I had to stop reading this book because of the dreadfully outdated language around homosexuality, among other things.

If I had picked up this book knowing that it was published in the 80s I could have potentially looked over the phrasing of a lot of the novel, but given that this book is being re-released in 2020 I cannot condone things such as:

- the use of the word ‘regard’
- sentences such as ‘Most homosexuals develop their homosexuality when they cannot get on with their parent’
- ‘the idea that a gay is that way’

The authors actually condemn homophobia and go some way to condemn police attitudes to gay men reporting crime back in the 80s - but their use of language is outdated and offensive.

On top of these issues, I could not get on with the writing style. It’s dry, clunky and dull and to be honest, I’m quite surprised it was published in this condition to begin with. I can only assume that the rush to publish it on the day of Nilsen’s trial (as it says in the intro) meant that it was not properly edited.

The content was dull as well - at 70% of the way through, I had learnt maybe one or two facts I hadn’t heard before. Most of the book is filler, going off on tangents to try to fill up the space as it becomes clear that the authors actually don’t know much about the murders or the trial.

Maybe a 2.5?

This book started off strong, but towards the hundred-page mark, I really lost interest. It also seemed to be filled with so much information, that at times I just put it down and contemplated dnfing it.

Sure it goes into the life of Dennis Nilsen, but coming out on the other side, I still feel like I haven't really learned anything new about him or his case. I was expecting more from this book, and it really let me down.

This book was very hot and cold.
A plumber was called to an apartment house as an emergency. None of the toilets flushed - many complaining for at least a week. After reviewing the situation with a tenant, he goes to the entrance to the sewer - to discover what appears to be human remains. After reviewing with his supervisor, Bob goes home and returns on the money. Though he desperately wants to call the police. The next day - only trace amounts can be found. Police investigate- Nilsen confesses. Then begins the real horror.
Several times victims able to escape went to the police, only to leave frustrated.
Nilsen followed a strict pattern, though the amount of time between kills varried. He used his apartments to house the remains until they could be disposed.
The details regarding those victims that could be identified were fascinating. They were mostly vagrants with drug issues, unemployed, prostituting themselves to geed their drug needs.
A terrifying account of a still well known serial killer shedding tremendous light on prejudice- police left gay men to fend for themselves.

3.5 stars

I'm old enough to remember this story breaking,and reading Killing for Company a while later.
The new tv show has sparked interest in Nilsen again.
He's a fascinating study... the way he just gave himself up calmly once questioned.
This book gives insight into the victims,which I thought was good,as so many of them still aren't known.
It's very interesting reading,if you like this sort of thing

I read this book in a sitting and could not turn the pages fast enough. It goes beyond an account of true crime to explore police procedures, the psychology of victims who do not press charges and the circumstances which may contribute to the making of a killer. Some of the details are hard to read - the author does not pull any punches - but the facts are recounted with respect and I think readers will appreciate the author’s effort to give the victims the acknowledgement they deserve. These are terrible crimes and this book is a detailed, well written, raw account which will ensure they are not forgotten.