Michael D. Kelleher

I read this book because I didn't know a lot about the Zodiac murders and thought it would offer an interesting insight. It was an interesting, if somewhat repetitive read. The concept behind it being a psychologist analyses the Zodiac letters, initially unaware of what he is looking at, and tries to deduce something of the personality behind the person responsible for the murders. Whilst this book does not make much if any headway into identifying who the Zodiac might be, it was interesting to read the interpretation of the letters. Having said that, it would not be too difficult for any trained analyst to draw similar conclusions. I think we are simply going over old ground here with a bit more of an intellectual spin. Nothing leaps off the page and the psychologist qualifies his conclusions in a 'just in case I'm wrong I don't want to look like a fool' kind of way. An interesting account of the history of the killings and look at the correspondence, but to me, does not deliver as soundly as it could.… (meer)

Most serial killers are male. But the women are often overlooked, and they can cause quite a bit of distruction before getting caught (if they ever do). Primarily poisoners, female serial killers are poorly studied or understood, which makes this book such an interesting read. But this is more of a true-crime book, not an actual examination of the mind of a serial killer or analysis of the history, psyche, and statistics surrounding women who kill. On the plus side, this book doesn't make the common mistake of calling spree killers serial killers.… (meer)