Real-Life Monsters

This book presents an in-depth psychological analysis of the development of the serial killer personality that will fascinate all readers, from the experienced criminology student to the casual true-crime reader. Real-Life Monsters: A Psychological Examination of the Serial Murderer takes a different approach than most titles on a similar topic: the author develops and proposes an original psychological explanation, rather than simply repeating some of the long-held theories for these criminals' heinous actions. The work addresses current issues, presents detailed commentary and personal observation, and contains photographs that will fascinate general readers interested in the subjects of true crime, serial killers, and psychopathology. The first part of the book carefully examines the research past and present regarding clinical, psychological, societal, and biological bases for violent behavior, specific to the serial murderer. Part two establishes a novel theory of the pattern of violence and then explores this hypothesis through eight case studies, interviews with serial killers, and elemental analysis. The work also contains a chapter based on conversations between the author and a convicted serial murderer.

STEPHEN J. GIANNANGELO is a Special Agent with the Illinois Department of Revenue, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He is currently a member of the Illinois State Police Task Force on financial and white-collar crime. He holds a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Preface
Acknowledgments
PART I: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SERIAL MURDERER
1. Introduction: An Identification of the Offender
2. Clinical Diagnoses and Serial Killer Traits
3. Biology and Its Effect on Violent Behavior
4. Environment, Background, and Personality
PART II: TOWARD AN EXAMINATION OF A THEORY OF VIOLENCE
5. Theoretical Discussion and Methodology
6. Case Studies
Case 1: Andrei Chikatilo
Case 2: Arthur Shawcross
Case 3: Jeffrey Dahmer
Case 4: Edmund Kemper
Case 5: Anthony Sowell
Case 6: Aileen Wuornos
Case 7: Dennis Rader
Case 8: Rodney Alcala
7. Reflecting on Case Studies
8. Theoretical Analysis and Development
9. A Conversation with a Monster?
10. Conclusion
Appendix A: Case Briefs
Appendix B: Glossary/Explanation of Terms
References
Index