What are the characteristics of the serial killers in 2015 fiction serial killer books?

In some of these books, the serial killers are often highly intelligent. For example, in 'The Girl in the Ice', the killer is very cunning and leaves few clues. They are also usually very methodical in their killings. They have a pattern or a ritual that they follow, which makes them both terrifying and also a challenge for the detectives to figure out.

Often, they have a complex and often deranged antagonist. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs', Hannibal Lecter is highly intelligent and has a very unique, disturbing personality. They also usually have a strong sense of mystery and suspense. The reader is constantly trying to figure out who the killer is or what their motives are.

Often, it's a complex mix of factors. Maybe they have a personal vendetta against serial killers, or they believe they have a unique mission to 'clean up' the criminal world. It could also be a result of their own twisted sense of morality and power.

They usually have a strong element of suspense. Take 'The Silence of the Lambs'. The reader is constantly on edge as Clarice Starling tries to get into the mind of Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer. The back - and - forth between the characters and the mystery surrounding the killer's actions keep the tension high throughout the book.

They often have complex and disturbing characters. The killers are usually highly intelligent or extremely deranged.

Many new ones tend to have complex plots. Instead of a simple 'killer hunts victims' storyline, there are multiple sub - plots. For example, there could be a parallel story about the detective's own personal issues that affect their investigation of the serial killer. Also, the settings are more diverse, ranging from small, idyllic towns to big, bustling cities. This adds an extra layer of mystery and atmosphere to the story.

Well, a good one often has a complex and terrifying serial killer character. For example, like Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. His intelligence and charm make him all the more menacing.

Perhaps the serial killer sees themselves as a sort of vigilante, believing that the law has failed to stop other serial killers, so they take it upon themselves to do it. It could also be a psychological disorder that compels them to target only those of a similar kind.

I think 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris is also a top pick. It's the first book in the series that introduced Hannibal Lecter. It delves into the mind of another serial killer, Francis Dolarhyde, known as 'The Tooth Fairy'. It shows how his twisted mind works and how the FBI tries to catch him with the help of Lecter. And then there's 'Misery' by Stephen King. Although not a traditional serial killer story, Annie Wilkes, the deranged fan in the book, has some of the traits of a serial - like obsessive and violent behavior towards the writer she holds captive.

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.