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Killing for Company

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Killing for Company

By: Brian Masters
Narrated by: Jason Watkins
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About this listen

Soon to be an ITV drama, Des, starring David Tennant.

Winner of the Gold Dagger Award for Crime Non-Fiction.

Dennis Nilsen, who died in May 2018, murdered at least 15 people before his arrest in 1983. This ground-breaking criminal study of his killings was written with Nilsen's full cooperation, resulting in a fascinating - and horrifying - portrait of the man who worshipped death.

On February 9th 1983, Dennis Nilsen was arrested at his Muswell Hill home, after human remains had been identified as the cause of blocked drains. 'Are we talking about one body or two,' a detective asked. Nilsen replied 'Fifteen or sixteen, since 1978. I'll tell you everything.'

Within days he had confessed to 15 gruesome murders over a period of four years. His victims, all young homosexual men, had never been missed. Brian Masters, with Nilsen's full cooperation, has produced a unique study of a murderer's mind, essential listening for true crime aficionados.

©1985 Brian Masters (P)2020 W F Howes Crime Murder True Crime

Critic Reviews

"One of the most remarkable and accurate accounts ever written of the singular relationship between a mass murderer and a society.” (Observer)

All stars
Most relevant  
What a story! Shocking and sickening but also heart breaking as well. The whole range of emotions came flooding through. Unfortunately the narrator when speaking in the voice of Dennis sounded so much like Shrek that it somewhat spoiled the dramatic context of the book. Still highly recommended!

Incredible story!

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Masters somehow captures the deepest reaches
Of an admittedly cooperative subjects mind. You will be revolted, riveted and deeply moved. This is
Not an average crime buff book. This is difficult to process on many levels, because it is so far beyond a factual account. No book better captures the tragic mind of a killer.

Beautifully Written

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Absolutely incredible. The most well-written book I've ever read, so we'll put together that I can't believe this book was not written by a renowned biographer. The story itself is intriguing, a multiple killer without obvious motivations and not much more than a very basic MO. I hope Nilson was studied before his death, because I would love to know more about Nilson's psychological and criminal profiles.

Incredible

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This was honestly the most entertaining I've listened to so far, not only for the fascinating subject matter but for the exquisite performance of Jason Watkins. He has the perfect affectation for every quote, Scots, Australian, German, French, American, he can do it all. I felt, at times like I was listening to a radio play.

The tone of the reading was also perfect. With such a horrific topic it is easy to slip into sensationalism or scorn. Neither Masters writing nor Watkins reading ever entertain either of these extremes; a factual and even tone prevails, but not one devoid of grief. For Nilson, there is not sympathy, but an honest attempt to understand how such a life could ever have come to be lived.

Man of a thousand Accents

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Quite difficult to listen to at times. Nothing is left out. Interesting insights into Nilsen's thoughts and behaviour but was, for me, a little too philosophical.

Disturbing but thorough account of these murders

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This book is about Brian Masters. his opinions, his language, his tone. Dennis Nilsen is a mere carnation in his lapel.
And the narrator should drop the impressions. Terrible.

THE BRIAN MASTERS PRIMER

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loved it and the narrator was amazing!!!!!!

really great insight into forensic psychology,
recommend +++

fantastic

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