Discover the real-life inspirations behind history’s most infamous serial killers: John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Charles Manson, and so many more. Gothic media moguls Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl, authors of
The Science of Monsters, The Science of Women in Horror, and
The Science of Stephen King, and co-hosts of the
Horror Rewind podcast called “the best horror film podcast out there” by
Film Daddy, present a guide to the serial killers who inspired the movies and media we all know and love. Delve into the brutal truth behind horror’s secret: many monsters portrayed on the silver screen are based on true murderers. Uncover the truth behind the
real monsters of horror, answering such questions as:
- What is the science behind serial killers’ motivations like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy?
- How did detectives discover the identities of criminals like the Boston Strangler and the BTK Strangler?
- Has science made it possible to unmask Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac Killer?
- What is the science behind female versus male serial killers?
Through interviews, film analysis, and bone-chilling discoveries, join Kelly and Meg as they learn about the horrors of true crime through the decades.
“Hafdahl and Florence have written a page-turner probing into the most notorious killers and their influence on film and TV. They wisely dive into a variety of fascinating angles with Hollywood’s fascination, and the psychology and science behind what made them tick. By the end, you’ll have plenty of movies to add to your streaming queue.”
—Paul McGuire Grimes, film critic and entertainment reporter “Hafdahl and Florence have done it again.
The Science of Serial Killers is an engaging, informative dive into the forensic, environmental, and legal peripherals of notorious crimes that have inspired the horror genre’s most celebrated films.”
—Anya Stanley, writer and film critic for Fangoria magazine and AVClub.com "Hafdahl and Florence once again deliver a compulsive read, this time to explore the fascinating cross-section of horror movies and the true crimes that inspired them. Through easily digestible forensic science, interviews, keen insight, and unwavering empathy for victims and survivors, the authors offer a deft examination of the steadfast fascination with the world’s most infamous killers."
—Meagan Navarro, film critic and horror journalist "Close attention to how events are translated, represented, or interpreted makes this an outstanding addition to science and cinema studies collections."
—Diane Donovan, author of San Francisco Relocated 
