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Rating: 
Summary: Gripping content worthy of reading despite Ressler's asides
Review: Former FBI criminal profiler Robert Ressler follows up his book "Whoever Fights Mosters" by reflecting on his post-FBI experiences. Especially noteworthy is his extensive interviews with serial killers John Wayne Gacey and Jeffrey Dahmer. Ressler's interview with Dahmer is probably one of the most significant parts of the book for what it reveals about the psychology behind Dahmer's acts. Ressler does a good job of sorting through the bull and getting at what motivated Dahmer and his specific mental issues. Also to the positive are the international cases Ressler details, especially the fact that the "serial killer phenomenon" is not unique to the United States. His case studies of the Railway Killer and the ABC Killings in South Africa are especially worth reading. However, one particular annoyance trips up the reader and that's something other reviewers have pointed out. Ressler has no qualms in repeatedly pointing out his 25 years of experience with the bureau...again, again and again. He seems to take particular pleasure at pointing out how many trials he has testified in, how much demand there is for his expertise and how his work has made headlines around the world. He makes it a point, for example, of saying that in the case of the Railway Killer, his help was sought but he was just so darned busy to go because of his role in other trials in the U.S. He also quotes a letter from one of the investigators, thanking him in glowing terms. He also has no qualms in taking a few swipes at his former co-workers in the FBI, including John Douglas. Despite this issue, Ressler's book is worth reading for what it reveals. However, I much prefer another former FBI profiler's writing. Roy Hazelwood's style is cleaner and his ego is refreshingly absent.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping content worthy of reading despite Ressler's asides
Review: Former FBI criminal profiler Robert Ressler follows up his book "Whoever Fights Mosters" by reflecting on his post-FBI experiences. Especially noteworthy is his extensive interviews with serial killers John Wayne Gacey and Jeffrey Dahmer. Ressler's interview with Dahmer is probably one of the most significant parts of the book for what it reveals about the psychology behind Dahmer's acts. Ressler does a good job of sorting through the bull and getting at what motivated Dahmer and his specific mental issues. Also to the positive are the international cases Ressler details, especially the fact that the "serial killer phenomenon" is not unique to the United States. His case studies of the Railway Killer and the ABC Killings in South Africa are especially worth reading. However, one particular annoyance trips up the reader and that's something other reviewers have pointed out. Ressler has no qualms in repeatedly pointing out his 25 years of experience with the bureau...again, again and again. He seems to take particular pleasure at pointing out how many trials he has testified in, how much demand there is for his expertise and how his work has made headlines around the world. He makes it a point, for example, of saying that in the case of the Railway Killer, his help was sought but he was just so darned busy to go because of his role in other trials in the U.S. He also quotes a letter from one of the investigators, thanking him in glowing terms. He also has no qualms in taking a few swipes at his former co-workers in the FBI, including John Douglas. Despite this issue, Ressler's book is worth reading for what it reveals. However, I much prefer another former FBI profiler's writing. Roy Hazelwood's style is cleaner and his ego is refreshingly absent.
Rating: 
Summary: Ressler sounds angry at the FBI
Review: I have enjoyed reading true crime for some time now including Whoever Fights Monsters, But this book is self serving and does not introduce any new information you have not already read. It seems Mr. Ressler is angry at John Douglas and others for not aknowledging his effort while an active profiler and he is trying to show them he was first or best or something. The message was lost on me. The interviews are something to read however the bulk of the book is simply a retread of his previous works. My advice. Skip it.
Rating:
Summary: Ressler sounds angry at the FBI
Review: I have enjoyed reading true crime for some time now including Whoever Fights Monsters, But this book is self serving and does not introduce any new information you have not already read. It seems Mr. Ressler is angry at John Douglas and others for not aknowledging his effort while an active profiler and he is trying to show them he was first or best or something. The message was lost on me. The interviews are something to read however the bulk of the book is simply a retread of his previous works. My advice. Skip it.
Rating:
Summary: Shortcoming of the Profiler
Review: The validity of Ressler's information is automatically questionable considering he seems to use this book as a way to get back at his former colleagues with the BSU. I found myself laughing at times when he gives himself considerable amounts of credit for progress in a case or his repeated claim of coining the term "serial killer". This inflated sense of self takes away from all the information that the book provides. The interviews with Gacy and Dahmer are interesting. However, I wonder how accurate they are because Ressler seems so concerned about looking smart and good at what he does. It is apparent that he has something against John Douglas, who is the guy you should be reading anyway.
Rating: 
Summary: 101 Criminology
Review: This book has great basic information on the most notorious murderers. If you are an experienced reader, you will see alot of basic information, but if this is your 1,2 or 3 book on the subject I strongly recommend it! His interview with Jeffrey Dahmer and his information regarding Dahmer is unique. Again Robert Ressler takes about 1/5 of the book talking about his carrer, and it is easy to skip a few pages because he goes on and on about his career without making a constructive point.
If he would reduce needles carrer information and stick to the facts, he would be in no doubts and incredible writer. But along with Roy Hazelwood, you have to filter through the egos.
Rating:
Summary: the bad and the ugly
Review: Though I found the material fascinating (especially the chilling interview with Jeffrey Dahmer), I agree with the reviewers who note the egoism. Of course Ressler should be proud, but perhaps he should let others tout his accomplishments rather than doing it himself. It detracts from the cases he describes. It reminds me of the old Saturday Night Live skit when our hero bursts in with, "Here I come to save the day..." Despite the egomanical strain, there is lots of good information on behavior profiling here. The author could show a bit more empathy for the victims. He'll recount the most horrid crime as if it were the recipe for apple pie. I'm thankful for his dedication to crime and for his insights into profiles of the serial killer. I suspect his first book is more in depth than this one.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Material!
Review: Unfortunately, no one ever told Mr. Ressler that the presentation and analysis (sans the incessant patting himself on the back) of each case would have made his intelligence, experience and expertise self-evident. It is heart-breaking that he felt the need to remind us on every other page how amazing he thinks he is. Speaking only for myself; I'm sure I could have figured that out on my own! I won't buy another of his books and I wouldn't recommend this one.
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