So many well known serial killers in one book.

What made the experience of listening to The Serial Killer Books the most enjoyable?

These are serial killers most of us have heard of. There is a lot of information on the killers and their crimes but it doesn't drag on. The cases move from one to another and I got sucked right in from one case to the next.

What about Kevin Kollins’s performance did you like?

Kevin was a good narrator. His voice and the way he read was perfect for this type of book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were so many terrible cases here that one couldn't help but be horrified and saddened several times.

Any additional comments?

For anyone interested in serial killers, this is a must read. These are stories you would have heard of and are somewhat familiar with. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

12 people found this helpful

More Terrifying Than a Horror Movie

Jack Rosewood really did his research with this book.
I watch a fair amount of gruesome tv and some of these cases had me anxiety ridden and on edge at work.
I usually listen at night alone.. that didn't happen with this book.
I had to turn it off and finish when the sun came up.
I'm familiar with most of the high profile cases and maybe a little desensitized due to all the media coverage but Jack still managed to shock me with some of the world's most horrendous sadistic killers.
This book is well written and extremely graffic.
Kevin kollins did do a great job narrating this horrifying book but..
I didn't like the long pause in between chapters.
I still think it's worth a credit.
And I have to give it 5 stars just on the scare factor alone.
I requested this book in exchange for my honest review

13 people found this helpful

3.5* - large collection of crime stories

Any additional comments?

What I enjoyed about this collection is that it included crimes spanning a wide period of time (the late 19th century until recently). I was familiar with many of the criminals discussed in the story, but I'm always interested in hearing new or previously forgotten details so I have no problems whatsoever that the author mixed famous and less-famous cases. Another thing that I appreciate is that the narrator included references at the end of the book, for those of us who are interested in following up on some of the stories. (I wish more non-fiction audiobooks included audio or pdf versions of references/further reading...)

There are only two reasons why I didn't give this collection a higher rating. Firstly, the stories were uneven regarding the amount of information - some were very very brief and others gave us a much more complete picture of people, events, motives, aftermaths, and so on. I would have preferred that the brief stories were expanded to give us a complete picture of the crime. The other reason why I didn't give this collection a higher rating is because some details around (sexual) violence were included for sensational reasons in some stories (but not all) and they were disturbing to hear. I agree that people should know if extreme sexual violence occurs in a crime. However, there is absolutely no purpose to be served in disclosing how many inches the rapist shoved the broom handle up the victim's bloody genitals. It gives attention to criminals and it is disrespectful to victims of sexual violence, and I think it desensitizes people about sexual violence and may even encourage copycat or 'one-upping' behaviour among psychologically unstable readers who may be prone to violence. I agree with free speech and I enjoy reading true-crime stories, but I question the author's intention in disclosing the details of *extremely* brutal sex crimes (or details of crimes involving children as victims). Gosh, I sound like a prude here and I don't mean to be that way. I guess I'm just throwing a thought out there - how much details of violent sexual crimes are appropriate for a mass-market book on true crime... Some of the details went too far in this volume, in my personal opinion, but I acknowledge that everyone has different comfort thresholds.

(I was a young woman living in St. Catharines, Ontario, when Kristen and Leslie were kidnapped. In fact, I often rode my bicycle past the relatively isolated lake (Lake Gibson) where Leslie's body was discovered. In all the news stories that I read about Bernardo/Homolka, the details of the sexual torture were never disclosed in the media. I'm glad that the media held those specific details back from the public.)

The narration was great - no complaints at all! Kevin Kollins has a great voice for this genre...

I provided my opinion in exchange for a complimentary copy of the audiobook from the author, narrator, or publisher.

5 people found this helpful

Interesting true stories

Jack Rosewood has a knack for telling stories about serial killers and making them even more interesting than they already were. He goes into just enough detail to be able to imagine the horrific events without going so far that you don't want to hear any more. Great read!

2 people found this helpful

Serial Killers Compilation

What did you love best about The Serial Killer Books?

If you have an interest in True Crime,Jack Rosewood's books are easy to listen to. He takes the most salient aspects of the cases and presents them in an interesting manner.

What did you like best about this story?

I am interested in True Crime non fiction. My interest is in an attempt to understand the acts that people like Gacy, Bundy, Dahmer perpetrate. I enjoy in depth work, sure. But the important aspects that Rosewood presents in his writings I enjoy too.

Which character – as performed by Kevin Kollins – was your favorite?

This is presented as narrative. Kevin Kollins isn't portraying characters. He has an easily listened to voice, good pronunciations, interesting presentation.

Any additional comments?

This is the fourth or fifth book I have listened to by Jack Rosewood.

Thanks for the opportunity to listen and to offer my opinions on this work!

A review copy was gifted to me at no charge. In return, I am happy to provide an honest review. Also at no charge.

5 people found this helpful

If you Like True Crime, then you will Love This

If you could sum up The Serial Killer Books in three words, what would they be?

Good True Crime

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Serial Killer Books?

The Murder Castle was particularly interesting because I grew up just outside of Chicago and had no idea about this history until I heard it in the audiobook.

Have you listened to any of Kevin Kollins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't, but he was very good. Articulate with good pacing.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was extremely appalled at the way a human being could so callously take the life of another without remorse.

Any additional comments?

I was given this book for free by the author/producer for an unbiased review of the material.

4 people found this helpful

no in depth analysis here

Just a very brief summary of well known murders. Disappointing in my opinion. Narrator is stiff and a bit robotic.

1 person found this helpful

Alright book, performance could've been better.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

In my opinion, the non-linear storytelling didn't really work for this book. It would've been better if the author finished each of the stories in sequence, linearly; instead of jumping around.

What aspect of Kevin Kollins’s performance would you have changed?

The narrator's voice made it sound like I'm listening to a documentary; which isn't bad in itself, given the subject matter. But I was expecting more of a horror story vibe, which I didn't get from the narration.

Any additional comments?

I received this audiobook for free from the author / narrator / publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

1 person found this helpful

this book was very well done!

Narration was spot on.
Plus there was so much information packed into this book. I listen to a lot of these types of books, and, I will say, that this one went into so much detail, that I was queasy listening to some of it. It also talked about past killers from our history, and detail about the survivors, victims and some of their family.

great listen. worth the credit if this is your thing.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

3 people found this helpful

Great listening,

Logical presentation of difficult subject and kept the reader in suspense throughout the reading and conclusion of each story