I Have Lived In The
Monster
This review written by
Amy Goldman
This book
is an important addition to understanding the serial offender. Numerous
cases are cited demonstrating the dynamics of that type of offender (the
violent serial type). Ressler proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that these
offenders, regardless of what culture they are raised in, display the same
"traits" world-wide. While the crimes differ to many degrees, the make-up of
the offender is a repeating pattern. Therefore, the investigative tool of
profiling violent serial crime can be applied to all serial
killers/offenders.
Ressler conveys these findings using examples of crime after crime in
countries such as: Japan, South Africa, and England. While I was being
entertained (for lack of a better word), I learned a lesson: serial killers
are serial killers every where...they come from different cultures,
backgrounds, countries, but share many of the same driving forces and
internal fantasites which drive them to commit these crimes. I also learned
that the same techniques which have been used to aid in the investigation of
a serial offender in America will work else where.
The interviews with John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer were insightful as
well. As the interviews go along, Ressler interjects his conclusions
regarding the answers he's given to his questions. I was rather surprised by
the extent of both Dahmer's and Gacy's rationalizations. And Gacy! Just flat
out denial. Dahmer convinced himself that he made his victim's death as
painless as possible. This is definitely an interesting book well worth
reading.
I may have seemed to repeat myself a bit, but I feel this is an important
message and will help to clear some of the ideas many have on serial
killers/killing. Ressler & Shachtman have done a great job of removing the
stereo-typing that serial killing is an American problem only. By removing
the stereo-type, other countries may be able to develop their own versions
of VICAP and Behavioral Science Units (South Africa and England already
have).
E-mail your questions or suggestions to
Bryan Nelson
This book
is an important addition to understanding the serial offender. Numerous
cases are cited demonstrating the dynamics of that type of offender (the
violent serial type). Ressler proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that these
offenders, regardless of what culture they are raised in, display the same
"traits" world-wide. While the crimes differ to many degrees, the make-up of
the offender is a repeating pattern. Therefore, the investigative tool of
profiling violent serial crime can be applied to all serial
killers/offenders.