This chapter introduces the concept of serial murder and provides the definition of “serial killer” used by many academics. The author discusses the coining of the term “serial killer” by Robert Ressler as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the most recent information that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides to the public about serial murder. Although the FBI’s current information was assembled by a highly reputable team, it paints a broad-strokes portrait of serial murder as sexually motivated and does not acknowledge or make known the stark difference between female serial killers (FSKs) and male serial killers (MSKs) in crimes and victims. This can be to the detriment of law enforcement investigations. Harrison describes how FSKs tend to be unknown or ignored, perhaps because, as author Patricia Pearson argued, people are reluctant to believe women can be murderers. Furthermore, because psychopathy is a concept frequently emerging in serial killer psychology, the author provides a primer. Case studies of FSKs Kristen Gilbert, Patty Cannon, Aileen Wuornos, and Sharon Kinne illustrate various serial killer modus operandi and psychological concepts.

In this chapter, the author examines clinical psychological, traumatic developmental, and sociocultural perspectives of a serial murder. This includes media dynamics and feminist perspectives. The author discusses malingering, or the faking of mental illness. The case of female serial killer (FSK) Aileen Wuornos is revisited to illustrate clinical psychological issues. The cases of male serial killers (MSKs) Ronald Dominique and Dennis Rader (BTK Strangler) highlight phenomena from the chapter.

Harrison discusses her team’s research on female serial killers (FSKs) who committed their crimes in the US, beginning with FSK background. Topics include demographics, physical appearance, education, socioeconomic status, developmental history, family events, and age of first murder. The occupations of FSKs are discussed. Alarmingly, FSKs are often nurses, nurse’s aides, or other caregivers. The author compares her findings with those from other notable studies, such as from criminologist Eric Hickey. The rarity of empirical research on FSKs is underscored. The author describes her sample of FSKs derived using the mass media method of forensic research, examining information from newspapers, television networks, courts, government records, and historical societies. Harrison underscores the importance of incorporating and citing information from valid source material. Long-term effects of childhood maltreatment and a traumagenic background are underscored. To illustrate chapter concepts, the author presents the cases of FSKs Dorothea Puente and Jane Toppan and revisits the case of FSK Aileen Wuornos.