LibGuides: So you want to know more about Serial Killers?: Vicious Victorians

Murder Castle: H. H. Holmes

“I was born with the devil in me. I could not help the fact that I was a murderer, no more than a poet can help the inspiration to sing.”

-H. H. Holmes

(As cited in History.com, 2009, para. 6)

The Trial of Herman W. Mudgett Alias, H.H. Holmes for The Murder of Benjamin F. Pitezel.
Considered a primary resource, this is the official transcript of the trial that resulted in the death penalty for H. H. Holmes in Philadelphia. This is for individuals interested in legal proceedings or more details on how the murderer got convicted.
The original client from hell
Explore the criminal timeline of who is credited to be America's first serial killer.

Dissecting Jack-the-Ripper: An Anatomy of Murder in the Metropolis
Written by Dr. Elizabeth T. Hurren, "renowned as an international scholar of the body," studies the famous crime under the lens of common body trafficking at the time of the murders (Hurren, E. 2016, p. 1). Explore the theory of how there were likely more victims to serial killings in 1880's East End London. Into mysteries or medical themes? This study on the who might be the most famous serial killer is for you.

Jack the Ripper and the London Press by L. Perry Curtis
ISBN: 9780300133691
Publication Date: 2008-10-01
Does anyone know why Jack the Ripper is still debated about? Or how he's almost a house hold name? This book explores how the singular sensation is still making waves based on his actions over 100 years ago.

Mary Ann Cotton
The Encyclopedia Britannica summarizes the life and times of who was considered "Britain's most prolific serial killer" (2020, para.1).

Photo Courtesy Of Murderpedia.org

Murderpedia: M.A.C
Check out a popular true crime website. Review different accounts on Cotton's life. Want to know more? They site their resources that you can look up on your own for deeper research!

Female Serial Killers in Social Context by Elizabeth Yardley; David Wilson
ISBN: 9781447326465
Publication Date: 2015-08-26
View how the society she lived in affected Mary Ann Cotton's crimes and conviction. This eBook theorizes how nature vs. nurture played out for Cotton and is perfect reading for those interested in sociology and psychology.

Interested in other female serial killers or the psychology behind their behavioral differences? Take a look at the Lady Misfortune

Photo Courtesy Of Forensic Magazine

The Bloody Benders
This article summarizes the crimes of the Bender family in 18070's Kansas. Peruse how the evidence found at their cabin pieced together events.

WARNING: Crime Scene Photography. Please select "Full Text" once you arrive at the webpage to avoid the photos.

The Bloody Benders' Grim Harvest
This article reports details on how the Benders lured their victims in with Kate's reputation as a healer and used the area's bad reputation to cover their tracks.Explore America's early crime scene photography that was taken when locals discovered the Benders' cabin abandoned.