Killer Clown: The Horrifying Story of Serial Killer John Wayne Gacy (True Crime) Paperback – 19 May 2021

How on earth did he get away with it for so long? At the end of reading James Richmond’s latest book about John Wayne Gacy, I am just left in shock!I love reading true crime books and, although I had heard of his name, I didn’t know much about John Wayne Gacy, aka the Killer Clown. Once again, Richmond has written a very detailed account, this time of the incredible story of Gacy, who committed the most horrendously violent sexual acts, progressing to multiple murders, over the course of more than ten years. His self-confessed lack of memory about the events (how true that is or not, will never be known), with him experiencing frequent blackouts and traits of multiple personality disorder, are fascinating.What a master manipulator at the highest level! For him to have been able to continue with this behaviour, under the nose of neighbours, and whilst holding parties at his property with hundred of guests standing feet away from buried bodies is absolutely incredible! Clowns become even scarier when you read this book!I also find it astonishing that he was married twice and had a successful business ‘employing’ many unfortunate young boys who ended up being his victims.As usual, Richmond has done extensive research, so we learn a lot about Gacy’s background. The details around each crime are sometimes difficult to read and stomach. It’s definitely not for you if you’re squeamish, but I like the honesty and frankness in these books. I have read the three so far in the series, and each time, they propel me to want to know even more about these serial killers.Books like this make me worry that this is happening as I write this review. I’m sure Gacy (reassuringly) was quite a rare case, but I can’t imagine that he’s alone in his inclinations and dark, evil urges. To become America’s most prolific serial killer at the time, in the 70s, concerns me that someone else could be doing similar things and we are all yet unaware.But, I will continue to read Richmond’s books and eagerly await the next one!

Being from the UK, the John Wayne Gacy case isn’t as familiar to me as Richmond’s other books. Thankfully, Richmond pulled through with his informative yet very “storyteller” style yet again! The book shares all the details a true crime lover is interested in, and it allows the reader to really understand why Gacy became what he did, as well as paints a real picture of the impact he had on his community both before and after the horrors were discovered. It’s gory and real, even making me uncomfortable at times with how “really there” I felt. There’s no romanticisation in Richmond’s books, and you know you’re really getting into the grit of it all. Richmond ensures the readers understand and learn about the backstory, but he does it in a way that doesn’t make excuses or sympathy for the killers.Though this one’s definitely a stomach churner and made me feel sick at times, it’s definitely worth a read. It’s a melting pot of all things unsettling and creepy, and you’ll for sure be second guessing your local “friendly bosses”!

Another great and well written read from Richmond about a case I am less familiar with than others I have read from this author before, As usual, Richmond has written in a style that grips the reader from the start and keeps them hooked until the end. Although an obviously grisly topic, I find these reads fascinating and definitely want to keep reading more.I don’t want to give away spoilers to readers who, like me, knew less about this killer, but the details known and included are astonishing. Richmond is clearly a fantastic researcher. As I have now come to expect from his books, he has included a great deal of backstory as well as all the gory details of the crimes committed, giving the reader a real insight and understanding of the killers he writes about.I recommend this book for true crime fans. Not for the squeamish or faint hearted.

A must-read!John Wayne Gacy’s case is now one of my favourites to read about. Such a well written tell-all of Gacy’s twisted mind and what made him tick. Richmond has an ability to really make a good visual through his words, gripping and unnerving the reader, especially when it comes to how Gacy preyed on his victims sexually. I didn’t put this one down until it was finished, so it’s definitely one to save for a rainy Sunday when you have no plans! Totally worth the purchase and will keep you wondering for a while about everyone around you. And if you want more cases to read about after you’re hooked on this one, I would really recommend Richmond’s other books!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the writing style was interesting and a great way of telling the story. I enjoyed and appreciated that there were plenty of facts but they were presented in a narrative style. This storytelling allowed me to loose myself within the story and feel like I was transported back 50 years!Coming into this book I am a big true crime fan and so I definitely knew a fair bit about John Wayne Gacy the 'killer clown'. However, laying out his full story from childhood onwards really let me appreciate that there was all manner of things that I already did not know. Without wanting to give anything away to those unfamiliar with the case, the details really are shocking and reminded me why I have a fear of clowns!I thoroughly enjoyed the read and will definitely be looking into more books by this author, I highly recommend this book to all those interested in true crime cases (although maybe not if you're squeamish).