The Monster Within

A True Story of Bloodthirst, Brutality and Barbaric Evil (True Crime)

By: Ryan Green

Narrated by: Steve White

Length: 4 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Prostitutes and animals could no longer satisfy Peter Kürten’s sexual deviancy. During a burglary of a local tavern, he stumbled upon a nine-year-old girl asleep in her bed. He strangled her, slashed her throat with a pocket knife, and orgasmed upon hearing her blood drip to the floor.

His crimes were halted by World War I and an eight-year prison sentence but he unleashed his urges with a spate of brutal murders in 1929 earning him the nickname "The Düsseldorf Monster."

No one was safe. He committed ferocious attacks—sexual assaults and murder—against men, women, and children. He used blunt objects, sharp implements, or his bare hands, before drinking their blood for sexual satisfaction.

The Monster Within is a chilling account of Peter Kurten, one of the most terrifying serial killers in true crime history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the listener into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.

Caution: This book contains descriptive accounts of abuse, extreme violence, and animal cruelty. If you are sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to listen.

©2023 Ryan Green (P)2023 Ryan Green

Another great true crime from Green

I had heard of this killer before but didn't really know the story, which is both tragic and brutal. Green delivers as always with his usual detailed yet succinct style of true crime. This book is not for the faint of heart, but I recommend it to all true crime and history buffs.

Truly horrific!

I have read many books by author Ryan Green and I have to say that I think this was the most disturbing one for me. In fact, I would advise potential readers to be sure that they are able to tolerate the horrific sexual deviance and animal abuse detailed in this book. The first chapter is especially chilling as it details the first crime committed by the monster in the title.

Peter Kurten, known as the Vampire of Dusseldorf and the Dusseldorf Monster, was definitely a monster. Raised by a horrifically abusive father in Germany in pre-WWI times, Peter learned his cruelty at an early age. At first, it was animals that suffered his abuse, but when that was no longer a big enough thrill, he began to hunt down human victims.

The author has done a great deal of research into the crimes committed by Kurten and the ways that the authorities finally tracked him down. This book was so intense that I had to take a few breaks to try to get the nightmarish images out of my mind.

I always appreciate the way that Mr. Green brings personalities to the victims of these crimes so that they become much more than just a name on a page. And, even though Kurten is totally unrepentant about his violent acts, the description of his early years makes you realize that some people really don't have much of a chance to break the cycle of violence.

If you are fan of true crime books, you can't go wrong with a book by Ryan Green. Impeccable writing more in the style of a novel brings the story to life and even though you know the ending won't be pleasant, you can't look away. The narrator, Steve White, has become the voice of Green's books and he does his usual great job with this book. His performance brings the horrors of this true crime tale to life in a way that you won't soon forget.

The Monster Within - A sadist/Muder Story

Where do I begin? This was a difficult listen for me due to the explicit abuse and cruelty on people and animals alike.

This is the story of sadistic murderer Peter Kürten, also known as The Düsseldorf Monster/Vampire . The story spans from his troubled and violent childhood through his first murders (at the tender age of 9) and to his escalatory behavior, never able to satiate his 'urges'. No one was safe. He committed ferocious attacks, sexual assaults and murder against men, women and children. He used blunt objects, sharp implements or his bare hands, before drinking their blood for sexual satisfaction.

The Monster Within is a chilling account of Peter Kürten, one of the most terrifying serial killers in true crime history.

Fascinating story

Well written and nicely narrated. A fascinating fictional recounting of a horid serial killer.

Green is a great storyteller!

As usual Green pulls you in right from the beginning and keeps you engaged till the very end!

The title says it all...

This detailed examination of the horrific life and crimes of Peter Kürten, historically known as "The Vampire of Düsseldorf" and the "Düsseldorf Monster", gives new meaning to the term cringeworthy. As per usual with any of Mr. Green’s work, the research is thorough and meticulous, and his writing combined with the impeccable narration of Steve White will transport you directly into events as they unfold, but be advised that this story is a particularly difficult one due to the grisly nature of Peter’s depravity. As with so many serial killers, his childhood was horrendous beyond imagining and the abuse he endured undoubtedly contributed to the shocking behavior manifested by Peter from a young age. Given the ghastly treatment he received at the hands of his brutish father, it is little wonder that Peter developed into a vile being of boundless sadistic rage devoid of any moral compass to reign in his gruesome appetites. In Peter’s case, it seems that both nature and nurture conspired against him and the result was catastrophic for anyone crossing his path. Contained within is an unforgettable and riveting account of that train wreck of humanity, at once sickening and compelling. The title says it all.