The Red Ripper: Inside the Mind of Russia's Most Brutal Serial Killer

By Peter Conradi

Book Overview

By the time he was brought to trial in 1992, Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo had killed more than fifty women and children, often sexually abusing them and leaving their bodies mutilated beyond recognition. Although he was initially arrested in 1984, the police lacked enough evidence to pin the unsolved murders on him and he was able to torture and kill dozens more before his eventual conviction. Compiling exclusive interviews and trial transcripts, journalist and editor at London's Sunday Times Peter Conradi reveals how the grandfather and former teacher carried out a horrific twelve-year killing spree. Based on extensive research into Chikatilo's past and the elements of Soviet society that allowed his crimes to go unsolved for so long, Conradi delves into the life of one of history's most prolific and disturbing serial killers. Interviews with Moscow police detectives detail the fervent hunt for the man who preyed on young children, prostitutes, and runaways. A chilling look into the deranged mind of a monster, The Red Ripper is a comprehensive and shocking true crime account of one of the twentieth century's deadliest killers. Contains mature themes.

• Format: Audio CD
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CW5296TJ
• ISBN13: 9798212942621
• Release Date: August 2023
• Publisher: Tantor Audio

Customer Reviews

Into the mind of the killer

What makes Chikatilo fascinating is that it took so long for him to be caught, and the reasons for this delay. He was incredibly lucky, in some ways, but the structure of laws, customs and means of communication in the Russia of the time are the real reasons for his long career as a killer. Conradi explains all of this clearly. What is not so clear are the details of how all of the info he presents was acquired. Did the author have access to confession documents, or interrogation documents? If so, the readers would sure like to see them included in the book. Overall, a very readable, informative book.

Tough read but worth it !

Bizzare on both ends, the killer as well as the cops. If you like serial killer books this is unbelieveable!