An assortment of some of history’s worst villains are on display in the Serial Killers series. Despite containing mentions of murder, cannibalism, necrophilia, dismemberment, and rape, these biographies are about as vanilla as it’s possible to get without sacrificing accuracy. The straightforward accounts are neither dull nor sensationalized, as they lay out the early lives of their subjects, the escalation and patterns of their criminal behaviors, and each man’s eventual capture. Photos of victims and the offenders are featured, but no crime-scene photos or violent depictions are included. Interspersed “Forensic Spotlights” offer insights into crime-solving techniques employed during the investigations, such as casting shoe prints and using forensic genealogy, and pull quotes and sidebar facts further enhance the main text. Edmund Kemper examines Kemper’s fraught relationship with his mother and targeting of young women hitchhikers. Harold Shipman introduces the British doctor who quietly killed hundreds of patients with lethal doses of morphine. Joseph James DeAngelo reveals DeAngelo’s many criminal identities, from the Cordova Cat Burglar to the Golden State Killer. Avia sneaker prints and pentagrams helped detectives link many of the crime scenes left by the Night Stalker, as discussed in Richard Ramirez. Each volume concludes with a time line of “Essential Facts”, a statement on the killer’s societal impact, and thorough source notes. Killer additions to any teen collection.

This series offers an in-depth exploration of infamous killers, focusing on their victims, methods, and capture. Many of the books begin with a victim’s story, emphasizing the real suffering caused by these crimes. The killers childhoods and family lives are examined, with connections drawn between trauma and later actions without asserting direct causation. The descriptions of murders are detailed yet not sensationalized, but readers should be prepared for disturbing content, including dismemberment, necrophilia, and cannibalism. Arrests and trials are clearly presented, as are judicial and investigative mistakes that occurred during the cases. Additional context about people involved in the cases is provided through textboxes. Sections titled Forensic Spotlight highlight investigative methods, and Essential Facts include a timeline, quotes, and societal impacts. Each book concludes with resources, including a glossary, an index, source notes, and further reading. VERDICT A thorough, balanced, and somber look at history’s most infamous killers.