worst murders in history. Horrible-but the kind of thing you're just glued to, to find out all about it.
These were certainly some of the worst cases I've heard of. Horrifying murders and horrifyingly graphic details of dismemberment. Not a book to read on a quiet night at home by yourself! Varied cases from all around the world. One of these killed 52! Unspeakable horrors! And on the other side: Terrible treatment by the police and to the wrong man! Shocking! Forensics such as this fascinate me. Just a piece of fluff-and it can speak volumes. Right up to standard and hugely addictive reading.
Yet again: just when you think you've heard it all before-you haven't. Such unimaginable deeds these killers do. This is a great book and I really love this format. This contains 8 true crime case studies. Eye opening-eye popping really.
These were all cases I'd not heard of before. And some from many years ago-1918-it's not just modern times which are plagued by these monsters. Graphic descriptions of some of the worst murders in history. Horrible-but the kind of thing you're just glued to, to find out all about it.
These were certainly some of the worst cases I've heard of. Horrifying murders and horrifyingly graphic details of dismemberment. Not a book to read on a quiet night at home by yourself! Varied cases from all around the world. One of these killed 52! Unspeakable horrors! And on the other side: Terrible treatment by the police and to the wrong man! Shocking! Forensics such as this fascinate me. Just a piece of fluff-and it can speak volumes. Right up to standard and hugely addictive reading.
March 20, 2017
Not what I thought. I was hoping to read an analysis of various serial killers - what made them tick, how they operated, and insights into their pathologically twisted minds. This book lacks any depth - what's more, it covers some serial killers, but also spree / mass killers. There isn't much more than you could find in a newspaper article, and the writing is a bit sloppy and disjointed. An interesting subject, but not an interesting read.
June 15, 2022
Not too bad.
There were people that I hadn't heard of before. It was interesting. I enjoyed what I read. I went and looked up some of the books and movies that were listed as well.
There were people that I hadn't heard of before. It was interesting. I enjoyed what I read. I went and looked up some of the books and movies that were listed as well.
July 11, 2017
I found some new and interesting stories in this audio. Some I knew and some I did not. I love true crime and the way the mind works. This was a truly and enjoyable listen.
Mr. White did a wonderful job on the narration. He did a few character voices which were really good but most of the book is about facts and there is no need for them. He has a very pleasant voice that really adds to the detail of this audio. He gave the facts as they are but with interest like he really enjoyed learning the facts as much as I did. There are no repeats of words, nor any background noise, there are no volume changes. The music fits the story when it is used it isn’t over powering and blends very well. I thought his performance was great and he added a lot to the story with his tones and emotions. I look forward to listening to more of his work.
The research the author does is wonderful really getting all the facts and laying them out for the reader. I really got lost in the facts and the stories. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Mr. White did a wonderful job on the narration. He did a few character voices which were really good but most of the book is about facts and there is no need for them. He has a very pleasant voice that really adds to the detail of this audio. He gave the facts as they are but with interest like he really enjoyed learning the facts as much as I did. There are no repeats of words, nor any background noise, there are no volume changes. The music fits the story when it is used it isn’t over powering and blends very well. I thought his performance was great and he added a lot to the story with his tones and emotions. I look forward to listening to more of his work.
The research the author does is wonderful really getting all the facts and laying them out for the reader. I really got lost in the facts and the stories. I look forward to reading more from this author.
August 2, 2018
I love true crime stories (why, I have no clue lol, I can't watch an animal even look sad but I can listen to serial killer stories all day long - huge Stephen King fan), and this one was a gem among gems. Really riveting stories and horrific crimes, just what we true-crimers love. Some you may know, some you may not. All good ones, though. I loved the stories, writing and narration, definitely a good job all around. Definitely recommend it!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 19, 2017
Interesting but..
The subject !matter was interesting but there were a lot of generalizations made and the writing style is not refined. It felt a lot like reading a research paper written by a college student. Not terrible but not good either.
The subject !matter was interesting but there were a lot of generalizations made and the writing style is not refined. It felt a lot like reading a research paper written by a college student. Not terrible but not good either.
Read
January 15, 2020This book tells the stories of 8 serial killers and killing sprees. Starting with David parker Ray known as the toy box killer. Each killer has its own chapter that includes details about their horrible crimes. The chapters each start with their childhood and end with their victims.
Most of the killers had one thing in common, a dysfunctional childhood. This reminded me of some documentary I've watched. These documentaries said that a criminal mind is developed from abuse as a child. Many studies I've read explain that the mother has the biggest influence on a child and when a mother is abusive it can damage the child's mental health.
I like how the book went into detail about the killer's childhood. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is sensitive. I also would recommend this book to anyone who is younger than 13. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the details of killings.
Most of the killers had one thing in common, a dysfunctional childhood. This reminded me of some documentary I've watched. These documentaries said that a criminal mind is developed from abuse as a child. Many studies I've read explain that the mother has the biggest influence on a child and when a mother is abusive it can damage the child's mental health.
I like how the book went into detail about the killer's childhood. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is sensitive. I also would recommend this book to anyone who is younger than 13. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the details of killings.
May 25, 2017
3,5/5. I like this book a bit less than the others I've read from this author. The stories felt like a little bit over explain and some time it just feel like they are just stretch to the limit to be longer and longer. I would I've taken maybe a case or two for the same book size. The cases are, like always, interesting well explain with the factual and psychological facts, the even, the after and the what may have cause it. Not as good as the others, but still a decent true crime book!
December 28, 2017
Informative
4 stars for this intricate reading of some of the most famous names to be imprinted on Americans minds & their more then 15 minutes of fame.
A brief synopsis of 8 of the most prolific serial killers to grace the headlines.
Interesting reading at best & thought provoking too.
4 stars for this intricate reading of some of the most famous names to be imprinted on Americans minds & their more then 15 minutes of fame.
A brief synopsis of 8 of the most prolific serial killers to grace the headlines.
Interesting reading at best & thought provoking too.
February 12, 2017
Good Read
I just finished the book. I find it interesting how some people can be abused when young, and NOT become the abuser,and others do. How can you do the abusing when you yourself went through the same pain. Good book
I just finished the book. I find it interesting how some people can be abused when young, and NOT become the abuser,and others do. How can you do the abusing when you yourself went through the same pain. Good book
December 22, 2017
Not bad
I find myself truly fascinated by the stories presented by Jack Rosewood in these books. My biggest complaint is that the format they are written in is a bit repetitive.They have a potential of being better by cutting the fluff and the story once.
I find myself truly fascinated by the stories presented by Jack Rosewood in these books. My biggest complaint is that the format they are written in is a bit repetitive.They have a potential of being better by cutting the fluff and the story once.
May 11, 2018
Repetitive
Each chapter seemed to repeat the same facts over and over. I did like the victim breakdown and the initial beginning of each chapter but the rest of the chapter was just to once again elaborate on something already mentioned.
Each chapter seemed to repeat the same facts over and over. I did like the victim breakdown and the initial beginning of each chapter but the rest of the chapter was just to once again elaborate on something already mentioned.
August 22, 2020
While being informative, it gave just the surface details of the cases and moreso relied on the authors opinions. Also, the book was poorly made ( pages falling out AS I read it) and grammatical errors common throughout.
November 26, 2017
It was okay. Not one of the better ones.
This book seems to drag on with several short stories. Some stories I found interesting others not so much. Maybe they were fillers.
This book seems to drag on with several short stories. Some stories I found interesting others not so much. Maybe they were fillers.
May 4, 2020
While the facts in the book were good, it read like a poorly written high school research paper.
May 11, 2020
Great book, very interesting!
July 23, 2020
Great reading!
June 16, 2021
Very, very basic and kind of bad researched I guess. I won't trust a lot an author who gives movies as resources.
I don't think I'll be reading more books by him.
I don't think I'll be reading more books by him.
June 15, 2022
Not too bad. There were people I hadn't heard of before and then others that I have. I added a few of the books and movies that they had at the end of each chapter to my lists.
October 12, 2022
Well done
Well written and researched. Lots of facts and info. Nothing superfluous. Minimal philosophical thoughts. I enjoyed the quick read and will read more by this author.
Well written and researched. Lots of facts and info. Nothing superfluous. Minimal philosophical thoughts. I enjoyed the quick read and will read more by this author.
April 1, 2023
DNF 30%
Seems like a cash grab. Has less info than a poorly written Wikipedia article.
Seems like a cash grab. Has less info than a poorly written Wikipedia article.
March 10, 2017
Fairly interesting.
Most stories already well known,, but quite enjoyed it. But 17 hours 32 minutes to read? Really?? It took me just over 4 hours, with breaks for coffee!
Most stories already well known,, but quite enjoyed it. But 17 hours 32 minutes to read? Really?? It took me just over 4 hours, with breaks for coffee!
March 4, 2017
8 stories of men with rage and horror...david parker ray aka the toy box killer....james hubery aka the mc donalds massacre...fritz haarmann aka butcher of hanover....anatoly onoprienko aka the beast of Ukraine....cho seung-hui Virginia tech massacre...George hennard the luby massacre...Kenneth bianchi and angelo buono aka the hillside stranglers.......Ronald Dominique the bayou strangler.... these are 8 of the worst killers there are because of the sensless violence and loss of live because of them....
February 18, 2017
This book, by Jack Rosewood and Rebecca Lo, presents various individuals notorious for their crimes against humanity.
Serial killers compiled together, beginning with detailed information based on research completed and presented in user friendly format. It goes on to actual true crime stories and accounts of events committed by evil killers.
This is detailed and informative.
It includes family history and back stories suggestive to dynamics and possible reasons for their lifestyle and arguable mental health issues.
I prefer the written stories as opposed to the information obtained from trial manuscripts, but was not discouraged from reading the information provided in this book.
I was able to read this at my leisure based on the number of different people it highlighted and the amount of information it touches base upon.
This was a fairly good source of reference for those interested in true crime stories.
Serial killers compiled together, beginning with detailed information based on research completed and presented in user friendly format. It goes on to actual true crime stories and accounts of events committed by evil killers.
This is detailed and informative.
It includes family history and back stories suggestive to dynamics and possible reasons for their lifestyle and arguable mental health issues.
I prefer the written stories as opposed to the information obtained from trial manuscripts, but was not discouraged from reading the information provided in this book.
I was able to read this at my leisure based on the number of different people it highlighted and the amount of information it touches base upon.
This was a fairly good source of reference for those interested in true crime stories.
February 7, 2017
Twisted and demented
Here are stories about eight of the most twisted, deviant and demented murderers you never hope to meet. Although they may look normal on the outside, their minds have gone haywire.
Serial killers, mass murderers, spree killers, homosexual slayers, killers of children, women, men, you'll find them in these pages. Monsters dwell among us and we don't know which ones are the monsters.
You'll find a great selection, plenty of variety, and easy-to-read presentation in this anthology.
Here are stories about eight of the most twisted, deviant and demented murderers you never hope to meet. Although they may look normal on the outside, their minds have gone haywire.
Serial killers, mass murderers, spree killers, homosexual slayers, killers of children, women, men, you'll find them in these pages. Monsters dwell among us and we don't know which ones are the monsters.
You'll find a great selection, plenty of variety, and easy-to-read presentation in this anthology.
October 6, 2025
Books that are poorly edited are difficult for me to enjoy. I lost patience when they mentioned the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings and mentioned Anita Hill as Anita Hall. So I'm done with this book.
April 6, 2017
Intriguing
Most of the cases were new to me, and the Palmer brothers was a head scratcher. I got a couple more books you have written and am looking forward to reading them
Most of the cases were new to me, and the Palmer brothers was a head scratcher. I got a couple more books you have written and am looking forward to reading them
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews