When I saw that Peter Vronsky had published another book, I couldn’t wait to read it. I had read his previous book Sons of Cain (2018) and found its overall argument compelling and original. Sons of Cain did an excellent job of not only drawing a thread between some of the earliest serial killings known in human history and some more contemporary and better-known serial killings, it also made a solid argument about the potential ways contemporary killers could have been affected by world wars. When I opened Vronsky’s latest book, American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 (Penguin Random House, 2020) I expected to see some of the same types of argumentation. There is some of that argumentation present, but it is a bit underdeveloped.
If you are someone who is looking to gain knowledge about serial killings that occurred between 1950-2000 in the United States, this book is for you. Vronsky is an extremely knowledgeable historian, and no detail is spared. Vronsky goes through the details of the killings committed by all the infamous killers we have come to know: Jeffery Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Ed Gein, Arthur Shawcross, Edmund Kemper, Richard Ramirez, and Dean Corll, to name a few. He intersperses the summary of these cases with medical, sociological, forensic, and academic data, which helps to ground these cases in their time period. Because he goes through all the cases in chronological order, he creates a useful timeline of the “golden age” of serial killing, attempting to explain why, during this particular time in history, there were so many serial killers.

Here at True Crime Index, we are most interested in true crime narratives that are victim/survivor-focused and victim/survivor-centered. That doesn’t mean that we don’t think other types of narratives are important for the genre—they certainly have their place and deserve serious consideration. Where we tend to diverge with texts of this nature is when all the gory details of the crimes are summarized in a sensationalistic manner with seemingly no purpose. We are of the mindset that if you must summarize details of crimes that are already very well known, there should be a reason for doing so. That reason may be to study an aspect of the crime/offender, to attempt to solve a case that is cold, or to make a larger argument about that particular time in serial killing history. These are all valuable pursuits, and in Vronsky’s last book, Sons of Cain, I really didn’t mind having to re-read the horrors that are Ted Bundy’s crimes because a larger, extremely important point was being made. I did not always get that sense with American Serial Killers.

At the beginning of the text, Vronsky goes through some extremely interesting and eye-opening academic data. If you are looking for hard data on contemporary serial killers, this is a great place to get it. Vronsky has an incredible ability as a writer and historian to turn this data into a compelling story. But when Vronsky begins to create his timeline of case summaries, the thread of this data and therefore his larger argument are somewhat lost in the gory details. He certainly reflects on theories of psychopathy and theories from criminologists like Steve Egger and social critics like Mark Seltzer in between the summarizing of these crimes, but the extent to which this is done does not come close to equaling or justifying the immense amount of detail that is given about the perpetrator and crime. I, like most true crime readers, have read the details of these infamous crimes many times over. There are no shortage of books, podcasts, and Netflix documentaries that explain over and over again what was done by these killers, and what their lives were like. There is, however, significantly less media that focuses on the victims/survivors. This is not to say that we shouldn’t study violent crimes and those who perpetuate them: we must. It is essential that we understand why serial killers do what they do. Vronsky is a proponent of this, and I have nothing but respect for that desire. This is why I was so surprised to see that the majority of this book is concerned with rehashing the details—as opposed to attempting to make sense of—the crimes.

Vronsky begins to make an argument in his book about post-war men’s magazines, also known as the “sweats” that were openly sold on newsstands from the 1940s to the 1970s. These magazines depicted women being tortured, bound, and enslaved. Some even printed images from crimes scenes. Vronsky wonders how certain killers may have been affected by the images they found in those magazines and in fact he dedicates a section of his book to transcripts from an interview done with Dennis Rader wherein Rader explains the effect they had on him. This is a fascinating line of questioning, and I wish this argument was more developed within the book. As Vronsky gets into his summaries of serial killings that occurred in the 70’s and beyond, the thread of that argument is lost. Of course, as those types of men’s magazines became a thing of the past, less and less killers would have consumed them. However, Vronsky is asking larger questions about the serial killer “script”, or, in other words, he wonders what these men had absorbed through the media and other avenues that then turn into fantasies that they attempt to live through their crimes. This is an idea he poses early on in the book that never really comes to fruition. As a reader, I was looking for much more of this type of questioning and much less summary on the killers and crimes themselves.

If you are looking for details of serial killings that occurred between 1950-2000, Vronsky’s American Serial Killings is the book to read. If you are looking for a text that goes beyond the “what” and the “how” in a significant way, Sons of Cain will be much more your speed.

The popularity of true crime podcasts and books over the recent years has shown no signs of slowing. One of the most original and entertaining voices to join the writing of these items is Peter Vronsky. Vronsky's name may sound familiar as we have reviewed his books before. His new book, American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 is not something you should try to read in one sitting, or frankly even in one week. It is dark and it is a lot to take in.  

In this book, Vronsky takes an extremely deep dive into famous serial killers in what some have jokingly called "the Golden Years" of serial killing. Frankly, there were so many serial killers during this time period that it lead to the creation of special behavioral task forces and data bases. Much of what we know today came from studying people like Jeffrey Dahmer, Gary Ridgeway, and Ted Bundy. Still, this collection will have information about some killers you may not have heard of. Oh, and it's in great detail. Listen, I've read a lot of books on serial killers, watched the documentaries, and listened to the podcasts, but there were even some details in this book that made me gag and have to put the book down for a hot minute.  Vronsky does posit some examples and ideas of why so much murder happened during this time, but does not claim to have all the answers. 

American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 is fascinating, but not for the weak of stomach. Look for it February 9, 2021 from Berkley Publishing Group.

This is fantastic for those really wanting to immerse themselves in factual accounts of serial cases. Not a casual read because it is heavy. Good to have on hand if you are a serial killer buff or murderino.

In-depth and encyclopedic and relentless. Read if you want to be drowned in murder details. Does what it's supposed to do, and does it well, and I am just very tired of the misery.

Well thought out, well researched, well written. This is a great addition to any collection. I will be buying this one to have a copy.

If you’re a true crime or serial killer buff, you will likely want to add AMERICAN SERIAL KILLERS to your bookshelf. It’s a well written history on serial killers divided into different sections of history. It not only gives historical data regarding how serial killers were viewed by society, but how they were handled by culture, the public, the media, and law enforcement. The author goes on to detail specific serial killers and what they were known for.

My favorite part of this book was actually the beginning. I’ve done a fair amount of research in psychology and anthropology, and I enjoyed learning more about the potential origin of serial killers. The author talks extensively about this, including how Neanderthals may have acted as compared to Homo sapiens and how that potentially played into what we call a serial killer mindset but might have simply been survival a very long time ago (think your cat if it came across a mouse). While I enjoyed this part, it is actually a part I also had a bit of trouble with. I felt like the author drew conclusions from old studies and old beliefs that aren’t necessarily what most scholars in the area believe these days. I gave this four out of five stars primarily for this reason and because it also made me doubt how he treated other material and other research moving forward throughout the book.

Overall, a great read and I would recommend it.

Serial killers are a societal aberration that has captured public interest for many years. It is not a new phenomenon but in Peter Vronsky's wonderful new book, AMERICAN SERIAL KILLERS: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000, the evolution of this phenomenon during the 20th century from a handful of such killers to a full-on epidemic in the latter half of the century is chronicled in a clean, concise, and comprehensive manner. This book is almost encyclopedic in its scope and truly makes Vronsky's case--that serial killing blossomed during the second half of the 20th-century and generated a list of household names, such a Bundy, Gacy, and Dahmer, Names that continue to fascinate the public. Anyone interested in serial killing, true crime, criminal history, police procedure, or who simply enjoys reading crime fiction, will find this book fascinating and an excellent reference for further reading. Highly recommended.


DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly and Cain/Harper thriller series

As far as studying psychopaths, serial killers, and how they might have become the way they are, this book is an absolute gem. I knew when I started this that it was going to be a five star rating within the first few pages. Starting off with the preface, which was amazingly written and enticing the reader to continue reading, we read about the last "celebrity" serial killer of the epidemic years and a name everyone knows: Jeffrey Dahmer. Enough of a blurb to show how lives can change forever in one day and really kickstart the whole book.

Vronsky writes an absolutely fascinating introduction to the "golden years" of serial killers. His writing is clear and concise, and absolutely filled with interesting statistics, facts, and information. Organized by decade based on the adaption of serial killers in the time and featuring prominent killers in the media, we also learn about outside influences each decade that could help cook up the perfect storm that makes psychopaths commit these heinous acts. Things like wars and fathers with PTSD, media such as movies and magazine filled with dark themes in post war times, the politics of race and underreporting of black victims, the brain of a psychopath and the damage that can cause a shift in personality, etc.

One of the greatest parts of this book for me had to be Vronsky's thorough use of his research and citations. I took down so many of his citations for science journals and books that I want to read to do further research. He remains seemingly objective to everything and merely writes things as they are, which is a talent to be respected when dealing with atrocities that break your heart. He is such a good writer that some of the descriptions and reading about the lives of the victims is devastating.

Thank you to Peter Vronsky, Berkley, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC, especially for such a well-written book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

An interesting read about serial killers from a slightly different perspective. This book is more like a history of serial killers instead of the usual in depth account of a specific killer. It's very detailed and complex. At times, the writing could get a bit dry, but overall, I found it to be fascinating.

I enjoyed that this is a different take on a very popular subject. I had never thought of serial killing in a historical context, but that's exactly what this book is about. I liked how things were broken down in the book, and how it was all laid out so the reader could see how things were before the so-called golden age of serial killers to after.

If you are intrigued by serial murder, this is a great read.

I so enjoyed this book . Alot of true crime stories , facts and so much information over a spand fifty years.
Almost like an encyclopedia of true crime . You will not want to pass this book up it kept me interested into the very end .

Peter Vronsky researched his information thoroughly. This is a very detailed historical book covering Serial Killers from 1950-2000. But he also provides historical data about serial killers before that time and how we came to define what serial killers are. I have read other books on serial killers, but Mr. Vronsky has managed to elaborate facts on some of the criminals that I had not heard before. I would recommend this title as an excellent reference on the, very disturbing, world of the serial killer.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy to review.

A must read for enthusiasts, American Serial Killers takes a deep, hard look into the "Golden Age" of serial killers. Vronsky tracks the history of many, many violent killers while highlighting cases to take a more indepth look at the making of a setial killer.

Though I didn't always agree with some ideas (some points made about society and the eras seemed too general) I do think he made great points and examination of the times.

It was a very informative read with an easy writing style.

Vronsky writes yet another look at the serial killers. The beginning of the book in places seems to add (sometimes word for word) points from his previous book Sons of Cain. Even with that, it's an interesting read that is well-written and a must for those who've read Vronsky's previous books.

This is the serial killer encyclopedia that we have been waiting for. It was so informative and shed light on many serial killers who aren't nearly as famous as some of the others but just as evil. 10/10 recommend for every crime obsessed person.

Would I recommend it? Yes, in fact I've enable others to add it to their TBR
Would I read more by this author? Yes
First off I want to thank the publisher Berkley Publishing Group as well as Netgalley for letting me read it as well as review it ,While the book is a bit slow, which i'm actually glad it was because it helps the author to dive deeply into the reasons that he thinks chronic murderers commit heinous kills, as well as let him introduced you as the reader to infamous killers you may not know yet.And while i know this type of book isn't for everyone its perfect for those who love true crime.

Good book. That's exactly what I would expect from Peter Vronsky. He's one of the best authors covering these subjects. Unlike many compiled, quicky rundowns on a whole bunch of killers, all in one book (how convenient), Vronsky covers many of them but intelligently and in depth. That's what I like. Excellent book for those interested in man's last horizon, serial murder. Read it right through, allowing for sleep and dinner, a great book.

Peter Vronsky has done it again. A fabulous true crime author, Vronsky details cases and teaches his readers like no other. American Serial Killers takes us back in time to learn about some of the most gruesome of killers. This is a true crime book that can be devoured in one sitting. I would recommend to anyone even if true crime is not your first choice.

If you like the mind behind the serial killer and his madness, you’ll love this book. Not only does the author dive deeply into the reasons that he thinks chronic murderers commit heinous kills, but he introduces his reader to infamous killers they may not know yet (I know that I learned some new names).
The only downside was that I found some typos in the book as I was reading and I felt like some of the book’s cases were a little wordy.

If you are interested in Serial Killers or Forensic Science, this book is for you. Vronsky has a style that is both informative and easy going. He takes readers thru the "Golden Age" (yikes - I think of something good when I think of Golden Age) of serial killers 1950 -2000 American Serial Killers is for true crime junkies. At times the pacing was slow, but the book was still fascinating. From Ed Kemper, Jeffrey Dahmer, to lesser-known cases liek Melvin Rees and Harvey Glatman. Don't read at night.

This book is a well-researched and interesting book about serial killers through the ages. While the focus is primarily on male sexual serial killers of the so-called "Epidemic" years, this does explore many others in some detail as well. The first few chapters are particularly interesting, especially for those with an interest in true crime who may already know much about the bigger names such as Dahmer and Bundy. These beginning chapters explore the history of serial killers, down to how many were labelled as "werewolves" in the beginning and how Victorian purity culture may have led to the advent of these male sexual serial killers.
Overall this paints a clear picture of serial killers throughout the ages, providing anecdotes of both well-known and lesser-known names. It is clear that Vronsky did his research and did it well.