Rites Of Burial [Paperback]

Tom Jackman (Author), Troy Cole (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Written by Tom Jackman, the local investigative journalist who covered the story, and Troy Cole, the chief investigating officer, "Rites of Burial" tells the gruesome true story of Robert Berdella, a serial killer whose inhuman crimes of murder and dismemberment might have served to inspire Jeffrey Dahmer's Milwaukee slaughter. Photos.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pinnacle (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786014156
• ISBN-13: 978-0786014156
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,896,805 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to know ALL the DETAILS, this is for you, January 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Rites Of Burial (True Crime) (Paperback)

I picked this book up in a bargain bin. As I started to read it, I was quite shocked by the graphic details and disturbing pictures in this book. Other reviewers have said this book is insensitive and biased. Although I understand this point, I disagree. If you truly want to examine the depravity of serial murderers, you have to know the details of their crimes to be able to understand the things of which these people are capable. In addition, other reviewers have charged the authors with being homophobic. I did not find this to be the case. Rather, the authors did expose how the homophobia of the KC police dept. affected their investigations and their handling of the victims and Berdella.

Unfortunately, the victims' families are undoubtedly hurt by the openly graphic nature of this book. However, the pictures in this book provide faces to these men IN pain and agony, which reinforces to the reader that they are PEOPLE, not just names. Of all the books I have read on serial killers, this one portrays serial killers as the TRULY sick, evil, emotionless, empty, disgusting, depraved, sub-human beings they are. It does not elavate them to the sensationalist, almost cult-hero iconistic status as do many books, movies, etc...

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All the details, January 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Rites Of Burial (True Crime) (Paperback)

One of the most detailed true crime books I have ever read. In this case, the killer kept detailed logs of his torture and took photographs, some of which are included in this book. An in-depth look at the police investigation, the horrible crimes, the victims' lives, and the legal process. I could not put the book down. It is highly recommended for true-crime fans.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars empathy for victims' families, October 30, 2002

By 

"ljbinvest" (San Antonio, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rites Of Burial (True Crime) (Paperback)

I read Mike Sheldon's review and was very touched. I just finished reading the book and I feel that the victims and their families have experienced unbelievable atrocities. I wish I could reach out to the families and offer my heartfelt sorrow for their loss. I would caution readers of the very graphic photographs and the horrific details described in the book. I felt physically ill while reading the accounts of each crime. I read many true crime novels but none were quite this grotesque.