Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers (Facts on File Crime Library)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Expanded and updated edition of his original that came out in 2000. There are now entries on cases that have been solved since the first edition was released. Examples: Gary Leon Ridgway, the Green River Killer and Dennis Rader, the BTK Strangler. Other cases have been expanded. Some that were only listed in the appendixes now have entries in the main section.
The author uses the definition of a serial killer as someone who murders 2 or more persons, done as separate events. This leads to inclusion of some killers that most people would not consider serial killers. I understand the author going for a more inclusive approach than otherwise. If he didn't go this route, there would inevitably be complaints about killers left out.
I spotted very few errors and none that I would categorize as major.
I would like to see a much more comprehensive index. Trying to find an entry if all you remember is a victim name or an odd location is difficult.
The entries range from a few paragraphs to several pages. Still, if you want a detailed read on a specific case, you will need to get a book devoted to that killer. There are entries on some killers that there hasn't been a book written about, such as Melvin Rees.
Of the three SK Encyclopedias I've read, this is the best, in my opinion.
The reviews for the first edition are still mostly applicable here. I recommend reading them for other viewpoints.

This is a fascinating read for true crime buffs. The author's stated purpose is to "demystify, as far as possible, those predators in human form who have been with us since the dawn of history..." Serial killers at large are so frightening that they end up touching all of our lives--most especially in the United States, where 84% of all known serial killers have committed their crimes since 1980. I first became aware of this type of human predator when I was a student at the University of Michigan, and John Norman Collins was murdering coeds with pierced ears and long brown hair.

California native Michael Newton has published 181 books since 1977, including 147 novels but he is best known for his true crime and reference works. I have to say that I assumed this author was British because of his concise, witty style and also for his tendency to critique other true crime authors who failed to get their facts straight, including the names of a serial killer's victims. One of his special peeves is the term 'spree killer,' and he also doesn't seem to think much of profilers.

Most of the entries in this encyclopedia are concerned with the serial killers themselves, whether they acted alone, in twosomes, or in packs. One of the biggest surprises for me was the large number of serial killers who are or were women. Something like 12% of all serial killers are female, and Hungarian women seem especially prone to this behavior, starting with Countess Erzsebet B'thory in the sixteenth century whose final body count was somewhere between 300 and 650 victims. In the early 1900s,Vera Renczi murdered 35 husbands, lovers, and a son and was arrested by the police only after they searched her basement and discovered 35 zinc coffins. "Some evenings, Vera liked to sit among the coffins in an armchair and enjoy the company of her adoring beaux." Then there were the "Angel Makers of Nagyrev"...

Well, let me just close by remarking that "The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers" is an extremely interesting source of information on the darker side of human nature. In addition to the encyclopedia entries, there are also appendices on "Solo Killers," "Team Killers," and "Unresolved Cases," plus an extensive bibliography.

A friend of mine gave me this book, and normally I don't read. However, on a road trip, I decided to read some of the book and became very interested, QUICKLY! The book is quite detailed, and I liked the fact that there was information in the book on serial killers from the 1800's and earlier (Erzsebet Bathory born in 1560). A great, well-written book!

This is one of the best books availible for those interested in True Crime and the history of Serial Killers. The author has compiled a fast read and profiles for each person. Very detailed, It is a basic knowledge of the essential info. If you want more detailed profiles of certain serial killers i would recommend that you buy a book based on a certian individual.

But this is a great basic info source.

Most Recommended.

It's a pretty long read but it does contain some written material that might be inappropiate for some readers.What I really like about this book is the aspect of every serial killer which deals about their background as well as why would they committe such a crime that forever haunt us till this very day.Michael Newton does provide info that'll help us think and learn about who they are and what they are.Make no mistake that this book will give you everything you need to know about them except the only thing I wish that this book should have is more photos.Anyway,do yourself a favor and check this book out.

This book is pretty well written, with only a few minor complaints. First some of the region specific killers are missing such as John Norman Collins, but over all is very complete. The addition of a quick reference guide in the back that explains both solved and unsolved cases is a nice touch.

This book along with Harold Schecters Serial Killer Files make a fairly complete analysis of the more deranged and sociopathic killers out there.

I recommend this book to anyone curious about some of the most despicable people out there.

This book is fantastic! I enjoyed being able to read details that give insight into the lives of the serial killers. Very interesting if you are interested in this type of thing. Also, fantastic conversation starter as a coffee table book :)

This is one of my shorter reviews because this book basically does what it says it will do. It is an encyclopedia of serial killers. The editors line up and offer a background on some of the more famous serial killers of all time while also offering some details on what tools are used to find and defeat them.

An interesting note is that most of the killers in this book got their starts in a period that seems to run from 1970-1985. Imagine a huge bell curve for serial killers and that is what you have. Something to keep an eye on in this book that I found interesting.

Serial Killers have long aroused society's curiosity. Recent high-profile cases and intense media coverage have drawn increased attention to this terrifying brand of crime, its shocking criminals, and the details of these killers' heinous acts. This Encyclopedia contains comprehensive information on hundreds of serial murderers and murder cases, from early history to the present. Debunking common myths and misconceptions, this encyclopedia avoids glamorizing serial killers and provides accurate accounts of who they are, how they operate, and how law enforcement hunts them.

With more than 250 entries, including, more than 60 new and updated, and more than 30 new photographs, this Encyclopedia is an indispensable references for students, researchers, general readers interested in the macabre but fascinating world of Serial Killers. You'll find all the legendary or well-known cases: Bundy, Gacy, Gein, Zodiac, Lucas, Jack the Ripper, Dahmer, Ramirez, Son of Sam, Boston Strangler, BTK, Ridgway, Chikatilo, Wuornos, Hillside Stranglers, Bathory, Manson, Toole, Yates, Fish and many more. You'll also find a lot of cases that the general public might have never heard before: The I-45 Killer, Fritz Haarmann, Billy Gohl, Jarvis Catoe, The Frankford Slasher, The Valley Killer, Michael B. Ross, Gennadiy Mikhasevich, "Bruce Lee", William Hance and many others that a lot of people might not know. Some of the entries are about type of murders or killers: Mass Murder, Cannibalism, Black Widows, Bluebeards, Bombing (this is where you'll find the Unabomber), Vampirism, Sexual Homicides and other types of killers and murders. Some of the entries you'll find in this book are about other things related to serial killers and law enforcement: Modus Operandi, Geography, Profiling, Incarceration, Groupies, Missing persons, Weapons, Motives and others.

A great section of this Encyclopedia is the "Appendix", from page 308 to page 489. The Appendix is in three different sections: Solo killers, Team killers and Unresolved cases. You'll find in this appendix all the cases not detailed in the main text. You'll find all the basic information about these cases: name, sex, race of the killer(s) ( if known ); date(s) of the murder(s), the killer's type and motivation, plus a brief description of the case. The third part, the unresolved cases, is chilling to read, it's scary to think that most of these unknown serial killers might still be alive and killing people. The Appendix is a great idea and is really fun to read.

I don't have to say more. This is a must-buy book, one of the best Encyclopedia I have ever read. Buy it, You won't regret it. :)

seller sent on time and packaged nicely...book itself is very interesting and covers alot of people i had previously not heard of.