Serial Killers: The Insatiable Passion

By: Lester, David

Book Overview

This bestselling book has become a staple of every serious true crime book collector's library. One of the most reliable concise sources of information available about serial killers and their crimes,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0914783777
• ISBN13: 9780914783770
• Release Date: September 1995
• Publisher: Charles Press Pubs(PA)
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A good place to start for research

Dr. David Lester’s book Serial Killers: The Insatiable Passion is a collection of academic studies and theories regarding serial killers. At the beginning of the book, Lester described that serial killers are often thought of as a contemporary American phenomenon. However, throughout the book, he demonstrates that these are largely myths and that serial killers have occurred throughout history and other countries. He detailed several serial killer case studies that dispel the myths and show that it is not a unique phenomenon. After dispelling the myths surrounding serial killers, he moves to the academic research, or lack thereof, and offers a critical viewpoint. He starts out by examining the definition of a serial killer, and as you reach the end of the chapter, it is very clear that there is a lack of agreement among scholars about the definition. He then moves onto the various theories and characteristics of serial killers while injecting his critiques of each study throughout the chapters. He contends that much of the research on serial killings does not differ greatly from that of single victim murders. Again, this is likely because of the conflicting definitions of a serial killing, but also because several studies failed to seperate mass murders and serial killers. In the end, he concludes saying the he is surprised by the lack of good scientific research on the topic of serial killers. The one problem with the book is that while Lester offers critique of the studies on serial killers, there is no study that is conducted that overcomes the previous failings of other studies. Lester offers logical and compelling critiques so much so that when you turn the page, you are hoping for him to save the day with study of his own. However, the excitement dwindles as each page is filled with research conducted by others. To his credit though, studying serial killers is not an easy task which could explain the lack of solid scientific research. Overall, the book is worth reading for those interested in the academic side of serial killers. The book does provide a solid list of the literature that has been conducted up to the point of publishing, even though it is dated by today’s standards.

Excellent book for research ! Highly recommend!!!

This book was such an enormous help to me while I gathered information for a study I am doing on serial killers. The way it is organized and divided into different types of killers was very useful and helped me get a good handle on what types of people commit serial crimes and their personal characteristics. Also helpful is the info on different theories people have had on serial murderers. I also liked that it was to the point and without a lot of unnecessary information. Well written, easy to read (and quick to read!) and full of very useful information, this book is not a sensationalist look at this subculture but a well-researched, well-balanced review of serial killers written by a psychologist with many many books to his name. Extremely helpful and very interesting indeed.

A very useful resource for research.

This book was extremely helpful in my research on serial murder. It is a good, concise, rendition of research, theories, and paradigms of multiple homicide. I recommend this book to anyone writing a research paper or who wants a synopsis of major research conducted on the topic of serial murder.

Thoroughly researched, straight to the point and fascinating

Even though there isn't any groundbreakingly new info in this book, it contains all of the research that has been done on serial killers and there is no other book that does that. It is full of really interesting information and I highly recommend it. I read it from cover to cover!