Review - Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters by Peter Vronsky

Title: Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters

Author: Peter Vronsky

Genre: Adult, nonfiction, crime

Publication date: October 2004

Published by: Berkley

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis:

The comprehensive examination into the frightening history of serial homicide.

In this unique book, Peter Vronsky documents the psychological, investigative, and cultural aspects of serial murder, beginning with its first recorded instance in Ancient Rome, through fifteenth-century France, up to such notorious contemporary cases as cannibal/necrophile Ed Kemper, Henry Lee Lucas, Ted Bundy, and the emergence of what he classifies as the "serial rampage killer" such as Andrew Cunanan.

Vronsky not only offers sound theories on what makes a serial killer, but also provides concrete suggestions on how to survive an encounter with one-from recognizing verbal warning signs to physical confrontational resistance. Exhaustively researched with transcripts of interviews with killers, and featuring up-to-date information on the apprehension and conviction of the Green River Killer and the Beltway Snipers, Vronsky's one-of-a-kind book covers every conceivable aspect of an endlessly riveting true-crime phenomenon.

My rating: ★★★★★

The biggest mistake in trying to figure out why these people are this way is that we try to analyze them through our own standard behavior. They don’t think the way you or I think. We’re not sure why—but the point is they don’t.

I don't read very much nonfiction—not for fun anyway. Lol. This is probably the second nonfiction book I’ve read of my own volition. Lol. But I really liked it! I find serial killers very fascinating... and by that I mean the psychology behind why they do what they do 😅 When I was in nursing school, psychology was probably my favorite section to study! I just find it so intriguing! So yeah, I really liked this book and learning about the methods behind the madness, if you will. Lol.

This book dives into the history of serial killers, briefly touching on Jack the Ripper and then moving into more modern serial killers. Plus we get to see how the serial killer progresses from having these fantasies to actually committing the murder. And we get to see the thought process of some of these killers, too. Very disturbing stuff!

Asked what he thinks now when he sees a pretty woman, [Ed] Kemper replied in probably his most often quoted remark, "One side of me says, 'Wow, what a pretty chick, I'd like to talk to her, date her.' The other side of me says, 'I wonder how her head would look like on a stick.'"

We also learned how the word 'serial' first came into use in this context and it was very interesting! I didn't know that! Basically, you know how back in the day there were serialized TV shows so you went back weekly to watch what would happen next since the last episode ended in a cliffhanger? Yup, that's it. And I guess TV shows are still like that, though a lot of us like to binge watch things nowadays. Lol.

One part I loved about this book was where they classified serial killers. There are a lot of different ways to classify them, like, a lot. But it was very interesting to see each one of those and I really appreciated that they gave examples in each category. That was super helpful! The part about profiling serial killers was also interesting. I love watching Criminal Minds, after all 😉 Lol.

The book also talked about the insanity plea and the difference between psychotics and psychopaths. Psychotics are those who have psychosis, as in a debilitating mental illness. Serial killers are most often diagnosed as psychopaths which is not a mental illness, but more a behavioral/personality disorder. I learned about this stuff in nursing school, but this book gave me a different perspective when it relates to serial killers. Interesting stuff.

But the question that has plagued everyone for years: How do serial killers become serial killers? This is a difficult question to answer because there isn’t a formula that will just give you the answer. And everyone is different. The one thing that really caught my attention is that a lot of these serial killers lack that initial bonding and connection with the mother in the first couple months-years of their life. You know when babies are born they immediately give them to the mothers for skin-to-skin contact? That helps with the bonding. I remembered this from my OB rotation in nursing school. That is why it caught my eye. Lol. The book then goes on to talk about their childhoods, which is usually a pretty bad, abusive one. But here's the weird part: some of them have a pretty normal, stable home growing up. And yet, they end up doing what they’re doing 🤷

This book was super messed up! It is not for the faint of heart. It delves into some really deep, dark stuff. Given the subject matter of the book... duh. Lol. Typically it can take me about 2-3 days to read a book. This book took me 3 months to read! I just had to take breaks from it! It’s some really disturbing stuff! And usually I’m all about disturbing, gory shit... like horror movies! I love horror movies! I pretty much watch them on a daily basis (especially during Spooky Season). But that’s fiction. And reading this book, well, I was acutely aware of how real these cases were and the absolutely awful things people do to others. This was definitely horror, but in a different, more awful way.

But overall, I really enjoyed the book! Like I said before, I love this psychology stuff and I learned a lot from this book. I also appreciated that the last section of this book was about surviving a serial killer. Not only was it helpful, but it was reassuring after that dark roller coaster of a ride. Lol. Anyway, I highly recommend this book if you're into any of the true crime stuff 'cause this was great!

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a link to your review or comment below! :)