Netflix's Mindhunter is, as Empire states, “fascinating and compelling TV”. This isn’t only because of the Fincher-led cinematography and uncannily accurate portrayals of true-life killers, but also because the show offers viewers a glimpse into some of the evilest minds in recent history.
If, after the Season 2 credits rolled, you were left wanting to know more about the show’s succession of murderers and how they were brought to justice, here are a collection of well-researched tomes compiled by people in the know. Whether written by journalists or prosecutors directly involved in the cases, there are many books out there that provide additional information on these troubling events.
Be aware that both grizzly details and potential spoilers lie ahead.
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Mindhunter: Further Reading
1 of 7Mindhunter: Inside the FBI Elite Serial Crime Unit, £7.39
John Douglas pioneered the practice of analysing and understanding the criminal mind. In the process Douglas came into close contact with some of the most heinous killers of modern times, including Jeffrey Dahmer, Charles Manson and Ted Bundy. Mindhunter is of course a fictional retelling of this history, so visiting this book will provide the reader with accuracy and detail which cannot be represented on the small screen. Amazon.co.uk
2 of 7Jerry Brudos: The True Story of The Shoe Fetish Slayer, £9.95
Jerry Brudos appeared in Mindhunter's first season played by Happy Anderson and was presented as a chillingly self-aware killer. His killings were a deeply entwined manifestation of his psychological struggles and the lifelong fetishisation of violence and feet. Amazon.co.uk
3 of 7The Crime of the Century: Richard Speck and the Murders That Shocked a Nation, £11.99
Prosecutor William J. Martin retells in great detail and accuracy the disturbing events surrounding Richard Speck (played in the show's first season by Jack Erdie) – perpetrator of what many consider to be one of the most unusual and extreme criminal acts in American history. Amazon.co.uk
4 of 7Son of Sam: A Biography of David Berkowitz, £2.23 (Kindle)
David Berkowitz killed eight between 1976 and 1977 with a .44 calibre revolver, leaving letters at crime scenes for the police to find. Berkowitz earned celebrity level notoriety following a huge manhunt which covered all of New York City. His claims as to the reasoning behind these killings and other unconfirmed crimes change over time, leading the "Son of Sam" being a macabre and compelling character to study. Berkowitz is played by Oliver Cooper in Mindhunter's second season. Amazon.co.uk
5 of 7The Man with Candy, £11.95
Jack Olsen recounts the life and crimes of Dean Corll, and his two teenage disciples David Owen Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley, during a spree often referred to as the Houston Mass Murders. The events are both troubling and intriguing, in no small part due to Henley's involvement in both the crimes and death of Corll. Henley makes his appearance in season two of Mindhunter, played by Robert Aramayo.Amazon.co.uk
6 of 7Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders, £6.47
Helter Skelter is possibly the most well-known true crime book of all time. Prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi explores and explains the happenings around the seven murders orchestrated by the magnetic, enigmatic and psychopathic Charles Manson, and the control he held and exploited over his 'family'. The most famous of season 2's serial killer lineup, Manson was depicted by actor Damon Herriman.Amazon.co.uk
7 of 7Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer, £10.43 (Kindle)
Lurking in the background of Mindhunter is one Dennis Rader, the self-proclaimed "Bind, Torture, Kill" killer, is an enigmatic individual who would not only kill, but also communicate with the police through letter and newspaper advertisements. Compiled over a five-year interchange with Rader via both prison visits and letters, Katherine Ramsland's text is equal parts biography and investigation. Rader is played by Sonny Valicenti on Mindhunter and reading this book may well result in spoilers for upcoming seasons of the show. Amazon.co.uk