The Big Book of Serial Killers

GREAT FOR TRUE CRIME DEVOTÉES, BUT....

........this is a 5-Star PRINTED book but just a 2-Star AUDIOBOOK. You get all the serial killing that you could hope for, with several spree killers thrown in. Narrator Kevin Kollins is absolutely perfect for this genre.

So what’s the problem? Well, it’s written in outline form, making it difficult fully appreciate in audio. The author presents each killer in a non-chronological database form, which references and cross-references their crimes, which is often redundant. Also, he lists “Murder Victims” (by name and age), “Offenses” (including murder), and a “Timeline of Murders”. This is alright, albeit redundant, if there are less than 5 victims. However, in the case of prolific serial killers like Ted Bundy, Gary Greenway, and John Wayne Gacy, you will zone out by victim 10. Lord help you if there are 30+ victims! Or, in the case of Chinese, Korean, or South American killers (don’t ask me their names!) who killed as many as 100 people in their native countries......well, I think you get where I’m going with this.

This book makes a better hard-copy version because the reader can skim or totally skip over the lists which add nothing to the accounts unless you’re a researcher. You get a pretty thorough synopsis in the narrative backstory included with exact killer.

I am going to return the audio version and just buy the print version. I suggest you do the same. This is a great READ but an almost impossible LISTEN.

56 of 60 people found this review helpful

A great resource! Both chilling and fulfilling!!

Brrrr.This is a great resource for anyone interested in serial killers. Like the title says it covers 150 of these cold-hearted killers. There are killers from all over the world profiled here, many famous, many not so well know. All I can say is that you had really better have a strong constitution as this is not for the faint-hearted or those of the weak stomach. It can be down right chilling.

This book covers intricate details about each individual, including their stalking/hunting habits, their trials, things they said, and so forth.You don't get a thumbnail, you get a complete rundown on these people. It almost comes across as one of those alphabet agencies dossiers. I don't you could ask for more information, even if you had an individual book done on these monsters, one by one. Each profile is concise and tight, but not bare-bones by any means.

Additionally, Kollins cranks out his narration to a point that it is almost like listening to Unsolved Mysteries, and that is a good thing. He is on point of his descriptive prose narration, and he brings the details to life.

I would suggest this to anyone who is a fan of true crime, serial killers, unsolved mysteries, or even shows like Hannibal and Dexter. It is both frightening and fascinating all at the same time.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

gets pretty old

the book is great for learning about serial killers but it has some major flaws.

they read the victims names, and then read the names again with the date they were murdered. one chapter was 20 minutes long and 90% of it was spent reading off the 150 victims twice.

And I might be wrong, but I don't recall them talking about H. H. Holms, which is ludicrous if they didn't include him

There are some chapters that are very interesting but most are very lack luster

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The Big Book of Serial Killers

The Big Book of Serial Killers: An Encyclopedia of Serial Killers - 150 Serial Killer Files of the World's Worst Murderers
: Jack Rosewood

Thïs book is exactly what it says it is, an encyclopedia of serial killers. It gives basic information on many serial killers. With this being said, it doesn't translate well to audio book format unless all you want is to go through hours of listening in alphabetical order. I would like to read the e-book version. Jack Rosewood is an expert on this subject!




The narration was well done by Kevin Kollins.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

Keyword . . . ENCYCLOPEDIA

For those expecting some sort of storyline, bear in mind that this IS as the title suggests, an encyclopedia. So therefore, its also going to be read/sound like one too. Not exactly the sort of thing one would normally sit and listen to straight from beginning to end....thus it will be much more enjoyable for you doing that in increments.

Having said that, it is VERY informative as far as getting a basic rundown of nearly every killer you can possibly think of. And then some. Its wonderful for prompting further study in a case that you may be unfamiliar with, and perhaps might want to delve deeper into.

There were several that peaked my interest for sure. You could easily relisten to this one again, because there is SOOO much information. I also thought the narrator was pretty well suited for this audiobook. :)

I recieved this audiobook at no cost to me in exchange for an honest opinion. I think I might get this book (paper) for the bookshelf...nice handy reference guide. Some things are just better in print so you can look things up as needed.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

This Audio Book Is Incredible

From the moment I started to listen I was hooked !!! Very detailed and concise, there were moments I would stop and return the next day. This is by far one the best audio books I have listened to. I am looking forward to listening to more by Jack Rosewood, bravo Mr. Rosewood!!!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall good book

I guess I was expecting a book like a novel, but it’s not. Very, very detailed in the content. But it is simply the narrator going down a list of serial killers their crimes and outcomes.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Serial killers in alphabetical order

This book lists serial killers in alphabetical order. While being set up like a traditional encyclopedia, the content allows for easier listening. Also, there isn't as much gruesome detail for each killer making it easier for those that don't want to know all the details.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A look-up of 1000+ serial killers

This book is cool and very informative. As expected from an encyclopedia-type book, it covers just enough details on each subject to get the listener slightly familiar. The plan here is not to fully delve into all the details (else the book will be seriously long, and perhaps boring), but to serve as a sort of database for the subject matter. I think this is especially cool for aspiring true crime fans, or those that are just doing research. They get the basic details without some of the real gore.
Depending on your need, this book could be the difference between sitting through a Google session on serial killers and quickly finding the right information. Also, the subjects are introduced in a serial/alphabetical order; I think this is meant to speed up indexing.

I received this audio book for free, I have decided to leave this review as a guide for potential users on what to expect.

A classic serial killer book

This book is like early Christmas for true crime fans, or if you are all about the dark and ominous. Specifically about serial killers and their respective despicable acts that are somehow part of our history. Commendations on the narration as well, it completely emphasizes the extent of the book's details and commitment to providing actual educative and somewhat entertaining value.

This book was given to me as a free review copy and this is my take on its relevance.