Summary
Zodiac by Robert Graysmith examines the case of the Zodiac Killer, who committed a series of unsolved murders in late 1960s California. Graysmith, a political cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle during the time of the crimes, provides a detailed account based on his observations and research. The book investigates many previously unknown details and cryptic messages sent to law enforcement. Graysmith analyzes the psychological profile of the killer and his own pursuit of the truth.
Plot
In Zodiac, Robert Graysmith recounts the story of the Zodiac Killer's crimes in Northern California during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The book details the series of attacks, starting with the murders of Betty Lou Jensen and David Faraday in Vallejo in December 1968. The attack on Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau marked the beginning of a sequence of violent incidents.
Graysmith describes how the killer targeted young couples and used different weapons, including guns and knives. One notable event is the attack on Bryan Hartnell and Cecelia Shepard at Lake Berryessa, where the Zodiac wore a mask.
The killer's legacy includes taunting letters sent to newspapers, which contained ciphers meant to challenge investigators. These letters also aimed to influence public opinion and capture media attention.
Graysmith, initially an editorial cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle, describes his progression into an investigator. He uses information from police files and interviews, including those with investigator Dave Toschi.
The book examines various suspects, such as Arthur Leigh Allen, Bob Starr, and Donald Andrews. Despite the detailed investigation, the Zodiac's identity remains unknown, leaving the case unresolved and maintaining its intrigue for readers.
The author’s investigative approach
In Zodiac, Robert Graysmith seeks to uncover the Zodiac Killer's identity using a combination of traditional journalism and innovative techniques. As a political cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle during the killer's active years, Graysmith accessed privileged information, deepening his investment in the case. He extensively examined police reports, crime scene photographs, and the Zodiac's letters.
Graysmith pursued direct interactions with key figures in the investigation. He interviewed law enforcement officials such as Dave Toschi and spoke with surviving victims, gaining valuable insights. This approach allowed him to construct a narrative with numerous unreleased details.
