Customer Reviews

Making of a Serial Killer: The Real Story of the Gainesville Student Murders in the Killer's... (True Crime Series)

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

 

 

Having read another book about the same subject, this book was a massive disappointment. I'm not sure if I expected to get a feeling for who the victims were, as this was co-authored by Danny Rolling himself, but I certainly hoped Sondra London would delve into this much more than was done, although she can't really be called objective.

Having lived in Gainesville in the 90's, this book in no way captures the essence of the town which was shocked out of its innocence and changed forever by these horrific crimes. It's sad to say, but the most engrossing aspect of these books is not the endless exploration of Rolling's life (of which there is a LOT), but the few short (and I do mean SHORT) mentions of the murders themselves. I found myself skipping to these parts of the book, only because the rest was so unenlightening.

The murders and mutilations, although heinous, are somehow diminished in their atrocity by the total lack of insight into the lives that were being ended, the city and campus that were being changed forever, or the emotional disasters being wreaked on the families and friends of the victims. Rolling is just not that interesting. His ramblings about the alter-ego "Gemini" mask the true reason for all this tragedy -- his social impotence, lack of success with work or women, and his rage at all others that he perceived to have easier lives than he had.

For a great account of these crimes, read The Gainesville Ripper, by Mary S. Ryzuk instead.

Having been involved with Rolling and Bobby Lewis at the time this book-like thing was being devised and thus having first-hand knowledge of many of the facts, I strongly advise others against buying into Rolling's carefully crafted deception. There is little in this that is truthful and certainly nothing that is useful. I would find it laughable if it weren't for the fact that Rolling slaughtered eight people, including an 8-year old child, then deceived those in whom he confided, Lewis and London, in order to bring his dream of being published to fruition.

So if you support murder in general, wish to applaud Rolling for these killings in particular, or want to help him torment his victims' families, then by all means shell out your dough. But if you're looking for factual or useful information, look elsewhere.

Anyone considering purchasing this book should first be made well aware that neither of the authors are/were literary geniuses. Far from it in all actuality.

Much like Manson, Rollings has a touch of the artistic side within him. Perhaps it's merely the a-la-carte that so often accompanies insanity. This book contains much of his poetry, lyrics and drawings. Again, I stress that he is NOT great at any of the aforementioned. Neither is Manson, but still... it was entertaining on a certain, twisted level.

Rollings was definitely not wired correctly from early on, and Ms. London (in my humble opinion) may have a little of the same problem upstairs, as well. Rollings (coincidently?) was not the first killer that Ms. London has been romantically involved with. She even fancies herself a singer and songwriter, which (if you have the time and inclination) you can find online and feast on an auditory sample thereof. When doing so, I must warn you to refrain from drinking any beverages when the music commences... else liquids will fly with great velocity during the riotous fits of laughter that will inevitably follow.

Yet, even with all that I have mentioned so far, this book is greatly entertaining. Perhaps that IS the very reason why it's an enjoyable read. It isn't verbally over-stuffed and psychologically fluffed. It is what it is... if you can take it as such. And much like a bad train wreck, one is some how drawn to slow down and give it a look.

I liked it a lot. It's an easy read. Put it on the coffee table if you're not afraid of scaring away the neighbors. Then again... hmmmm. ;)

Ms. London has been called the Queen of the serial killer groupies, but no one will ever call her the queen of crime writers. Along with her then-boyfiend Rolling, the couple trots out every pathetic excuse imaginable for his murders. The fact that this is from "Feral Press" should be warning enough.

I expected this to be the story of a serial killer in the eyes of a serial killer. Instead, the author (and purported lover of serial killer Danny Rolling) constructs a story from Rolling and those people who came in contact with him. London did expose some of Rolling's character flaws (pretending to be a master of karate, his adolescent personality, etc.). Still, I felt rather dirty buying this book because it was written by someone who loves and is capitalizing on the actions of a loser who killed 5 young, innocent people for little more than the thrills it gave him.

The quality of the writing is not good, and the draft looks more like a preliminary copy. Sloppy writing at best, particularly in an age of word processors with spell checkers.

Worth reading to let people know what goes on in the mind of evil. Rollings got exactly what he deserved for the things that he did. Did not mind spending money on book since Rollings and London can not profit. Will not bring loved ones back but they will not benefit from someone elses grief and it's about time for that ruling.

Rolling or GEMINI?

Who REALLY wrote this lousey book?

I wonder if all the alters were executed? One may have been missed?

Don't waste your money on this book.

This book is usually found in some campus libraries, it is a story told in autobiographical style.

Since it's like an autobiography, there is a first person narration going on which is a little distracting but overall adds to make it easier to read. There are few pictures, which is okay with me but a few more would have helped, to make a background on the people involved, and make them more human. For example he says he lifted a finger to the wind to find out what direction to take, there are plenty of scenes like that where the main subject Danny Rolling seems to leave it all up to nature and the elements. He liked to camp out nearby the girls' apartments and play tapes of himself singing, speaking and playing guitar. He liked to go into the convenience store to pick up girls to stalk. All in all, if you don't mind a little cliche here and there, this seems to be very entertaining. And if nothing else, an excellent forensic psychology layout which provides a list of do's and don'ts. Recommended...

Aryan Somers

I had heard nasty things about this book; about the self-serving purpose of the serial killer, Danny Rolling. I was pleasantly surprised by the content. I actually believe Rolling IS telling the truth. He does not claim to have a multiple personality. He claims to have allowed himself to dwell and participate in evil. He knows what he did was wrong. He does not expect the families of the murder victims to forgive him. I give him credit for that. His description of his obsession with evil is extremely accurate. I know of other killers with similar personalities. Most of them have completely given up all of their soul to the dark side and no longer desire otherwise. Rolling, somehow, never quite relinquished his soul to that pit. Why, I cannot say. Will it save him from damnation in the end? I can't answer that either; that is for God to decide.

a thrilling ride with the gainsville serial killer. as u read it feels like u r right there with him as he relives his crimes for the readers. he also tells of prieviously unknown details of his abusive childhood (his father stomped his puppy to death right in front of him as a small boy) and his stint in the air force. his brilliant artwork, songs and poetry r also featured in his final work. truly a collectors edition!