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. When you are listening to this book what happens is that you get a whole lot of very brief descriptions of each of many killers. Most of them I had read something about before, but some were brand new for me. To me it was almost like registering for a speed dating event. You get a few minutes to review photos of individuals that are participating, and then move from one table to the next getting just the highlights. That is to say you get a list of names, dates, and general timeline. No time for things like in depth understanding, just is this someone I'm interested in or not.

There is little more terrifying than those who hunt, stalk and snatch their prey under the cloak of darkness. These hunters search not for animals, but for the touch, taste, and empowerment of human flesh. They are cannibals, vampires and monsters, and they walk among us. This A-Z encyclopedia of 150 serial killers is the ideal reference audiobook. Included are the most famous true crime serial killers, like Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, Richard Ramirez, and not to mention the women who kill, such as Aileen Wuornos, and Martha Rendell. There are also lesser known serial killers, covering many countries around the world, so broad is the range. 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. 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.I think the author did a lot of things well for this book. The author started each chapter with how each serial killer became known throughout that area. After, the author would describe each of their major kills until they were caught. They would show some sympathy for the serial killer by sharing their extremely rough childhood, which led them to their murderous ways. The author would then finish the chapter off with their sentence by the court, and if they’re still alive where they are today. I think the was a perfect sequence to explain each serial killer’s story. After hearing the horrific things they’ve done; the author would explain what could’ve possibly caused them to become like this.

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. Anything counter or subcultural has been a focus of my personal studies for years. Organized crime, musical movements, serial murderers, etc. With that said, I am always devouring as much source material as I can. This book was a very sweet gift from a friend, but unfortunately, their good intentions could not save this book from its authors. The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers is something every true crime enthusiast should have on their shelves.This A-Z encyclopedia of 150 serial killers is the ideal reference book. Included are the most famous true crime serial killers, like Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, and Richard Ramirez, and not to mention the women who kill, such as Aileen Wuornos and Martha Rendell. There are also lesser known serial killers, covering many countries around the world, so the range is broad. I also feel like the information could have been presented in a more clinical/professional manner. Many of the sentences were either redundant or overly long with the sentiment that might be found in the narration of a bad true crime series or a report written by a middle schooler. I selected this book because it was seemed very interesting at the time. It talked about all the inside stories of America’s worst serial killers. It is disturbing, but yet thrilling to read at the same time. I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one. It is one thing to merely write something regarding these perverted, depraved individuals and the horrific, heinous deeds they’ve done. There’s a massive juxtaposition when the writing dwells into the historical upbringing these individuals had to endure as children, a childhood which unintentionally set the stage for rest of their murderous lives.