Thomas Bishop was twenty-five when he escaped from an institution for the criminally insane. Behind him was a grotesque history of pain, murder and rage. Ahead lay a path of horrifying vengeance that would trigger the most intense manhunt in history.
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
Review
"Violent realism . . . Extremely effective." - New York Times Book Review "Horror piled on horror . . . as grisly, gruesome, and appalling a shocker as we have had in years." - Publishers Weekly "One of the finest novels ever written about perfect evil . . . I recommend it unreservedly." - Stephen King
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
About the Author
Shane Stevens is the critically acclaimed author of several novels, including The Anvil Chorus and Dead City.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By susie@hol.gr
Format:Paperback
As an authentic and avid reader of all thrillers I was totally enthralled with By Reason of Insanity by Shane Stevens. A psychopathic killer escapes from a mental institution to begin a series of unimaginable murders. Not only is this monstrous human being a psychopathic killer he is also highly intelligent, leading a manhunt for thousands of miles through America, leaving ONLY a trail of carnage behind. Finally he reaches New York and can now begin his "true lifes work". Giving this novel such depth was the input of thoughts and ideas coming from the many unique characters each involved from their own perspective in the "manhunt". The horror and brutality inflicted on each of the victims shows us how the slayers life has infact come full circle. The psychological background is solid and true to life, highlighting the distressing and horrific details throughout the book. By Reason of Insanity was an excellent, well written, well paced novel and must definitely be read by all the thriller/crime lovers out there!!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I found this book by browsing Amazon's crime thriller site and was so impressed by the reviews, I had to order it. I'm an addict of this genre, usually enjoying Patricia Cornwall, Kathy Reichs, James Patterson et al, and this had me gripped from beginning to end. You really do have to keep reminding yourdelf that this is fiction and not a 'true crime' story. I kept imagining who would play the roles of Kenton, Bishop, Oates and Spanner etc. if this was made into a movie. If you want a book to really get your teeth into read this a.s.a.p.I intend to read it again - soon!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is the second Stevens novel I read (the first being The Anvil Chorus) and both of them go in absolutely different paths. "Anvil" is written in a suspense-thriller type way much in the tradition of the contemporary greats of that genre, whereas "Insanity" goes on a completely different path. It has hooked me. I haven't finished it yet but as far as I have read it, I can already put it down and recommend it, just like Stephen King said, to "readers who have strong stomachs". Thomas Bishop, the killer in this book, is like a fictionalized version of Jeffrey Dahmer, the Wisconsin Cannibal. Yet we must be reminded of the following...this book was published in the 70's...Dahmer only became notorious much later. If anything, I think Stevens based himself on "Headhunter" Ed Kemper to create Thomas Bishop. Kemper's crimes were horrific brutal and senseless, and he had murdered his parents (although Bishop only murdered his mother)Perhaps I am wrong in my assumptions as to who Thomas Bishop was based on. But one thing I am not wrong about is the fact that this is to be considered a masterpiece in gruesome and graphic horror, and a must read.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 55 reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very readable.
Still reading this book and finding it horribly readable. Would recommend it to anyone with a curiosity about real life horrors. Not for the faint hearted though.
Published 20 days ago by Mrs. P. Gingell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Serial Killer Thriller!
If you enjoyed the original Red Dragon,and the written sequels, you should read this novel! It's no coincidence that Shane Stevens is frequently name checked by Stephen King. Read more
Published 4 months ago by woz
5.0 out of 5 stars
By Reason of Insanity
I read this book when I was 17, I never forgot it, hence I'm buying a copy to read it again, best book I ever read................ !!!!
Published 11 months ago by Gilzers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Book
This is one of the best books I have ever read,the characters are full of personality and the story just oozes mystery and excitement. Read more
Published on 18 May 2011 by E. Hunter
4.0 out of 5 stars
A work of supreme literature
I was first given a copy of this book as a teenager in the mid 70's with the cover missing so I only had a vague recollection of the title and no idea who the author was. Read more
Published on 15 May 2011 by Russ
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing
Found this book very slow and not as gripping as first thought it would be.
I was looking for a scary book to read but it certainly wasn't this one. Read more
I was looking for a scary book to read but it certainly wasn't this one. Read more
Published on 26 Oct 2010 by MTV
4.0 out of 5 stars
By Reason of Insanity
The book in itself was quite used and falling apart when I got it but the story is great.
Really catchy and easy to read. Read more
Really catchy and easy to read. Read more
Published on 8 Jan 2010 by Mm Grundy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Brilliant
I bought this book in the mid 80's and have now read it about 6 times. My copy is now so battered, with pages falling out that I am considering buying a new copy of it. Read more
Published on 14 Jun 2009 by Ms. C. A. Learwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
Astonishing
An absolute classic. It's astonishing that this book (and author) are not more widely known. I first read this in the 70s and even though I've read many serial killer novels,... Read more
Published on 18 April 2008 by HGDave
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most unputdownable book I have read!
What a fantastic story.Thomas Bishop leads Everybody on a wild goose chase across America.The police-hot on his tail.The mafia can't find him. Read more
Published on 10 Aug 2006 by A. J. Kirk
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
