Savage Appetites by Rachel Monroe

Savage Appetites delves into the cultural fascination with crime, linking four archetypes—Detective, Victim, Defender, Killer—to four true stories about women driven by obsession. Each narrative reveals a different facet of the true crime phenomenon, from the pioneering work of a forensic science heiress to the chilling plans of a Columbine-obsessed teenager. The book combines personal narratives, reportage, and sociological analysis to explore empathy, justice, and the persistent appeal of violence in media and society. /n/n Through these four cases, the author traces the history of American crime, highlighting the growth of forensic science, the evolving role of victims, and the impact of media on public perception. The book offers a scrupulous examination of how true crime narratives shape our understanding of violence and justice, making it a compelling read for those interested in the psychology and sociology of crime.

Reviews

Open Letters Review · 2019-09-02

compelling 4.25

Monroe is the perfect guide through these well-researched stories, using personal experiences, psychological insights, and historical context to direct us.

This reviewer found Monroe to be an excellent guide through the well-researched stories presented in the book. They appreciated her use of personal experiences, psychological insights, and historical context to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The reviewer noted that Monroe's approach makes the book both informative and engaging, particularly for those interested in true crime and the cultural impact of these stories. They also highlighted Monroe's ability to explore the psychological and cultural aspects of the women's fascination with crime, providing a nuanced perspective on the topic. The reviewer found the book to be a compelling read, with Monroe's insights making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

Monroe is the perfect guide through these well-researched stories.

Using personal experiences, psychological insights, and historical context to direct us.

Monroe's approach makes the book both informative and engaging.

Columbia Journal · 2019-08-22

insightful 4.00

The featured women's stories are well chosen and Monroe's prose is intelligent and incisive. She molds her reported accounts of these lives in a compelling way.

This reviewer really enjoyed the selection of stories Monroe chose to highlight. They found her writing style to be both intelligent and incisive, which made the book a compelling read. The way Monroe weaves her reported accounts of these women's lives is particularly noteworthy. It's clear that she has a deep understanding of the subject matter and a talent for storytelling. The book is both informative and engaging, making it a great choice for anyone interested in true crime or women's studies. The reviewer also appreciated the way Monroe explores the cultural and psychological aspects of the women's fascination with crime, providing a nuanced perspective on the topic.

Quick quotes

The featured women's stories are well chosen and Monroe's prose is intelligent and incisive.

She molds her reported accounts of these lives in a compelling way.

Monroe has a deep understanding of the subject matter and a talent for storytelling.

The New York Times · Dwight Garner · 2019-08-22

engaging 4.50

Rachel Monroe investigates a peculiarly female attraction to murder cases, blending memoir, investigative journalism, history, and cultural criticism.

Dwight Garner from The New York Times highlights Monroe's unique approach to exploring the female attraction to murder cases. He notes that the book blends memoir, investigative journalism, history, and cultural criticism, creating a rich and multifaceted exploration of the topic. Garner appreciates Monroe's ability to weave personal experiences with historical context, making the book both engaging and informative. He also praises her insightful analysis of the cultural and psychological aspects of this fascination, providing a nuanced understanding of the subject. The reviewer found the book to be a compelling read, particularly for those interested in true crime and the cultural impact of these stories.

Quick quotes

Rachel Monroe investigates a peculiarly female attraction to murder cases.

Blending memoir, investigative journalism, history, and cultural criticism.

Monroe's insightful analysis of the cultural and psychological aspects of this fascination.

Appears in Lists

The 26 True Crime Books Everyone Needs to Read