From serial murderers to parents who kill, Fatal Violence: Case Studies and Analysis of Emerging Forms provides an insider's look at a phenomenon that has existed since the dawn of man and cuts across social/economic barriers and cultures. Offering a rare glimpse into the minds of predators and containing chilling details of motives and methods, this volume explores gang violence, serial and mass murderers, filicide, rape, workplace violence, school shootings, and hate crimes. It also delves into the unusual and shocking practices of vampirism and cannibalism.

Bringing wisdom from years of studying killers and trying to understand the motives behind why these individuals do what they do, the authors present information that has previously gone uncovered or merely speculated upon. This fascinating volume includes:

• Historical accounts of bizarre killers dating back to the 15th century
• Psychological analyses of how a killer's upbringing might have contributed to his or her actions
• Criminal profiling theories in unsolved murders
• Interviews with killers
• Clues that suggest a person may engage in workplace violence
• Myths about school shootings
• Membership requirements for gangs and hate groups
• Cultural factors that might incite youth violence

Steeped in research, the book contains tables with demographic data and events, discussion questions to provoke further inquiry, and numerous references for further study, making it a compelling resource for professionals and academia alike.

Gangs have long been a social and criminal threat to society. Introduction to Gangs in America explains how gangs are addressed as a criminal justice and public policy problem, providing a student-friendly, easily accessible, concise overview of the role, place, structure, and activities of gangs in American society. The book describes what gangs are, what differentiates them from each other, how they share similarities, and how they fit into contemporary American culture.

The authors explore the history and structure of gangs, reveal their clandestine activities, and analyze their social impact. The book also includes information on gender issues in gangs, and provides insight into how gangs impact American educational institutions

Offering an insider's account, the book provides in-depth profiles of specific gangs, including:

• Europe's five major biker gangs
• The Outlaws
• The Hell's Angels
• The Bandidos
• The Pagans
• Bloods
• Aryan Brotherhood
• Black Guerrilla Family
• Mexican Mafia
• Texas Syndicate
• Neta

Discussion questions appear at the end of each chapter, stimulating debate and classroom discussion.

It may never be possible to eradicate gangs from our culture. But by understanding their structure, their strengths and vulnerabilities, and how they operate, law enforcement can better protect the public from their nefarious activities. This text gives future law enforcement professionals rare insider insight into a subject typically shrouded in secrecy.

""

Continuing in the same well-written and accessible style as the previous editions, this text systematically examines the strange phenomenon of serial murder. Exploring the different types of serial killers, the authors present a clear image of the typology, behavioral patterns, and motivation of the various types of serial killers. New to This Edition Differentiation between Mass, Spree and Serial Murder Theories Three new chapters: Mass Murder and Spree Murder: Two Types of Multicides; Serial Killers in Foreign Countries; and Health-Care Professionals and Serial MurderUpdated references, boxes, photos and features, including brief profiles of serial killers, serial killer nicknames, etc. Discussion of recent and high profile serial killers, andthe typologies that apply to themNew end-of-chapter discussion questions to enhance student comprehension and retention

Serial Murder, Third Edition is ideal for use as a supplementary text in Homicide, Violence, and Deviance courses offered in departments of criminology, psychology, and sociology"

A comprehensive survey of sex offenders and sexual offenses This succinct and highly accessible text provides a comprehensive overview of a wide range of sexual behaviors and sex crimes, thoroughly addressing criminal actions from nuisance sex crimes, such as voyeurism and exhibitionism, to the most extreme, including rape, sex crimes against children, lust and serial murders, and more. Including unique and engaging case studies and first-person accounts from sex offenders, Sex Crimes: Patterns and Behavior, Third Edition provides unique insight into sex crimes, deviance, and criminal behavior theory and analysis. This engaging and easy-to-read text provides information on psychological profiling of sex offenders, the crimes they commit, the effects on their victims, and attempted treatments, in an engaging style that compels students to continue reading even ahead of the syllabus. Key Features Two new chapters address Internet-related sex crimes and sexually motivated homicides Photos and tables have been updated to provide the most cutting-edge information and reflect the thorough updating the book throughout Other helpful pedagogical aids include case files and boxed news accounts that bring key concepts to life, and first-person accounts from sex criminals, medical and legal insights into the behaviors described A glossary of sexual behavior and related terms is provided at the back of the text

Intended Audience Suitably brief to serve as a core text in conjunction with readings or as a supplement to another text, this provocative textbook will spark lively discussion in undergraduate courses such as Sex Crimes, Deviance, Criminal Behavior, and Violent Crimes in departments of criminology, criminal justice, sociology, social work, and counseling. "

Suicide is an ageless concern that has been with us as long as man has existed. Forbidden by all religions, suicide has nonetheless become such a practical problem that it is now an everyday concern, resulting in more annual deaths than homicide. Suicide must be seen as a societal and personal problem-it is a complex act with no simple explanation. The motivation is multifaceted, often not understood by the family or by other survivors. Suicide: Theory, Practice and Investigation is the only text available in paperback form that offers an accessible overview of suicide in the United States. Written by Ronald M. Holmes and Stephen T. Holmes, two of the foremost authors of murder and violent crime books in the world, this book examines the social problem and criminal justice concerns of suicide from unique perspectives. The authors discuss the various forms of suicide and analyze the latest data on regional differences and how gender, marital status, occupation, health, drug use, and religion all influence the practice of suicide. Key Features: Analyzes suicide letters to provide students with unique perspectives not found in other books Covers investigative techniques that will be of interest to professionals and students alike Includes carefully selected photos to explicate the material covered Categorizes suicide into different types including anomic, egoistic, altruistic, and fatalistic to distinguish the various reasons for which people have taken their own lives Integrates notes within the chapters to show the state of mind for those who commit suicide Explores learnings from suicidal behavior to help readers recognize how better to prevent the practice Suicide is designed for undergraduate and graduate courses in departments of Criminology, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Forensic Science. In addition, it can also be used for a variety of other courses, including Psychopathology, Sociology of Deviance, Abnormal Psychology, and Violent Crimes. This book will also be of interest to anyone looking for a clear understanding of the extent of suicide in the United States.

This second edition of the best-selling, Murder in America examines both the common and unusual acts of homicide in light of society?s changing norms, values, attitudes and customs. The authors, Ronald & Stephen Holmes have worked with numerous police departments on more than 300 murder and rape cases. The types of murders discussed in this text are ones not usually discussed in great lengths in other textbooks. Chapters deal with atypical and relatively bizarre homicide, such as serial murder, mass murder, terrorism, and assassination. Also discussed are more common types of murder, such as murder committed by children, murder of children, partner homicide, and workplace homicide. Each chapter explores a specific type of homicide by examining trends, methods, motives, statistics, and other descriptive information.

New to this edition:

-Student Assignments at the end of each chapter

-Discussion Questions at the end of each chapter

New chapters in this edition:

-Female Serial Killers

-Intimates Who Kill

-Parents Who Kill

-Murder in the Workplace

Labeled as the crime of the 1990s?, it is predicted that serial murder will remain the most intriguing crime as we enter the new millennium. Although several books have been authored that focus on the study of serial homicide, Contemporary Perspectives on Serial Murder is the first to join the perspectives of acknowledged experts in the field along with the perspectives of emerging authorities on serial murder. The breadth and diversity of the chapters offer a unique look at these heinous crimes from various viewpoints and experiences. Contributors address major themes of serial murder that include the etiology of serial murder, victim selectivity, female serial killers, profiling cases, types and methods of stalking, and future trends for tracing and tracking serial killers. Accessibly written, this compelling volume also includes information on the relationship between minorities and serial killing as well as the history of serial murder in North America.

Contemporary Perspectives on Serial Murder is an ideal supplement to authored texts on the topic and is an appropriate core text for courses on serial murder and homicide.

"Excellent book, I have used this for my Criminal Behavior course for a number of years. Very authoritative." Harry Cramer, Quincy UniversityThe Fourth Edition of this best-selling text provides students with the most up-to-date information on the increasingly popular field of psychological profiling. Well-known authors Ronald M. Holmes and Stephen T. Holmes build upon their continued research and involvement in field investigation as a source of relevant and often high-profile case studies to illustrate theory and application of the methods discussed. The text is particularly readable and engaging, making frequent use of illustrative tables and figures and presenting occasional photos. New to the Fourth EditionOffers a new chapter on Lizzie Borden (Chapter 14), analyzing this historic murder case with fresh insight and a unique analysis while retaining the chapter on Jack the Ripper, a classic unresolved serial murdererCovers more recent events such as the killings at Northern Illinois University and Virginia TechProvides a new section on Santeria and the occult to understand the dogma and icons of these teachings and investigates reasons behind crimes committed by some followersOffers guidance to students for online graduate programs, seminars, and degrees in criminal profilingIncludes updated tables and crime statistics throughout the textPresents new photos to offer authentic representations of violent crimes and offenders

Intended AudienceThis best-seller has long been a successful supplemental text for undergraduate criminology and criminal justice courses, including Criminal Investigation, Criminal Profiling, Violent Crimes, Criminal Behavior, Field Investigation, and Forensic Psychology."

Suicide is an ageless concern that has been with us as long as man has existed. Forbidden by all religions, suicide has nonetheless become such a practical problem that it is now an everyday concern, resulting in more annual deaths than homicide. Suicide must be seen as a societal and personal problem-it is a complex act with no simple explanation. The motivation is multifaceted, often not understood by the family or by other survivors. Suicide: Theory, Practice and Investigation is the only text available in paperback form that offers an accessible overview of suicide in the United States. Written by Ronald M. Holmes and Stephen T. Holmes, two of the foremost authors of murder and violent crime books in the world, this book examines the social problem and criminal justice concerns of suicide from unique perspectives. The authors discuss the various forms of suicide and analyze the latest data on regional differences and how gender, marital status, occupation, health, drug use, and religion all influence the practice of suicide. Key Features: Analyzes suicide letters to provide students with unique perspectives not found in other books Covers investigative techniques that will be of interest to professionals and students alike Includes carefully selected photos to explicate the material covered Categorizes suicide into different types including anomic, egoistic, altruistic, and fatalistic to distinguish the various reasons for which people have taken their own lives Integrates notes within the chapters to show the state of mind for those who commit suicide Explores learnings from suicidal behavior to help readers recognize how better to prevent the practice Suicide is designed for undergraduate and graduate courses in departments of Criminology, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Forensic Science. In addition, it can also be used for a variety of other courses, including Psychopathology, Sociology of Deviance, Abnormal Psychology, and Violent Crimes. This book will also be of interest to anyone looking for a clear understanding of the extent of suicide in the United States.

Labeled as the crime of the 1990s', it is predicted that serial murder will remain the most intriguing crime as we enter the new millennium. Although several books have been authored that focus on the study of serial homicide, Contemporary Perspectives on Serial Murder is the first to join the perspectives of acknowledged experts in the field along with the perspectives of emerging authorities on serial murder. The breadth and diversity of the chapters offer a unique look at these heinous crimes from various viewpoints and experiences. Contributors address major themes of serial murder that include the etiology of serial murder, victim selectivity, female serial killers, profiling cases, types and methods of stalking, and future trends for tracing and tracking serial killers. Accessibly written, this compelling volume also includes information on the relationship between minorities and serial killing as well as the history of serial murder in North America. Contemporary Perspectives on Serial Murder is an ideal supplement to authored texts on the topic and is an appropriate core text for courses on serial murder and homicide.

"Excellent book, I have used this for my Criminal Behavior course for a number of years. Very authoritative." Harry Cramer, Quincy UniversityThe Fourth Edition of this best-selling text provides students with the most up-to-date information on the increasingly popular field of psychological profiling. Well-known authors Ronald M. Holmes and Stephen T. Holmes build upon their continued research and involvement in field investigation as a source of relevant and often high-profile case studies to illustrate theory and application of the methods discussed. The text is particularly readable and engaging, making frequent use of illustrative tables and figures and presenting occasional photos. New to the Fourth EditionOffers a new chapter on Lizzie Borden (Chapter 14), analyzing this historic murder case with fresh insight and a unique analysis while retaining the chapter on Jack the Ripper, a classic unresolved serial murdererCovers more recent events such as the killings at Northern Illinois University and Virginia TechProvides a new section on Santeria and the occult to understand the dogma and icons of these teachings and investigates reasons behind crimes committed by some followersOffers guidance to students for online graduate programs, seminars, and degrees in criminal profilingIncludes updated tables and crime statistics throughout the textPresents new photos to offer authentic representations of violent crimes and offenders

Intended AudienceThis best-seller has long been a successful supplemental text for undergraduate criminology and criminal justice courses, including Criminal Investigation, Criminal Profiling, Violent Crimes, Criminal Behavior, Field Investigation, and Forensic Psychology."