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American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

Maureen Callahan

American Predator

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

285

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan documents the investigation and capture of Israel Keyes, a highly methodical serial killer. The book explores law enforcement’s pursuit, Keyes' criminal methods, and the broader implications for understanding criminal behavior in contemporary America.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Informative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan offers a gripping narrative, praised for thorough research and compelling storytelling. Some critiques mention a lack of depth on the killer's psychological analysis and repetitive sections. Overall, it successfully engages readers with an intense true-crime tale.

Who should read this

Who Should Read American Predator?

Readers who are fascinated by true crime narratives and meticulous criminal profiling will be engrossed by Maureen Callahan’s American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century. Similar to fans of Ann Rule’s The Stranger Beside Me and Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, this book delves into chilling details and investigative prowess.

Character List

Samantha Koenig

An 18-year-old who is abducted from her job at an Anchorage coffee kiosk, serving as a central figure that humanizes the narrative and embodies the personal impact of tragedy.

A construction contractor and seemingly ordinary neighbor who is revealed to be a methodical and elusive serial killer, known for his strategic use of "kill kits" and randomness in choosing victims.

An FBI Special Agent leading the investigation into Keyes, whose strategic approach and deep emotional involvement in the case are crucial to advancing the investigation.

An assistant US attorney in Anchorage whose ambition and lack of interrogation experience lead to significant challenges during the investigation into Keyes.

Book Details
Pages

285

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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