Confession of a Serial Killer

The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer

By: Katherine Ramsland PhD

Narrated by: Michael Braun

Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Explore the mind and motivations of a serial killer.

In 1974, Dennis Lynn Rader stalked and murdered a family of four in Wichita, Kansas. Since adolescence, he had read about serial killers and imagined becoming one. Soon after killing the family, he murdered a young woman and then another, until he had 10 victims. He named himself “B.T.K.” (bind, torture, kill) and wrote notes that terrorized the city. He remained on the loose for 30 years. No one who knew him guessed his dark secret. He nearly got away with his crimes, but in 2004, he began to play risky games with the police. He made a mistake. When he was arrested, Rader’s family, friends, and coworkers were shocked to discover that B.T.K. had been among them, going to work, raising his children, and acting normal.

This case stands out both for the brutal treatment of victims and for the ordinary public face that Rader, a church council president, had shown to the outside world. Through jailhouse visits, telephone calls, and written correspondence, Katherine Ramsland worked with Rader himself to analyze the layers of his psyche. Using his drawings, letters, interviews, and Rader’s unique codes, she presents in meticulous detail the childhood roots and development of one man’s motivation to stalk, torture, and kill. She reveals aspects of the dark motivations of this most famous of living serial killers that have never before been revealed. In this audiobook Katherine Ramsland presents an intelligent, original, and rare glimpse into the making of a serial killer and the potential darkness that lives next door.

©2016 by Katherine Ramsland (P)2022 by Blackstone Publishing

Worth it

The narration was pleasant pleasant, and I and I found the subject interesting. I had read about this case when it 1st happened and I was genuinely stuand I was genuinely stunned when he was caught.

Interesting view of his mind.

Interesting view of his mind. Odd character for sure. Definitely worth a listen, but could have been a bit more detailed.

Well worth the listen!

This kept my attention throughout. I listened for hours at a time. It explains exactly what he did, why he did it, and how he planned it. I don’t think I could’ve asked for more.

LOVED IT

So glad I bought this, it absolutely didn't disappoint. I would recommend this book to True Crime junkies.

4 Star coverall

it was an interesting story however I felt that the author included a lot of needless details. There was a lot of information while it was intriguing and interesting truly was not necessary for the story. I felt that they were just adding detail to fill up the book.

Learned a lot

I read and listen to a lot of books on true crime and serial killers. I know, creepy. But this book really gives you insight into the mind of a serial killer. It is very clear this man has serious issues. If you want to get a clearer (and frightening) look into the thought process of an evil killer, this book will give you that. The first chapter is hard to get through. The author is explaining the code he and BTK used to communicate. It’s complicated and confusing. The book does not continue in this manner however. The author manages to clarify the information shared. Often I walk away from new material on this topic with no further knowledge. That is not the case with this book. I think most will enjoy it. It also may disturb you more than many do.

Spellbinding

The presentation of this BTK and his writings was gripping and I couldn’t stop listening. The author did an excellent job of presenting disturbing data in a way that kept me from having nightmares and made me even more curious about the human mind. Very well done.

Not What I Expected - Still Very Good

I’m glad that the survivors of BTK’s horrors are receiving all the proceeds from this book. It’s very good, but I expected more of a forensic or psychological explanation; this really is “just” Dennis Radar giving his perspective. Extremely disturbing and profoundly interesting. The narrator does a great job and doesn’t overdo it; the consistency is appreciated although it does make it harder to differentiate between BTK’s recollections and Dr. Ramsland’s summarizations if attention isn’t given. Although I know many parts of the BTK murders, I should have listened to the BTK Book published by the Wichita journalists before this one; it would have likely made this book a richer experience. I appreciate the years of work that Dr. Ramsland put in to unravel, understand, and publish this book. Well worth the listen and True Crime enthusiasts will likely enjoy this title in their collection.

Fantastic Book!!!

everything you ever wanted to know about the inner workings of a serial killer. listening again immediately.

A thorough examination of Rayder

This book combines analysis of the mind of Rayder with his own words and thoughts. Really goes in depth concerning his motivations and his murders.