If you are looking for a true crime author you need look no further than today's guest. He has written several books about serial killers that are completely riveting and are not for the faint of heart. So please welcome the amazing and talented RJ Parker.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Unsolved Serial Killings was my first book and then
Women Who Kill. I've always wanted to write while being an avid reader for about
thirty-five years, but I don't have the imagination to create a fictional
story. I've always enjoyed reading John Douglas books and thought maybe I can
try to put together books that are not concentrated on one topic, or one
killer, but a compilation of crime files. Plus I have considerable experience
in criminal behavior from my working years in Government.
What is the hardest part of writing true crime novels?
Gathering information. I've
contacted the FBI and have been given quite a bit of information, as well from
their archives. Some things get blacked out however. The FBI policy on
extracting information is that you have to rephrase or edit every paragraph,
or, every 40 words. If the perp is captured and sentenced, than court
documentation is a great source and very explicit in detail. If someone is
interested in writing, those are two avenues plus, contacting the local police
station that investigated the crime and if the case is closed, they will give
you a summary of the crime but not crime scene pictures unfortunately.
What is the most heinous crime you've written about?
Writing
about school shootings. When I was writing No Killing in the Hallways, I was an
emotional wreck. Being a parent of two teenage girls in school, and to research
and write about what happened at V. Tech and Columbine, was emotionally
draining.
Is there one crime that sticks in your head and heart
and haunts you?
My most memorable time was writing about Jeffrey
Dahmer. The following is an excerpt from Case Closed: Serial Killers Captured
and it broke my heart to write it, it haunts me every day:
“In the wee hours of May 27th, 1991, Konerak Sinthasomphone, fourteen, was
discovered wandering naked on the street, heavily drugged and bleeding from his
rectum. Two young women from the neighbourhood found the confused young boy and called 911. Dahmer
chased after the boy to take him back to his apartment, but the women stopped
him. When the police arrived, Dahmer told them that Sinthasomphone was his
nineteen-year-old boyfriend, and they’d had an argument while drinking. The two
women were not pleased and protested, but the two police officers turned the
boy over to Dahmer. The police later reported a strange smell inside Dahmer's
apartment, but did not investigate it. The smell was the body of Tony Hughes,
Dahmer's previous victim, decomposing in the bedroom. The two policemen did not
try to verify the boy’s age and also failed to run the background check that
would have revealed Dahmer as a convicted child molester, registered sex
offender, and still on probation. Later that night, Dahmer killed and
dismembered the young lad, keeping his skull as a souvenir. Author Note:
Officers Joseph P. Gabrish and John A. Balcerzak were fired after this incident
but appealed and were re-instated.”
What authors or books have greatly influenced your own
writing?
First
and foremost, John Douglas is my favorite. Since I was a young boy, I always
wanted to be an FBI Agent from watching the show at the time, The FBI starring
Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. (who is 93 years young). I found out in my early teens
that I couldn't be with the FBI because I was Canadian...what a disappointment,
I still remember it. Getting back to John Douglas, I really enjoyed his books:
Mind Hunters, Inside the Mind of BTK, Obsession, and The Cases that Haunt Us.
He has other books, but those were my favourite and inspiration to write. Other
great authors are: Peter Vronsky, Gary King, Brian King, Ann Rule and Jack
Olsen, just to name a few.
Have
you ever been asked to work on a criminal case with the Police using your
knowledge?
Yes
many times over a couple decades. I worked with the Fed's for many years which
took me to some dark places, interact with the dregs of society, but
unfortunately I'm not permitted to discuss or write about it.
What are your current writing projects?
I have so many 'iron's in the fire'... I'm publishing
the first ever written Serial Killers Anthology in December, as well as, Dr.
H.H. Holmes and the Whitechapel Ripper by True Crime Author, Historian and
Investigator Dane Ladwig. As his agent, I'm working on a movie option with this
book with the most prominent actor in Hollywood. In 2014, I am co-writing a book about
'Filicide', Parent's who killed their children. Then there's the second annual
Anthology plus a biography about Motown that I may be producing. I'd still like
to write volume two of Top Cases of The FBI but it keeps getting pushed to the
back burner.
Quickfires:
Favorite TV Station: AETV
Favorite reading genre:
Action/Thrillers
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite food: Porkchops
smothered in mushroom soup and onions
Favorite snack: Fruit
What are the optimal
writing conditions for you?
Quiet/being alone
Favorite movie: Taken
Favorite vacation spot: St.
Pete's Beach, FL
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite Book: Cold
Blooded The character of Nick resembles my life in
so many ways. Check it out (wink)
Thank you Lee for this
interview. I wish you, your family and all my friends and fans and blessed,
safe and Merry Christmas.
RJ
Check out All RJ's Books:
One of the most fascinating Law Enforcement Agencies in the world
is the FBI. From the J. Edgar Hoover days to present, the Bureau has
investigated the most famous cases, including, mobsters, gangs, bank
robbers, and terrorism. They have also received a few black eyes
including, Waco Siege, and Ruby Ridge.
"From
the roaring 20s to modern days, RJ Parker has written the true life
events of cases that made major headlines all over the country. Each
chapter in this book, is devoted to the biography (or background) of
famous mobsters and horrendous events that the FBI has handled since the
beginning of the agency. Well researched and well written, these case
histories will keep you turning the page. For those of us who love true
crime stories, this book should not be passed over - as you will learn
details that many others have missed."
In
Top Cases of The FBI, RJ Parker captured twelve of those cases and
prepared case files on these criminals up to and including their
sentencing or demise.These cases include: John Dillinger and his Gang of Bank Robbers, Mobster John Gotti, Bonnie and Clyde, Mobster Al Capone, The Jonestown Massacre, Oklahoma City Bombing, The Unabomber, The 1986 FBI Miami Shootout (In the line of fire), Ruby Ridge, Waco, Patty Hearst ,The D.C. Beltway Snipers.
WARNING This book is not for the faint of hearts. Due to explicit scenes of violence and murder, it is recommended for adults only.
This book delves
into the gritty, gruesome details of the most notorious spree killers,
and school shooters, the world has ever seen. >>>> (Read how Edmund Kemper decapitated his mother's head, used it as a dartboard, and then cut out her voice box and placed it in the garbage disposal.)
"Cold Blooded Killers is a blood-curdling collection
of some of the most famous and the least known multiple-murder cases. I
primarily bought this book as a source file for my own writing as I
find the information to be well-informed and easy to read. The very
human stories in this massive collection are filled with the tragedies
of the victims' encounters with the abnormal criminals who most of us
thankfully avoid in our day-to-day lives. Some very eclectic selections
and some well-known cases are presented to us by a writer who is always
striving to advance in his True Crime expositions. The thing I like most
about this author's true crime writing is that the victims are never
forgotten and the murderers are not sensationalized but portrayed for
what they really are, sociopathic cold-blooded killers." - William Cook
They
will feel that their own lives are over, and aim to take as many people
with them as they can. Once their killing spree is over, they most
often either commit suicide, or force the police to use deadly force
against them, in other words, suicide by cop.
In this riveting book, a
Canadian Author delves
into the gritty, gruesome details of the most notorious serial killers
to strike the United States, Canada and the UK, including the
unidentified killers who may still be on the loose. The
horror genre is tremendously indebted to serial killers. A listing of
books and movies that deal with serial killers would almost be a book in
itself. Something about their twisted psychology and abhorrent acts
have turned folks like John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, David
Berkowitz, and Andrei Chikatilo, to name a few, into household names
and media figures. In Serial Killer Case Files, true crime author RJ
Parker offers several cases that deal with the names above and also
shine a light on killers that are not as present in popular culture but
whose bloody actions are worse than any horror movie out there.
When a Serial Killer is active in a community it is extremely
scary for everyone. This book focuses on Serial Killers who have been
captured and some of the most notorious and ruthless killers in
history. Serial killers stay close
to home and their victims are random. Dennis Rader found all his
victims in Kansas not far from the Wichita home he shared with his wife
and two kids. Rader, the president of his local church, knocked on his
victim's doors and they simply let him in. John Wayne Gacy, met many of
his 33 victims, all young men and boys, at charity events where he
appeared dressed a clown. After luring them to his house and murdering
them he stuffed them under his Cook County, Illinois home. Gary Leon
Ridgway, the Green River Killer, was convicted of strangling 49 random
women he met in Washington. He confessed to killing 71 but authorities
believe the number of victims could be over 90. Jeffrey Dahmer of
Milwaukee admitted to killing and cannibalizing 17 young men and boys
before he was arrested.
Bestselling author RJ Parker has put together a compilation of 12 of the most ruthless and notorious serial killers in history. Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy - The Killer Clown, Jeffrey Dahmer, Donald Henry Gaskins, Gary Ridgway - The Green River Killer, Dennis Rader - The BTK Killer, David Berkowitz - The Son of Sam, Ottis Toole and Henry Lee Lucas - The Homosexual Crime Team
And Many More.
"Here's
a chilling and engrossing collection of killers, presented with the no
nonsense seriousness of Jack Webb in DRAGNET. Perfect for a True Grue
Crime fix!" ~ David F. Bischoff
(TV Writer and NY Bestselling Author of 82 books including Phantom of the Opera and Star Wars)
"Doctors Who Killed by R.J. Parker is a comprehensive, detailed
dossier of the vile and malicious nature of a small percentage of the
medical profession who has killed, intentionally. The pictures and
layout make this book a treat. You can relate the info and place it to a
face. Also, the author's genuine take on the acts, bring a human
feeling to the psychological acts behind the murderer's hiding behind a
medical uniform."
This book captures the
stories of five doctors who have killed their patients, including,
Harold Shipman, Marcel Petiot, Michael Swango, H.H. Holmes, and John
Bodkin Adams. It is amazing that these people chose a profession to help
save lives, but preferred to kill.
Is it not their job to
curtail suffering and death? We sometimes put our lives in the hands of
doctors, trusting that our best interests are the most important to
them. Thankfully, there are only a handful of doctors who have been
inclined to murder their patients, and they do not represent the
millions of doctors who genuinely care and uphold their oath.
At any given time in the United States alone, there are thirty to fifty unidentified active serial
killers at work constantly changing their targets and methods; however,
some authorities think that number is even much higher.
"Unsolved
Serial Killings by RJ Parker is a fascinating glimpse into the mindsets
of cold blooded serial killers. Complete with F.B.I stats, profile
classifications and psychotic windows to peer into, this book is about
the most horrific of criminals. There are some great examples of
unsolved murders that leave the reader wondering, did the killer, stop
killing, die, or go to prison on unrelated charges? A spellbinding
page-turner from an author with investigator in his blood!"
This book is an
astounding compilation of 50 of the world's most notorious and ruthless
Serial Killers, including: Serial Killers who were captured, Serial
Killings that were never solved, Female Serial Killers, and Doctors who
killed their patients. Some of the more infamous cases are: Ted Bundy,
John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Son of Sam, Karla Homolka, Christine
Fallings, the Green River Killer, Dr. H.H. Holmes and the Zodiac. This
book also includes: the Black Widows, Cannibals, Unsolved Serial
Killings, and the various categories of Serial Killers as defined by the
FBI. At any given time in the United States alone, there are thirty to
fifty unidentified active serial killers at work constantly changing
their targets and methods; however, some authorities think that number
is even much higher. "RJ Parker writes the most informative and
interesting books, hands down. Unsolved even gave me true crime I didn't
already know about. Didn't think that was possible! This author rocks!"
- Lori Smith (Unsolved Serial Killings) "Women Who Kill is an
interesting and eclectic dossier on some of the nastiest female
murderers ever. He has researched well and presented the reader with a
collection of the more unusual and bizarre femme fatales than one
usually finds in similar True Crime compilations." - William Cook (Women
Who Kill) "As always, R.J. writes definitively and factually in Case
Closed. I was amazed at all of the "big-name" serial killers who have
been caught. Parker gives us a peek into the lives of serial killers
ranging from Gacy to Bundy to the relatively recent discovery of the BTK
killer's identity. This is great stuff, insightful and well written.
For any fan of serial killers, R.J.'s work is recommended." - Carl Hose
(Case Closed: Serial Killers Captured) "This book is very emotional and
brilliantly written! The Author brings the crimes alive in detail and in
a tearful read of the reality of everyday bullying! Once you start
reading this book of horrors yet saddening, not only for the victims but
the killers themselves, you wont want to put it down. 5 stars to the RJ
Parker for having the words and courage he brings to the pages." - K.L.
Rotunno (School Shootings) "This book scared me. You expect the highest
of standards and integrity with doctors, but these health professional
operators are killers! A compelling read, chalked full of detail and
hard to put down." - Orange County Weekly
When we hear about a Serial Killer, we never consider the sex,
we would immediately assume a man...right? but that's not always the
case! Females are for the most part, the loving and caring protectors of
our species and the ones that are more susceptible to danger. However,
they are in fact the most dangerous because they are the least suspected
of the Serial Killers. Like their male counterparts, they show no
remorse and have no mercy for their victims. Should we still call them
the weaker sex?
"Women Who
Kill is a journey into the minds of female serial killers--their
motives, their acts, their thought process. Parker gives an overview and
then delves into various stories about individual killers. I found
myself horrified but also completely captivated."
- Bestselling author, Michele Scott
Rampage Spree Killers depicts realistic violence with vile and
malicious killings that took place in schools, restaurants and other
public places and is at times graphic.
Two
major motives fuel the Spree Killer's final, hate-filled act: revenge
against the world and a desire to show that he is a person to be
reckoned with. Tormented by his failure to achieve those things that
seem to come so easily to others-satisfying work, loving
relationships-he will prove that he is special in at least one regard:
in his power to wreak havoc.
Could
you imagine being in an area like a mall or restaurant when someone
pulls out weapons and starts killing people? It's scary! I have chosen
thirteen of these stories to write about and compiled them in this
book.
RJ Has also released Box Sets of his Books:
About the Author:
RJ Parker Publishing will be releasing the
first annual SERIAL
KILLERS TRUE CRIME ANTHOLOGY on
December 15. This is the first Serial Killer Anthology ever produced and is
written by Peter Vronsky, Michael Newton, Sylvia Perrini, Dane Ladwig and RJ
Parker.
RJ Parker was born and raised in
Newfoundland and now resides in Ontario and Newfoundland, Canada. Parker
started writing after becoming disabled with Anklyosing Spondylitis a few years
ago. He spent twenty-five years in various facets of Government and has two
professional designations.
To date, RJ has donated over 1,800 books to allied troops serving overseas and
to our wounded warriors recovering in Naval and Army hospitals all over the
world. He also donates a percentage of royalties to Victims of Violent Crimes.
You can Keep up with this amazing author on his:
RJ is a publisher and agent for authors
Bernard Lee DeLeo and Dane Ladwig.
Check out her books:
Dying To Live:
