Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries recently reviewed David Schmid’s Natural Born Celebrities: Serial Killers in American Culture: "Schmid’s intriguing book thoroughly investigates the ‘celebrity’ serial killer phenomenon that has made killers like Jack the Ripper as famous as any movie star. Schmid explores how and why serial killers have obtained fame, the consequences of that fame, and what the killers’ celebrity status says about the roles that violence and fame play in culture. The subject matter is well researched and organized.… By examining the public fascination with serial killers, Schmid forces readers to confront their own roles in the creation of ‘celebrity’ serial killers and the public interest that generates celebrity status."
Read an excerpt.