Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History

Lady Killers profiles fourteen female serial killers who committed their crimes between the 1700s and 1900s. The author presents their stories through historical research while examining the societal contexts and myths that surrounded these women. The cases span multiple continents and social classes, from aristocrats to servants, nurses to innkeepers. Each chapter focuses on one killer's background, methods, and eventual capture or escape, incorporating contemporary accounts and trial records. The narratives challenge Victorian-era assumptions about female murderers while avoiding sensationalism. Telfer examines how gender expectations influenced both the crimes themselves and public reactions to them. The book contributes to true crime literature by highlighting lesser-known cases and questioning traditional frameworks for understanding female violence. Through these historical accounts, it explores enduring questions about crime, gender, and how societies process acts that defy established norms.

Readers describe this book as a well-researched collection of female serial killer cases, written in a conversational tone that balances true crime details with historical context. What readers liked: - Debunks myths and focuses on lesser-known cases - Includes psychological and sociological analysis - Clear, engaging writing style - Strong feminist perspective that avoids sensationalism What readers disliked: - Some found the humorous tone inappropriate for the subject matter - Several cases feel rushed or superficial - Limited new information for true crime enthusiasts - References could be more comprehensive Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Perfect blend of research and dark humor" - Goodreads reviewer "Expected more depth in the analysis" - Amazon reviewer "The author's witty commentary kept me engaged" - LibraryThing review "Too light on details compared to other true crime books" - Goodreads reviewer

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🗡️ While female serial killers are often depicted as using poison as their weapon of choice, author Tori Telfer's research revealed that many of the women in her book used multiple methods, including guns, axes, and drowning. 📚 The book challenges the common narrative that women kill only for love or money, showcasing cases where female killers acted out of pure sadism or thrill-seeking behavior. 👥 Only about 15% of serial killers throughout history have been women, making them a relatively rare demographic in the field of multiple murderers. 📅 The cases covered in the book span four centuries and multiple continents, from 17th century France to 20th century America. ✍️ Tori Telfer originally developed the concept for "Lady Killers" through a column she wrote for The Hairpin, an online women's magazine, before expanding it into a full book.