American Serial Killers Audiobook By Peter Vronsky cover art

American Serial Killers

The Epidemic Years 1950-2000

 Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 months free
Try for $0.00
Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime.

American Serial Killers

By: Peter Vronsky
Narrated by: René Ruiz
Try for $0.00

$0.00/mo. after 3 months. Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $20.25

Buy for $20.25

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
Switch payment method
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use, License, and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

Fans of Mindhunter and true crime podcasts will devour these chilling stories of serial killers from the American "Golden Age" (1950-2000).

With books like Serial Killers, Female Serial Killers and Sons of Cain, Peter Vronsky has established himself as the foremost expert on the history of serial killers. In this first definitive history of the "Golden Age" of American serial murder, when the number and body count of serial killers exploded, Vronsky tells the stories of the most unusual and prominent serial killings from the 1950s to the early 21st century. From Ted Bundy to the Golden State Killer, our fascination with these classic serial killers seems to grow by the day. American Serial Killers gives true crime junkies what they crave, with both perennial favorites (Ed Kemper, Jeffrey Dahmer) and lesser-known cases (Melvin Rees, Harvey Glatman).

©2020 Peter Vronsky (P)2020 Penguin Audio Americas Crime Murder Serial Killers Social Sciences True Crime United States Violence in Society Scary Serial Killers True Crime

Critic reviews

“[A] gripping survey of 20th century serial killers.... Smooth prose helps keep the pages turning. True crime fans with strong stomachs will want to check this one out.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Renowned true crime author Vronksy has composed an exhaustive history of these epidemic years, recounting the atrocities of heavy-hitters like Ted Bundy and introducing readers to more obscure murderers like Melvin Rees.... Thoroughly researched and highly detailed, Vronsky’s analysis of the “golden age” of serial killers is an essential true crime reference work.” (Booklist)
Fascinating Historical Context • Thought-provoking Analysis • Fantastic Narration • Comprehensive Research • Smooth Voice
Highly rated for:
All stars
Most relevant  
I do want to say I enjoyed this book. I just find it a bit grating that the author looks down his nose at anyone enjoying true crime or producing true crime content… except himself of course. He seems to think he’s better than everyone else that consumes or produces true crime content because he’s a “historian”.

A bit grating

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Given the giant arc of time, psychology, history and sheer volume of killers covered, this is an amazing listen. One of those rare quantity and quality listens for anyone trying to learn more about the past phenomenon of serial murder. Also a useful jump-start for anyone trying to learn more about lesser known murderers.

All encompassing history of serial murder

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
gruesome but captivating. historically concise and difficult to put down even if you'd like to.

very interesting it you can stand it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I listened to this one while doing my weekly long run,, very informative, narration is great.

Great Listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I am currently writing my own fiction serial crime novel, And I downloaded this title as part of my research. It is proven invaluable and affirming. Even if you aren’t writing your own fiction serial crime novel, this is a great book.

Fantastic. Educational.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Very interesting story on serial killers and outstanding narration. A must read for all.

Excellent True Story on American Serial Killers

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Peter Vronsky is definitely one of the best. This book takes you through the modern age of serial killers with historical background like no other. Easy to listen to due in part of the fantastic narration and the author’s ability to weave a story with facts, data and images of American social influences on criminal behavior. He lays out a unique and intriguing possibilities as to why America saw such a steady and frightening rise in the number of serial killers from the 40’ through the 80’s

If you read books on serial killers do not leave this one out.

Without a doubt a great read

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
i can tell the author really studies this dark and morose topic andcreally shows it in the book

really great book

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I listen to a lot of true crime and absolutely yes to this title. A best read out of the multitudes that I’ve read.

Yes yes yes

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I liked the interesting detail and explanations. I also enjoyed that many are less known cases discussed.

Very interesting

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews