The biographies Mr. Schecter has completed are far superior to this(in my opinion only) really bad fiction piece. Stick to the biographies, they're incredible!

This book is an interesting blend of fact and fiction. I recommend it for horror/suspense novel fans. It is well-written, in the same intriguing style as the author's true crime books, and I like the way it combines fact (Ed Gein's story) with fiction. However, if the reader is not already well versed in the true story of Ed Gein, he or she may have trouble knowing where the fact ends and the fiction begins. Still, it is an entertaining story, even if it is a bit far-fetched, as are most novels that try to mimic true crime.

As I cracked open Outcry I figured it would be similar to any scary movie I had seen. Anyone who may be thinking the same thing is in for a surprise. Outcry tells the story of Ed Gein, perhaps the most deranged individual the US, or even the world, has seen. I almost hate to admit that I was fascinated by Gein. Outcry enables the reader to dive right into the mind of the police who happened upon Gein's house of horror. What is surprising was that Gein hid his psychotic tendencies for so long. We could each have an Ed Gein of our own living right next door. If you have a weak stomach definetly stay away from this book. This is no bedtime story...

I wanted to like this book - I really did. I love the work of EA Poe and loved the premise of Nevermore but the book did not live up to my expectations. As one can tell by reading the other reviews posted here - many readers seem to have felt this way.

While Harold Schechter has a wonderful background in history that made this book very believable he chose to write the book from Poe's perspective and in his "voice" which only made the book difficult to read. The constant use of italics (about two or three words were italicized per page) and the repetition of certain adjectives such as angelic (which Poe uses every time he describes his beloved Niece Virginia) and devoted (which he uses to describe his own dear aunt Muddy) only get in the way of what could be an exceptional narrative.

While the premise is creative the author weaves many of Poe's own plot lines throughout Nevermore which sort-of detracts from the brilliance of Poe, suggesting that he took his plot lines from real events.

The plot line is thus - in 1834, Davy Crocket publishes his autobiography and Poe roasts it. Crocket shows up and demands an apology or a duel - neither of which take place as a murder occurs which the two join forces to help solve. At the first murder site Poe notices a word scrawled in blood upon the wall which he twice mistakes for the wrong word (which is odd since he supposedly mentally gifted) and both times the word he mistakes still figures into the plot. Once the duo is finally on the right track Poe must look into himself to help solve the murders.

Schechter made Poe out to be an arrogant, self important, condescending wimp, who faints at every murder scene - which only made me dislike Poe. I completely agree with harstan@ix.netcom's review - I think Schecter has a brilliant and creative mind and I will consider reading him again in the future.

I could not stop imagining Johnny Depp and John Wayne cast as the main characters in this book! It was awesome to me, but as a native of San Antonio, my opinion is biased. I am also a fan of Poe and enjoyed the made-up recounts of the "fall of the house of Asher!" Read it, if you dare!

As people who have read my reviews undoubtedly know, I only write one if I find the work fabulous beyond belief, or want to chuck every copy in existence into a trashcan, then set the lot on fire. This would be an instance of the fabulous kind ( tho by far, not the best book Ive ever read). I must say (to the point at last! ) that the author's depiction of poe appeared very realistic and characteristic of what is known of his life and psyche. The rather gory depictions of the murders are quite along the line of poe's dark writings, and I found them not disgusting, but interesting, as the author seeks to tell where Poe might have gotten inspiration for many of his short stories and poems (obviously the raven being the main work referenced). Although the story is a little far-fetched, I was entertained throughout with Poe and Crocketts antics as they ban together to solve the murders plaguing Baltimore. Although I wouldnt recommend this book to everyone, (those who have read his stories/poems would undoubtedly find it more interesting than those who have not), if you are looking for a quick mystery with unique characters (poe and crockett as "investigators"), I rather think you would enjoy this book. It is a refreshing divergence from the typical (often dully predictable) mysteries in circulation right now. Look for references to "The raven" "The Tell-Tale Heart" "The Cask of Amontillado" "the Masque of the Red Death" "The Premature Burial", and more.

i wish i had seen that guy from swedens review before i bought that book.. i must agree with him.. from the first page i was reading incorrect information.. i will be returning this book for sure. i was all excited to get the book and when i saw incorrect information in first page, i went to the part about dahmer (about whom i have read a lot of books) and the info there was not consistant w/other books on him. i would like to know where they got some of their information for this book. it reminds me of another bad book 'cannibal killers' by moira martingale. if you want to read a really decent, accurate book... read a book by john douglas or robert ressler!!!

This book is a quick-reference book for the numerous serial killers that have roamed the land since the 1800s. This book starts with those who thought they were werewolves (feasting on children), to those who believed they were cannibals and breeded with each other, to the notorious Speck, Killer Clown and Dahmer. There are a few pages dedicated to each killer, complete with an easy-reference index. Only the most gruesome details are highlighted.

This book is....how do you say? Ah yes, VERY...VERY FASCINATING. Just a little forewarning; this book does not contain any stories about "Joey,the Slob Drunk Husband" shooting "Martha, the Lazy Housewife" in the can over a simple domestic dispute over a sink-full of dirty dishes, or an empty dinner plate after a hard days work at the toaster factory. This Encycopedia is chock-full-o' historical facts and information, and is a very informative timeline of the history of the worlds known psychopaths, cannibals, necrophiles, serial killers, murderers, and mass murderers. Oh yeah, I forgot, the "National Enquirer" hasn't been established long enough to make up a story about "Seaney Beane" (sp?, don't have the book with me) or the "Bloody Benders", and I seriously doubt their writers would ever be creative enough to conjure up any stories like that, or any of the others for that matter. Please readers, READ THIS BOOK. It will really make you think....

Facts about some people in this book can not be proven.
Author fails to give a bibliography of where me got information about laundry foreman killed by Carl Panzram.