Inside the Minds of Serial Killers
Why They Kill
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:30th Aug '06
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
"In the area of psychological research on serial killers, Dr. Katherine Ramsland has distinguished herself as a unique thinker with a fascinating approach to case analysis. Anyone who takes this subject seriously should read this book." -- Robert K. Ressler, former FBI Profiler, author of Whoever Fights Monsters and I Have Lived in the Monster
There are many cultural myths about serial killers. This book examines a variety of serial killers, from sexual predators to psychotic killers, from murder teams to odd eccentric stalkers, in order to present the distinct psychological dynamics that set serial killers apart from other violent murderers.There are many cultural myths about serial killers, often propagated even by mental health professionals. Many assume there is a profile of a serial killer, that serial killers always go for the same victim type or always use the same MO, that they are more clever than ordinary people, and that they are inevitably charming and attractive. The truth is not as simple as that. There are different types of serial killers, and while there are many books that discuss the serial killer phenomenon especially in relationship to victim types or context, researchers have not yet been able to come up with a definition, or type, that covers the broad spectrum of serial killers and their complex psychological dynamics. Ramsland looks at the variety of serial killer types, illustrating that it is difficult to accurately depict these elusive, intriguing, and dangerous killers. There are many cultural myths about serial killers, often propagated even by mental health professionals. Many assume there is a profile of a serial killer, that serial killers always go for the same victim type or always use the same MO, that they are more clever than ordinary people, and that they are inevitably charming and attractive. The truth is not as simple as that. There are different types of serial killers and while there are many books that discuss the serial killer phenomenon especially in relationship to victim types or context, researchers have not yet been able to come up with a definition, or type, that covers the broad spectrum of serial killers and their complex psychological dynamics. Ramsland looks at serial killer types, illustrating that it is difficult to accurately depict these elusive, intriguing, and dangerous killers. This book examines a variety of serial killers, from sexual predators to psychotic killers, from murder teams to odd eccentric stalkers, in order to present the distinct psychological dynamics that set serial killers apart from other violent murderers. Among the motives addressed are lust, control, glory, profit, thrill, delusions,...
Noting that generalizations often fail and debunking the idea that serial killers have a distinct profile, Ramsland details the wide variety of motives behind serial murder. She notes that the study's purpose is not to categorize them, but explore their motives, such as lust, omnipotence, glory, delusions, rage, profit, or no purpose at all. She also provides a history of the topic in the first chapter. * Reference & Research Book News *
Inside the Minds of Serial Killers is successful in dispelling some myths about serial killers and outlines the tremendous variations in motives and methods among such criminals. . . . [T]his book is likely to be interesting to the general public. * PsycCRITIQUES *
ISBN: 9780275990992
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 482g
216 pages