Why We Love Serial Killers:
The Curious Appeal of the World’s Most Savage Murderers
by Dr. Scott Bonn, Foreword by Diane Dimond
“. . . an excellent source of myth-busting information for laymen and professionals alike.” —Burl Barer, popular radio host and award-winning author of true crime books, including Body Count and Man Overboard
“. . . so powerful and provocative, you cannot put it down.” —Rita Cosby, Emmy Award-winning television host and bestselling author of Blonde Ambition
“Bonn answers the questions about why the serial killer will long endure in our consciousness as a repulsive yet captivating character in criminology.” —Peter Adler, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology, University of Denver, and Patricia Adler, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology, University of Colorado
“A real bonus: Dr. Bonn’s correspondence with Dennis Rader for its insight into the mind of an especially chilling murderous psychopath.” —Sue Russell, award-winning journalist and author of Lethal Intent, a biography of Aileen Wuornos
It’s no secret that we are both repulsed and seduced by serial killers. An expert in criminology and the media explains why.
For decades now, serial killers have taken center stage in the news and entertainment media. The presentation of real-life murderers such as Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer has transformed them into ghoulish celebrities. Similarly, the popularity of fictional characters such as Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter or Dexter demonstrates just how eager the public is to be frightened by these lethal human predators.
But why is this so? Could it be that we have a gruesome fascination with serial killers for the same reasons we might morbidly stare at a catastrophic automobile accident? Or it is something more shocking and complex? In Why We Love Serial Killers, Dr. Scott Bonn explores our powerful appetite for the macabre, while also providing new and unique insights into the world of the serial killer, including those he has gained directly from two of the world’s most notorious examples, David Berkowitz (“Son of Sam”) and Dennis Rader (“Bind, Torture, Kill”).
In addition, Bonn debunks popular myths about serial killers such as they are all men, and examines the behavioral and psychological profiling techniques used to identify and apprehend serial predators, he explains why many serial killers are charming psychopaths, and he explains how and why these killers often become popular cultural personalities. Groundbreaking in its approach, Why We Love Serial Killers is a compelling look at how the media, criminal justice system, and public perceptions help to shape and feed the “celebrity monsters” in our midst.
Scott Bonn, PhD is a professor of criminology. His expert commentary has appeared in the New York Times, the Huffington Post, Headline News Network, and more. Dr. Bonn writes a popular crime Blog called “Wicked Deeds” for PsychologyToday.com and appeared as an expert analyst in the A&E documentary The Long Island Serial Killer. He resides in Manhattan, New York.
The Curious Appeal of the World’s Most Savage Murderers
by Dr. Scott Bonn, Foreword by Diane Dimond
“. . . an excellent source of myth-busting information for laymen and professionals alike.” —Burl Barer, popular radio host and award-winning author of true crime books, including Body Count and Man Overboard
“. . . so powerful and provocative, you cannot put it down.” —Rita Cosby, Emmy Award-winning television host and bestselling author of Blonde Ambition
“Bonn answers the questions about why the serial killer will long endure in our consciousness as a repulsive yet captivating character in criminology.” —Peter Adler, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology, University of Denver, and Patricia Adler, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology, University of Colorado
“A real bonus: Dr. Bonn’s correspondence with Dennis Rader for its insight into the mind of an especially chilling murderous psychopath.” —Sue Russell, award-winning journalist and author of Lethal Intent, a biography of Aileen Wuornos
It’s no secret that we are both repulsed and seduced by serial killers. An expert in criminology and the media explains why.
For decades now, serial killers have taken center stage in the news and entertainment media. The presentation of real-life murderers such as Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer has transformed them into ghoulish celebrities. Similarly, the popularity of fictional characters such as Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter or Dexter demonstrates just how eager the public is to be frightened by these lethal human predators.
But why is this so? Could it be that we have a gruesome fascination with serial killers for the same reasons we might morbidly stare at a catastrophic automobile accident? Or it is something more shocking and complex? In Why We Love Serial Killers, Dr. Scott Bonn explores our powerful appetite for the macabre, while also providing new and unique insights into the world of the serial killer, including those he has gained directly from two of the world’s most notorious examples, David Berkowitz (“Son of Sam”) and Dennis Rader (“Bind, Torture, Kill”).
In addition, Bonn debunks popular myths about serial killers such as they are all men, and examines the behavioral and psychological profiling techniques used to identify and apprehend serial predators, he explains why many serial killers are charming psychopaths, and he explains how and why these killers often become popular cultural personalities. Groundbreaking in its approach, Why We Love Serial Killers is a compelling look at how the media, criminal justice system, and public perceptions help to shape and feed the “celebrity monsters” in our midst.
Scott Bonn, PhD is a professor of criminology. His expert commentary has appeared in the New York Times, the Huffington Post, Headline News Network, and more. Dr. Bonn writes a popular crime Blog called “Wicked Deeds” for PsychologyToday.com and appeared as an expert analyst in the A&E documentary The Long Island Serial Killer. He resides in Manhattan, New York.
Why We Love Serial Killers is AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW! from a variety of online sources, including BARNES & NOBLE, INDIEBOUND, and AMAZON. Request copies from your local book store.
Also available in audiobook format from Amazon and Audible.
Feature page on RJ Parker Publishing Website: Why We Love Serial Killers
Also available in audiobook format from Amazon and Audible.
Feature page on RJ Parker Publishing Website: Why We Love Serial Killers
Interview at Wall Street Journal Live with Tanya Rivers
about Why We Love Serial Killers
about Why We Love Serial Killers