The news of shocking crimes and the books and movies they inspire have made serial killers a topic of both tabloid attention and serious study. Renowned true-crime expert Harold Schechter and co-author David Everitt uncover the methods behind the madness of this macabre yet compelling subject. Packed with hundreds of entries spanning the entire spectrum of serial murder, this vivid and comprehensive resource examines these horrific crimes - and their notorious killers - from every angle. From well-publicized facts to little-known details, these entries cover every dark chapter of serial murder and offer an unprecedented look at this gruesome phenomenon that continues to exert a firm grip on the nation's imagination.