Cinema and genre literature have somehow convinced us that serial killers are a relatively recent phenomenon, partly born out of some 'laxity of morals'. Well, no, people with an irrepressible need to kill their fellows have always existed, and probably in the past their crimes could take on proportions unknown today and go unpunished for lack of adequate means of investigation. Let alone during a war, in an occupied country where, given the particular nature of the Nazi dictatorship, people disappeared with incredible ease. It is therefore not for this reason that Dr. Petiot deserves a special place in the overview of serial killers. What does, however, are his character peculiarities, which combine well-known traits, such as pathological narcissism, with an ability to assume new personalities that would put Fregoli to shame.
Given the historical context, the text is extremely interesting, but unfortunately, it is not very clear in its exposition, also considering that the number of actors involved, including victims, accomplices, lawyers, judges, members of the French resistance, etc., is enormous.