Rating: 
Summary: Good starting point
Review: As someone else stated, this is a good starting point for getting acquainted with serial killers. One other review says you can get all the same information on the internet by using a search engine. That is true, you can probably get more information using a search engine, however there are serial killers in this book I never knew about and therefore could not find them via a search engine. This covers killers from all over the world and spanning many generations. It is a definite read for people who are new to researching serial killers and would like to have a good reference. As we all know, encyclopedias are just that, a reference. So this is a beginning and a reference. And once you find a subject in this book that draws your interest, you should then get a more detailed account to read.
Overall, I rate this as a very good book with good basic information. Yes, some things are out of date, but the Son of Sam is not one of them. The Green River Killer is however, as Gary Leon Ridgeway is not even mentioned as a suspect. However the book was last released in 2000 and the GRK was captured in 2002.
Rating: 
Summary: Lives Gone Wrong so went to Murder
Review: Did you ever think that what you wear or your hair color could be the the death of you? Well some serial killers pick their victims because of their outside appearance. Do you imagine a nice death? Well, some people can't because they get killed by getting butchered, torchered, and many other ways. Would you rather have your body after death be eaten by worms or humans? Well, some people choose the sport of canablism. "The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers" by Micheal Newton explains all of the disturbing ways serial killers kill their victims. Micheal Newton is an author who puts reasons and childhood trama together so that you get inside the serial killer's mind. I recommend this great book to people who have only one point of view in murder cases. I rate this unique non-fiction book 5 stars. There are many serial killers not just one, described in this unique, out of the ordinary book. You might change your mind about serial killers. If you think all serial killers murder for fun, you're wrong. Many went though child-hood trama. maybe this book will change your mind about serial killers. So if you're in a thrilling, unique mood then read this excellent book of horror.
Rating:
Summary: Great book. Very informative.
Review: For those interested in serial killers or in understanding the human condition in some of its darkest forms, this book offers a number of wonderful insights. Details from interviews with many of the most notorious killers of our time including John Wayne Gacey, Henry Lee Lucas & Karl "Kropsey" Morgan are both fascinating and truly repulsive.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing and thorough for those with morbid fascination
Review: I bought this book because of morbid fascination with the minds of those who find it necessary or enjoyable to seek alternate, though immoral, ways to spend their time. I wanted to find a book that had easily digestible snippets on some of the more, and less, infamous serial killers. I am glad that I was able to find such a book.The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers is a great book because it gives the reader just enough information to tempt the palate with regards to each killer. Michael Newton does a great job of giving us not too much detail, and not too little detail about each case study. Nor does he gloss over the facts regarding each case. Each individual (whether killer or killed) is looked at from a very professional standpoint. Newton looks at a killer's upbringing and other social factors that may lead to why they have done what they have done, in addition to the mere facts. Newton also addresses what has happened to these people, if they were caught and convicted. It is interesting to see how society's law enforcement has changed over the years. Some of those included are:
Jack the Ripper
Ed Gein
Son of Sam
The Zodiac Killer
Ted Bundy
The Manson Family If you are looking for a book that gives you a peek into the mind of not one, but many serial killers then this is the book for you. From these intriguing portrayals, one can decide which cases and killers are most interesting and buy more in-depth books about each. It's great as a reference, to read from cover to cover, or to pull out when you simply want to leaf through to kill some time. Highly recommended to fans of the true crime genre.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing and thorough for those with morbid fascination
Review: I bought this book because of morbid fascination with the minds of those who find it necessary or enjoyable to seek alternate, though immoral, ways to spend their time. I wanted to find a book that had easily digestible snippets on some of the more, and less, infamous serial killers. I am glad that I was able to find such a book. The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers is a great book because it gives the reader just enough information to tempt the palate with regards to each killer. Michael Newton does a great job of giving us not too much detail, and not too little detail about each case study. Nor does he gloss over the facts regarding each case. Each individual (whether killer or killed) is looked at from a very professional standpoint. Newton looks at a killer's upbringing and other social factors that may lead to why they have done what they have done, in addition to the mere facts. Newton also addresses what has happened to these people, if they were caught and convicted. It is interesting to see how society's law enforcement has changed over the years. Some of those included are:
Jack the Ripper
Ed Gein
Son of Sam
The Zodiac Killer
Ted Bundy
The Manson Family If you are looking for a book that gives you a peek into the mind of not one, but many serial killers then this is the book for you. From these intriguing portrayals, one can decide which cases and killers are most interesting and buy more in-depth books about each. It's great as a reference, to read from cover to cover, or to pull out when you simply want to leaf through to kill some time. Highly recommended to fans of the true crime genre.
Rating:
Summary: Great Reference Book
Review: I bought this book for a criminology class and still use it after graduating college. It is an interesting read cover to cover, but I use it to get more information after watching many real crime shows that are now on TV. The book has the basic facts regarding the killers and should not be looked at for all the details. It certainly gives you enough information for you to decide if you wish to study a killer more in depth.
Rating:
Summary: Great Resource
Review: I can't really say much more that what has already been said.
I feel this is a great resource for those who are eager to know almost a history of serial killing. So many people only know a few names (i.e. Jack the Ripper, Ed Gein, Ted Bundy). This book takes you back to show that Serial Killers are not a new phenomenon. It introduces you to serial killers not only from the past but also from different regions.
I found this book to be one which encouraged me to learn more and more about those killers who are not as well know. Overall, a great book and very informative.
Rating: 
Summary: Warning
Review: I cannot give an informed review of most of the book. However, while glancing through it at a bookstore I noted that the chapter on Son of Sam was horribly out of date and as a result I did not buy it. It is now well recognized (since the early 1980s by the NYC DA's office, relatives of some victims, etc.) that while David Berkowitz committed some of the "Son of Sam" crimes, there were actually several Sons of Sam, members of a cult operated by Berkowitz's neighbour, Sam Carr, who had ties to drug dealers. The cult also had possible connections to the Process Church, and perhaps even the Manson family. The story about talking dogs was made up by Berkowitz to cover for the rest of the cult, and he took the fall for all the murders having "only" committed a couple of them. Even A&E, which is often reluctant to take controversial views, had a documentary approx. 2 years ago supporting the cult angle. Read Maury Terry's The Ultimate Evil instead of this poorly researched chapter. As far as I know the rest of the book is more accurate, but not having read it out of prejudice, I cannot comment.
Rating:
Summary: Lives Gone Wrong so went to Murder
Review: I have this book and think it's great for studying serial killers. Nothing is left out or censored and things are explained professionaly. This book is a must for any serial killer reader.
Rating:
Summary: The book is great
Review: I have this book and think it's great for studying serial killers. Nothing is left out or censored and things are explained professionaly. This book is a must for any serial killer reader.
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