Summary of Harold Schechter's Psycho USA

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The American public has always feared new types of killers: the family annihilator, the formerly loving father who, in a sudden fit of homicidal frenzy, hidously slaughtered his children and wife. #2 The author, who was a serial killer, decided to kill himself and his family. He justified his intended atrocity as an act of love and kindness. He first procured a noble supper of oysters, then died. #3 On December 11, 1782, Beadle murdered his family. He killed his wife, then his four children. He left a trail of bloody footprints on the stairs, and then went to the kitchen and killed himself. #4 The funeral of Beadle and his victims was a ceremonious affair. The body of Beadle was exhumed and transferred to an obscure spot. His victims’ funeral was a solemn event, and their deaths were mourned by the community.