2.5 stars rounded up for the incredible research that went into this book.

The title of "The Serial Killer's Apprentice" is enticing for any true crime fan. Billed as a psychological inquiry into the psyche of a killer, author Katherine Ramsland alongside documentarian Tracy Ullman revisit the more than two dozen murders of teen boys in "The Houston Heights" between 1971 and 1973. Ramsland reviews the police and court files, newspaper reports, and interviews Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., one of two young "apprentices" of pedophile and murderer "Candy Man" Dean Corll. David Brooks, the other apprentice, died in prison before they began this project.

First, I would caution many readers that the investigation does not shy away from explicit descriptions of violence and abuse, as well as the effects of those events. The Corll murders serve as an anchor to other information. Ramsland is thorough and offers details related to those murders as well as social and political context and other serial killer team examples. However, while I appreciated this overview, I found the subtitle to be misleading. There are no answers to why Brooks and Henley were so susceptible. There are plenty of hypotheses and research indicating causal relationships, but few conclusions.

Secondly, in an effort to quote and represent the vitriol that LGBTQ+ persons suffered in 1970s Texas, the book is replete with general negative connotations. Ramsland occasionally adds qualifiers to the descriptors, quotes, etc., but they largely stand alone. It seems irresponsible to not clearly acknowledge the differences and shifts in acceptable behavior and language. Along a similar vein, I found the narrator to be grating. The narrator tried to use different intonations and accents to represent the protagonists in the story, but it came across as dismissive and almost comical. I am not sure that there would be a better way to accurately represent the individuals, but I think it's worth trying to find one.

Although only a side note in the book, I was fascinated by the idea that Truman Capote was assigned to cover the trial. It's a shame that he was not able to do so and also did not craft his own piece of narrative nonfiction.

"The Serial Killer's Apprentice: The True Story of How Houston's Deadliest Murderer Turned a Kid into a Killing Machine" will be released in the U.S. on April 16, 2024. Thanks to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for this audio ARC given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was such an interesting read! I have an obsession with true crime, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it! A solid 4 star read!

"The Serial Killer's Apprentice," Katherine Ramsland takes readers on a chilling journey into the depths of depravity and manipulation, exploring the harrowing true story of Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., the young apprentice to notorious serial killer Dean Corll. Ramsland's narrative is a riveting examination of the blurred lines between victim and accomplice, shedding light on how a killer can be created.

Set in 1971 Houston, Texas, Ramsland vividly portrays Henley's descent into Corll's world of violence and manipulation at the tender age of fourteen. Entrapped by promises of cash, Henley finds himself complicit in Corll's heinous crimes, luring young boys to their deaths. As the body count rises, Henley grapples with the moral implications of his actions, ultimately taking drastic measures to end Corll's reign of terror.

What sets Ramsland's narrative apart is her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, which delve beyond the shocking details of the murders. Through Henley's story, Ramsland explores the psychology of transformation from unwitting accomplice to cold-blooded killer, offering profound insights into the complexities of human nature.

Moreover, Ramsland exposes the failures of law enforcement and the devastating impact of Corll's crimes on the Houston community. She delves into the mechanisms of manipulation and control employed by Corll, highlighting the dangers lurking within society's shadows.

"The Serial Killer's Apprentice" is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of evil, redemption, and the human psyche. Ramsland's narrative serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by predators and the importance of early intervention. A must-read for true crime enthusiasts, this book offers both a cautionary tale and a profound examination of the darkest corners of the human experience.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book, it allowed me to multi-task while getting my fill of true crime. The narrator did a great job of differing between voices to show the characters. Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge for this ARC!

This book sent me on a spiral. As a psychology student, I really appreciated the look into how easy it is for kids to get wrapped up in crime. I feel like everyone failed the children in this book, and they were scapegoated instead of the adults in their lives taking accountability for their own actions. This book seriously messed with my head, and I think everyone who has a child should listen to it to realize how important it is to monitor who their kids are hanging out with.

This was a very difficult read.
Especially since I’d never even heard of this case prior to this!!

Told in multiple POV’s, this book showcases the mind of a pedofile/killer, as well as the two boys that helped him to carry on, and carry out the murders…

The man was known as “The Candy Man’, and seemed harmless enough to all his friends and neighbors…but what lurked inside was pure evil personified.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HighbridgeAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is due for release in a few weeks on 4/16/24.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me, but beware, this one is gory.

#TheSerialKillersApprentice by #KatherineRamsland and #TracyUllman. Narrated nicely by #ChristinaDelaine.

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Thanks so much for reading!📚⭐️

The narrator of this title was really good, and clear. I love a good true crime once in a while, and this was a great read - in that shocking, horrific way that serial killer books are. It felt like listening to a podcast (in a good way). The writer uses a narrative tone, so it doesn't read like a textbook. I recommend this for anyone that loves to read true crime. There are endless books about the serial killers themselves, but what I found particularly interesting here was learning about the "apprentice" - which is to say how Henley was groomed to be Corll's "apprentice" along with many others. It provides more insight into the even darker side of these prolific cases, a side that isn't often heard. Are these "apprentices" an accomplice? Or are they a victim themselves? Sometimes, that's not so clear.

10/10 would 100% recommend this book or in my case the audio book. The narration is great, it's a true crime that is packed full of information and details. I love how they gave details about how they were able to phrase questions to help evolve the knowledge and understanding of these types of cases. I seriously haven't enjoyed a true crime story this much since I've read an Ann Rule book and she was my favorite true crime author before she passed away, That said as with any murder cases my heart breaks for the families, and those who lost their lives.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman, both of whom do an excellent job!

I did not know a lot about the Candy Man serial killer in Houston during the 70's. I found this to be a well researched, true crime story of the serial killer and his "helpers". I felt very conflicted over the 2 young men that were essentially brainwashed into helping Deal Corll. Their actions were so cold blooded and just wrong on so many levels but they were young, without any parental support. I think the shocking part is how massively the police and detectives failed the victims but their ambivilance and shoddy police work.

If you like true crime, this is a great one!

I wasn’t familiar with Dean Corll or Elmer Henley before this book. The book covers Corll’s crimes, but mainly focuses on the two young boys he groomed to become his accomplices. There were times I felt sorry for Henley, knowing he was just a kid, and other times where I was horrified knowing what he took part in.

The book has a nice balance of telling Henley‘s story, stories of similar cases, and giving the listener tips on how to keep their kids safe from grooming. It seems the book is researched very well. All of the facts and accounts keep the reader engaged. The book does a nice job at covering very sensitive subjects. The audiobook is well done and engaging. Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.