Contemporary Perspectives on Serial Murder [Paperback]

Ronald M. Holmes (Editor), Stephen T. Holmes (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 24, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0761914218 | ISBN-13: 978-0761914211 | Edition: 1

Labeled as the crime of the 1990’s, serial murder is predicted to remain the crime of the first decades of the new millennium. This book brings together the perspectives of acknowledged experts in the field along with those of emerging authorities on serial murder. The chapters offer a unique look at these crimes from a variety of viewpoints and experiences. Accessibly written, this compelling volume includes information on minorities and serial killing, as well the manner in which serial killers are traced and tracked.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ronald M. Holmes is Coroner, in the Jefferson County Coroner's office and Professor Emeritus of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville. He is the author of several books, among them Profiling Violent Crimes, Sex Crimes, and Serial Murder. He is also the author of more than 50 articles appearing in scholarly publications. He is Vice President of the National Center for the Study of Unresolved Homicides and has completed more than 500 psychological profiles for police departments across the United States. He received his doctorate from Indiana University.

Stephen T. Holmes is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida. Prior to this position, he was a social science analyst for the National Institute of Justice in Washington, D.C. He has authored 6 books and more than 15 articles dealing with policing, drug testing, probation and parole issues, and violent crime. He received his doctorate from the University of Cincinnati.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc; 1 edition (March 24, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761914218
• ISBN-13: 978-0761914211
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #587,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Another error-laden effort from self-styled "experts", December 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Contemporary Perspectives on Serial Murder (Hardcover)

Once again, the father-son team of Ron and Stephen Holmes serve up a stew of fact, half-truth, and bizarre misinformation in an overpriced volume which claims to have the best interest of students and readers at heart. It is extremely odd that two such "experts" in the field of serial murder cannot spell the names of infamous killers, much less relate the facts of their cases with some semblance of accuracy. All the more strange that their editors fail to catch such glaring contradictions, can't spell "Zodiac"--they use a"k"!--etc. If you're looking for accurate information, save your money on this one.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a bit repeatative, August 1, 2007

By 

S. A. Bisson "criminolgy student" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Contemporary Perspectives on Serial Murder (Paperback)

I am a senior at a university and this book was assigned for my serial murder class. I found it repeatative, each chapter goes over the same material and often using the same examples for each point. It was an easy read a good intro book but not something i would recommend for an upper division class.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but could use a bit of an update, June 24, 2008

By 

Rai (Lou, KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Contemporary Perspectives on Serial Murder (Hardcover)

I actually purchased this book for my Serial Murder class. While I find the book informative and helpful, it is somewhat out of date. What this book really needs to help it out is a new edition, because I'm sure that there are more updated articles on serial murder nowadays.