The story of Edmund Kemper III first surfaced when at fourteen he killed his grandparents in a cool rage. After five years in a California hospital for sex offenders, this intelligent giant (IQ 136 height 6&apos9") emerged to carry out the meticulously rehearsed murders of six hitchhiking girls, culminating in the murder, mutilation - and more - of his mother and her friend. Tried and found guilty, Kemper was labeled sane so that he could be given a life sentence in a prison. Margaret Cheney tells a totally compelling story based on Kemper&aposs enormously detailed confession and extensive interviews with scores of those involved with Kemper&aposs gruesome career. At the same time she perceptively explores Kemper&aposs twisted motivations and the implications of his crimes and trial in a culture that seems to actively promote the acceptance of savagery.