Reviews of The Mass Killer
“Gerald Schoenewolf’s book about mass killers had me on the edge of my chair. The six case histories of some of the America’s most notorious mass killers were not only absorbing to read, but they were also quite informative. The author did not focus on simple answers such as the accessibility of guns. Instead, he studied how dysfunctional families sometimes inadvertently raise potential mass killers by subjecting them to severe early childhood traumas, and he also showed how America’s divided, dysfunctional culture added to the psychological stress of mass killers. As a men’s rights activist, I was especially interested in the author’s depiction of how men in America have become degraded and frustrated, and how that fuels the kind of rage that leads to an explosion of violence. I truly think this to be the most incisive and stunning book on mass murders you’ll ever read, and it should be read by every American who cares about the state of our country.”
--Anthony Nazzaro, Producer, MensNetTV
"Everyone is shocked by school shootings and other acts of mass murder and the media is quick to point at the 'evil' perpetrators. It's easy to demonise them but in doing so the bigger picture can sometimes be missed. Fortunately Gerald Schoenewolfe, a renowned psychoanalyst and commentator is at hand to reveal the personal history of wrecked childhoods that almost inevitably lie behind such murderers. In this book he skilfully strikes the right balance between seeking to understand the psychological dynamics behind these individuals, whilst avoiding anything that might smack of justification or condoning such deadly impulses.
Of course, we all know who's to blame. Or do we? It's easy to target the gunshops, our broken mental health system and assorted authority figures who might have averted disaster. But as GS astutely shows, the real origins lie with inadequate parenting, dysfunctional families and a society totally enmeshed in flawed values. The author cleverly throws the spotlight on so much more than simply the warped individuals who commit these crimes and asks awkward questions that have too long been neglected. In doing so he's written a book destined to be a valuable resource for criminologists, psychologists and anyone interested in understanding this dark facet of our society."--Mark Lawton, British Influencer
--Edith Codrington, Good Reads
"It seems like there is another mass killing in America every 30 minutes. This study of mass killers is quite timely, and I hope it reaches the hands of as many readers as possible. It eschews the popular notion that the mass killings are because guns are so freely available in American society. It has more to do with how violent American society has become in recent years, and how families are deteriorating. Indeed, in his six case histories, the author graphically shows of each killing was planned and executed by a lonely, psychotic individual as a final expression of his stage 3 rage. I have shuttered each time there is another mass killing and so appreciate this volume. Thanks, Dr. Schoenewolf."
--Amy Capella, Good Reads