Quick Take

The specter of the marauding serial killer has become a relatively common feature on the American landscape. Reactions to these modern-day monsters range from revulsion to morbid fascination-fascination that is either fed by, or a product of, the saturation coverage provided by print and broadcast media, along with a dizzying array of books, documentary films, websites, and "Movies of the Week". The prevalence in Western culture of images of serial killers (and mass murderers) has created in the public mind a consensus view of what a serial killer is. Most people are aware, to some degree, of the classic serial killer 'profile.' But what if there is a much different 'profile'-one that has not received much media attention? In Programmed to Kill, acclaimed and always controversial author David McGowan takes a fresh look at the lives of many of America's most notorious accused murderers, focusing on the largely hidden patterns that suggest that there may be more to the average serial killer story than meets the eye. Think you know everything there is to know about serial killers? Or is it possible that sometimes what everyone 'knows' to be true isn't really true at all?

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Programmed to Kill: The Politics of Serial Murder

Introduction

In the realm of true crime literature, the specter of serial killers has become a common feature on the American landscape. Reactions to these modern-day monsters range from revulsion to morbid fascination, with media coverage providing a dizzying array of books, documentary films, websites, and "Movies of the Week." The prevalence of images of serial killers (and mass murderers) in Western culture has created a consensus view of what a serial killer is. However, David McGowan's book "Programmed to Kill: The Politics of Serial Murder" challenges this conventional understanding. In this article, we will explore the book's analysis of views, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommending it.

About David McGowan

David McGowan is an author known for his controversial and thought-provoking works. He has written extensively on a wide range of topics, including politics, conspiracy theories, and true crime. McGowan's ability to challenge conventional wisdom and present alternative perspectives has earned him both admirers and detractors. In "Programmed to Kill," McGowan delves into the lives of America's most notorious accused murderers, offering a fresh look at the patterns that suggest there may be more to the average serial killer story than meets the eye.

Analysis of Views

Fascinating Alternate View: Many readers found McGowan's book to be a fascinating alternate view of serial killers, mass killings, violent crime, child pornography, human trafficking, and pedophilia in modern America. They appreciated the author's ability to present information in a slightly different way, which challenged their preconceived notions.
Disturbing Picture: The book painted a disturbing picture of the darker aspects of society, including child abuse, mind control, and the use of assassins and patsies in criminal activities. Readers found themselves questioning their perception of reality and feeling disturbed by the information presented.
Speculative Conclusions: Some readers found McGowan's conclusions speculative and not fully supported by evidence. They felt that the author relied on anecdotal evidence and failed to properly source some claims about connections to CIA operations and other controversial topics.
Informative and Thought-Provoking: Many readers appreciated the book's informative nature and found it thought-provoking. They appreciated the author's thorough research and the way he presented his conclusions, even if they did not fully agree with them.
Disappointing Lack of Sources: A few readers expressed disappointment with the lack of sources cited in the book. They felt that McGowan's claims lacked proper support and that the absence of sources weakened the credibility of his arguments.

Reasons for Recommendation

Alternative Perspective: Readers recommended "Programmed to Kill" for its ability to provide an alternative perspective on serial killers and related issues. They appreciated McGowan's willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and offer new insights into the subject matter.
Thought-Provoking Content: The book's thought-provoking content was a major reason for recommending it. Readers found themselves questioning their beliefs and exploring new ideas about the nature of violence and criminal behavior.
Thorough Research: Many readers praised McGowan's thorough research and the way he presented his findings. They felt that the author had done extensive work in uncovering hidden patterns and connections that shed light on the darker aspects of society.

Reasons for Not Recommending

Speculative Conclusions: Some readers found McGowan's conclusions speculative and not fully supported by evidence. They felt that the author relied too heavily on anecdotal evidence and failed to provide proper sources for his claims about CIA operations and other controversial topics.
Lack of Sources: A few readers expressed disappointment with the lack of sources cited in the book. They felt that McGowan's claims lacked proper support and that the absence of sources weakened the credibility of his arguments.
Overwhelming Information: Some readers found the book overwhelming due to its extensive amount of information and data. They felt that McGowan's writing style could be more accessible and better organized to make it easier to digest.

Conclusion

"Programmed to Kill: The Politics of Serial Murder" by David McGowan offers a fresh perspective on serial killers and related issues in modern America. While some readers appreciate the book's ability to challenge conventional wisdom and provide alternative insights, others find it speculative and lacking in proper sources. The book's thought-provoking content and thorough research make it a valuable addition to the true crime genre, but readers should approach it with an open mind and a willingness to question their preconceived notions.