Synopsis:
The World Encyclopedia of Serial Killers is the most comprehensive set of its kind in the history of true crime publishing. Written and compiled by Susan Hall, the four-volume set has more than 1600 entries of male and female serial killers from around the world.
Defined by the FBI as a person who murders 3 or more people over a period of time with a hiatus of weeks or months between murders, serial killers have walked among us from the dawn of time as these books will demonstrate. While the entries to these volumes will continue to grow—the FBI estimates that there are at least fifty serial killers operating in the United States at any given time—The World Encyclopedia of Serial Killers is as complete as possible through the end of 2017.
The series continues with Volume Three M-S. The entries include the Machete Murderer Juan Vallejo Corona, Maranhao Boy Mutilator Francisco das Chagas, Night Stalker Richard Ramirez, Rostov Ripper Andrei Romanovych Chikatilo, and serial killer Arthur John Shawcross. You will find these killers and approximately 475 others in this third book in the series of The World Encyclopedia of Serial Killers.
Disclosure:
I received a review copy of The World Encyclopedia of Serial Killers: Volume 3 M-S from the publisher via BookSirens in exchange for review. They give me no money, nor do they in any way influence my thoughts – those are 100% my own for better or worse.
Edition:
E-ARC
My Thoughts:
This is exactly what you might think it would be. It’s an encyclopedia of terrible deeds done by terrible people.
The encyclopedia goes as far back as the mid-1500s all the way up to present day. So basically, it’s both historical and terrifying. Entries range in order from the Machete Murderer (Corona Juan Vallejo) to the Sydney Mutilator (William McDonald). They also span the globe, which is helpful. There are even entries where there is little to no tangible information about the killer. If they’ve ever received so much as a nickname and Hall was able to uncover it, they’ve been included.
The style of writing is very spare and informative, there’s not much by way of opinion from the author. The entries are strictly fact-based, which I appreciated. Although I will say that sometimes during chronological breakdowns of a killer’s activities, it did become tough to follow. I found myself having to reread several passages.
I found one thing a little confusing, however. Although you could find any murderer by their given name/press name in the index they only have one entry. I’ll use Richard Ramirez, aka the Nightstalker to illustrate. Ramirez was listed under both the “R” and “N” sections of the index. But in the body of the book he was only under “N” for Nightstalker. I wish a place would have been held under “R” as well. Even if it just said something along the lines of “see Nightstalker” or something. I feel like that makes more sense. But, since this is a reference book, I would also assume that anyone looking for a particular killer would do so by visiting the index anyway, so maybe it’s a non-issue.
About the Author:
Susan Hall was born and raised in southwest Ohio. She is a novice crime writer, but has investigated, written and published three genealogy books. Her interest in serial killers goes way back to 1967 and the Michigan Murders of John Norman Collins. A little closer to home, The Oakland County Child Killer left the body of Jane Allan, age 14, in the Great Miami River in Miamisburg, Ohio, about one mile from her home. She also has a tour company taking small groups to South Africa on safari.
Rating:
Aside from a few small gripes, I still think this book was interesting enough and definitely seemed well researched. I haven’t checked out the other entries yet, but if I am ever looking for specific killer info I’ll be visiting this series.
The World Encyclopedia of Serial Killers: Volume 3 M-S By Susan Hall Wild Blue Press ASIN: B08FWNVC2B Published: October 27, 2020 E-book, Paperback 514 Pages Publisher's Website
