This was a brutally straightforward description of a variety of serial killers, many I have already heard about (due to my true crime obsession). I think the full title and description of this book is a little deceptive, because "unmasking the world's most horrific serial killers" implies a greater examination into the killers' psyches, which this book did not do. From a true crime standpoint, it was fascinating, but as someone who studies psychology and loves to learn about how the brain works, this area fell short, and for that I cannot give this book a higher rating.

This was super heavy and full of information, definitely a hard read and I found the narrator a bit dull but I enjoyed that it was a nice mix of known and unknown characters

Dominic Utton's "Faces of Evil" is a chilling revelation into a world of serial killers I never knew existed. Utton's narrative grips you from the first page, blending eerie fascination with spine-chilling horror in a way that leaves an indelible mark. The book delves into dark territories with such vividness that it's hard not to feel like a silent witness to the events unfolding.

Utton's storytelling prowess is unmatched; the narrator's voice is so compelling that I found myself envisioning the scenes vividly, often to the point of giving me goosebumps. This isn't just a book—it's an experience that lingers long after you've put it down.

Would I recommend "Faces of Evil"? Absolutely. It's a must-read for anyone intrigued by true crime and the psychology behind it. I could easily envision this story adapted into a gripping documentary. As for owning a copy, it's a definite yes; it would make a conversation-starting addition to any coffee table. Would I read it again? Certainly, though perhaps not all at once—its intensity deserves savored moments.

To sum this review up, Dominic Utton has crafted a masterpiece that blends terror and fascination into a compelling narrative. "Faces of Evil" is not just a book; it's a journey into the darkest recesses of the human psyche that leaves a lasting impression.

This book was incredibly informative I enjoy learning about different serial killers and this is information about many I really enjoyed listening to it as well as it was like a podcast

4 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this deep dive in to stories of one of the most sick and evil people.

I really enjoyed the way it was delivered.
Good quick read for this coming spooky season.

Thank you for providing me with an ARC of Faces of Evil. This book was so interesting and very well done, providing a great balance between information and telling of the stories. I would say to be aware that some of the descriptions are quite vivid and graphic in places of the horrific acts of these people however the book is respectful to the victims while exploring the profile of the serial killers who committed these acts. I would say that the book doesn’t ‘unmask’ in a lot of detail but rather provides a retelling of the facts to provide the story of what happened and who the victims were, however there is some discussion about what may have motivated the murders and a profile of the killers. I personally liked this style of writing as it provided more of an overview of a range of serial killers, getting the main points across but without going into too much depth of one serial killer.

Overall a really great introductory read into a range of serial killers, some well known and some not. I would recommend this to true crime fans.

Where I was expecting criminal minds meets Michelle McNamara, this book is more of police case files on the absolute worst of the human race. Every chapter starts with the real name of the monster and, like a stat, voices out how many have been murdered.

As I read this book, I got queasy and with more and more chapters, I started feeling numb at the horror which was unfolding. Rape, torture, murder were the common thread across most chapters. I felt the writing also contributed to the dread since it was almost a newsreader approach without victim profiles or the police investigation.

Since most crimes are from a previous generation, you are not so sure if technology could have prevented these. Aside, you realise the plight of sex workers who become nameless victims and not missed.

It's a tough book to read even for true crime readers.

Dominic Utton’s “Faces of Evil” attempts to answer the question so many ask regarding serial killers, why do the murder? Their motivations vary but appear to follow similar patterns. The distributing reality is that many enjoy controlling, torturing, violating, and ultimately killing unassuming individuals. This book explores well known serial killers, but also includes several you may not be unfamiliar with.

“The Cleveland Strangler” learned to how to kill during his stint with the Marines. He prayed about drug addicted women, with their disappearances not raising any alarms. He buried some of his victims on his property, and when arrested, authorities found a severed head in his home. “The Killer” clown John Wayne Gacy buried many of his victims in his crawl space.

British serial killer Dennis Nilsen attacked lonely lost boys, and sleep with the dead bodies. He spent thirty-five years in prison, where he died in 2018. Australia’s Snowtown murderers took pleasure torturing their victims and placed their bodies in barrels. Indiana’s Larry Eyler was simply a deranged gay man who hated other gay men.

Serial killers such as Ted Bundy, Gary Ridgeway (The Green River killer), executed female killer Aileen Wuornes are also profiled in the fascinating “Faces of Evil.” Prolific killer Samuel Little confessed to 93 murders. The stories are chilling, but Utton attempts to explain why certain individuals become mass murderers. Tom Alexander provides riveting narration. If you enjoy true crime non fiction, I do recommend this book.

The audio book was really well recorded and was well done by the voice reader. I find this book is a good introduction to a lot of true crime beginners who may not know much about the serial killer topic. While each chapter gives you snippets of what each killer did it also is fairly graphic about their crimes so I wouldn’t recommend for sensitive readers.

I loved listening to this audiobook, it really fulfilled my morbid curiosity of serial killers, adding to what I already knew and going even further. Definitely a great spooky season listen/read. If you are a lover of everything true crime, then definitely one to consider. The book was well written and just so fascinating.

It’s a great explanation of some of the most terrible monsters to ever exist. I learned some things that I never knew before and even found out about some serial killers I never heard of. It’s violent and graphic because well it’s about serial killers. You shouldn’t be reading this thinking it’s rainbows and cupcakes. I think the author does a good job getting to the point and putting the monsters into one chapter each. Not too much not too little. I enjoyed listening to it and the narrator did a great job keeping me interested.

The story, upbringing, history, and downfall of some of the most notorious serial killers. Some we all know and have heard of plus ones I've never heard of before. The narrator does an excellent job of helping the reader grasp the concept the killers had mentally. Why did these killers commit these horrendous crimes? Where they made like this from broken minds and homes or was it a choice of their own? This is the thoroughly researched findings behind 20 of the most lethal and notorious serial killers from the US, Australia, and the UK.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the audiobook ARC!

Faces of Evil is an interesting compendium of the worst serial killers worldwide. It doesn't contain any new or groundbreaking info, and it's not even the most complete look at any of these killers that I've ever seen, but it would be a good foray into the world of serial killers for the casually interested true crime fan.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I found this audiobook really enjoyable, especially as someone who is a True Crime fan. This was an engaging, informative and well written book that discusses a variety of serial killers, looking into their crimes, backgrounds and capture. Each chapter delved into a different serial killer. Having a background in Forensic Science and Criminology, I have studied most of the cases discussed in this however there were a few that I was less familiar with so I appreciated learning about them.

I liked how fast paced this was, it kept my attention and made it easy to read. I found this to be thought provoking and engaging but can appreciate the topics of discussion may not be for everyone. I will say that if you're looking for a deep dive into the serial killers this might not be the book for you as it's more of a summary.

Great detailing of true crime events that readers, myself included, are sure to enjoy. I really like how the areas and victims effected were dived into as opposed to most nonfiction books that focus mainly on the killers.

Faces Of Evil takes a look at the most notorious modern-day serial killers from the Western World.

From Harold Shipman, to Ted Bundy, to Myra Hindley and Ian Brady. The 20 chapters cover serial killers you’ve heard of, and some that will probably be new to you.

The author does a good job of neutrally assessing the backgrounds and potential motives of the killers, and respectfully names their victims (where the names are known). It’s a gruesome and gripping non-fiction that true-crime fans will enjoy.

My only critique is that I would have enjoyed a deeper delve in to the psychological aspect of the killers and their motives.

Going into this book, I knew next to nothing about any serial killers, so from an introductory perspective, I thought this book was great. It was sickeningly fascinating and gave just enough of each person's story in order to keep it fast paced and engaging, yet still informative and differentiated between each person.

I'm not sure how Utton selected the killers he included, but it seemed to be a good mix of people throughout English-speaking countries from the 60s and 70s to the near present.

First of all, it's excellently narrated by Tom Alexander. Loved listening to this on my commutes and runs over the last few days.

I'm still rather new and currently hooked to true crime and recently found a love for podcasts such as RedHanded and Morbid. Anyone who's a fan of these - this is for you! Especially if, like me, you're still fairly new to true crime. Here's why -

It covers a lot of Serial Killer's in a succinct and engaging way.
Some of the killers I'd heard about, as they're so well known but I didn't necessarily know their full story and crime. It brought me up to scratch speedily and my attention was held throughout. This was all thanks to Dominic's research and writing along with Tom's narration.

Then there was those killers who I'd never even heard of and now keen to go read and listen more about.

It was a real 101 of Serial Killers to get your knowledge up to scratch and *entertain* (though due to heinous subject matter, this is an odd choice of word) you though out.

A shocking and horrific glimpse into some of the most heinous crimes committed by individuals and couples from around the globe in recent history.
Within these chapters, the stories contained are not for the faint hearted and detail gruesome acts perpetrated on innocent victims by some of the most depraved and violent people to ever walk amongst us.
This is not a book that gives pleasure, to read or listen to as an audiobook on a relaxing evening, it is a tome that gives a little insight and propels you to think long and hard, on the never ending quest to try and decipher why such acts are carried out in the first place and how on earth we can try to prevent them.
These pages do not involve Boogeymen but real people who could be our friends, neighbours or work colleagues
Maybe it’s the friendly cashier or the charming barista? The estate agent or builder? Whomever it may be tread with caution.
Brilliant narration by Tom Alexander.

Goodness gracious me, but what a wicked world we live in. I find serial killer tales fascinating, from the why they do it, to the forensic process and sheer hard work (despite the horrors they see) that put these soulless people where they belong.

I didn't learn anything new about the serial killers that were part of Faces of Evil barring one, the Butcher Baker (Robert Hanson) who quite literally hunted young women. Grim indeed. There are twenty of them in all and the usual suspects are all there, as well as a few less documented. The Rock Spider Killer, Samuel Little, Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, Fred and Rosemary West (ugh, I do shudder at these two), Myra Hindley and Ian Brady (even more so), amongst others, make up this motley crew of misfits and degenerates.

The narrator was excellent, utterly deadpan, with no emotion whatsoever, and let me tell you, he had some truly heinous things to say. This is a good start for a beginner or someone who wants to know more about this interesting topic, but fair warning - it is brutal and extremely graphic.

Notes:

I would have rated it higher except the author kept talking about people being hunted like animals.

Defence lawyers need to check their moral compass now and then, some of them seem to be broken (please note that I said some).