Harold Schechter

Harold Schechter is a professor of American literature and culture. Renowed for his true-crime writing, he is the author of the nonfiction books *Fatal*, *Fiend*, *Bestial*, *Deviant*, *Deranged*, *Depraved*, and, with David Everitt, *The A to Z Encyclopedia of Serial Killers*. He is also the author of *Nevermore* and *The Hum Bug*, the acclaimed historical novels featuring Edgar Ellen Poe. He lives in New York State and is the father of YA novelist, Lauren Oliver. — Mostly from *Depraved*

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Bestial

    The Savage Trail of a True American Monster

    The book provides a detailed account of the gruesome crimes committed by Earle Leonard Nelson, one of America's first known serial killers, during the 1920s. It delves into his troubled upbringing, psychological disturbances, and the horrific series of murders that earned him the nickname "The Gorilla Killer." Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the narrative explores the societal and law enforcement challenges of the era, as well as the eventual capture and trial of Nelson, offering a chilling glimpse into the mind of a remorseless predator and the impact of his crimes on communities across North America.

  2. 2. Little Slaughterhouse On The Prairie

    The Harrowing True Story of the Bender Family Murders

    The book delves into the chilling true story of the Bender family, a group of serial killers who operated in Kansas during the 1870s. It explores the mysterious and gruesome events surrounding their crimes, as they lured unsuspecting travelers to their home under the guise of offering hospitality, only to murder them for their possessions. The narrative combines historical research with a gripping account of the investigation that followed, highlighting the fear and intrigue that gripped the frontier community as the Benders vanished without a trace, leaving behind a legacy of horror and unanswered questions.

  3. 3. The Pied Piper

    The Untold Story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin

    The book delves into the chilling true story of a charismatic and manipulative figure who lured unsuspecting victims into his deadly web. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, it explores the life and crimes of a notorious serial killer whose charm and cunning allowed him to evade capture for years. Through meticulous research and gripping narrative, the book examines the psychological complexities of the killer, the societal factors that enabled his crimes, and the relentless pursuit of justice by those determined to stop him. This true crime account paints a haunting portrait of evil hidden in plain sight.

  4. 4. The Brick Slayer

    The Untold Story of the Notorious 1960s Serial Killer

    The book delves into the chilling true crime story of a series of brutal murders in 1960s Chicago, focusing on the investigation and eventual capture of the perpetrator. It explores the psychological profile of the killer, the societal impact of the crimes, and the relentless pursuit by law enforcement to bring justice to the victims. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the narrative provides a gripping account of the events, shedding light on the complexities of criminal behavior and the challenges faced by those seeking to solve such heinous acts.

  5. 5. Maniac

    The Bath School Disaster and the Birth of the Modern Mass Killer

    The book delves into the chilling true story of a notorious mass murderer who terrorized New York City in the early 20th century. It meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to the horrific crime spree, exploring the psychological and societal factors that contributed to the killer's descent into madness. Through detailed research and vivid narrative, the book examines the impact of the murders on the community and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement, offering a gripping and unsettling portrait of one of America's most infamous criminal cases.

  6. 6. The Pirate

    A Tragic Tale of Shipwreck, Murder, and the Last Trial of a Pirate

    The book delves into the chilling true story of Albert Hicks, a notorious 19th-century criminal who became one of America's first media sensations. It explores his life of crime on the high seas, culminating in a gruesome triple murder aboard a ship in New York Harbor. The narrative captures the public's fascination with Hicks' trial and execution, highlighting the sensationalism of the press and the societal fears of the era. Through meticulous research, the book paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, offering insights into the darker aspects of human nature and the burgeoning American justice system.

  7. 7. Fiend

    The Shocking True Story of America's Youngest Serial Killer

    The book delves into the chilling true story of a notorious 19th-century American serial killer, exploring his gruesome crimes and the subsequent manhunt that captivated the nation. It provides a detailed account of the killer's life, his psychological profile, and the societal factors that may have influenced his descent into madness. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the narrative examines the impact of his heinous acts on the victims' families and the broader community, while also highlighting the evolving field of criminal investigation during that era.

  8. 8. Deranged

    The Shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer

    The book delves into the chilling true story of Albert Fish, a notorious serial killer and cannibal in early 20th-century America. It explores Fish's gruesome crimes, his troubled upbringing, and the psychological factors that drove him to commit such heinous acts. Through meticulous research and detailed narrative, the book paints a vivid picture of the era's social and legal landscape while examining the dark depths of human depravity. The story culminates in Fish's capture, trial, and eventual execution, offering insights into the mind of one of history's most disturbing criminals.

  9. 9. Man Eater

    The Life and Legend of an American Cannibal

    The book delves into the chilling true story of Alfred Packer, a notorious figure in American history, who was accused of cannibalism during the harsh winter of 1874. As Packer led a group of prospectors through the treacherous Colorado mountains, the expedition took a grim turn when they became stranded and desperate for survival. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the narrative explores the psychological and environmental factors that drove Packer to commit such a gruesome act, while also examining the sensational trial that followed and its lasting impact on American folklore and legal history.

  10. 10. Deviant

    The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original Psycho

    The book delves into the chilling true story of Ed Gein, a notorious murderer and grave robber whose gruesome crimes in the 1950s shocked the small town of Plainfield, Wisconsin, and later inspired numerous fictional horror characters. Through meticulous research, the narrative explores Gein's troubled upbringing, his twisted relationship with his domineering mother, and the macabre discoveries made at his farmhouse, including human remains fashioned into household items. The book also examines the broader societal and psychological implications of Gein's actions, offering insights into the mind of one of America's most infamous criminals.

  11. 11. My Brain Is Open

    The Mathematical Journeys of Paul Erdos

    A lively portrait of legendary mathematician Paul Erdős, tracing his peripatetic, possession-free life devoted entirely to collaborative problem solving and the pursuit of elegant proofs. Through vivid anecdotes and clear explanations, it introduces the culture of modern mathematics—Erdős numbers, midnight problem sessions, and the global network of colleagues—while conveying the excitement of combinatorics, number theory, and graph theory. The narrative highlights his quirks, generosity, and relentless curiosity, showing how his eccentric lifestyle fostered a unique, enduring influence on the mathematical community.