Rites of Burial

I picked this book up in a bargain bin. As I started to read it, I was quite shocked by the graphic details and disturbing pictures in this book. Other reviewers have said this book is insensitive and biased. Although I understand this point, I disagree. If you truly want to examine the depravity of serial murderers, you have to know the details of their crimes to be able to understand the things of which these people are capable. In addition, other reviewers have charged the authors with being homophobic. I did not find this to be the case. Rather, the authors did expose how the homophobia of the KC police dept. affected their investigations and their handling of the victims and Berdella. Unfortunately, the victims' families are undoubtedly hurt by the openly graphic nature of this book. However, the pictures in this book provide faces to these men IN pain and agony, which reinforces to the reader that they are PEOPLE, not just names. Of all the books I have read on serial killers, this one portrays serial killers as the TRULY sick, evil, emotionless, empty, disgusting, depraved, sub-human beings they are. It does not elavate them to the sensationalist, almost cult-hero iconistic status as do many books, movies, etc...

One of the most detailed true crime books I have ever read. In this case, the killer kept detailed logs of his torture and took photographs, some of which are included in this book. An in-depth look at the police investigation, the horrible crimes, the victims' lives, and the legal process. I could not put the book down. It is highly recommended for true-crime fans.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The collaborative effort of the two authors--one a professional journalist and the other a seasoned police veteran--provides outstanding insight into the life and times of one of Kansas City's most infamous former residents. After living in K.C. during the news stories and investigations at the time of the murders, it is nice to be able to turn to this book as an authoritative source on the events. While not always a "pleasant" read, the book provides an accurate, hard-hitting account of the investigation.