Quick Take

The first book of its kind-photographs included. Mothers, daughters, sisters and grandmothers-fiendish killers all. Society is conditioned to think of murderers and predators as men, but in this fascinating book, Peter Vronsky exposes and investigates the phenomenon of women who kill-and the political, economic, social, and sexual implications. From history's earliest recorded cases of homicidal females to Irma Grese, the Nazi Beast of Belsen, from Britain's notorious child-slayer Myra Hindley to 'Honeymoon Killer' Martha Beck, from the sensational murder-spree of Aileen Wournos, to cult killers, homicidal missionaries, and the sexy femme fatale, Vronsky challenges the ordinary standards of good and evil and defies the accepted perceptions of gender role and identity.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters

Introduction

"Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters" by Peter Vronsky is a groundbreaking book that challenges societal perceptions of gender roles and identity. Vronsky, a forensic-investigative historian, explores the phenomenon of women who kill, examining their motivations, methods, and the broader implications of their crimes. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical cases and contemporary examples, Vronsky presents a nuanced understanding of female serial killers and the complex factors that contribute to their actions.

About Peter Vronsky

Peter Vronsky, the author of "Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters," is a renowned forensic-investigative historian and filmmaker. With a Ph.D. in criminal justice history from the University of Toronto, Vronsky has written extensively on the subject of serial homicide, including "Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters" and "Sons of Cain: A History of Serial Killers From the Stone Age to the Present." His latest book, "American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000," has garnered critical acclaim for its comprehensive examination of serial killers in the United States.

Analysis of Views

Challenging societal norms: Readers appreciate Vronsky's efforts to challenge the conventional perceptions of gender roles and identity. By exploring the stories of female serial killers, he sheds light on the complex interplay between societal expectations and individual behavior.
Historical context: Many readers find it fascinating how Vronsky traces the history of female serial killers, starting from ancient times to the present day. By examining cases such as Elizabeth Bathory and other notorious female murderers, he provides a comprehensive understanding of how women have been involved in homicidal acts throughout history.
In-depth analysis: The book is praised for its thorough research and detailed case studies. Vronsky delves into the lives and motivations of individual female serial killers, offering a deep exploration of their psychological profiles and the factors that contributed to their actions.
Well-written and engaging: Despite its serious subject matter, many readers find the book engaging and well-written. Vronsky's style is described as informative, yet accessible, making it easy for readers to follow along and gain insights into the complex world of female serial killers.
Balanced perspective: Although some readers express their disagreement with Vronsky's views on feminism, others appreciate his balanced perspective. He acknowledges the complexities of gender issues and avoids making sweeping generalizations about women as a whole.

Reasons for Recommendation

In-depth exploration: "Female Serial Killers" offers a comprehensive exploration of female serial killers, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their motivations and the broader implications of their crimes. The book goes beyond sensationalized media portrayals to offer a nuanced perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of criminal behavior.
Well-researched: Peter Vronsky's extensive research shines through in his book. Readers appreciate the thoroughness of his analysis and the inclusion of historical cases, which adds depth to his examination of female serial killers.
Engaging writing style: While discussing a serious subject, Vronsky manages to maintain an engaging writing style that keeps readers interested throughout the book. His ability to present complex information in an accessible manner makes it a valuable resource for both casual readers and researchers alike.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Skepticism towards author's views: Some readers express skepticism towards Peter Vronsky's views on feminism and his occasional criticisms of feminist theories. They feel that these personal opinions detract from the overall objectivity and credibility of the book.
Graphic content: Some readers find the detailed descriptions of murders and other violent acts in the book to be disturbing or triggering. While these details are necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of female serial killers, they may not be suitable for all readers.

Conclusion

"Female Serial Killers: How and Why Women Become Monsters" by Peter Vronsky is a thought-provoking book that challenges societal norms and offers a deep exploration of female serial killers. Through thorough research and engaging writing, Vronsky provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the complex factors that contribute to women's involvement in homicidal acts. While some readers may have reservations about certain aspects of the book, such as the author's views on feminism or the graphic content, overall, "Female Serial Killers" is highly recommended for those interested in criminal psychology, gender studies, and true crime literature.