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Debbie W.'s Reviews > American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century
American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century
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Investigative reporter, Maureen Callahan, exceptionally brings to light one of America's (and possibly other countries') most terrifying, but practically unheard-of serial killer, Israel Keyes.
I really appreciated how Callahan:
(1) retrieved extensive information about Keyes, even though she found it quite difficult, at times, to get full disclosure;
(2) detailed, step-by-step, how Keyes committed some of his crimes (the abduction, torture and murder of middle-aged couple, Bill and Lorraine Courier, really hit home for me);
(3) related Keyes's history by securing vital information from his psychiatric evaluation; and,
(4) illustrated how specific procedures (e.g. questioning of suspects, a diving crew's strict course of action, etc.) are followed, and even then, how frustrating an investigation can be when proper conduct is not followed.
Callahan shows how Keyes stumped law enforcement because he didn't fit the FBI's criminal profiling in so many ways, leaving us to wonder, how many lives did Keyes take?
This is a well-documented and organized literary work which shows what a monster Keyes truly was. A must-read/listen for fans of true crime!
I really appreciated how Callahan:
(1) retrieved extensive information about Keyes, even though she found it quite difficult, at times, to get full disclosure;
(2) detailed, step-by-step, how Keyes committed some of his crimes (the abduction, torture and murder of middle-aged couple, Bill and Lorraine Courier, really hit home for me);
(3) related Keyes's history by securing vital information from his psychiatric evaluation; and,
(4) illustrated how specific procedures (e.g. questioning of suspects, a diving crew's strict course of action, etc.) are followed, and even then, how frustrating an investigation can be when proper conduct is not followed.
Callahan shows how Keyes stumped law enforcement because he didn't fit the FBI's criminal profiling in so many ways, leaving us to wonder, how many lives did Keyes take?
This is a well-documented and organized literary work which shows what a monster Keyes truly was. A must-read/listen for fans of true crime!
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Reading Progress
July 31, 2019
– Shelved
July 31, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
September 27, 2019
– Shelved as:
informative
October 18, 2020
–
Started Reading
October 18, 2020
– Shelved as:
audiobook
October 18, 2020
– Shelved as:
true-crime
October 23, 2020
–
75.0%
October 25, 2020
–
Finished Reading
February 24, 2021
– Shelved as:
2020-reads
Comments Showing 1-16 of 16 (16 new)
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Isabel
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Oct 19, 2020 09:07AM
Ted Bundy was "something" out of this world, wasn't he? His story is unbelievable! Being good looking and having an angelical face didn't help his victims, either. Never judge a book by its cover! It seems to be a great book. Like you, I also like to read true crime because it fascinates me to know what motivates people to do certain horrible things. Let me know your thoughts about the book once you read it. :-) I never read it but know his story.
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Isabel wrote: "Ted Bundy was "something" out of this world, wasn't he? His story is unbelievable! Being good looking and having an angelical face didn't help his victims, either. Never judge a book by its cover! ..."I learned a lot about Ted Bundy from Ann Rule's THE STRANGER BESIDE ME, and yes, he's probably one of North America's most prolific serial killers. However, this audiobook is about a little known American serial killer named Israel Keyes who struck victims all over the US during the 21st century. So far, it is quite intriguing!
I don't know why I thought this book was about Ted Bundy, my sincere apologies. What I learned about Ted Bundy was through newspapers and magazines articles. I never read a book about him.I also was not aware of Israel Keyes but did some research on him now, that you have mentioned his name. The police never figured out why they committed these crimes. I believe these kind of people may be born with lack of empathy, with some mental disconnection, or may have suffered some traumatic experience earlier in life. It also intrigues me.
Hello Debbie,I am glad to know that you liked the book, It is always a pleasure to read books well written and researched mainly when the theme is something so serious as a serial killer. I hope it was not emotionally a difficult reading.
Isabel wrote: "Hello Debbie,I am glad to know that you liked the book, It is always a pleasure to read books well written and researched mainly when the theme is something so serious as a serial killer. I hope i..."
Overall, it was written as a typical true crime book with parts that just make you shake your head in horror and disbelief. The part about the Couriers really bothered me because this couple and their lifestyle reminded me so much of my husband and me! The other victims were just as sad, because they could be anyone you know. He was a very indiscriminate killer!
Great review Debbie! Looks like a must True Crime read, and on a topic I haven't read about, thanks! 📚
Jennifer wrote: "Great review Debbie! Looks like a must True Crime read, and on a topic I haven't read about, thanks! 📚"Thanks, Jennifer! Strange how this horrific killer is not as well-known, as say, Ted Bundy. Maybe that's a good thing!
Debbie wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Great review Debbie! Looks like a must True Crime read, and on a topic I haven't read about, thanks! 📚"Thanks, Jennifer! Strange how this horrific killer is not as well-known, as..."
Agreed on all counts! It's scary how little we know of all the evil in the world.. When we were younger, my husband took a course in Uni about police methodology and came out shocked at how many serial rape cases the police were aware of/tracking in our (very populated) area but we as a populous were unaware, stuck with both of us through raising our kids🙁
My husband and I were just talking about him not too long ago, since he'd been listening to a true crime podcast about Keyes. It was scary how organized and methodical he was at planning ahead for his crimes across the country. Great review, Debbie.
Kat wrote: "My husband and I were just talking about him not too long ago, since he'd been listening to a true crime podcast about Keyes. It was scary how organized and methodical he was at planning ahead for ..."Thanks, Kat! Yes! He really freaked me out re: how meticulous he was! Also frightening was that he didn't fit the criminal profiling used by the FBI, and that he didn't have a "type" of victim - anyone and everyone was fair game! Law enforcement thinks he may also have victims in Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, just to name a few!
Wow, great review. Have never heard of this fellow, will def put on my, "want to read" list. Thanks!
Annette wrote: "Wow, great review. Have never heard of this fellow, will def put on my, "want to read" list. Thanks!"Thanks, Annette! Since I know you like true crime, you will LOVE this one!
This was such a creepy, disturbing book!
Melissa (LifeFullyBooked) wrote: "This was such a creepy, disturbing book!"True, but then again, most true crime stories are!
Great review Debbie. I have to read this book.
Persephone's Pomegranate wrote: "Great review Debbie. I have to read this book."Oh, this is a good one, Persephone!
