Despite Americans' fascination with and high rate of serial killers, a definitive explanation for their motives has not been developed. Following an overview of data about multiple murderers,
killer profiles, and theories about their behavior, Wiest (strategic communications, High Point U., North Carolina) presents a model that frames these heinous crimes as a sociocultural
phenomenon. With implications for reducing the incidence of such crimes, he argues that cultural factors that are conducive to such behavior primarily in white men include the emphasis on male
competition for status and thrill-seeking, stereotyping of villains and victims, and media glorification. The book includes methodological notes, and photos of an Italian museum of serial
killers. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
