Book Review: Bind, Torture, Kill by Roy Wenzl and others

The quote below is reason number 1 why this book is so great - of course the serial killers themselves are so fascinating to read and learn about, but I also appreciate it when the ones who brought them down are celebrated as the heroes they are - and this book truly delivers in that regard!

“In writing this book, we had a choice to make as well. Others have focused on portraying the evil; we wanted to give equal time to the people who stopped it.”

Ken Landwehr in particular, who has since unfortunately passed away, showed some real restraint in making sure he did everything right to get this guy. For example, waiting until DNA testing improved, knowing he’d only get minimal chances to test it.

The story of BTK is told in chronological order, and although it’s very fact-driven, I did not find it dry in the slightest. All the goings on behind the scenes is detailed, from what Dennis Rader was planning in between crimes, to what the police and investigators were working with, to the involvement the media had. I loved the multiple perspectives, and the insight into how law enforcement and the newspapers/broadcasters had to work together to try and nail this terrifying predator.

And it IS absolutely terrifying. The stalking, the breaking in, the hiding inside of houses waiting for his victims, the cutting of phone lines... I could not be home alone when I was reading this one! I also had a similar experience with I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.

Another bonus is that a lot of focus is placed on the victims and their families. Instead of just mentioning the victim’s names and the horrible things they went through, we get some insight into who they were as people and the devastation left after their deaths. It’s utterly tragic.

I’d highly recommend this one. I can see why it’s considered THE book on BTK, as all of the information has been obtained from those who lived it. 5 stars.

Johann

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