I, Monster: Serial Killers in Their Own Chilling Words

What goes through the dark minds of such notorious killers as Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, David Berkowitz ("Son of Sam"), John Wayne Gacy, Dennis Rader (the "BTK Killer"), and others? In this chilling book, you'll read exactly what they were thinking in their own words as they committed horrible crimes. Using court transcripts and police interviews, veteran true-crime and crime-fiction writer Tom Philbin has compiled the testimony of twenty infamous serial killers-nineteen men and one woman. For fans of crime stories who look for realism, this book is like no other. The descriptions couldn't be more realistic since, in effect, the book is written by the serial killers themselves. Their words range from the bizarre and weirdly fascinating to the revolting and horrific. In each case, Philbin provides a background profile to give readers a sense of the context from which these monsters emerged. Though they come from different backgrounds, nationalities, and generations, their words do reveal certain common elements. Not one evinces any sense of compassion or sensitivity in regard to their victims. They appear to be unable to control the impulses that lead them to kill. And in many cases, they derive a perverse sexual satisfaction from their deeds. Taking true-crime reading to a new level of immediacy, this disturbing book offers a glimpse into the worst side of human nature.

Author: Tom Philbin
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Published: 01/01/2011
Pages: 264
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.95h x 6.15w x 0.63d
ISBN: 9781616141639


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 05/15/2010 pg. 9
Reference and Research Bk News 04/01/2011 pg. 150

About the Author
Tom Philbin (Centerport, NY) is a freelance writer who has authored over forty books, including true-crime nonfiction and crime novels. Among his many publications are the novel A Matter of Degree and his nonfiction Murder USA and The Killer Book of True Crime. He has also published numerous articles in a wide variety of magazines, including Reader's Digest, Parad, and Woman's Day.