Murderabilia: A History of Crime in 100 Objects

In Cold Blood, Truman Capote's true crime classic, and other murder-related artifacts, such as the false teeth of a female serial killer, the cut-and-paste confession of the Black Dahlia killer, the newly cracked cipher of the Zodiac killer, and the shotgun used in the Clutter family murders, are objects of fascination to true crime obsessives. These artifacts represent a way to better understand those who we typically label monsters, and Harold Schechter's book Murderabilia presents 100 murder-related artefacts spanning two centuries, offering a history of how and why we continue to be captivated by the most sensational crimes and killers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Workman Publishing

The False Teeth of a Female Serial Killer from 1908

In 1908, a female serial killer known as the "Boston Strangler" terrorized the city of Boston, Massachusetts. One of the most chilling artifacts associated with her crimes is her false teeth. These teeth, which were made from human teeth and ivory, were discovered by police after they arrested the killer. They are believed to have been used to bite and crush the victims' skulls, making the murders even more brutal. The false teeth are a haunting reminder of the evil that one person can do, and they continue to fascinate true crime enthusiasts.

The Cut-and-Paste Confession of the Black Dahlia Killer

In 1947, the notorious serial killer known as the "Black Dahlia" murdered several young women in Los Angeles, California. One of the most intriguing artifacts associated with this case is the cut-and-paste confession that the killer sent to police. The confession, which was written in a bizarre and disjointed manner, was filled with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. It is believed that the killer was mentally ill and may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The confession is a chilling reminder of the depravity of human nature and the lengths that some people will go to in order to commit murder.

The Newly Cracked Cipher of the Zodiac Killer

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the notorious serial killer known as the "Zodiac Killer" terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area. One of the most intriguing artifacts associated with this case is the newly cracked cipher that the killer sent to police. The cipher, which was encrypted with a series of symbols and letters, was believed to be a code that the killer used to communicate with police and media. After years of investigation, a team of cryptographers was able to crack the code and decipher the messages that the killer had sent. The messages were filled with cryptic clues and riddles, which led police to believe that the killer was still alive and may be active in the area. The cracked cipher is a fascinating artifact that sheds light on the mind of a serial killer and the challenges that law enforcement face in solving these cases.

The Shotgun Used in the Clutter Family Murders

In 1959, the Clutter family, a wealthy and respected family in Kansas, was brutally murdered in their home. One of the most intriguing artifacts associated with this case is the shotgun that was used to kill the family. The shotgun, which was a model 12 gauge Ithaca 37, was purchased by the family just a few months before the murders. It is believed that the killer used the shotgun to shoot each of the family members multiple times, causing them to suffer a painful and gruesome death. The shotgun is a haunting artifact that serves as a reminder of the dangers of violence and the loss of innocent lives.

In Cold Blood - Truman Capote's True Crime Classic

In 1966, Truman Capote published his groundbreaking true crime novel, In Cold Blood. The novel, which was based on the real-life murders of the Clutter family in Kansas, is considered one of the greatest works of American literature. One of the most intriguing artifacts associated with the novel is the photographs that Capote took during his investigation. These photographs, which were taken on the scene of the murders, provide a vivid and intimate glimpse into the lives of the Clutter family and the killer. Capote's photographs are a powerful testament to the power of journalism and the ability of literature to shed light on the darker aspects of human nature.

In conclusion, the false teeth of a female serial killer from 1908, the cut-and-paste confession of the Black Dahlia killer, the newly cracked cipher of the Zodiac killer, the shotgun used in the Clutter family murders, and Truman Capote's true crime classic In Cold Blood are more than simple artifacts that once belonged to notorious murderers. They are objets of fascination to the legion of true crime obsessives around the world, and they represent a way to better understand those who we typically label monsters in lieu of learning how they actually became one. These artifacts provide a visual and literary journey that speaks to the dark fascination of true crime fans while also presenting a larger historical timeline of how and why we continue to be captivated by the most sensational crimes and killers among us.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 172 x 237 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781523515295