Each chapter follows a different serial killer. It starts by laying out their childhood, then runs through crimes one by one clearly stating the graphic details of the killings in as least sensationalistic way possible. Then, it takes you through the timeline of arrest, sentencing and execution (if relevant). Finally, there is a short discussion of what nature and nurture might have pushed these people into acting as they did.

This formula was great and allowed the stories to be told concisely without giving up on detail.