3.5⭐

As a true crime girly, I always enjoy anything with facts of historical murders. HOWEVER, this book lacked personality from the author. It was essentially just a CRAZY LARGE amount of information dumping with little context. All Richard did was give information of murderers and once or twice add little tidbits of himself. There was no connection of the murders and the books title.

I enjoyed this as a nice on-fiction book between all my fiction books, it just didn't stand out as anything impressive compared to other true crime books I've read (yes I'm comparing it to the information dump of Mindhunter - but at least that connected the facts into more of a story to the author than this).

Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was an entertaining and respectfully handled exploration of various serial killers throughout history. I appreciated the focus on less well known murders and I also thought the author did a great job of focusing on the victims of the crime, ensuring that the book didn't feel gratuitous. Overall, while this doesn't do anything revolutionary in the true crime field, it is definitely worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Serial Killer Next Door by Richard Estep is a great read for fans of true crime who want to learn the basic background of serial killers. I really enjoyed the format of this audiobook as it follows one serial killer each chapter and goes into the killer’s background, as well as the timeline from when they were active to their eventual capture.

I am a huge true crime fan so I’ve done extensive research on a wide range of serial killers, so I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t much new information on certain killers, but there were a lot of killers featured in this book and I was able to learn about killers I’ve never heard of or researched before.

Overall I would absolutely recommend this audiobook to anyone with a general interest in true crime but I would say not to expect much more than the basic information and background.

The Serial Killer Next Door scratches the itch for the true crime reader, but doesn't break any new ground. Estep does a great job in giving extensive details and background on the crimes of the murderers profiled. It was a solid and well-researched read, but I didn't feel that I learned about any cases I wasn't familiar with. I read this as an audiobook and enjoyed the narrator's presentation! It gave a bit of a podcast like listening experience, which I enjoyed.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

The Serial Killer Next Door: The Double Lives of Notorious Murderers by Richard Estep, narrated by David Stifel, is a chilling and engrossing exploration into the hidden lives of some of history’s most notorious serial killers. This audiobook delves into the unsettling reality that many of these murderers led seemingly ordinary lives, blending into their communities while committing heinous crimes.

Estep’s narrative is both comprehensive and compelling, offering detailed case studies of nearly 30 infamous killers. From military pilots and police officers to nurses and small business owners, the book reveals how these seemingly normal individuals maintained double lives, often evading suspicion for years. The contrast between their public personas and their secret, violent activities is stark and disturbing, making for a gripping listen.

David Stifel’s narration adds an extra layer of intensity to this audiobook. His voice captures the eerie and suspenseful tone of the stories, drawing listeners into the dark and twisted world of these criminals. Stifel’s ability to convey the gravity of the subject matter while maintaining a steady, engaging pace enhances the overall experience, making it difficult to pause once you start listening.

One of the stellar aspects of this audiobook is its focus on the psychological profiles of the killers. Estep delves into the minds of these criminals, exploring their motivations, methods, and the psychological mechanisms that allowed them to lead such duplicitous lives. This psychological depth adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the factors that drive such extreme behavior.

The book is also richly illustrated with more than 120 photos and graphics, which, while not visible in the audiobook format, are described in a way that helps listeners visualize the scenes and individuals involved. This attention to detail enhances the immersive quality of the audiobook.

The Serial Killer Next Door is a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the darker aspects of human nature. Richard Estep’s meticulous research and David Stifel’s captivating narration combine to create an audiobook that is informative while being deeply unsettling.

It was really interesting. I already knew about a lot of different serial killers so it was interesting to learn about the ones I didn’t know.

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I have been interested in true crime for years and I'm always curious to hear about new cases. This book had so many interesting stories and so much information. It was really fascinating to listen to. I feel like I learned a lot of new things about old and new cases. I am really glad that I listened to this book. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in true crime.

I’ve always been a true crime fan but for a while I struggled to find something that interested me.
The Serial Killer Next Door: The Double Lives of Notorious Murderers by Richard Estep was good. I like that this book focused on various killers, not just one.
It was interesting hearing about their lives but I was a bit disappointed by the fact that, in my opinion, the book didn’t go deeper into their lives, it was just a description of their careers as serial killers.
Overall I liked this book, it was a good pastime.

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

I'm sure the author did a lot of research on this book but I think it would have been more interesting if he had focused more intensely on less killers.

The main thing that stood out to me about this book was that it covered people that are not popular or widely known. Almost every serial killer book covers the same people over and over again. Yes, this one had a few big names that people know but most were unknown unless you possibly live in the area and had heard about them. It was a little text book like so sometimes, but how to do you explain this sort of topic and not sound like a text book. Overall, I kept listening and wanted to know what new information I may learn. It was a good book!

Thank you High Bridge Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book. I will only be the quality of the book. I feel like reviewing true crime can be tricky since you are common people’s very real lived experiences. I found the audiobook to be good and I enjoyed how like crimes were put together. I can tell a lot of research went into this book. It is just a series of gruesome murders from all over the world. I hadn’t heard of a lot of them.

As someone who has always been intrigued by the psychological twists of true crime stories, I dove into "The Serial Killer Next Door" with fascination and trepidation. With the tagline urging us to reconsider how well we know our neighbours, this book certainly set the stage for an unsettling exploration into the lives of some of history's most notorious serial killers.
Richard Estep's meticulously researched narrative captures the jarring contrast between the mundane lives these killers led and the horrors they perpetrated. Despite being seemingly unremarkable individuals—military pilots, nurses, small business owners—many of these murderers were hiding in plain sight, embodying the chilling truth that the real monsters often don’t fit the stereotype. This premise hit home for me; it’s a stark reminder of how we usually overlook dark realities hidden behind familiar faces.
Each chapter delves into the life and crimes of a different serial killer, presenting not just a chronological account of their heinous acts but also an insightful profile that attempts to sift through the layers of their psyche. I found Estep's humanising approach captivating. By exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and relationships, he managed to create an eerie understanding of these individuals without ever excusing their actions. This delicate balance made me reflect on the complexities of human nature and the potential darkness that can reside within it.
Among the stories presented, some stood out to me as particularly devastating, such as Genene Jones, a nurse who was responsible for the deaths of innocent children in her care. Each narrative felt meticulously crafted, and I appreciated how Estep paid due respect to the victims, ensuring their stories were told alongside those of their killers.
David Stifel’s narration was an absolute highlight of the audiobook experience. His voice, paired with his thoughtful pacing, added an extra layer of immediacy to the chilling tales. As I listened, I felt as if I was part of a gripping narrative podcast, which enhanced my connection to the material. Stifel's ability to convey the weight of Estep's words made it easy to become engrossed in the stories, even when they turned gruesome.
One aspect I particularly liked was how Estep included lesser-known cases alongside well-documented ones. This not only kept the content fresh and engaging but also revealed the shocking depths of true crime, reminding me that there are always more stories lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.
That said, this book is not for the faint of heart. The detailed accounts can be intensely graphic, and some readers may be justifiably disturbed by the horrific acts described. However, for those drawn to the darker corners of humanity, this book offers a fascinating and chilling exploration of the minds behind the murders. It is both horrific and strangely captivating, an experience I won’t soon forget.
In conclusion, "The Serial Killer Next Door" serves as a potent reminder that the line between ordinary and monstrous can often be perilously thin. Richard Estep has crafted a gripping narrative backed by thorough research, and David Stifel’s narration brings it to life in an immersive way.

As a true crime enthusiast, I quite enjoyed this audio book. There were a lot of serial killers I didn't know in this one, which is always intriguing to me, especially ones from other countries.

There were a few I had known about already, and yet I still got a little more information than I had known before, which I was quite interested in. It was nice to have a little bit extra.

A couple of the Canadian ones really hit home for me as I remember very well when they happened and in the case of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka, they lived only 15 minutes from where I grew up. It still sends shivers.

I thought David Stifel's narration was great, and I was completely invested in each story.

Thank you to #netgalley and #highbridgeaudio for the chance to listen to this book.

#GeorgeEstep #TheSerialKillerNextDoor

I found this to be ok. You might enjoy it better if you are new to true crimes books or podcasts. I didn’t really learn much new info than I have in the podcasts I listen to.

I listened to the audiobook and it was very well narrated. It feels more like a compilation of short stories. Each one about a different serial killer, like each chapter is entirely different from the last. Sometimes in between there are some interesting bits of info. I knew a few of the stories, but a lot were totally new to me, especially the ones in foreign countries. It was also interesting to learn the punishments from the courts in other countries. Overall it was a great read.

This was a great audiobook, a must for any true crime fan. There were quite a few I hadn't heard of. The depravity of these people is astonishing. How do some become so evil?

The Serial Killer Next Door by Richard Estep is a thrilling book that takes readers to the darker and more twisted parts of the lives of the most notorious serial killers in history. Estep has revealed the lives of twenty-seven murderers through his meticulous research and creation of a very gripping story, revealing to readers the very core of such sick minds.

The book provides much more than a simple list of crimes. It is composed of sections related to the criminals’ lives, facts about their minds, and their criminal profiles. Estep’s approach humanizes the killers, making them more understandable, but never excuses or justifies their acts. The victims are treated with dignity, and their tragic stories receive the attention they deserve.

Each chapter of The Serial Killer Next Door focuses on a different serial killer, presenting a brief but detailed account of their murders, the psychology that drove their actions, and, in many cases, insights from individuals who knew them personally. The structure gives the book the feel of an anthology, with each section providing a new viewpoint on the horrific reality, showing how the most notable murders went undetected for years.

Estep’s attention to detail and inclusion of lesser-known cases with the more infamous separates this book from previous true crime compilations. It will surprise even the most seasoned true crime readers.

The audiobook edition, narrated by David Stifel, enhances the experience even further. Stifel’s narration is perfect for the material, adding a disturbing realism to Estep’s words. Listening to the audiobook is nearly like being immersed in a high-quality narrative crime podcast, making it an appealing option for people who prefer audio formats.

Estep does not shy away from gruesome facts, and some readers may find parts of it difficult to read. However, for those who can stomach all of that, this book provides a look into serial killers’ minds and methods. It’s a horrific yet fascinating journey into the heart of true crime that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

This audiobook was just ok for me. It had a wide variety of stories and characters, so I appreciated the variety. However, I felt like I just couldn’t get into the book. I typically enjoy true crime-documentary type topics, but this book just couldn’t hold my attention.
I don’t think there was anything “wrong” with the narrator as he was easy to understand, but again, the stories just didn’t hold my attention.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. David Stifel narrates and does a great job reading this book!

I have an odd fascination with serial killers so I was excited to listen to this one. Each chapter is dedicated to a SK and goes into the right amount of info about the person, their family, early life, victims and eventual capture. I think its just the right amount of detail. I guess I did not realize that there are so many SKs that are "small time" if that is even a thing. I expected this to be about the more notable killers but found that the majority were unknown to me.

3.5 stars rounded up.

The Serial Killer Next Door: The Double Lives of Notorious Murderers asks the reader the question, “How well do you know your neighbor?” A lot of serial killers live “double lives,” meaning they have two sides to them….the normal everyday life (they hold down a job, maybe a family, and they seem “normal.”) and the side that kills. More often than not serial killers don’t stand out. This book takes a closer look at several serial killers and many of their victims.

A few killers included in this book are: The Green River Killer (Gary Ridgeway), Robert Lee Yates (he buried a body outside his window while his wife slept), and Genene Jones (a nurse who ended the lives of dozens of children and infants), etc.

If you are a true crime junkie, read this book! I’m a huge true crime fan and this is one of the better true crime books I’ve read. Estep provides details (some details that if you get triggered easily you may want to skip this read) of the crimes committed. It’s easy to tell Estep did his research.

I listened to the audio version of The Serial Killer Next Door. David Stifel did a tremendous job narrating. It felt like I was watching a documentary or an episode of ID or something.