Back in the '70s, when the term "serial killer" wasn't yet popular, Shane Stevens wrote this long, exquisitely detailed novel about a psychopathic murderer. Thomas Bishop escapes from an insane asylum at age 25 and begins what he fully intends to be a historic career as a multiple murderer. He is meticulous, intelligent, conscious of what he is doing, and utterly amoral. And we are inside his head, every step of the way--a welcome approach compared to contemporary works that focus on a detective or reporter protagonist. The New York Times called it "violent realism . . . extremely effective."

Review

“One of the finest novels ever written about perfect evil . . . I recommend it unreservedly.” —Stephen King

“Compelling and genuinely frightening. You have to keep remembering it’s only a story. You won’t be able to put it down.” —_The Boston Globe_

“Extremely effective.” —_The New York Times_

“Irresistible, unrelenting suspense . . . Stevens creates a ‘monster’ for our time.” —_Chicago Tribune_

“One of the five greatest crime novels of the century.” —_Mystery Scene_

“Pure entertainment at its thrilling best.” —_United Press International_

“A classic thriller, a gripping suspense story, a massive mystery.” —_San Diego Union-Tribune_