A superbly targeted resource for those learning about serial killings.
Serial Killers and the Phenomenon of Serial Murder examines and analyses
some of the best known (as well as lesser) cases from English criminal
history, ancient and modern. It looks at the lifestyles, backgrounds and
activities of those who become serial killers and identifies clear
categories of individuals into which most serial killers fall. Led by
Professor David Wilson the authors are all experts and teachers
concerning the ever-intriguing subject 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 designed for those studying the topic
at advanced level, whether as an academic discipline on one of the many
courses now run by universities and colleges or as a private quest for
understanding. It contains notes on key terms and explanations of topics
such as co-activation, Munchausen syndrome, cooling-off period,
psychopathy checklist, social construction, case linkage, family
annihilation, activity space, rational choice theory, medicalisation and
rendezvous discipline. As the first textbook of its kind it will be an
invaluable resource for teachers and students of serious crime. 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).
