Inside the Minds of Serial Killers

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Inside the Minds of Serial Killers Why They Kill

Katherine Ramsland

Book Code: C9099

ISBN: 0-275-99099-0

ISBN-13: 978-0-275-99099-2

DOI:

216 pages, n/a

Praeger Publishers

Publication: 8/30/2006

List Price: $39.95 (UK Sterling Price: £22.95)

Availability: In Stock

Media Type: Hardcover

Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4

Subjects:

Reviews:

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 November 2006
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 June 2007

Endorsement From Robert K. Ressler
former FBI Profiler
author of Whoever Fights Monsters and I Have Lived in the Monster: 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.

Description: 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, rage, the desire for company, the need to please a partner, and even murder as an intellectual exercise. Serial killers live double lives, hiding their violence even from those who live with them, so along with a study of motives are chapters devoted to how close associates have described killers, including parents, siblings, co-workers, lovers, and survivors. There is no profile of a serial killer, and this book establishes that in vivid and frightening detail.

LC Card Number: 2006015429

LCC Class: HV6515

Dewey Class: 364


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