What are the most popular fictional serial killers books?

'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson also has elements of a serial killer mystery. While it's not solely about a serial killer, the search for a killer in the story is a major plot point. It combines mystery, crime, and complex characters to create a page - turning novel.

The first one that comes to mind is Hannibal Lecter. He's so iconic that his character has been adapted into multiple movies. Another notable one is Dexter Morgan from the 'Dexter' series of books. He is a serial killer who only kills other killers, which gives him a unique moral code in the world of fictional serial killers. There's also Mr. Hyde from 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. He represents the evil alter - ego of Dr. Jekyll, emerging to commit heinous acts.

Often, fictional female serial killers are depicted as having a strong sense of self - preservation. In books like 'Dark Places', the female character involved in the killings seems to be acting in a way that protects herself, either from her past or from potential threats. They can also be associated with a sense of powerlessness in their normal lives which they try to overcome through their violent actions. For instance, in 'Misery', Annie Wilkes' actions can be seen as a way to gain control in a world where she felt she had none. Moreover, they may have a distorted view of relationships, as seen in 'We Need to Talk about Kevin' where the mother's relationship with her son is very abnormal and related to his violent tendencies.

One popular serial killers fiction book is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the brilliant and terrifying serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Another is 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis which gives a disturbing look into the mind of a wealthy serial killer. And 'Red Dragon' also by Thomas Harris, which introduced the character of Hannibal Lecter before 'The Silence of the Lambs'.

The 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is a classic. It features the infamous Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a cannibalistic serial killer. The book is full of suspense as the protagonist, Clarice Starling, tries to solve a case with Lecter's help, all while being in a dangerous cat - and - mouse game with him.

It's a combination of things. Their backstories play a big role. For instance, Mr. Hyde's origin as the dark side of Dr. Jekyll gives him an interesting backstory. Their relationships with other characters are also important. Dexter Morgan has a relationship with his sister and colleagues that add depth to his character as a serial killer. And their impact on the overall plot of the book is significant. Hannibal Lecter is central to the plot of 'The Silence of the Lambs' and his interactions with Clarice Starling drive the story forward, making him a very memorable fictional serial killer.

A popular one is 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris. It gives a detailed look at the mind of Francis Dolarhyde, a serial killer with a complex set of motives. The book shows how his past traumas and his own twisted fantasies drive his actions.

I would say 'In Cold Blood' is quite disturbing too. The senseless killing of the Clutter family in their own home was just tragic. The way Capote described the crime scene and the investigation makes it very real and hard to forget. It shows how cold - blooded killers can be, with no real motive other than perhaps some twisted idea in their minds.

Well, 'The Bone Collector' by Jeffery Deaver is worth mentioning. The main character, Lincoln Rhyme, is a quadriplegic forensic expert who tries to catch a serial killer. It has a lot of forensic details and keeps you on the edge of your seat. And 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' by Jeff Lindsay. It's about Dexter Morgan, a blood - spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who also happens to be a serial killer himself, but he only kills other killers. It's a very unique take on the serial killer genre.

Some notable fictional serial killers based on Ed Gein include Norman Bates from 'Psycho'. His character was inspired by Gein's disturbing acts.