Killer Insights, LLC
Stephen J. Giannangelo
Author/Teacher/Consultant
Books about Serial Murder and Forensic Psychology
Training & Presentations
Consulting, Commentary, Writing
Books by Stephen J. Giannangelo
In 2022, I wrote this more personal, less academic book, Monsters in the Mirror, for the readers that were asking me for some fun, interesting, murderous pleasure reading by the fire. It ranges from Murderabillia to cases famous and obscure, mental illness, exorcism and a look back at decades of teaching the topic of Serial Murder.
In 2012, I re-wrote The Psychopathology of Serial Murder and updated everything for what had evolved in the decades since. This text, Real-Life Monsters, has been used at universities in the U.S. and Internationally, and is a comprehensive view of the psychological underpinnings of the serial murderer. It’s also been found at the FBI Library at Quantico. It includes a chapter detailing interviews I had with a serial killer in person that I first met on death row, which offers a conversation not often found in most textbooks.
This is my first published work, The Psychopathology of Serial Murder: A Theory of Violence. It’s of course my baby. First printed in 1996, you can see that the cover has had a few color changes over the years, before the days of my interest in cover art!
The second picture is this book when it was published in Poland!! No, I have no idea how it translates, but I have an idea what it says!
My books are all available on Amazon.com as well as from their specific publishers.
If you are interested in a signed book by the Author, please contact me at Killerinsights@gmail.com and I will send one out!
My latest book, “Irresistible Impulses: Defending the Insanity of Serial Murder,” was released in March 2025.
IRRESISTIBLE INSIGHTS IS NOW LIVE!!!!
My latest book, IRRESISTIBLE IMPULSES: DEFENDING THE INSANITY OF SERIAL MURDER was released in MARCH, 2025!
Amazon Link here:: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1D352SB
Published by Waterfront Productions, this new deep-dive into the use of the insanity defense by serial murderers and a look at the concept of insanity and the defense in the criminal justice system in general, is going to be a must read.
This 300+ page epic on the insanity defense and particularly its use by serial murderers will engage anyone with an interest in Forensic Psychology, Serial Murder, the legal system and everything in-between, I guarantee it.
I cannot list all the cases that are reviewed or referenced in some way in this book, but they include full case studies of John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer’s insanity defense trials and Ted Bundy’s competency appeal. A sample of other cases include Ed Kemper, David Berkowitz, Herbert Mullin, Richard Chase, Ken Bianchi, Bittaker and Norris, Fred and Mary West and so many others- some you have heard of, some not.
This book includes a superb FOREWORD by acclaimed author and professor, DR. KATHERINE RAMSLAND
It also includes personal interviews with names in the psychiatric and legal world of insanity defense experience including:
-DR. RICHARD RAPPAPORT: LEAD DEFENSE EXPERT FOR THE JOHN WAYNE GACY INSANITY TRIAL
-DR. FRED BERLIN: EXPERT DEFENSE WITNESS IN THE JEFFREY DAHMER TRIAL. And
-WENDY PATRICKUS: DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN THE JEFFREY DAHMER INSANITY TRIAL
Signed copies can be obtained from me if people would like. Please contact me at Killerinsights@gmail.com.
Also available from Killer Insights:
I also offer a variety of consulting and training services. I have given lectures and presentations at a number of schools and universities as well as training for Police and governmental agencies.
I’m also available for interviews, commentary and written items like articles and guest pieces and chapters. Let me know how I can help!
With Dr. Richard Rappaport
With Dr. Katherine Ramsland
With Dr. Henry Lee
The KILLER INSIGHTS MURDERABILIA MUSEUM…….
Take a stroll, no charge.
So rude… Jeffrey Dahmer playset, along with a loose single version also available without zippered top.
1965 Ted Bundy High School yearbook. Woodrow Wilson High “NOVA.”
Rare John Wayne Gacy “Hollywood Monsters” painting.
Scarce Albert DeSalvo military police personal photo, hand signed with message
Jeffrey Dahmer’s childhood cowboy gun. Retrieved from the home of Lionel Dahmer.
The infamous Serial Killer Board Game as seen in Rick Staton’s “Collectors” film. Complete with body bag and signed by the creator, Tobias Allen.
John Wayne Gacy paint kit, used to paint Pogo the Clown and all his other characters. With all documentation from delivery to Menard Prison and art books.
“When the Monster Comes out of the Closet” Westley Alan Dodd, in his own words.
Rare First Edition “Zine” style issue of Killer Fiction by serial killer Gerald Schaefer and Sondra London.
Complete set- Preliminary Jeffrey Dahmer Autopsy Report / Lionel Dahmer’s Copy; and Final Report with all details and lab results.
Original tape recordings/ made by Lionel Dahmer of prison conversations with Jeff; and 1-900 tape recording of John Gacy in prison call.
Letters and cards from Jeffrey Dahmer to favorite penpal “Barbara.”
Book written by executed Japanese child rapist/serial killer Tsutomu Miyazaki.
Paintings by John Wayne Gacy: Skull Clown, 7 Little Friends and 2 from the Hi Ho series.
By the way… I am always interested in new items for my collection, which is a huge contributor to my university class presentations. I do sell some occasionally as well. Contact me with interesting items, please.
Full hearing transcripts from the Konerak Sinthasomphone incident /testimony of Jeffrey Dahmer, Officers John Balcerzak & Jos Gabrish.
Jeffrey Dahmer High School yearbooks, 1977 and 1978, with classic iconic photos.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME: Stephen J. Giannangelo, MA, Forensic Psychology, is a retired Criminal Investigator and Special Agent Supervisor for the State of Illinois. He worked for Revenue BCI as well as holding full-time sworn positions on task forces for the Illinois State Police (ISP) and FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (FBI-JTTF). Mr. Giannangelo has been an adjunct university professor for over 25 years, mainly for the University of Illinois Springfield, most often teaching within the Criminology & Criminal Justice Department. His courses include Serial Murder and Psychology of the Offender. He has authored 4 books: textbook The Psychopathology of Serial Murder: A Theory of Violence (1996), textbook Real-Life Monsters: A Psychological Examination of the Serial Murderer (2012), and Monsters in the Mirror: Reflections on the Study of Serial Murder (2022). His latest, Irresistible Impulses: Defending the Insanity of Serial Murder, was released in March of 2025.
CONTACT ME AT:
Killerinsights@gmail.com
217-741-8781