Certainly there are more comprehensive (and scholarly) texts available for those looking for an A-Z of serial killers, which this book purports to be. Its chief appeal is to James Ellroy book collectors, who are duty-bound to track down this strangely rare paperback digest of serial killer profiles for which James Ellroy provided the introduction. The blurbs about the murderers themselves are largely distilled from "True Detective Magazine." Ellroy was tapped for the introduction because his knowlege of serial killers is purportedly held "in high regard." If you're a serious Ellroy collector, you have to track down this rarity; if you're a general reader, it's probably not worth your time.