Quick Take

Lured From The Safety Of Home--Into The Jaws Of Hell"America's principal chronicler of its greatest psychopathic killers" (The Boston Book Review), Harold Schechter shatters the myth that violent crime is a modern phenomenon--with this seamless true account of unvarnished horror from the early twentieth century. Journey inside the demented mind of Albert Fish--pedophile, sadist, and cannibal killer--and discover that bloodlust knows no time or place....On a warm spring day in 1928, a kindly, white-haired man appeared at the Budd family home in New York City, and soon persuaded Mr. and Mrs. Budd to let him take their adorable little girl, Grace, on an outing. The Budds never guessed that they had entrusted their child to a monster. After a relentless six-year search and nationwide press coverage, the mystery of Grace Budd's disappearance was solved--and a crime of unparalleled gore and revulsion was revealed to a stunned American public. What Albert Fish did to Grace Budd, and perhaps fifteen other young children, caused experts to pronounce him the most deranged human being they had ever seen.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Deranged: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer

Introduction

"Deranged: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer" by Harold Schechter is a gripping true crime book that delves into the life and crimes of Albert Fish, a notorious serial killer who preyed on young boys and girls during the early 20th century. This book offers a chilling account of Fish's brutal acts of kidnapping, torture, and cannibalism, revealing the depths of his depravity and the horrors he inflicted upon his victims.

About Harold Schechter

Harold Schechter is a renowned true crime writer who specializes in exploring the darkest aspects of human nature. With a Ph.D. in American literature and popular culture, Schechter has authored numerous books on historical true crime, including "Fatal," "Fiend," "Deviant," "Deranged," and "Depraved." He is also the author of the Edgar Allan Poe mystery series, which features the iconic detective in intriguing and suspenseful tales. Schechter's meticulous research and storytelling skills have earned him critical acclaim and a reputation as one of the leading voices in the true crime genre.

Analysis of Views

A Disturbing Account of Evil: Readers praise the book for its seamless narrative that sheds light on the twisted mind of Albert Fish. The story delves into the darkest corners of human nature, revealing the depths of Fish's depravity and the horrors he inflicted upon his victims. The book offers a chilling account of Fish's crimes, leaving readers feeling disturbed and haunted by the events described.
Well-Researched and Meticulously Structured: Many readers commend Schechter's attention to detail and his ability to weave together a compelling narrative that balances meticulous research with a fast-paced storytelling style. The book provides a comprehensive overview of Fish's crimes, including his abduction of Grace Budd and his confessions to numerous other heinous acts. Schechter's thorough research and precise writing style make for a captivating read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
A Glimpse into the Mind of a Serial Killer: The book offers readers a fascinating insight into the mindset of a serial killer. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous analysis, Schechter explores Fish's twisted thoughts and motives, shedding light on the psychological factors that contributed to his criminal behavior. This exploration adds depth to the story, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of evil.
A Cautionary Tale: The book serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the dangers lurking within society. It highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness when it comes to protecting children from predators like Albert Fish. The story serves as a stark reminder that evil exists, and it is crucial to be vigilant in identifying and preventing such atrocities from happening in the future.
A Masterful Piece of Storytelling: Readers appreciate Schechter's skill as a storyteller, praising his ability to bring historical events to life in a captivating manner. The book is not only informative but also engaging, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end. Schechter's writing style is praised for its ability to convey the horrors of Fish's crimes without resorting to sensationalism or gratuitous violence.

Reasons for Recommendation

A Must-Read for True Crime Fans: If you are a fan of true crime books, "Deranged" is an absolute must-read. It offers a gripping account of one of America's most notorious serial killers, providing readers with an insightful look into the mind of a deranged criminal. The meticulous research and well-structured narrative make for an engaging and informative read that will leave you haunted by the events described.
A Cautionary Tale: As mentioned earlier, "Deranged" serves as a cautionary tale that highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness when it comes to protecting children from predators like Albert Fish. It is a timely reminder that evil exists, and we must be vigilant in identifying and preventing such atrocities from happening in our society.
A Masterful Piece of Storytelling: Schechter's ability to bring historical events to life through his storytelling skills is truly remarkable. He has a talent for crafting engaging narratives that keep readers hooked from beginning to end. "Deranged" is a testament to his skill as a writer, making it a highly recommended read for anyone interested in true crime stories or compelling historical accounts.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Disturbing Content: Some readers find the content of "Deranged" disturbing and may not be comfortable with the graphic descriptions of Fish's crimes. While it is important to acknowledge the severity of Fish's actions, readers who are sensitive to such material may find it challenging to read. It is essential to consider this aspect before deciding whether or not to recommend this book to others.
Limited Scope: A few readers feel that the book focuses too narrowly on Fish's crimes against children, without delving into other aspects of his life or exploring his background in greater depth. While this may be seen as a limitation by some readers, it is important to note that Schechter's primary focus is on the crimes themselves rather than Fish's personal life or psychological profile.

Conclusion

"Deranged: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer" by Harold Schechter is a powerful true crime book that offers an unsettling account of Albert Fish's heinous crimes. With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Schechter brings Fish's twisted mind to life, revealing the depths of his depravity and the horrors he inflicted upon his victims. While some readers find the content disturbing, others praise the book for its well-structured narrative, meticulous research, and cautionary tale about the dangers lurking within society. Overall, "Deranged" is a must-read for true crime fans who appreciate well-crafted stories that delve into the darkest aspects of human nature.