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There are few serial killer biographies more disturbing, than the story of Belle Gunness. This female serial killer was not only the worst in Illinois history; she was also one of the worst American serial killers ever recorded. But she also became somewhat of a legend, shrouded in mystery, revenge, and money. This is a story that will shock you more than most, because of the sheer horror of her crimes. A tragedy that rocked the county of La Porte, as one by one, more bodies were unearthed beneath the pig pen.

With an estimated 48 deaths at her hands, Belle Gunness poisoned, bludgeoned, and decapitated her victims, all so she could line her pockets with their savings and insurance policies. This lonely hearts killer was known as Lady Bluebeard, amongst other names, luring her victims with newspaper advertisements. Men thought they were coming to marry a wealthy woman – they had no idea the price they would pay.

Men, women, and children all fell victim to this horrendously cruel woman. She showed no emotion, no empathy, and certainly no mercy. In 1908, mystery surrounded a decapitated body in the burned ruins of her home, alongside the bodies of three of her children. Did Hell’s Belle finally meet her match in the form of Ray Lamphere, the man accused of the arson and murder, or did she fake her own death? Was she the woman arrested for murder decades later? This true-crime serial killer biography may just have those answers.

I love reading and watching stuff on true crime. I had a complete library of true crime books when I was younger. Unfortunately, my apartment flooded in 2003 and ruined half of my books. That included every single one of my true crime books, and I never got a chance to replenish my books. So when I was approached to read this book about Belle Gunness, I jumped at it.

This book was a chilling look into a female serial killer. She had a deep need for money and a deep hatred of men. Which contributed to her killing 48 men, women, and children.

What got me is that she killed her children. As a mother, I can’t even fathom WHY she did it. I mean, the book explains why, but still, you would think she would have a smidgen of love for them.

What got me is that she was identified after “dying” in the fire that blew everything wide open. I say “dying” because people saw her after her “death.” A few people identified the body as not hers, including her seamstress.

The author did a great job of portraying all angles of this case. Which included the angle that Belle faked her death and later died of tuberculosis. But unfortunately, we will never know the true story and can only go by what the evidence/facts have shown us.

If you enjoyed reading Belle Gunness: The True Story of the Slaying Mother, you will enjoy these books: