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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
I read this book years ago and I still think of it often.
A true documentation of law student Jason Moss, who contacts incarcerated serial killers as part of a thesis. He corresponded with infamous figures such as Richard Ramirez, Charles Manson, Henry Lee Lucas, Jeffrey Dahmer and most often John Wayne Gacy. This book is an account of their conversations, and the power these horrid humans still had behind bars.
Featuring real letters and art from the correspondences, it’s a disturbing look into the minds of these men. I was enthralled with this story, even if I do believe it was a bit embellished (what documentary isn’t).
Jason Moss unfortunately committed suicide on June 6, 2006 (6/6/06), which makes me wonder how much of Richard’s Satanic influence stuck with him. It’s a horrifying and interesting novel and I absolutely recommend it to any true crime readers.
A true documentation of law student Jason Moss, who contacts incarcerated serial killers as part of a thesis. He corresponded with infamous figures such as Richard Ramirez, Charles Manson, Henry Lee Lucas, Jeffrey Dahmer and most often John Wayne Gacy. This book is an account of their conversations, and the power these horrid humans still had behind bars.
Featuring real letters and art from the correspondences, it’s a disturbing look into the minds of these men. I was enthralled with this story, even if I do believe it was a bit embellished (what documentary isn’t).
Jason Moss unfortunately committed suicide on June 6, 2006 (6/6/06), which makes me wonder how much of Richard’s Satanic influence stuck with him. It’s a horrifying and interesting novel and I absolutely recommend it to any true crime readers.
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
dark
dark
slow-paced
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
During high school, I wanted to communicate with a number of serial killers about their crimes and present my analysis in my final psychology term paper. Mr. Erhardt wisely denied my proposed subject matter as “too dangerous,” and I ended up writing about eating disorders or something equally mundane. Ten years later when I saw this book, I thought – “Hey! Jason Moss stole my idea.” He set out with the same goal, communicating with a number of serial killers with hopes of understanding them, identifying them, and predicting their behavior for law enforcement purposes. While trying to manipulate the killers into opening up to him, he found that he was the one being manipulated and controlled by John Wayne Gacy (perhaps that is what Mr. Erhardt meant by “too dangerous”). The writing isn’t great, but it is still an interesting read for true-crime lovers.
This might be my new favorite book honestly. It very much reminds me of Kim Draculas song make me famous and it’s just so gut wrenching being human honestly. The macabre fascinates and we just can’t help but be drawn. A must read for any true crime fan.
dark
tense
fast-paced
dark
medium-paced
I consume a lot of true crime and the lengths to which Jason Moss was willing to go to satisfy his interest made me physically ill. He literally feigns a sexual relationship with his underage brother to keep Gacy interested.
It’s portrayed as an academic pursuit, but he began contacting serial killers before college, so the academic part is clearly an afterthought. He was led astray when he was told to write more about himself than just the letters.
I do not recommend this book. It is a portrait of a man struggling with his mental health, ultimately leading to his unfortunate suicide about 7 years after this was published. It is not a good book and it is concerning that so many people approved publication without realizing how much help the author needed.
It’s portrayed as an academic pursuit, but he began contacting serial killers before college, so the academic part is clearly an afterthought. He was led astray when he was told to write more about himself than just the letters.
I do not recommend this book. It is a portrait of a man struggling with his mental health, ultimately leading to his unfortunate suicide about 7 years after this was published. It is not a good book and it is concerning that so many people approved publication without realizing how much help the author needed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Incest, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder