The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez

Fantastic book, easy to read, full of details which were never disclosed by media. I particularly enjoyed reading about Richard Ramirez’s family and their reactions when Richard got arrested.

Richard Ramirez is currently (2008) awaiting execution on San Quentin's Death Row for murdering 13 people and leaving numerous others maimed in the mid-1980s. 'The Night Stalker' relates his crimes, his capture, childhood, trial, sentencing and imprisonment.The first sections of this book, which recount in graphic detail the crimes of Ramirez, the gathering of evidence at the crime scenes, the individuals involved in trying to identify and catch the 'Night Stalker', his unfortunate childhood and eventual dramatic capture, comprise some of the finest writing I have read in any true crime book. These opening sections alone make the book worth reading. Disappointingly, the remainder - recounting (in too much detail) his protracted and tortuous but rather dull trial and giving details of Ramirez's marriage while in prison, his 'groupies' and what has happened to his other family members and those of his victims etc. - is painfully long and drawn-out and, frankly, wearying. The ending also feels very tacked-on, including a rather unrevealing interview between Ramirez and the author (the author's fault for not asking the right questions in my opinion) and culminating in Carlo's rather meagre and rushed final pronouncements on Ramirez's crimes and the death penalty (which has yet to be carried out in Ramirez's case).I would give the first half of the book 5 stars and the second half only two stars. It is clear that Philip Carlo is a talented writer when it comes to setting a scene and describing events, but in this case at least he doesn't seem to know how to structure a book - in my opinion because he himself does not really know what he thinks about this case. He does not offer us much in the way of his own views on or feelings towards Ramirez himself, how his childhood may have affected him, serial killing as a phenomenon, the death penalty etc., except in a cursory fashion, almost as an excuse or contractual obligation right at the end of the book. On balance I would still say that this is among the best 15-20% of true crime books which are available because of its brilliantly graphic descriptions of the crimes themselves, the hunt for Ramirez, his capture and his difficult childhood. Ramirez is one of the most vicious and charismatic of serial killers and Carlo's account of his life, crimes, trial and imprisonment is still an excellent achievement, despite its author's lack of any clear personal opinions on the whole case.

Grim and disturbing at times. Ramirez really was a twisted piece of work. Ver good read for true crime lovers

This book was a real eye opener on the psychology and creation of criminal who go beyond the "average" crimes. Shocking yes but this book is well written and not just gore and shock filled. I would recommend this for true crime enthusiasts seeking to understand what makes a monster.

Update: I've had to knock two stars off this review because the author left out the details of the child rapes which in my opinion is important to know to see the depths this monster would go to. Clifford L. Linedecker's book has the information within their book.Wow! This book had me gripped partly due to the information about the women who had these weird freaky crushes on this monster. I've always been interested (and sickened, it has to be said) in people who support these twisted losers. I think it's partially the infamy they are attracted to and some weird belief they can make such a lost soul/loser love them so they (the women) have control in an area of their lives. I mean, such a sickening individual will surely be oh so grateful for any attention surely?I think there should be a law that states serial killers should not be written about until after their death, because that infamy comes with some twisted perks.A tip: If you don't know much about this case, don't read the introduction because it spills the beans as to the result of the trial.

I was slightly apprehensive choosing this book as frequently in the past i had been bored rigid by authors of the true crime genre and their self serving egotistical attempts at using their subjects as an excuse to warble aimlessly on.This book is a stone cold classic of the genre. Its narrative rips along at an exhuastive pace leaving the reader in no doubt as to the severity and brevity of the subjects atrocious crimes. The court chapters tend to drag a little only mirroring ramerez's actual trial.Really this is the benchmark which all others must be measured. Ann rule etc do not even warant being mentioned in the same breath.Brilliant.

Very good and informative in depth book. The court case is long and thorough but I would have preferred more time on the actual murders, that’s not to say it wasn’t dealt with adequately, as it was. That’s just a personal choice and in no way was the court proceedings boring. All in all an excellent read.

Could not put this book down..amazing insights into a serial killers mind and couldn't get over his legion of adoring female followers, considering the viciousness of the murders.Definitely worth the purchase folks 👍

Interessantissimo! Sono in fissa con la storia di Richard, molto presa dal mondo che riguarda la psiche e il suo funzionamento

Ein tolles Buch, die Taten des Nightstalkers Richard Ramirez kompakt in dieser Form mit vielen Details zum Fall. Wer sich für wahre Mordfälle interessiert, kommt an diesem Buch nicht vorbei, es ist packend geschrieben und gruseliger als jeder Film, denn das ist wirklich passiert. Ein Mann der wahllos in Häuser einbricht und Menschen foltert und tötet, es ist kein wirkliches Muster erkennbar, es kann jeden treffen... was ist das für ein Mensch? Das Buch beleuchtet die Hintergründe und Psyche von Richard Ramirez und erlaubt einen kleinen Einblick in die Dunkelheit.

I absolutely loved this book. The details and feelings were described amazingly. I have lent it over and over again.

Night Stalker by Phillip Carlo is - hands down - the best true-crime novel ever written (with a respectful nod to Anne Rule).Detailed, concise, terrifyingly descriptive. The level of research Carlo has undertaken to compile this work is staggering. The writing is completely engrossing.The evolution from little Richard Ramirez to the monster known as the Night Stalker puts the reader on a ghastly path to a detailed and gruesome journey through his career as one of the most notorious and vicious serial killers in American history. The triumphant (and highly satisfying) mob capture of Ramirez allows the reader to relax the shoulders and breathe a sigh of relief.The intricate details of the frustrating and endless trial of Ramirez shakes (and then restores) the faith in the criminal justice system. The stomach turns and the heart sickens at the notion that such "groupies" exist for animals such as Ramirez.Richard Ramirez is the epitome of every woman' nightmare. Carlo manages to summarize the monster's psyche with horrifying accuracy. The reader feels as if he or she is actually witnessing the Night Stalker's crimes taking place. I would not recommend reading this book while alone in the house.I've purchased this particular title many times over the last six years. In every case, it has mysteriously disappeared, likely due to friends fascinated by the creepy face on the cover.Not one to be embittered by passive theft (at least the book is being read), I embrace the notion of re-purchasing Night Stalker for two reasons:Phillip Carlo will benefit financially and I will continue to reluctantly enjoy the amazing true crime novel which chills my soul and renders me frozen with addictive fascination.

Still reading it but I can't put it down.Book gives the facts but more readable than a documentary account. Recommendable.