The Big Book of Serial Killers (An Encyclopedia of Serial Killers)

This is yet another great read that’s really hard to put down. It's an insightful and graphically detailed account of some of the most horrific serial killers. In fact, while reading yet another of Jack Rosewoods books (this time it’s more of an encyclopedia!), I just had to keep turning the pages yet again. Not necessarily because it's all that enjoyable in any way, shape or form, to delve a little too deeply into the malefic minds of such murderous men, but because I sincerely believe that most people are fascinated in one way or another by serial killers. Perhaps it’s the human morbid fascination with death. I’m not exactly sure. However, maybe it just astounds the average person as to how depraved other individuals can be. In case you skipped passed the book description, author Jack Rosewood best describes this frenzied feast better than I ever could: “There is little more terrifying than those who hunt, stalk and snatch their prey under the cloak of darkness. These hunters search not for animals, but for the touch, taste, and empowerment of human flesh. They are cannibals, vampires and monsters, and they walk among us. These serial killers are not mythical beasts with horns and shaggy hair. They are people living among society, going about their day to day activities until nightfall. They are the Dennis Rader’s, the fathers, husbands, church going members of the community. This A-Z encyclopedia of 150 serial killers is the ideal reference book. Included are the most famous true crime serial killers, like Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, and Richard Ramirez, and not to mention the women who kill, such as Aileen Wuornos and Martha Rendell. There are also lesser known serial killers, covering many countries around the world, so the range is broad. Each of the serial killer files includes information on when and how they killed the victims, the background of each killer, or the suspects in some cases such as the Zodiac killer, their trials and punishments. For some there are chilling quotes by the killers themselves. The Big Book of Serial Killers is an easy to follow collection of information on the world’s most heinous murderers.” Even if you are a seasoned campaigner of true crime, The Big Book of Serial Killers: 150 Serial Killer Files of the World's Worst Murderers (An Encyclopedia of Serial Killers) will surely raise more than a few hairs on the back of your neck. It was a first-class read and the author gave a perspective to these horrific crimes that was both fascinating and intriguing. This was one of the better true crime books that I have read recently. I would highly recommend this read to all fans of the true-crime genre. I’m also a big fan of Jack Rosewood so it’s another 5 Stars from me. Well done again!

Florida author Jack Rosewood inherited his fascination for heinous crimes from his father, a journalist covering major grim crimes such as Ted Bundy. He is fascinated with serial killers – their development psychologically, their preparation for their life of crime, and the details of how they made their bloody black marks on the world. Jack moves away from his intensive studies of serial killers to explore current crimes most of which are discoveries for the reader – even the Jack Rosewood reader! He is joined by co-author Rebecca Lo with whom he has published three other collections - TRUE CRIME STORIES: TRUE CRIME ANTHOLOGY - and together they survey THE BIG BOOK OF SERIAL KILLERS – electing to share the incredulous horror of 150 serial killers. As usual Jack (and now with Rebecca) opens with an introduction explaining the decision to place these gruesome stories before us: ‘For hundreds of years, serial killers have walked the streets and driven the highways in all four corners of the world. The Big Book of Serial Killers has brought 150 of the most depraved, sadistic, and terrifying murderers from Russia, America, Germany, Australia, Korea, China, Denmark and the UK together in one giant encyclopedia. From Elias Abuelazam to the Zodiac killer, this A-Z reference book contains information on the classification of each killer, the background, victims, method of killing, arrest, trial and punishment of some of the worst killers that have terrorized the world. Dates are included, such as when they started killing, their arrest, and execution dates where relevant. This encyclopedia is concise and factual, an educational tool for those who wish to learn more about the men and women who kill.’ From this terrifying introduction Jack and Rebecca address not only the back history of each of these serial killers, but also carefully describe the manner in which the killings occurred with a sense of psychological finesse that is rarely found in books such as this. We read, we learn, and we begin to understand. Easy reading? No, because of the subject matter but not the style of journalism. This is another important book from Jack Rosewood as assisted by Rebecca Lo. We must remain vigilant. Grady Harp, June 17

Another great book, which I call his "Masterpiece". Everything in here is so intense, gruesome,mind-blowing, just totally off the wall, but, right on point. Starting from A to Z, (no pun intended), the sadistic, sad, insane people in this world. There are many more names I could mention about these sick and twisted serial killers. Each one is different, and yet, they are similar. Mr. Jack Rosewood outdid himself with this book. I mentioned once in a review, that he is an encyclopedia of serial killers. He did write from A-Z, but, I know there will be another, part 2, perhaps. He is so dedicated to his work, truly, that he can write books after books and they all are hits. He never, disappoints, or lets you down. Just be prepared for a chilling, thrilling, book. Jack has so much knowledge of the killers, that it goes to show how much research is put into this book and all of his books. They say, the apple doesn't fall far the tree, and it didn't roll away from him. His father must be so proud, no doubt, what parent wouldn't be. There isn't a better author than Mr. Jack Rosewood. I want to say about some of these killers, that it's funny, (not really), how some are in the military, commit a crime or two and yet, they get a honorable discharge. Although, that was back in the day and I am sure today is different. Also, what gets to me, is that back in the day again, the prison sentence that they get seems far-fetched. I know every state has different laws, but, to see a person get away with murder, is terrible. It's just interesting to read and see the different sentences. That's another reason the book is good. There are so many different laws and executions. That's why this book is exactly what Jack named it. There are many references and trivia which is fantastic. To see the last words of some of the killers, to know they had no sympathy or any kind of an emotion, but, was just happy to kill, and be killed. Many of the victim's families neither had the body or even the answers as to why he or she was killed. That is the hardest part, not knowing or even to have the body laid to rest in a proper burial. How awful it must be, I can't even imagine, to have an officer, or some official tell you that they found a part or two of the body to be identified. Many didn't have their heads attached, So sad!

I’ve always been interested in serial killers and aspire to be a homicide detective one day. This book contains information in regard to an extensive list of serial killers. I like that the entries are relatively short and hit the highlights. Rather than an in-depth look that would probably make this book much harder for some to get through, we don’t get every gory detail surrounding the murders. We get a bit of understanding in regard to the methodology. Plus, there are extra little trivia tid-bits. I found this book very informative and appreciate that it doesn’t just focus on the more popular serial killers but gives a look at the actual scope of this epidemic and gives history that expands over centuries. It could definitely come in handy for anyone taking a class on this topic as a reference for papers or presentations.

Love the book very interesting and informative

Bought as gift for the misses! She read it a few times and has a home on the shelf, so I have to believe this was a good book for the price!

It's a great book!

Very absorbing book!

Great but the serial killers’ drawings are awful, literally they don’t look anything like those drawings.

Superb book on serial killers. Each one contained here, has a write up featuring modus operandi, arrest and incarceration details (if they have been caught) some trivia and other facts sprinkled in. Contains 150 killers. Must have tome if topic interests at all.

Great product.

Gran libro, muy completo, 150 biografias de los peores asesinos del mundo, sin duda vale la pena comprar este libro

Great communication from the seller. I received the item when I was told I would, and it was as described. I would highly recommend this seller and would buy from this seller again.