Who are the top 10 fictional serial killers in books?

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.

One of the top books is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the infamous serial killer Hannibal Lecter. The psychological cat - and - mouse game between FBI trainee Clarice Starling and Lecter is gripping.

Definitely 'The Silence of the Lambs'. It has been extremely popular and was also made into a very successful movie. Hannibal Lecter has become an iconic fictional serial killer.

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.

The Zodiac Killer is another very well - known serial killer. He taunted the police with letters and ciphers. He committed a series of murders in Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His identity remains a mystery, and his case has intrigued people for decades, with many trying to decipher his messages and figure out who he was.

Well, one of the well - known serial killers in the top 10 might be Ted Bundy. He was charming yet extremely dangerous. He targeted young women, often using his good looks to gain their trust before murdering them. Another could be Jeffrey Dahmer. His story is truly horrifying as he not only killed but also engaged in necrophilia and cannibalism. And then there's Jack the Ripper, a mysterious figure from the past who terrorized London and was never truly identified.

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.

One of the most well - known serial killers is Ted Bundy. He was charming and intelligent, which he used to lure his victims. Bundy often targeted young women, and his crimes were spread across multiple states in the US. His actions were extremely brutal, and his case had a huge impact on the study of serial killers.

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.

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.