Extreme Killing: Understanding Serial and Mass Murder - Softcover

Fox, James Alan; Fridel, Emma E.; Levin, Dr. Jack

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1506349110 ISBN 13: 9781506349114

Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc, 2018

Synopsis

Extreme Killing offers you a comprehensive overview of multiple homicide, including both serial and mass murder. Filled with classic and contemporary case studies, this fully updated Fourth Edition reflects a growing concern for specific types of multiple homicides—indiscriminate public massacres, terrorist attacks, hate crimes, and school shootings—as well as largely debated issues such as gun control and mental illness. 

Renowned experts and authors in the field, James Alan Fox, Jack Levin, and Emma Fridel bring their years of research and experience to create distinctions between serial and mass murders, address characteristics of both killers and their victims, and recognize the special concerns around multiple murder victims and their survivors. You will examine the latest theories of criminal behavior and apply them to mass and serial murderers from around the world, such as the mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas,  the Grim Sleeper in Los Angeles, the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, the shooting of nine African Americans by a white supremacist in a Charleston church, and more.

 

About this title

Review

“This is the best single volume text for the coverage of both mass murder and serial homicide at the undergraduate level and as an introductory text on the subject matter.”

(Mitchel P. Roth)

“Fox and Levin are the best in the business at interpreting these rare, but tragic, multiple murder events. Accessibly written, yet analytically rich, Extreme Killing provides critical insight into subject matter that typically elicits a response between fear and fascination and is sensationalized and politicized in equal measure. For the cold hard facts on murder in cold blood (or otherwise), look no further.”
(James A. Densley)

“Excellent overall—engaging cases and yet stays on making important analytic points or generalizations without getting overly bogged down by case details (although many often horrific facts related to crimes are noted in a very matter-of-fact way)  The authors manage to make their points while citing grisly case details in a very professional way without appealing to any sensationalism for its own sake. They navigate this fine line and manage a balancing act between sharing case details while also keeping a theoretical and conceptual focus. Superb job and the best of the three editions by far.” (Kenneth Colburn Jr.)

“Extreme Killing offers a succinct  and fascinating  overview  of historical and contemporary serial and mass murder addressing known prevalence, demographic characteristics, motives, and etiological factors associated with the perpetrators of the crimes. Additionally, the role of the victims and their families are discussed in relation to the high profile nature of these types of multiple murders especially in relation to role of the media, fascination by the public, and the seemingly motiveless nature of these types of crimes. James Allen Fox and Jack Levin use engaging case studies, illustrations, photos and commentary in their book, which no doubt students will find extremely interesting.” (William E. Thornton)

“The writing style of all of the chapters is excellent and will truly capture the interest and imagination of students. The book could easily be used in either an upper level undergraduate or a graduate level course (as a supplemental text). It is versatile. The photos are quite interesting and will keep the student engaged.” (Robert Worley)

“This is a well-written organized text on serial killing and mass murder. Content is appropriate and presented in a way that would be understandable to the average college student...” (Shelly Grant)

“This text will provide your students with a comprehensive overview of serial and mass murder. This is a student-friendly text that is well-written and organized.” (Mark Winton)

“It is a well thought out, put together book for this type of class because it touches on all aspects of both the organized and disorganized SK as well as delving into the mind of the mass murderer.” (Bert Ouderkirk)

About the Author

James Alan Fox is the Lipman Family Professor of Criminology, Law, and Public Policy at Northeastern University. He has published 18 books, dozens of journal and magazine articles, as well as hundreds of freelance columns in newspapers around the country, primarily in the areas of multiple murder, youth crime, school and campus violence, workplace violence, and capital punishment. As a member of its Board of Contributors, his opinion column appears frequently in USA TODAY.  Fox often gives keynote talks and testimony before Congress and in criminal and civil court proceedings. He has briefed various leaders here and abroad, and has worked on criminal investigations surrounding serial and mass murder cases. He also served as a visiting fellow with the Bureau of Justice Statistics focusing on homicide patterns and trends. Finally, he has received several awards and honors for his work, including the Hugo Adam Bedau Award for excellence in capital punishment scholarship.

 

 

About this edition

• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1506349110
• ISBN 13: 9781506349114
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 368