The Spider and the Fly: A Reporter, a Serial Killer, and the Meaning of Murder

There are a multitude of ways to have an unhappy childhood. Journalist Rowe (staff writer, Seattle Times) explores two of them in this book: her own, and that of serial killer Kendall Francois. Uncertain about her career and future and caught in a crumbling and emotionally abusive relationship, Rowe became fascinated with a series of local murders in Poughkeepsie, NY. Her notions of being the one to understand the killer were quickly dispelled—she is neither spider nor fly. Unlike both Francois and his victims, the author's unhappiness as a child and young adult was buffered by affluence. While Rowe works to acknowledge that privilege, readers may find the stark contrast between her childhood and Francois's merits more attention. A shared interest in the worst of humanity is not enough to forge a bond, and Francois generally keeps Rowe at arm's length, while his impact on her life is much greater.