The Mutilator - Paul B. Kidd

The Mutilator" by Paul B. Kidd is a true crime book that tells the story of one of Australia's most notorious serial killers, William MacDonald, who became known as "The Mutilator" due to the horrific nature of his crimes. MacDonald operated in the suburbs of Sydney in the 1960s and 1970s, and his victims were young women who were abducted, sexually assaulted, and brutally murdered.

Kidd's book provides a detailed account of the police investigation into MacDonald and his crimes, as well as a compelling portrait of the killer himself. He explores MacDonald's childhood and upbringing, as well as the psychological factors that may have contributed to his violent tendencies.

Throughout the book, Kidd also examines the broader social and cultural context in which the crimes occurred. He considers the impact of the feminist movement on attitudes towards violence against women, as well as the changing nature of the criminal justice system in Australia during the period in which MacDonald operated.

Kidd's writing is clear and concise, and he provides a wealth of detail about the investigation and the crimes themselves. He is also sensitive to the impact of the murders on the victims' families and friends, and his book is a powerful reminder of the human cost of violent crime.