44

This book, written by Breslin and Dick Schaap in 1978, is based on the twisted crime spree of David Richard Berkowitz, aka Son of Sam, a sick madman who shot unsuspecting women in their cars in the late 70s. It is a novel, but it could have been a true crime account. Breslin and Schaap take you through the brutal shootings that killed six and wounded seven more; the morbid fascination of NYC with Son of Sam; the police work, botched and brilliant; the media competition, and lead to the capture of the heinous .44 Caliber Killer. It is a must read for students of true crime and serial murderers; it is also a must have for any lover of thrillers. Its one of the best books you'll ever read, and all the more terrifying: Because it's true...

The book tells the complete story surrounding Dave "Son of Sam" Berkowitz. The book is an easy read though highly detailed. The twists and turns are from news and actual interview accounts. Excellent.

Jimmy Breslin, along with Dick Schaap, wrote this novel immediately after the apprehension of David Berkowitz, the .44 caliber killer. This fruitcake murdered and maimed, terrorized a city for over a year. He named himself the Son of Sam, Sam being a crazed dog that told him to go out into the night in search of young women with long brown hair. He killed once only a few blocks from where Breslin lived at the time: Queens. Jimmy also had a daughter who would match the potential victim list. He and Schaap recreate the terror, and write the tale of splendid police work in the City of New York; the personalities among the detectives; the obsession of the news media; the impotence of the politicians. It is written in novel form. Fiction as cold, terrible truth. KEVIN FARRELL