Serial Killers and the Phenomenon of Serial Murder

A superbly targeted resource for those wanting to learn about serial killings. Deals with and analyses some of the best known (as well as lesser) cases from English criminal history, ancient and modern. Looks at the lifestyles, backgrounds and activities of those who become serial killers. Identifies clear categories of individuals into which most serial killers fall. Led by Professor David Wilson the authors are all experts and practised teachers concerning the ever-intriguing phenomenon of serial killing: why, when and how it happens and whether it can be predicted. Taking some of the leading cases from English law and abroad they demonstrate the patterns that emerge in the lives and backgrounds of those who kill a number of times over a period. The book is aimed at those studying the topic as an academic discipline, whether on one of the many courses now run by institutions or as a serious attempt at private study and understanding.It contains notes on key terms and explanations of essential topics such as co-activation, Munchausen syndrome, cooling-off period, psychopathy checklist, social construction, case linkage, family annihilation, activity space, rational choice theory, medicalization and rendezvous discipline. As the first textbook of its kind it will be an invaluable resource for both teaches and all students of serious crime whether formally or self-taught.

The authors are colleagues at Birmingham City University where David Wilson (who also regularly presents TV programmes on the topic of Serial Killing) is one of the UK's leading criminologists, a National Teaching Fellow and Founding Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology. His books for Waterside Press include Serial Killers: Hunting Britons and Their Victims 1960-2006 (2007) and Mary Ann Cotton: Britain's First Female Serial Killer (2013). Foreword author Steve Hall is Professor of Criminology at Teesside University and the co-founder of the Teesside Centre for Realist Criminology. He is an internationally leading criminological researcher and theorist.