Best Biographies of Serial Killers (2026): 5 Compared

True crime readers divide between the encyclopedia shelf and the single gripping story, so the best biographies of serial killers here cover both: A-Z references with hundreds of profiles, and narratives that follow one case to its end. We compared five by format, pages, subjects and publication date, using only what each listing publishes.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Big Book of Serial Killers	9.7/10	Buy
2	Encyclopedia of Serial Killers	9.7/10	Buy
3	In with the Devil by Keene	9.7/10	Buy
4	Through the Lens of a Monster	9.6/10	Buy
5	Ted Bundy by Hourly History	9.6/10	Buy

1

The Big Book of Serial Killers

Jack Rosewood·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An A-Z encyclopedia of 150 serial killers in 446 pages, from Dahmer and Gacy to lesser known cases worldwide.

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Pros

• 150 serial killers in one A-Z reference
• 446 pages, the longest here
• Covers women who kill and lesser known cases

Cons

• Published 2017, may miss newer cases
• Reference format, not narrative
• No reading age or grade stated

2

Encyclopedia of Serial Killers

Stella Berry·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Over 300 of history's most infamous killers in an illustrated guide with motives, methods and investigations.

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Pros

• Over 300 killers, the most profiles here
• Illustrated with black-and-white caricatures
• Published October 2023, recent

Cons

• Print length not stated in pages
• Reference format, not narrative
• True crime readers, not academics

3

In with the Devil by Keene

James Keene·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

James Keene's true story of befriending a serial killer in prison, 288 pages, the basis for the BLACK BIRD series.

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Pros

• Single gripping narrative, not a list
• Basis for the BLACK BIRD series
• 288 pages in a reprint edition

Cons

• Covers one case, not many killers
• Published 2011
• Violent subject matter throughout

4

Through the Lens of a Monster

William A. Noguera·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

William Noguera's account of befriending serial killer Joseph Naso on death row, published September 2025.

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Pros

• Published September 2025, the newest here
• First-person account from death row
• Inspired the Death Row Confidential series

Cons

• Print length not stated in pages
• Covers one case in depth
• Disturbing subject matter

5

Ted Bundy by Hourly History

Hourly History·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A short biography of Ted Bundy from Hourly History, Book 1 of their True Crime Biographies series.

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Pros

• Focused on one notorious killer
• Book 1 of a true crime series
• Hourly History's short format

Cons

• Print length not stated in pages
• Kindle format emphasis in listing
• One case only

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More picks to compare

• American Female Serial KillersOver 100 profiles of female serial killers, 145 pages.Check on Amazon
• Talking with Serial KillersSix prisoners interviewed, 312 pages, published 2011.Check on Amazon
• Serial Killers: 20 Most Ruthless20 cases including lesser known killers, 227 pages.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Details are as published on each listing, collected 18 October 2026. Three of the five listings give no page count.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs coverage (profiles and depth), build (format and presentation), value and recency, using only stated facts. Encyclopedias score on breadth, narratives on depth. See all history and biography lists for more. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best biographies of serial killers

Encyclopedia or narrative

The two encyclopedias here cover 150 and over 300 killers respectively, for dipping in and out. The three narratives follow one story each. Pick the format that matches your reading: reference shelf or cover to cover.

Check the publication date

Dates run from December 2011 to September 2025. A 2025 book can include cases a 2011 one cannot, while the older books cover the classic cases in full.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book covers the most killers?

The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers by Stella Berry, with over 300 profiles, followed by the Big Book of Serial Killers with 150.

Which of these is based on a TV series?

The listing names In with the Devil as the basis for the BLACK BIRD series, and Through the Lens of a Monster as the inspiration for Death Row Confidential.

Which is the shortest read?

Ted Bundy by Hourly History, the Hourly History format built for a single sitting, against the 150-profile Big Book of Serial Killers.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Big Book of Serial Killers

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Related lists

See every history and biography list and all nonfiction lists.

More lists: true crime books about serial killers, biographies of Winston Churchill and biographies of US history.