A collection of sentences I highlighted before giving up a hundred pages into this book because life is simply too short:

"Just for a moment, if you will, let us float across the country in that effervescent bubble of champagne elation and planetary subjugation and heedless sexual entitlement, to look down from our cloud somewhere above Philadelphia and witness the conception of a noteworthy child." (p. 33)

"Let us assume the form of sad angels hovering in the chilly air of the Lund ward, looking down upon the consequences of Louise's tryst, following the long, trying hours of parturition on November 24, 1946." (p. 34)

"Sometimes bad things are engineered by engineers." (p. 57)

"During this era, she rides the waves, our bridge, the innocent if deadly star of every summer's Seafair festival when the Blue Angels, the flying aerobatic squadron of the U.S. Navy, skim overhead and hydroplanes race across the surface sounding like demented mosquitoes." (p. 62)

"The American Smelting and Refining Company is like the little old lady who lives in a shoe and has so many smelters she doesn't know what to do." (p. 69)

I've been meaning to read Prairie Fires for ages, and now I think I need to bump it up my TBR because the prose in that book can't POSSIBLY be as bad as it is in this one, right? It won a Pulitzer!

An Electronic copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.

Introduction

"Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers" by Caroline Fraser delves into the dark history of serial killers, primarily focusing on the Pacific Northwest. Caroline Fraser, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, brings her investigative prowess to the table, dissecting not just the psyche of serial killers but also the environmental and societal factors that might contribute to such crimes. This book is not just an anthology of grim tales but an examination of how industrial pollution and societal decay could have played roles in the emergence of serial killers during the 1970s and 1980s.

Summary
"Murderland" starts by setting the scene in the Pacific Northwest, an area notorious for spawning some of America's most infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy, the Green River Killer, and the Night Stalker. Fraser intertwines the narratives of these killers' lives with the region's environmental history, particularly focusing on the impact of lead and arsenic from smelters that operated in the area.

She argues that the psychological impact of breathing in these toxic substances might have contributed to the mental health crises leading to violent behaviors. The book meticulously tracks the timeline of these killers, their methods, and their capture, while also exploring the broader cultural fascination with serial killers. Fraser's work is a blend of true crime reporting and environmental history, suggesting that the landscape itself might have influenced the psyche of these killers.

The narrative is rich with details from police reports, interviews, and historical data, providing a comprehensive look at each killer's modus operandi and the societal response to their crimes. Fraser also critiques the media's role in sensationalizing these figures, which often leads to a morbid public fascination rather than a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

Conclusion
"Murderland" stands out for its unique perspective on serial killers by linking their emergence to environmental degradation. Caroline Fraser's writing is compelling, weaving together crime, science, and history into a narrative that challenges the reader to look beyond the sensational headlines. While the book might occasionally venture into speculative territory regarding environmental impacts on human behavior, it opens up a new discussion on the influences of environment on crime.

The book is not for the faint of heart, given its graphic content, but it serves as an essential read for those interested in true crime, environmental history, or the psychological study of serial killers. Fraser's ability to connect seemingly disparate elements into a coherent narrative is commendable, making "Murderland" a significant contribution to the genre.

Detailed Ratings Breakdown
Content Quality (5/5): The depth of research and the integration of environmental history with criminal psychology are exceptional. The book is packed with factual data and insightful analysis.
Narrative Style (4/5): Fraser's narrative style is engaging, though the dense nature of the subject matter might slow down some readers. The blend of storytelling with factual reporting is well-balanced.
Research and Accuracy (5/5): The thoroughness of Fraser's research is evident, with extensive use of primary sources, interviews, and historical records. The accuracy in reporting the details of the cases is meticulous.
Impact and Insight (5/5): The book provides groundbreaking insights into the possible environmental causation of criminal behavior, making it thought-provoking and influential in both true crime and sociological studies.
Readability (4/5): While the content is compelling, the subject matter's intensity and the academic approach might not appeal to a broad audience. However, true crime enthusiasts will find it gripping.
Overall Enjoyment (5/5): Given the dark subject matter, enjoyment is subjective, but for those interested in the genre, "Murderland" offers a rich, albeit grim, reading experience.

Total Rating: 5/5