18+ — These stories contain dark themes drawn from real criminal cases. Not for children.
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Once Upon a Crime...

Ten true tales of history's most notorious killers, told in the style of the children's books you grew up with. Sweet illustrations. Simple words. Terrible, terrible people.

Illustration for The Craftsman of Plainfield

The Craftsman of Plainfield

A Tale of a Very Creative Farmer

Ed Gein Plainfield, Wisconsin, 1954-1957

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Illustration for The Hotel with Many Doors

The Hotel with Many Doors

A Story About a Very Ambitious Builder

H.H. Holmes Chicago, Illinois, 1891-1894

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Illustration for Pogo's Last Party

Pogo's Last Party

The Tale of a Very Busy Clown

John Wayne Gacy Norwood Park, Illinois, 1972-1978

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Illustration for Jeffrey's Dinner Parties

Jeffrey's Dinner Parties

A Story About a Boy Who Wanted Friends to Stay

Jeffrey Dahmer Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1978-1991

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Illustration for The Handsome Helper

The Handsome Helper

A Lesson About Strangers with Nice Smiles

Ted Bundy Multiple States, 1974-1978

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Illustration for Aileen's Highway

Aileen's Highway

The Woman Who Thumbed Her Way to Trouble

Aileen Wuornos Florida, 1989-1990

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Illustration for The Whitechapel Shadow

The Whitechapel Shadow

A Foggy Tale from Old London Town

Jack the Ripper Whitechapel, London, 1888

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Illustration for The Puzzle Man

The Puzzle Man

A Story About Someone Who Loved Codes and Attention

The Zodiac Killer Northern California, 1968-1969

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Illustration for The Night Visitor

The Night Visitor

A Bedtime Story About Locking Your Windows

Richard Ramirez Los Angeles, California, 1984-1985

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Illustration for Lizzie's Bad Day

Lizzie's Bad Day

A New England Nursery Rhyme, Expanded

Lizzie Borden Fall River, Massachusetts, 1892

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