Sampling writers from Shakespeare and Sophocles to Poe, Camus, Freud, and P.D. James, this collection of writings delves into the human passions and terrors that drive people to murder. Renowned mystery writer Rendell divides her gallery of killers by thoughts and motives: killing in the family, killing for revenge or gain, murder driven by guilt, murder as a means of escape, as an altruistic act, or out of sheer evil, and, finally, murder for murder's sake. A fascinating exploration of the murderous mind including poetry, prose, and drama.