Book review: (RMQ Below)
Blood Lust: Portrait of a Serial Sex Killer
By Gary C. King
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| goodreads.com |
The gripping and gruesome true story of The Molalla Forest Killer, the worst serial killer in Oregon's history. Dayton Leroy Rogers lived a normal life during the day, but at night he revealed his true violent personality as he abducted women from the streets of Portland and tortured and murdered them in sadistic rituals. 8 pages of photos. (from goodreads.com)
I'm someone who has a bit of a morbid fascination with serial killers. I've always been interested in abnormal psychology, and how the science meshes with the emotional and spiritual ramifications of such heinous acts. Besides, as a fiction writer, I have to come up with awesome villains and what better way than to research serial killers. So, it's research. (That's my story and I'm sticking with it.)
I've been trying to read books that will put me in a Halloween mood and I figured true crime would be a good choice. To be honest, it didn't work as well as planned. While it was definitely dark and twisted, there was so much emphasis on the sexual element, so it came off as less creepy/Halloweenish and more just twisted and sexual.
This was an interesting story, though. It wasn't one of these long, drawn out things where they can't figure out who did it, or even when they think they know, they can't prove it. Kudos to law enforcement in this case because as soon as the killings got on their radar, they simply followed the evidence, arrested the killer, and that was pretty much it. It took a bit of time, of course--legal proceedings always do--and it actually took two trials to get him put away for good, but considering this happened in the late eighties and there wasn't nearly as much technology or forensic evidence as we have today, this was an amazing feat.
Still, it's creepier when you have lots of crimes and you don't know who it is for awhile or something along those lines. Not that this was the author's fault--it was just the way it happened. This guy wasn't the smartest in the world. Like I said, as soon as he got on the cops' radar, it wasn't hard to pin him down. This was less a scare you/creep you out story and more a gross you out story.
The book was very well-written and laid-out. Despite multiple victim names and experiences, I was never confused about what was happening.
Content warning: There was a little bit of language, but not much to speak of. The major thing here was that several of the crimes were described in exquisite detail, along with the sadistic sexual acts. This was very explicit about what he did to his female victims and how. Not a book for kids or for anyone with a weak stomach.
Overall I liked the book for what it was. I'd never heard of this killer before or his story. As I said, I very much admired the law enforcement officers for how they handled the situation and their efficiency in catching him. And, if I ever wanted to write a villain that was a sexual sadist, this would be an excellent reference guide!
If you're looking for a great Halloween read, and are creeped out by nice, handsome men who troll the wrong side of town looking for hookers to pick up because they're really sexual sadists with foot-fetishes and an uncontrollable bloodlust...look no farther! This is the book for you! :D
Happy Halloween, Everyone! :D
Random Movie Quotes (RMQ)
Don't know what this is? Click here.
| en.wikipedia.org |
Last Wednesday's RMQ was, "These mashed potatoes are so creamy..."
This is one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite holiday movies. It's said by Midge, played by Micole Mecurio in the film While You Were Sleeping. This one was guessed by Kerry of A Novel Journey. Great job, Kerry! :D
Today's RMQ:
"Sometimes I wonder, will God ever forgive us for what we've done to each other. Then I look around and realize...God left this place a long time ago."
Way sad one! One point for film, one for character, one for actor. Good luck! :D
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