Serial Killers and Mass Murderers

[f0revery0urs]

So I went to the book store today in search of a new book (obviously.. why else would I go there??) I came across many books which looked interesting, but ended up only buying one. The book I chose to buy is called Serial Killers and Mass Murderers. It is written by Nigel Cawthorne. I've only gotten 40 pages into it, but I had to post about it here.

This book goes into 17 different stories. Each chapter contains a new serial killer, and goes into a lot of detail.

The first chapter which I just finished was about Charles Starkweather. Now, I don't know about you, but I have never heard of him. He murdered his girlfriends family while she cheered him on. Charles and Caril Fugate (his girlfriend) ran away and Charles murdered more people. His total amout of people murdered was 11 people. Although Caril didn't actually murder any of the people, she was the youngest female ever tried for 1st degree murder in the US, and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Charles on the other hand, was executed on June 25, 1959.

And that's just the first chapter. I'm excited to read the rest, and I will update on the chapters I read. Next chapter is all about The Boston Strangler.

Anyone read this book yet? Or know of any other good books worth reading. I'm also interested in any forensics/criminalogy books. :read:

[f0revery0urs]

Does she write about true stories? I saw some of her books in the store when I was looking, but I wasn't sure what kind of stories she wrote exactly..

[f0revery0urs]

Oh wow. I might have to look into some of her books. Next time I go to the book store I'll check them out! Thanks for the advice!

[f0revery0urs]

Ah, I read the chapter on him last night! He was an interesting character! Claiming the lives of 13 people. The book i'm reading now claims that he was never caught..?

Odd as this may sound.. I find it very interesting when serial killers have their trademarks.. DeSalvo's being after he strangled the woman, he tied ligature in a bow.

[susie31023]

No, it's not odd. The sick puppies who are serial killers often do that. But you've read about DeSalvo. Do you think he was the Boston Strangler?

Thats a great question JB. I personally am not convinced he did it. I wish there were more evidence we could see that would point to him but from all that I've read there is a good chance he was innocent of those murders.


FO, if you haven't already read it "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote is an excellent read. It was one of the first true crime books I read. Two young men Murdered a whole family{ The Clutter family}, and it is written incredibly well. I also love Ann Rule books they are written well and kind of draw you into the story.

[f0revery0urs]

FO, if you haven't already read it "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote is an excellent read. It was one of the first true crime books I read. Two young men Murdered a whole family{ The Clutter family}, and it is written incredibly well. I also love Ann Rule books they are written well and kind of draw you into the story.


i read that book in high school! amazing read! i want to reread it, and read further into it, it is a great read.

Joseph, I'm not sure if I believe it was him. There was no real evidence..

[f0revery0urs]

I haven't heard of Jeffrey McDonald .. What'd he do?

[susie31023]

I haven't heard of Jeffrey McDonald .. What'd he do?

Jeffery MCdonald murdered his preganant wife and his 2 baby daughters. If you look on here there is a thread about him. He was an army doctor at the time and tried to say that 4 hippies were the killers. Thanks to his father in law he is in prison where he belongs. He has remarried and his wife now is convinced of his innocence. He is guilty as sin yet there are some who still blieve him innocent. Sorry I just probably ruined the book for you. But if you get a chance please read it, there is much more to the story than I have condenced for you. I will try to remember some more that you may be interested in if you would like. By the way Merry Christmas. And if you dont mind I will add you as a friend. ~Suz

[f0revery0urs]

Thanks Susie. Sounds like an interesting character. I'll still read the book, don't worry! =]
Merry christmas to you too! Please do add me!