When choosing a book to read, Jan and I share curiosity into the psyche of people, especially those who seem to defy what it means to be human, to be empathetic, to be a functioning member of society. For those who go against everything we think is normal human behavior, the psychopath, we look to find the motivations. Like the author, Maureen Callahan, we want to know they why, the how could this have happened, and most importantly can we ever know people we think we do? We chose American Predator as a book to share.
“Open your trembling flower, or your petals I’ll crush,”

Jan’s review
Billed as the most terrifying serial killer you’ve never heard of, I first heard of Israel Keyes on the podcast Crime Junkie. The why, where, and how he was caught, and the hours of interrogation by investigators make up the bulk of this fascinating book.

Despite multiple blunders by the police, Keyes was arrested for the kidnapping of a teenage girl as the result of a fortuitous traffic stop. Unfortunately, she had been murdered and they soon discovered they had a serial murderer on their hands whose victims numbered in the double digits.
I feel your body tense up, my hand now on your shoulder, your eyes…Forget the lady called luck she does not abide near me for her powers don’t extend to those who are dead.
Details emerged that made him an aberration among serial killers. Although he’d been killing for decades, he didn’t fit the MO of a typical serial murderer, nor did he have a ‘type”. He avoided detection through meticulous planning and traveling off the grid. Meanwhile, Keyes maintained a ‘normal’ family and work life, which is the most frightening fact of all. Truly the stuff of nightmares. His personal life and background were explored for clues to his psychological make-up.
Unfortunately, many of his secrets died with him and some case files are still closed to the public. But the hope is the hours of investigation and interviews will help police and profilers understand and apprehend more of these killers.
This is narrative non-fiction at its best and was another fantastic buddy read with my friend Marialyce, which inspired a great discussion. We both highly recommend this book as one of the better books in the genre.

Marialyce’s review
I, for one, had never heard of Israel Keyes and yet reading this true crime book, I came away wondering why? He was able to commit crimes in a manner that was brazen and yet as he traveled seeking victims, no one seemed to connect him to any crimes. He was a long term planner, depositing things such as duct tape, guns, shovels, and rope buried in various parts of the country waiting to be dug up and used when he needed it. Keyes was a patient man and his thrill came not only in the death of his victims but also in the planning of their deaths. His victims seemed to be random, bad time bad place, and he would grab his victims in a cool calculated manner rape and kill the people at times dismembering them and walk away.
“Where will you go, you clever little worm, if you bleed your host dry?
His success if you want to call it that was achieved through traveling and it was his trek through state after state that perhaps was the key to his depravity. There was many connections that the FBI was able to make, but unfortunately, they could never prove for Keyes played a cat and mouse game with the authorities pursuing his self worth in that he considered himself smarter than all others.
You may have been free, you loved living your lie, fate had its own scheme crushed like a bug you still die.
He was ultimately caught when it was found that he killed, raped, and dismembered a girl working at a coffee stand in Alaska. He confessed readily but then lead the authorities on a chase to find other victims of this psychopath. Unfortunately, Keyes committed suicide before revealing the location and names of what is believed to be his countless other victims.
Absolutely, this was a bone chilling story that makes one really realize that you really don’t know who it is that stands next to you.
Land of the free, land of the lie, land of the scheme, Americanize.
Thank you to Maureen Callahan, Viking Books and Edelweiss for a copy of this most frightening book.
https://www.oxygen.com/method-of-a-serial-killer/crime-time/serial-killer-israel-keyes-victims
Wonderful reviews, ladies! I love a good true crime story and this sounds chilling!
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It was certainly that, Kyra. Thanks so much.
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Fabulous review Marialyce, it is bone chilling for sure to think how normal he looked and acted while committing these heinous crimes. I’, glad we chose this one and read it together. I confess I double checked my locks and alarm at night!
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Yes, I felt the very same, Jan. Check those doors and window locks for sure.
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I had never heard of him until this book came out, but I bought it and hope to read it soon. It sounds like it’s going to be quite terrifying and one that I’ll read during the daytime. I’m glad you both enjoyed it! Fantastic review, ladies.
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Good idea to read this one during the daytime with doors and windows locked. Thanks, Stephanie!
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Yes! When I read I’ll Be Gone in the Dark before bed, I couldn’t sleep and was checking my windows, doors, and sliding glass door all through the night…You’re welcome!
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Love your reviews, my friends! I definitely want to read this one now, but it will probably be a daytime read! Chilling!
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It was certainly chilling, Jennifer, and made more so for I had never heard of this person. Thank you!
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Great reviews, ladies. I didn’t know about Keyes until now. What a despicable human being. So dark and heartless then he just died without giving closure to the families he caused pain? So sad. Curious about this book though so will check it out.
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So agree, Diana, he was a monster. Thank you and hoping you enjoy this book if you get a chance to read it.
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