This comprehensive historical work examines a selection of notorious European serial murder cases from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. The author, Anthony Kurek, employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining criminology, psychology, and social history to analyze these complex and disturbing events. Kurek's research delves into primary sources, including police reports, court transcripts, and contemporary news accounts, to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding each case. The book provides in-depth profiles of the perpetrators, exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and the societal factors that may have contributed to their actions.

Key themes addressed include:

• The evolution of forensic techniques and their impact on criminal investigations
• The role of media in shaping public perception of serial killers
• Psychological theories attempting to explain serial murder behavior
• The influence of war, economic instability, and social upheaval on violent crime

The text also examines how these cases influenced the development of law enforcement practices and criminal profiling methodologies across Europe. While the subject matter is undeniably grim, Kurek maintains a scholarly tone throughout, focusing on factual analysis rather than sensationalism. This work contributes to the academic literature on criminology and European social history, offering insights into a dark but significant aspect of the continent's past. The book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals in fields such as criminology, psychology, and social sciences, providing a nuanced examination of some of Europe's most infamous criminal cases and their broader historical context.

1. European criminology
2. Historical true crime
3. Forensic psychology
4. Criminal profiling
5. Serial homicide
6. 19th-20th century crime
7. Criminological theory
8. Deviant behavior
9. Social factors in crime
10. Criminal investigation history
11. Forensic science evolution
12. Media and crime perception
13. Psychological motivations
14. Post-war crime patterns
15. Legal system development
16. Criminogenic environments
17. Victimology
18. Crime scene analysis
19. Criminal psychology
20. Societal impact of violent crime