Book Review | American Predator by Maureen Callahan

American Predator

by Maureen Callahan

Viking

Publication Date : July 2, 2019

Pages : 285

Synopsis From Publisher :

A gripping tour de force of investigative journalism that takes us deep into the investigation behind one of the most frightening and enigmatic serial killers in modern American history, and into the ranks of a singular American police force: the Alaska PD.

Until last year, I had never heard the name Israel Keyes. I then began hearing the name frequently on podcasts and True Crime documentaries. Any time I learn of a serial killer, I am disturbed but I usually chalk it up to the serial killer being an anomaly, not the norm. However with Israel Keyes, his crimes were especially troubling and upsetting. His patience, attention to detail, the lack of a “ preferred “ victim makes Keyes the scariest and deadliest serial killer I have ever heard of. 

American Predator is the first non-fiction book I have reviewed. I finished the book in two days. What kept me glued to the page was not the crimes committed by Keys, but Callahan’s focus on the investigation which led to Keyes’ capture. American Predator stands out amongst other True Crime books because Callahan focuses mostly on the investigators and prosectors who worked the case. 

Callahan discussed the victims of Keyes in depth; their lives, the friends and families left behind. Not to victim blame or to tarnish their reputations, but to show they were normal people going about their lives. Whenever I learn of a serial killer I can always ease my fears by telling myself, that I nor anyone I know fits the killer’s “type”. My family, friends, and I are safe. This theory did not work when it came to Keyes. Callahan drives home this point by focusing on the diversity of the victims. 

Readers will be have no doubt of Callahan’s dedication and the intense research that went into writing American Predator. At times American Predator reads like a police interrogation transcript. Readers will feel as though they are in the interrogation room with investigators. It is obvious that Callahan spent a huge amount of time speaking with the investigators, talking to those linked to Keyes, and visiting crime scenes.

Callahan does go into Keyes’ background a little; how he grew up and his family life. In other True Crime books, I feel like authors try to illicit sympathy for the perpetrator. I understand how a person was treated as a child can have a profound effect on the type of adult they become. However it is sometimes hard to reconcile this after reading about the heinous crimes committed. Callahan seems to understand this, and discusses Keyes’ past in a factual manner. 

American Predator is equal parts disturbing and informative. There have been several podcasts and documentaries based on Keyes’ crimes but America Predator is told from the perceptive of someone who has true knowledge of Keyes’ crimes and victims. Rather than just telling a story Callahan has written a sort of investigative journal which will keep readers intrigued in spite of the horrific content. 

Murder and Moore Rating :

5 out of 5 Stars