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Murderers In California: The Unforgettable True Stories of Compulsive Serial Killers On the West Coast
Murder is very practical, really.
It doesn’t take too much time or effort once you’re used to it. You don’t have to wait for the paycheck; you take it. You don’t have to look for pleasure; you take it.
The people who populate these pages have found all the shadows in the sun-drenched state of California. They have leaped from nameless victim to nameless victim.
Each killer’s only challenge was finding a spot to hide the leftover bones. Grisly, browned bones sometimes covered with muscles that looked like meat jerky occasionally turned up in backyards, discarded moldy rugs, or grime-smudged garbage bins. But as long as their victims had wallets and IDs, killers could make a living if they chose to. Of course, if one had a cause to fight for, more planning might be involved… not too elaborate… not too memorable… just efficient.
This book covers famous and not-so-famous murderers, but the deaths they dealt to their victims were just as deadly, gruesome, and fatal. It didn’t matter to these soulless murderers whether death came to their anguished victims by knife, gun, bayonet, or bare hands.
Read on and discover the stories behind the lingering silent sounds of those who no longer walk above ground in California—a state meant for its beauty, beaches, and bright sun.
It doesn’t take too much time or effort once you’re used to it. You don’t have to wait for the paycheck; you take it. You don’t have to look for pleasure; you take it.
The people who populate these pages have found all the shadows in the sun-drenched state of California. They have leaped from nameless victim to nameless victim.
Each killer’s only challenge was finding a spot to hide the leftover bones. Grisly, browned bones sometimes covered with muscles that looked like meat jerky occasionally turned up in backyards, discarded moldy rugs, or grime-smudged garbage bins. But as long as their victims had wallets and IDs, killers could make a living if they chose to. Of course, if one had a cause to fight for, more planning might be involved… not too elaborate… not too memorable… just efficient.
This book covers famous and not-so-famous murderers, but the deaths they dealt to their victims were just as deadly, gruesome, and fatal. It didn’t matter to these soulless murderers whether death came to their anguished victims by knife, gun, bayonet, or bare hands.
Read on and discover the stories behind the lingering silent sounds of those who no longer walk above ground in California—a state meant for its beauty, beaches, and bright sun.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2020
245 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Becker
39 books81 followersRyan Becker is a True Crime author who started his writing journey in late 2016. Like many of you, he loves to explore the process of how individuals turn their darkest fantasies into a reality.
Ryan has always had a passion for storytelling. So, writing is the best output for him to combine his fascination with psychology and true crime. It is Ryan’s goal for his readers to experience the full immersion with the dark reality of the world just like how he used to do it in his younger days.
Now with his small team, Ryan wishes to push the storytelling even further with other passionate writers and together they can leave a mark on the reader with their various storytelling styles.
To reach out or just to say hi you can email him at Ryanbecker@ryanbeckerwrites.com.
Ryan has always had a passion for storytelling. So, writing is the best output for him to combine his fascination with psychology and true crime. It is Ryan’s goal for his readers to experience the full immersion with the dark reality of the world just like how he used to do it in his younger days.
Now with his small team, Ryan wishes to push the storytelling even further with other passionate writers and together they can leave a mark on the reader with their various storytelling styles.
To reach out or just to say hi you can email him at Ryanbecker@ryanbeckerwrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 21, 2020
I haven't read the first book in this series but I found that you don't have to read all of these books in order. Focusing on the US state of California, this collection of true serial killers was horrific, brutal and a little scary to read. It is a short fast-paced collection that I recommend that you read during the daytime since it may give you nightmares!
February 17, 2020
If you Enjoyed Vol. 1 that took place in New Mexico you ought to really like Vol. 2 as well
There have been many books written about multiple serial killers in California. Often killing during the same or overlapping time periods. They are Infamous and Referenced in quite a few books. This book sought to focus on lesser-known cases and those that weren't the traditional motivations of established serial killers.
They achieved these plans up to a point. Some of their murderers were very well known, but I either hadn't read about them in a long while or learnt new details that I hadn't heard before.
The writers made a point of using Easy-to-Read language. They included references for more in-depth reading / research. Then the Publishers gave a listing of many of their own published books with easy to access Kindle links. Overall I really enjoyed this book. It made for easy reading / listening to as I drove to and from work. It teacches you in the same ways not to be a victim for example, using deserted outside ATMs while alone is DEFINITELY NOT ever the wisest choice! You never know who's watching!
I enjoyed this equally as much as New Mexico Murderers. I can't wait to see where True Crime Seven authors next take me next. At least I visited California a few times before you scared me out of going to New Mexico. Two states down with forty-eight more to go. And I really appreciate how the Publishers acknowledged their readers. Bravo!
There have been many books written about multiple serial killers in California. Often killing during the same or overlapping time periods. They are Infamous and Referenced in quite a few books. This book sought to focus on lesser-known cases and those that weren't the traditional motivations of established serial killers.
They achieved these plans up to a point. Some of their murderers were very well known, but I either hadn't read about them in a long while or learnt new details that I hadn't heard before.
The writers made a point of using Easy-to-Read language. They included references for more in-depth reading / research. Then the Publishers gave a listing of many of their own published books with easy to access Kindle links. Overall I really enjoyed this book. It made for easy reading / listening to as I drove to and from work. It teacches you in the same ways not to be a victim for example, using deserted outside ATMs while alone is DEFINITELY NOT ever the wisest choice! You never know who's watching!
I enjoyed this equally as much as New Mexico Murderers. I can't wait to see where True Crime Seven authors next take me next. At least I visited California a few times before you scared me out of going to New Mexico. Two states down with forty-eight more to go. And I really appreciate how the Publishers acknowledged their readers. Bravo!
December 8, 2020
A potted history of the serial killers who have tortured this state of the US. Not all, by any means, can't see Kemper, for example, or the Hillside Stranglers, but hey, there's only so much can be put in a book, I guess. We all know about those cases, anyway, and some of these were new to me, at least. Or new as in I didn't know their crimes and numbers, at least.
Interesting, even if a little sparse on any human history, which would possibly have been helpful for anyone who wanted to know more, but I think that's the point: Read a little potted history like this and then find a book on any who take your fancy to read more about. There are a lot of little books like this on the kindle and probably on paper, I reckon, and they're good research tools for those wanting to find a serial killer to learn more about and need to know more about the grisly and inhuman acts of people and the evil that hides in plain sight, but if you're looking for something to get your teeth into, find a book concentrating on one and then move from there - this is a tool so you can know where to start, I guess. Interesting to know the stark numbers, if missing some, and their crimes. The depths of the human psyche are amazing, and evil is something we all need to know more about in case it knocks on our own door. Here's a book that shows how easily that can happen.
Tip: don't go into sex work! That's a surefire way to get disappeared! And yes, I so wish I were joking!
Interesting, even if a little sparse on any human history, which would possibly have been helpful for anyone who wanted to know more, but I think that's the point: Read a little potted history like this and then find a book on any who take your fancy to read more about. There are a lot of little books like this on the kindle and probably on paper, I reckon, and they're good research tools for those wanting to find a serial killer to learn more about and need to know more about the grisly and inhuman acts of people and the evil that hides in plain sight, but if you're looking for something to get your teeth into, find a book concentrating on one and then move from there - this is a tool so you can know where to start, I guess. Interesting to know the stark numbers, if missing some, and their crimes. The depths of the human psyche are amazing, and evil is something we all need to know more about in case it knocks on our own door. Here's a book that shows how easily that can happen.
Tip: don't go into sex work! That's a surefire way to get disappeared! And yes, I so wish I were joking!
March 3, 2020
I read the first book in this series and picked up the second for some light reading. Unfortunately, I find that these books often oversimplify the cases they're discussing. While I do understand this is meant to be quick summaries of crimes, it seems like in certain areas there's just too much simplification. There are also areas where the writing falls flat. This contrasts areas where the writing is a bit creepy--if I have to read about someone thrust, thrust, thrusting again I'm going to shake my head in sadness.
So, what this book really needed was a good editor. There are areas where an entire page is one-sentence paragraphs. Yuck.
In terms of the crimes covered, several are well known cases from California: Charles Manson, the boarding house killer (Puente), etc. If you're new to true crime you may like these tiny summaries and they may get you interested in certain serial killers that you can further research in other books. But this one does skip over quite a good amount of detail (I'm thinking of Charles Manson's short chapter, but this is true of others as well) in its desire to be brief.
So, what this book really needed was a good editor. There are areas where an entire page is one-sentence paragraphs. Yuck.
In terms of the crimes covered, several are well known cases from California: Charles Manson, the boarding house killer (Puente), etc. If you're new to true crime you may like these tiny summaries and they may get you interested in certain serial killers that you can further research in other books. But this one does skip over quite a good amount of detail (I'm thinking of Charles Manson's short chapter, but this is true of others as well) in its desire to be brief.
January 23, 2020
Worth the time and effort to read
I have read all of the books by Ryan Becker and have enjoyed all of them and this one was no exception. Once again well researched and put together well and it flowed from story to story and keeps your interest throughout, very minor editing barely noticeable and doesn't pull you out of the stories.
I have read all of the books by Ryan Becker and have enjoyed all of them and this one was no exception. Once again well researched and put together well and it flowed from story to story and keeps your interest throughout, very minor editing barely noticeable and doesn't pull you out of the stories.
January 31, 2020
Fascinating true crime stories!
This book featured stories of several serial killers, some of whom I had never heard. I did find a few errors, though ( such Randy Steven Kraft being listed as both an Airmen and a Marine ). I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
This book featured stories of several serial killers, some of whom I had never heard. I did find a few errors, though ( such Randy Steven Kraft being listed as both an Airmen and a Marine ). I highly recommend this book to other true crime readers.
January 27, 2020
An anthology of user-losers!
The theme of this volume was people who murdered for a gain of some kind and then got caught. The cases are told in a way that states facts without putting you to sleep. I rather enjoyed it!
The theme of this volume was people who murdered for a gain of some kind and then got caught. The cases are told in a way that states facts without putting you to sleep. I rather enjoyed it!
January 27, 2020
Great compilation of killers
Once again, Ryan Becker has written about serial killers in a clear and concise manner. Some of these have been covered in other books, but new or updated information is added. Recommended for true crime addicts.
Once again, Ryan Becker has written about serial killers in a clear and concise manner. Some of these have been covered in other books, but new or updated information is added. Recommended for true crime addicts.
January 22, 2020
This book was very interesting and very informative. The book was about several serial killers from California.
January 23, 2020
Excellent writing, as usual.. so many killers covered in this book.
January 25, 2020
Good, quick read
Various stories about serial killers in CA. Mostly men, but women too. Some lesser known serial killers in this book.
Various stories about serial killers in CA. Mostly men, but women too. Some lesser known serial killers in this book.
June 26, 2020
Good
Good book enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to rest of the series. Quote from killers would be intriguing to add.
Good book enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to rest of the series. Quote from killers would be intriguing to add.
July 27, 2020
Not worth reading
Reader's digest version of a couple of serial killers. Not an interesting read. Basically a waste of time reading it.
Reader's digest version of a couple of serial killers. Not an interesting read. Basically a waste of time reading it.
February 24, 2022
I from California and I love it now ! love it.
March 31, 2023
excellent
Information like this is creepy but this excellently done as usual from these authors. I love this whole series thus far
Information like this is creepy but this excellently done as usual from these authors. I love this whole series thus far
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews