Harold Schechter

Harold Schechter is an American true crime writer renowned for his meticulous research and gripping narratives about historical serial killers. A professor emeritus of American literature and popular culture at Queens College, City University of New York, he taught for over four decades before focusing on his writing career. His notable nonfiction works include "Fatal," "Fiend," "Deviant," "Deranged," and "Depraved," which delve into infamous criminal cases with scholarly depth. Schechter also authored a critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Edgar Allan Poe, with titles such as "The Hum Bug," "Nevermore," and "The Mask of Red Death," blending historical fiction with detective storytelling.

Beyond his true crime expertise, Schechter explores themes of violence, psychology, and societal fascination with crime. His book "The Mad Sculptor," which examines a notorious 1937 triple murder in New York City, received praise for its evocative storytelling and drew comparisons to Truman Capote’s "In Cold Blood." A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, Schechter studied under Leslie Fiedler, further shaping his literary perspective. He is married to poet Kimiko Hahn and has two daughters: novelist Lauren Oliver and philosophy professor Elizabeth Schechter. Schechter’s works continue to captivate readers with their blend of historical detail and narrative intensity.