Confession of a Serial Killer
Katherine Ramsland
Mentioned 7 months ago
EP. 226- SERIAL KILLER: BTK (Bind Torture Kill) | Pt. 2: The Murders
Book Recommendations
Murder In America
MURDER IN AMERICA is a true crime podcast that takes a state-by-state look at the most infamous homicides across the United States of America. Co-hosted by Courtney Shannon & Colin Browen (of "The Paranormal Files"), the two delve deep into the darkest tales of murder from each and every state, feat...
Episodes
216
Books
62
Recently mentioned
Latest Recommendations
A Serial Killer's Daughter
Kerri Rawson
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EP. 226- SERIAL KILLER: BTK (Bind Torture Kill) | Pt. 2: The Murders
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex
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EP. 226- SERIAL KILLER: BTK (Bind Torture Kill) | Pt. 2: The Murders
The Satanic Rituals
Anton Szandor LAVEY
Mentioned 1 year ago
EP. 173 : MISSOURI - The KANSAS City Butcher: The Most Disturbing Serial Killer Story In American History (PT. 2)
An Unexpected Killer
Bo Widerberg
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EP. 171 : OHIO - The Grandma Killer
All My Friends Are Dead
Jory John
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Ep. 165: TEXAS - There Is An Active Serial Killer In AUSTIN, TEXAS (Pt. 2)
Worst Seat in the House
Caleb Jenner Stephens
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EP. 163: The DISTURBING Story Of Henry Rathbone & Clara Harris, The Other Two Lincoln Assassination Victims
Chris & Nancy
Irvin Muchnick
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EP. 162: GEORGIA - The Chris Benoit Story: WWE Superstar Turned Family Annihilator (Pt. 2)
The Kill Jar
J. Reuben Appelman
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EP. 160: MICHIGAN - The Oakland County Child Killer: Pedophile Rings, Suspicious Suicides and 4 Young Victims
The Snow Killings
Marney Rich Keenan
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EP. 160: MICHIGAN - The Oakland County Child Killer: Pedophile Rings, Suspicious Suicides and 4 Young Victims
Jihadi John
Robert Verkaik
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EP. 153: SYRIA - JIHADI JOHN: The ISIS Executioner Who BEHEADED Americans On Video
How to Kill a Monster (Goosebumps #46)
R. L. Stine
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EP. 153: SYRIA - JIHADI JOHN: The ISIS Executioner Who BEHEADED Americans On Video
Most Recommended
Two Sides to Every Murder
William Andrews referenced the book while the hosts debated the robbers' argument about what to do with the hostages and the escalating tension in the situation. The mention highlighted how the title explores multiple perspectives on murders, aligning with the episode’s focus on the complex motivations behind the Hi‑Fi killings. The reference was brief and not presented as a strong endorsement.
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Episode: EP. 82 UTAH - The Hi-Fi Murders
It was referenced when discussing the robbers' argument about what to do with the hostages and the escalating tension in the situation.
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I can't do it, man. I'm scared.
What Do Yo Do with a Tail Like This
The book was noted because Victoria Soto, the teacher who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting, had chosen it to read to her students on the day of the tragedy, underscoring its presence in that poignant moment.
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The Good Nurse
A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder
In the episode about the Angel of Death, the hosts referenced the book while recounting how the hospital's investigative team approached authorities but were told they needed concrete evidence such as fingerprints or video footage to build a case. They used this detail to illustrate the challenges faced in prosecuting the killer. The discussion was primarily informational rather than an endorsement.
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The Blood of Emmett Till
In episode 55, the hosts referenced the book while examining the author's view of Emmett Till's father's role as a prison guard, arguing that it was implausible his sensibilities were too delicate for the harsh duties. They used the title to challenge the notion that the father could have avoided participating in brutality. The mention was brief and served mainly to support their discussion rather than to endorse the work.
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Episode: EP. 55 MISSISSIPPI - The Emmett Till Story
It was mentioned in the context of the author's perspective on Emmett Till's father's role as a prison guard, questioning his supposed delicate sensibilities in light of the job's brutality.
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on the other hand, it stretches the imagination to think that the sensibilities of a man chosen as first driver on Parchman Farm were so delicate that they prevented him from joining in the brutal rigors of his job
Beyond All Reason
My Life With Susan Smith
In the episode, the host highlighted the father’s memoir, which recounted the harrowing phone call that launched his worst nightmare and his fleeting hope that his children would be found alive. David Smith described how an ordinary moment shattered his life and how he clung to certainty that his sons would return, only to confront the tragic reality. The discussion framed the book as a personal account of grief and shock rather than a formal recommendation.
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Episode: EP. 52 SOUTH CAROLINA - Susan Smith: America's Mos...
David Smith, the father of the murdered children, wrote about his experience, including the shocking phone call from Susan and his initial hope for their return, only to be shattered by reality.
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How does a father's worst nightmare begin? For me, it all began with a phone call.
It's funny how something so ordinary can suddenly shatter your life.
But when I think back to that moment now, back to the last time when my life made any sense, what I remember was how ordinary it all was.
they'll find them. I know they're going to find them
at that moment, I felt an utter certainty that Michael and Alex were safe and were going to be returned to us
Black Dahlia, Red Rose
The Crime, Corruption, and Cover-Up of America's Greatest Unsolved Murder
The episode referenced the book while discussing a theory that Leslie Dillon was involved in the murder, noting the author's conviction based on his gang ties and the victim's possible knowledge of their activities. The host cited the author’s argument as part of the broader investigation into the case. The mention served to highlight a specific suspect rather than to endorse the book itself.
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Episode: EP. 47 CALIFORNIA - The Black Dahlia Murder: The M...
It was suggested that Leslie Dillon was involved in Elizabeth Short's murder due to his association with a gang that robbed hotels, and that Elizabeth may have known too much about their operations.
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In the book Black Dahlia Red Rose, the Crime, Corruption, and Cover-Up of America's Greatest Unsolved Murder, the author and British attorney P.O. Marie Eatwell is convinced that Leslie Dillon was involved in Elizabeth Short's murder.
Dead of Night (Crossroads Queen Book 2)
In episode 45, the hosts quoted a psychotherapist from the book to profile the killer as a narcissistic egomaniac with a god complex who relished media attention and the power over life and death. The book was referenced to illustrate the suspect's escalation and fear‑inducing behavior.
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Episode: EP. 45 NEVADA - Abducted Off A Couch: The Tragic M...
A psychotherapist, John Kelly, was quoted from the book, providing a profile of the killer that described him as a narcissistic egomaniac with a god complex who enjoyed the media attention surrounding his crimes, especially after murdering Brianna.
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He says, Kelly said Breonna's killer was likely a narcissistic egomaniac with a God complex, and that he was likely enjoying the attention he was getting on television and in newspapers, particularly since murdering Breonna.
He likes to say that he was a narcissist, particularly since murdering Breonna.
He likely also enjoyed the fear he had created within the community.
Kelly said that not only did the suspect have power sexually over someone, but now he had experienced power over life and death. Once he crossed that line, it was hard to go back.
The suspect was definitely a budding serial killer, Kelly stated, and he said that he didn't think he was going to stop.
Albert Fish In His Own Words
It was mentioned as the source of a graphic and detailed confession from Albert Fish, detailing the horrific events surrounding the torture and mutilation of a young man.
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I was there till I was nearly nine, and that's where I got started wrong. We were unmercifully whipped. I saw boys doing many things they should not have done.
— Episode: EP. 44 NEW YORK - The Most Disturbing Se...
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Episode: EP. 44 NEW YORK - The Most Disturbing Serial Kille...
It was mentioned as the source of a graphic and detailed confession from Albert Fish, detailing the horrific events surrounding the torture and mutilation of a young man.
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I was there till I was nearly nine, and that's where I got started wrong. We were unmercifully whipped. I saw boys doing many things they should not have done.
I was living then in a house at number 1013 5th Avenue, College Point, the eight of us, Anna and myself and the six children, headed by Albert who was 18 and had a job at the John W. Rapp Works at 10th Avenue and 3rd Street, College Point.
I have always been pretty good at my trade of house painting and we set a good table and paid the rent. We had a small dog and it was always my custom to keep pretty good track of income and outgo.
Put it all down, I say, and you'll never be fooled. I kept track in a little book I carried with me, not only of the money but of food and clothing and all.
in order to prove to you that I am not faking and also to back your own convictions, borrow a 10 cup from pantry and I will drink my own urine and eat my own number two
Trick or Treat Murder (A Reporter Roland Bean Cozy Mystery)
The hosts referenced the title while discussing the Halloween murder, noting that it supplied investigative details such as the medical examiner’s conclusion that the child died from cyanide poisoning, identified by the almond scent on his breath. Mike Hinton asked about the breath’s smell, indicating the book was used to flesh out the case narrative. The overall tone was informational rather than a strong endorsement.
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Episode: EP. 37 TEXAS - The Poisoned Pixy Stix: The Hallowe...
It provided details about the investigation, including the medical examiner's determination that Timothy died from cyanide poisoning based on the almond scent of his breath.
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I told him the situation and he asked what the young man's breath smelled like
The Magic Island
It was a travelogue focused on Haiti, which the podcasters noted birthed the modern-day zombie trope through sensationalized accounts and narratives, despite being rooted in marines' experiences.
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The cult of Vodou embodies the worship and fear of devil gods. All communities believing themselves under an evil spell indulge in wild orgies to cleanse themselves, invoke benign spirits.
— Episode: EP. 29 LOUISIANA - The Story of Zack & A...
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Episode: EP. 29 LOUISIANA - The Story of Zack & Addie: New...
It was a travelogue focused on Haiti, which the podcasters noted birthed the modern-day zombie trope through sensationalized accounts and narratives, despite being rooted in marines' experiences.
"
The cult of Vodou embodies the worship and fear of devil gods. All communities believing themselves under an evil spell indulge in wild orgies to cleanse themselves, invoke benign spirits.
In the book, he details his travels throughout Haiti, his time spent participating in Vodou ceremonies and his time spent with Vodou priestesses.
The Shrine of Jeffrey Dahmer
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Gitchie Girl
The Survivor's Inside Story of the Mass Murders that Shocked the Heartland
Sandra Chesky, the sole survivor of the Gitche Manitou murders, wrote a book detailing her traumatic experience, serving as inspiration for other victims of sexual assault and violence.
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I walked with my head down for 40 years and I blacked everything out.
— Episode: EP. 21 IOWA - Gitchie Manitou: The Most...
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Episode: EP. 21 IOWA - Gitchie Manitou: The Most Haunted Cr...
Sandra Chesky, the sole survivor of the Gitche Manitou murders, wrote a book detailing her traumatic experience, serving as inspiration for other victims of sexual assault and violence.
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I walked with my head down for 40 years and I blacked everything out.
I started doing some events and the outpouring from the public was amazing.
I mean, every librarian, every library, every event, the sheriff's family took me in as one of their own.
I had so many girls come up to me during these events and hug me and whisper in my ear, 'I was raped and you're my hero'.
You have to talk about it. Don't hold it in.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert
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Death in White Bear Lake
It was mentioned in the podcast that the book details the medical examiner's autopsy of Dennis's body, which was exhumed 20 years after his death, and describes the injuries still visible on his body.
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They said that you could still see the injuries on Dennis' body 20 years later.
— Episode: EP. 14 MINNESOTA - The Abuse & Murder of...
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Episode: EP. 14 MINNESOTA - The Abuse & Murder of Three Yea...
It was mentioned in the podcast that the book details the medical examiner's autopsy of Dennis's body, which was exhumed 20 years after his death, and describes the injuries still visible on his body.
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They said that you could still see the injuries on Dennis' body 20 years later.
I worked straight through the day and into the evening hours, and about 2.30 in the morning of the following morning, I had found the bowel, and in the mid-portion of the bowel, there was a defect present.
That was the defect that caused the bowel to spill contents into his cavity, and the cause of death in the child.
Children can certainly fall down and receive injuries, there's no question about that. But Dennis' injuries, you must understand, were delivered to deep-set organs inside of his body, the bowel.
The injuries we're talking about requires tremendous energy. And aside from automobile accidents or accidents of that nature, a child simply cannot generate that much energy just falling down the stairs or slipping on a wet bathroom floor.
Dial M
The Murder of Carol Thompson
It was written about the Carol Thompson case and mentioned that Carol was a prototypical early 1960s wife and mother, lacking only a white picket fence.
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She was in many ways the prototypical early 1960s wife and mother. I mean they had everything except the white picket fence out front. She was active in her church and active in the scouts and did all...
— Episode: EP. 13 MINNESOTA: A Mother's Murder: The...
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Episode: EP. 13 MINNESOTA: A Mother's Murder: The Needless...
It was written about the Carol Thompson case and mentioned that Carol was a prototypical early 1960s wife and mother, lacking only a white picket fence.
"
She was in many ways the prototypical early 1960s wife and mother. I mean they had everything except the white picket fence out front. She was active in her church and active in the scouts and did all things that stay at home mothers did in those days.
An Unexpected Killer
don't look too far away
Howard Leisure, Margaret's nephew, mentioned this book in the interview. He said that Margaret never got around to making a will.
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And she would never make the time to do it.
— Episode: EP. 171 : OHIO - The Grandma Killer
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Episode: EP. 171 : OHIO - The Grandma Killer
Howard Leisure, Margaret's nephew, mentioned this book in the interview. He said that Margaret never got around to making a will.
"
And she would never make the time to do it.
The Satanic Rituals
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Confession of a Serial Killer
The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer
This book was cited multiple times by the speakers as a source where Dennis Rader detailed his crimes and thoughts. It provided direct quotes about his motivations and actions during the murders. The book contained his own narration of events, including details about his satisfaction with certain killings and his internal struggles.
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In Confessions of a Serial Killer, he stated he was, too keyed up to just quit.
— Episode: EP. 226- SERIAL KILLER: BTK (Bind Tortur...
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Episode: EP. 226- SERIAL KILLER: BTK (Bind Torture Kill) |...
This book was cited multiple times by the speakers as a source where Dennis Rader detailed his crimes and thoughts. It provided direct quotes about his motivations and actions during the murders. The book contained his own narration of events, including details about his satisfaction with certain killings and his internal struggles.
"
In Confessions of a Serial Killer, he stated he was, too keyed up to just quit.
In Confessions of a Serial Killer, Dennis wrote this, It's almost as if Dennis was trying to convince himself that Nancy was who he was meant to kill by making these strange connections. And for him, it worked.
In confessions of a serial killer, Dennis said quote, she sealed her doom for sure when she told me she was going to contact the police, end something wrong, as if she gave him no choice.
In confessions of a serial killer, he said it was his favorite color, and right there in her bedroom, he masturbated into the nightgown.
In Confessions of a Serial Killer, Dennis wrote, this was the first time I had ever moved a body. I worried about my back as I lifted her into the trunk.
Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.