You Can Purchase From Amazon The Killer Book of True Crime: Incredible Stories, Facts and Trivia from the World of Murder to Mayhem By Clicking Here

Authors: Tom Philbin and Michael Philbin

Publishers: SOURCEBOOKS INC

ISBN: 13:978-1-4022-0829-4

            10: 1-4022-0829-4

The introduction to Tom and Michael Philbin’s The Killer Book of True Crime: Incredible Stories, Facts and Trivia from the World of Murder to Mayhem states that the book’s objective is to serve up a potpourri of delectable information about crime in a way that is entertaining.

Perhaps the term “delectable” is not quite appropriate and a bit much in view of some of the gory details exposed in a few chapters, however, I have to admit that the book is quite fascinating and makes for a good read in providing readers with an insight into the seamy world of crime.

Divided into nineteen chapters the authors serve us short bites of information pertaining to an assortment of crimes from robbery, organized crimes and gangs, prostitution, serial murder, mass murder, criminal investigation, rape, sexual perversions to terrorism, auto theft, death row, prisons, stalking, female killers, arson, celebrities and crime, kids who kill, and gory crimes.

Each chapter includes a question and answer section containing some attention-grabbing data. For example, did you know that arson is the most expensive crime in America; costing more than two billion dollars a year in property loss and only sixteen percent of arson offenses ever lead to arrest. Who has spent the most time in jail and is still behind bars? The answer is William Heirens who has served over sixty-one years for the crime of killing a little girl and two women in 1946-a case that shocked the world. What percentage of pedophiles recover from their interest? None. It is generally believed that once a pedophile is afflicted, he will never change. Did you know that Brazil has the highest murder rate with almost forty-five thousand a year!

Also incorporated in the tome is the unique jargon spoken by various criminals such as robbers, prostitutes, and inmates in prison as well as those individuals who investigate the crimes. And For those of you who enjoy reading about the comings and goings of celebrities, there is an entire chapter devoted to the crimes committed by such famous people as Ryan O’Neal, Pete Rose, David Crosby, Sean Penn, O.Henry, Kelsey Grammar, Sophia Loren, Denny McLain, Robert Mitchum and Stacy Keach. The chapter even contains a match game where you have to match the circumstances of the murder with a murdered celebrity.

Some of the gory chapters include crimes of mass murder where we learn about Ronald (“Butch”) DeFeo Jr. who in 1974 horrendously murdered his entire family consisting of his parents and his four siblings. Another one delves into the circumstances of the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson where the authors reproduce the harrowing details of the autopsy report. We are spared, however, the murder scene photos that were too gruesome go show.

Other features of The Killer Book of Crime contain quotes from people involved in crime in one way or another, match games where we test our skills in matching the correct mafia nicknames to the right gangster, who am I, and brain teasers. However, it should be pointed out as the authors have mentioned in their introduction, not all of the entries have a serious side. And included are also some of the funny and humorous conversations New York cops have encountered with criminals.

Call it what you want, even morbid curiosity, however I have to confess that I did find myself wanting to know more about some of these appalling criminals and the horrendous crimes they committed. Moreover, in many instances the authors left no stone unturned in divulging all of the facts of a particular case. All of which add up to a very compelling read that will no doubt satisfy the appetites of lovers of crime and mystery stories.  

The above review was contributed by:  Norm Goldman, B.A. LL.L, Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com. Norm is a Retired Title Attorney: Norm is also a travel writer and together with his artist wife, Lily, the couple meld Norm's words with Lily's art. To check out their travel site click on Sketchandtravel.com     Click here to view Norm’s Reviews & Interviews.

You Can Purchase From Amazon The Killer Book of True Crime: Incredible Stories, Facts and Trivia from the World of Murder to Mayhem By Clicking Here