Customer Reviews

Killer Twins

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

 

 

One of the best true-crimers I've read in a while. I used to think that the reason the FBI profilers so frequently struggled with new cases was that no matter how many categories they came up with, people were snowflakes and psychos all went psycho in their own way. But here's a book that makes the case that psychopathic behavior is preprogrammed in the genes. Identical twins who competed by doing crimes, ever-escalating crimes, until both separately became killers, and killed in an identical way. Must read for all law enforcement and criminologists, and a bit of a page-turner to boot.

A lot of Benson's books are courtroom dramas but not this one. This is a lot quicker paced with a lot more story, more of a saga, covering more than thirty years and two small cities in Upstate New York. There is a trial, but it's more of a footnote. The killers and the many victims are given careful attention, so that it's tearfully tragic when they inevitably come together. One of the killers really opened up and gives us a guided tour of a killer's mind. It isn't what this guy feels that is chilling, but what he doesn't feel. Images stick with you. I might read this again some day.

February 04, 2010: When Stephen Spahalski was released from prison in 2009, the Elmira, NY community was all abuzz about what he and his brother Robert "Bruce", had done. In a search, I found out this book was coming out. I wanted to read it, only to find out what was "true" and what was "rumor". I was stunned.
Mr. Benson truly did his homework. From the Spahalski's childhood, their drug fueled crime sprees and eventual murders, to the frustration and eventual relief of law enforcement in the solving of the murders, it's all there. Your heart breaks for the victim's families, and you get angry when the confessions come. There are a few graphic pictures in this book for the Ripley murder.
If you enjoy reading "true crime" books, this is one to pick up. Once you start reading, you won't want to put the book down until you are done.

This is a good true crime book. Just the kind I like. Benson does a great job on backgrounds on all the victims and also the criminals. A lot of true crime books are to much in the court room.....not this one.
If your a true crime fan buy this book you will not be disapointed.