Rose West: The Making of a Monster by Jane Carter Woodrow Book Review

If you’re looking for an interesting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then look no further than Jane Carter Woodrow’s book Rose West: The Making of a Monster. This psychological book delves into the darker side of human nature and provides insights into some of society’s most notorious criminals. It is a gripping tale that will leave you with plenty to think about. Let’s take a closer look at this intriguing book.

Click me to go to my Review

Synopsis

Hard to believe it looking at her now, but Rose West was an exceptionally beautiful little girl, with a Maltese mother and English father. Strangers would stop and stare at her in the street and she could entrance people from a very early age. But looking back at photos of Rose as a child, you struggle to accept that she grew up to one of the country’s most notorious female criminals.

In ROSE, Jane Carter Woodrow goes right back to the start in her life to try and piece together what happened to turn Rose West into the violent monster she became. Jane has gained unprecedented access to the family and has revealed a fascinating story of how there was always something ‘not quite right’ about Rose…

And perhaps that’s not too surprising… Rose’s childhood reads like one of the most grim misery memoirs. Her father was a violent schizophrenic and her mother received electric shock therapy for severe clinical depression, the whole way through her pregnancy with Rose. Jane has uncovered a horrific hidden story of a twisted family and how her upbringing made her a perfect partner for Fred West when they met when Rose had just turned 16. She was to kill for the first time a few months later.

This is a gripping, unputdownable read that sheds light for the first time on the story behind what turned Rose West into one of the country’s most vicious and deadly serial killers.

About The Author

Jane Carter Woodrow goes right back to the start of the infamous serial killer Rose West’s life, to try and piece together what happened to turn her into the violent monster she became.

My Review

Rose West: The Making of a Monster follows the story of two notorious criminals—Fred and Rose West—and their heinous crimes in Gloucester, England which finally concluded in 1995.

The author explores both the nature and nurture factors involved in these terrible acts through psychological profiling and criminal analysis. While this has been covered in other books on the subject, this provides a deeper insight into the psychology behind the crimes and lives of Fred and Rose West, with the main focus being on Rose. Carter Woodrow also compares the Wests to other notable offenders, such as Moors murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, and Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and how their cases, personalities and crimes are similar or where they differ.

The book is written in a conversational style which makes it easy to read, yet still keeps readers engaged with its suspenseful insights. While it’s subject matter is very dark, it provides less gruesome facts than some other books on the subject and expands on the knowledge and extensive research into Rose’s family life. How things which will seem normal to her will horrify the rest of society.

Overall, Rose West: The Making of a Monster is an excellent read for anyone looking for a page-turner that delves into some of society’s most notorious criminals. Jane Carter Woodrow has crafted an engaging insight to the lives of the most notorious killers of our time. Whether you are a fan of true crime or psychology this provides an interesting insight to both.

Rated