fictional serial killer stories

They're popular because they allow people to experience fear in a safe way. We can read or watch these stories from the comfort of our homes and know that we're not actually in danger. It's like a thrill ride at an amusement park.

First, you need to give them a unique and disturbing backstory. Something that shapes their twisted mindset. Also, think about their motives - what drives them to commit those heinous acts?

They can be very thrilling. Readers often get a sense of suspense and excitement from trying to figure out the killer's motives and next moves.

Well, there's 'Saw'. In this story, the Jigsaw Killer sets up elaborate and grotesque traps for his victims as a form of 'punishment' for what he perceives as their wrongdoings. Then there's 'Psycho' where Norman Bates runs a motel and has a split personality that leads him to kill guests. It's a classic horror story that has influenced many other works in the genre.

One of the best is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the infamous Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant and terrifying serial killer. His psychological games with Clarice Starling are captivating. Another great one is 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis, which delves into the mind of a wealthy and deranged killer in the 1980s. And 'Red Dragon' also by Thomas Harris is excellent, introducing the character of Francis Dolarhyde, a serial killer with a complex and disturbing backstory.

One great fictional serial killer book is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the infamous Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant and terrifying psychiatrist who is also a serial killer. His interactions with FBI trainee Clarice Starling are both chilling and fascinating.

For a fictional serial killer to be considered one of the best, they need to have a unique modus operandi. Like Dexter, he only kills other killers. His 'code' makes him different from other serial killers in fiction.

Hard to say without more details about you. Maybe you could give some specific traits or behaviors you think link you to a particular fictional serial killer?

For me, it could be Norman Bates. His inner turmoil and complex personality resonate with certain aspects of my own.

Jeffrey Dahmer's story is also among the top. He committed heinous crimes including murder, dismemberment and necrophilia. His actions were so disturbing that it shocked the world when his crimes were discovered. He lured his victims, mostly young men, to his apartment.