Talking with Psychopaths and Savages: Mass Murderers and Spree Killers

The UK's bestselling true-crime author, Christopher Berry-Dee, explores the motivations behind random killings and mass murders, which are often driven by grievance, failure, or a desire for power. He offers case studies of some of the most infamous mass killings of the past fifty years, demonstrating that such murders are almost impossible to predict and prevent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: John Blake Publishing Ltd

A captivating and chilling subject for the UK's renowned true-crime author is the study of individuals who engage in random acts of mass murder, or who specifically target certain places or situations to carry out their killing sprees (mass killers). Due to the relative ease of obtaining firearms in the United States, a significant number of these perpetrators are American, but there have been recent examples in New Zealand and Norway, as well as three major mass shootings in the UK: Hungerford in 1987 (17 deaths, including the killer), Dunblane in 1996 (18 deaths, including the killer), and Cumbria in 2010 (13 deaths, including the killer). As these incidents of mass murder become more frequent, it is tempting to attribute them solely to the availability of firearms and the lack of stringent background checks. However, it is crucial to recognize that many countries, including the UK, have robust firearms legislation in place.
What remains challenging to ascertain is the underlying motivation behind these killings. Some are driven by genuine or perceived grievances, while others stem from feelings of failure or inadequacy. However, a significant number of killers exhibit a desire for power over their fellow humans, often accompanied by a deep-seated contempt for the lives of others. In his book, Christopher Berry-Dee delves into some of the most infamous mass killings of the past fifty years, encompassing a wide range of scenarios, from school massacres to workplace shootings, hate crimes to familicides. Through comprehensive case studies, he vividly illustrates the impossibility of predicting and preventing such tragedies, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to address this pressing issue.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789464221