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Berdella set up trusts for the family's of his victims and for his mother and a so-called "small" amount for himself to be paid out of the money from the sale of his house and belongings. Did the proceeds from this book go to the families?
I wouldn't mind knowing. I've read this book years ago and then I released it to a bookcrosser or sold it, no idea and I wish I had not done that now. It is out of print and if there is one book shocking with shocking pictures it is this one. I collect books about serial killers and Berdella was one of the nastiest most sadistic vile creatures I have ever read about. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. If someone has a copy for me I'd love one and of course would pay for shipping. I managed to I've read this book years ago and then I released it to a bookcrosser or sold it, no idea and I wish I had not done that now.
I managed to buy a copy or did someone sent it to me?. View all 8 comments. Robert Berdella is one of the sickest serial killers I have ever read about. Known to some by "The Kansas City Butcher", he really did live u to that sick name sadly. The crimes were actually very similar to Dahmer in that the victims of choice were young, white homosexual males.
Berdella inflicted a longer period of pain on his victims. Where Da Robert Berdella is one of the sickest serial killers I have ever read about.
Where Dahmer usually killed his within a few hours or a day, Berdella would spread his twisted pleasure on his for weeks at a time. His confessions were interesting and his mind set was just so perverse and sick. I think that it was surprising that he pled guilty and that he actually spoke about his crimes. The interviews I have seen of him, he seems very un-remorseful and doesn't seem to really comprehend why society sees him as a a sick individual.
After I finished reading this book, i looked at a documentary on him and was surprised to see that he died of a heart attack about 4 years after he was convicted. I recommend this book to fellow true crime readers. Just be prepared for a lot of gory details on how these poor men died it is so sad. Mar 06, Nancy rated it liked it Shelves: This is a somewhat rare true-crime book. It's rare in that it is set in my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, during a timeframe that I was alive and can vaguely remember.
It's also rare in that it covers a serial killer from the time that he is caught through the end of his life. The serial killer in this book is Bob Berdella, a man who preyed on young, gay men in downtown Kansas City in the late 's.
The author does not waste any time in establishing setting or characterization, a trait tha This is a somewhat rare true-crime book. The author does not waste any time in establishing setting or characterization, a trait that other true-crime authors like Ann Rule do. Still it's a good story and it's focus is heavily on the detectives and crime-scene processors.
Feb 17, Ronnie Cramer rated it really liked it. The life and crimes of Kansas City serial killer Bob Berdella as told by a local reporter and one of the police investigators. It's a solid account but be forewarned that the gruesome details are often hard to read. Jan 21, Fishface rated it really liked it Shelves: I vowed to read this again someday but I have never been able to bring myself to do it. That was over 20 years ago now. I can't bring myself to give the book away, either. This story is THAT bad. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the Kansas City Butcher.
But the details of his horrific tortures will make you stomach sick!!! Not for the faint of heart. Good read A detailed and well researched book. Lists all facts and doesn't delve into opinions and rumours. The actions of Berdella are a bit hard to read about at times. This was a far better read than I had been led to expect.
It nicely balances the various elements of the case - the police investigation, the legal and political ramifications, and , not to be discounted for those of us interested in such matters, the grisly details of each of Mr. Berdella's "captures" and the various sadistic treatments he imposed pre-mortem. The famous polaroids of the victims taken by their captor have been much reproduced on the internet and will not be a shock, but you wi This was a far better read than I had been led to expect. The famous polaroids of the victims taken by their captor have been much reproduced on the internet and will not be a shock, but you will appreciate knowing the context of each image.
I don't agree with those reviewers who accuse the authors of homophobia. It was published 22 years ago and reflects the attitudes of the time. Of course - there were frequent jokes by the law enforcement personnel about cucumbers and carrots. I would have welcomed some discussion about the sodomy law in Missouri; at one point it was suggested that incredibly Bob might be given a life term for that charge alone.
Also, we are told that Bob was a talented artist and won scholarships, and that some of his performance art involved the killing of animals. I have read the blog of Shane Levene, whose father was killed and dismembered by Dennis Nilsen, where he describes Dennis as an "artist". And of course we have Jeffrey Dahmer and his concept for an elaborate shrine composed entirely from the skulls and skeletons of his victims. Maybe this is something worth exploring i. Kudos to Jackman and Cole for a book well written, and a second edition may be warranted now that popular culture has become interested.
Berdella has since died, and there has been at least two movies made since the book was published. The curious documentary by Troma now on Youtube alternates between outrage and jocular commentaries with a bouncy sound track and musical interludes. Youtube's Kiefer89 should be commended as well for his brief but informative video on Bob.
Jan 28, Megan rated it really liked it. I don't know what it was about this book but I found it very difficult to get through. It wasn't the subject matter, I can guarantee you that much.
I guess the author's style of writing isn't the best for me personally- I'm not sure. The story itself is gruesome. I, however, read mostly true crime and I've pretty much read it all or heard it all in documentaries and such. I suppose you can say I'm a bit desensitized. I did find myself cringing at some of the details, but I don't know what it was about this book but I found it very difficult to get through.
I did find myself cringing at some of the details, but nothing made me queasy or feel the need to step away from the book, and nothing actually shocked me. Story itself is, fascinating for lack of a better word. Writing style itself made me give the book an overall 4 stars. Oct 21, Beth rated it really liked it. I love true crime tv shows, so I wasn't surprised that I found this book fascinating.
It's graphic, don't read it if you don't think you can handle it. Aug 11, Sandy rated it really liked it.
This is the story of the murders committed by Robert Berdella. Living a homosexual lifestyle, he started capturing his victims by drugging them. He would then torture and abuse them until they died or he killed them. He killed six young men in the s. He died in prison of a heart attack shortly after his incarceration. Nov 25, Pat Schakelvoort rated it really liked it Shelves: The book stays interesting, which I not always think of true crime books.
The only time it's a bit of slumping is during the confessions of the serial killer. Normally that's the most interesting part. The book doesn't needlessly attack its subject and sticks with the facts. This isn't a typical true crime book in that it isn't sensationalized. We read in sacred Scripture: Go here if the place has already been blessed A If the place of committal is to be blessed Lord Jesus Christ, by your own three days in the tomb, you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you and so made the grave a sign of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies.
Grant that our brother sister may sleep here in peace until you awaken him her to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life. Then he she will see you face to face and in your light will see light and know the splendor of God, for you live and reign for ever and ever. Go to the Invitation to Prayer and Silence Or: As we bury here the body of our brother sister , deliver his her soul from every bond of sin, that he she may rejoice in you with your Saints for ever. Through Christ our Lord. Almighty God, you created the earth and shaped the vault of heaven; you fixed the stars in their places.
When we were caught in the snares of death you set us free through Baptism; in obedience to your will our Lord Jesus Christ broke the fetters of hell and rose to life, bringing deliverance and resurrection to those who are his by faith. In your mercy look upon this grave, so that your servant may sleep here in peace; and on the day of judgment raise him her up to dwell with your Saints in paradise. God of endless ages, through disobedience to your law we fell from grace and death entered the world; but through the obedience and Resurrection of your Son you revealed to us a new life.
You granted Abraham, our father in faith, a burial place in the promised land; you prompted Joseph of Arimathea to offer his own tomb for the burial of the Lord. In a spirit of repentance we earnestly ask you to look upon this grave and bless it, so that, while we commit to the earth the body of your servant N. Go to the Invitation to Prayer and Silence. B If the place of committal has already been blessed All praise to you, Lord of all creation. Praise to you, holy and living God. We praise and bless you for your mercy, we praise and bless you for your kindness.
Blessed is the Lord, our God R. Blessed is the Lord, our God.
You sanctify the homes of the living and make holy the places of the dead. You alone open the gates of righteousness and lead us to the dwellings of the Saints. We praise you, our refuge and strength. We bless you, our God and Redeemer. Your praise is always in our hearts and on our lips.
We remember the mighty deeds of the covenant. Receive him her , we pray, into the mansions of the Saints. C When the final disposition of the body is to take place at a later time: As we take leave of our brother sister , give our hearts peace in the firm hope that one day N. May our farewell express our affection for him her ; may it ease our sadness and strengthen our hope.
One day we shall joyfully greet him her again when the love of Christ, which conquers all things, destroys even death itself. B Trusting in God, we have prayed together for N.
The actions of Berdella are a bit hard to read about at times. I, however, read mostly true crime and I've pretty much read it all or heard it all in documentaries and such. I don't remember t. Grant that our brother sister may sleep here in peace until you awaken him her to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life. His confessions were interesting and his mind set was just so perverse and sick. Go to the Prayer of Commendation and Committal. Missy Levanti rated it really liked it Nov 02,
There is sadness in parting, but we take comfort in the hope that one day we shall see N. Although this congregation will disperse in sorrow, the mercy of God will gather us together again in the joy of his kingdom. Therefore let us console one another in the faith of Jesus Christ. The following may be used or some other song may be sung: Saints of God, come to his her aid! Hasten to meet him her , angels of the Lord! Receive his her soul and present him her to God the Most High. May Christ, who called you, take you to himself; may angels lead you to the bosom of Abraham. Eternal rest grant unto him her , O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him her.
Go to the Prayer of Commendation and Committal. Lord our God, receive your servant, for whom you shed your Blood. Remember, Lord, that we are dust: Merciful Lord, I tremble before you, ashamed of the things I have done. You shaped me into your image and likeness. I breathe forth my spirit to you, my Creator. Merciful Lord, I tremble before you: I am ashamed of the things I have done; do not condemn me when you come in judgment. And in my flesh I shall see God.
On the last day I shall rise again. I shall see him myself, face to face; and my own eyes shall behold my Savior. Within my heart this hope I cherish: I know that my Redeemer lives, And on that final day of days, His voice shall bid me rise again: Unending joy, unceasing praise!