The New Predator: Profiles Of Female Serial Killers [Paperback]

Deborah Schurman-Kauflin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Studies of multiple murderers have until now focused mainly on male perpetrators. Schurman-Kauflin, founder of the Violent Crimes Institute and a profiler, tries to remedy the imbalance by offering a disturbing look, based on personal interviews, at seven women who have committed multiple murders. Addressing her colleagues in the fields of forensic pathology and law enforcement, Schurman-Kauflin establishes a sense of urgency, noting that while females represent a small percentage of all multiple murderers in the U.S., their numbers have increased in the second half of the 20th century, to an estimated 26 over the past 30 years. Clinical, painstakingly detailed and heartwrenchingly ugly, the book points out such commonalities among these women as early parental abandonment or abuse and financial instability. Murderous women tend to gravitate toward typically female roles or occupations like nursing and babysitting, and also to stripping and prostitution. They are older than their male counterparts and seem the least likely villain in any given situation (enabling them to kill over a longer period of time), target victims who are available and defenseless (e.g., small children and the elderly), prefer to use "hands-off" methods of killing (poisoning, smothering) and are meticulous about leaving the crime scene free of material evidence. Schurman-Kauflin volunteers professionals a starting point, based on "exploratory research," for identifying and capturing female serial killers, because "though it may sound dismal, no amount of therapy will stop a multiple murderer who has killed from killing again." (Jan.)Forecast: Schurman-Kauflin's information may be of interest to the general public and may get some media attention, but the clinical tone of the writing clearly directs this book to her fellow forensic psychologists and others involved in crime prevention.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Algora Publishing (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892941589
• ISBN-13: 978-1892941589
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #257,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must read for all of law enforcement, March 20, 2001

By 

Doyle "Mustang fan" (DAYTON, OHIO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Predator: Profiles Of Female Serial Killers (Paperback)

I've been a Police Officer in a large midwest city for 23 years. The last 16 years have been spent on Homicide. This book should be on every law enforcement officials must read list. I was astounded at Dr. Kauflin's insight. In all of my training, and all of the books I've read, this is the one definitive work that you should read, think about, and read again. It gives the detective new insight, and the layperson a glimpse into the mind of the people we encounter everyday, and may not realize it.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very thought-provoking book, December 23, 2000

By 

John Kauflin (Dayton, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Predator: Profiles Of Female Serial Killers (Paperback)

The author weaves stories of various female serial/mass murderers in between clinical observations in such a way that the book is "enjoyable" to read. With an emphasis on prevention of serial/mass murder by describing characteristics of convicted female serial/mass murderers, this book should help teachers recognize which kids need help. And it could, along with the services of a qualified profiler, help law enforcement professionals solve "unsolved" crimes. But it's also a very good read and easy to understand, so those in search of a good book will enjoy it as well.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helped with identifying troubled teens, November 19, 2002

By 

craig pierron (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Predator: Profiles Of Female Serial Killers (Paperback)

I wanted to comment on this book and tell everyone that this is a must read for anyone connected to law enforcement and child guidance. I have worked for 19 years in several facilities for disturbed teenagers. The patterns discussed in this book mirror what I have actually seen and heard from these teens who have committed violent acts with little >or no remorse shown. as you read the New Predators you see as I have seen that some young women can be as fierce and aggressive as young
men when they decide to attack and feel absolutely no remorse for their acts. This book tells it like it is in the real world of the people in the front line, dealing with these increasingly troubled and hostile young people. I fear for what
is coming from these people as they grow older and more adept at covering their tracks.

craig pierron