10 Books That Inspired People to Engage in Dark Activities

We all love a good book, whether it’s diving into the enchanted world of Harry Potter or unraveling a complex murder mystery. While many novels inspire creativity, compassion, and reflection, a darker side exists where certain narratives lead individuals down a perilous path. This article explores ten notorious killers whose dark behaviors were influenced by books, revealing how fiction sometimes blurs the line between inspiration and malevolence.

1. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

Influence: Mark David Chapman

One of the most infamous examples is Mark David Chapman, who murdered musician John Lennon in 1980. Chapman was obsessed with “The Catcher in the Rye.” He identified with the book’s protagonist, Holden Caulfield, believing he could be a symbol of genuine resistance against perceived societal phoniness. He even carried a copy of the novel during the murder, writing in the margins, which illustrated his warped connection to its themes of disillusionment and rebellion.

2. “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis

Influence: Patrick Bateman in real life

The protagonist of “American Psycho,” Patrick Bateman, is a chilling depiction of a wealthy Wall Street banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. In 2003, Robert Gladden, inspired by the novel, was convicted of killing a man in a brutal fashion and later confessed to having a desire to emulate Bateman’s fictional exploits. The book’s glamorization of violence and ennui struck a disturbing chord with him.

3. “Fight Club” by Chuck Palahniuk

Influence: Various incidences

“Fight Club” is often seen as a critique of consumerism and modern masculinity, but it became a rallying cry for some who misinterpreted its themes. Members of certain violent groups referenced the book as a philosophical justification for their behavior. The “rules” of Fight Club and the novel’s call for primal action resonated with individuals seeking to embrace violence as a form of rebellion.

4. “The Stranger” by Albert Camus

Influence: Anders Breivik

In 2011, Anders Behring Breivik committed a horrific mass shooting in Norway, claiming to be influenced by several philosophical works, prominently featuring Camus’ “The Stranger.” He cited Meursault’s emotional detachment from reality as a justification for his own violent actions. Breivik’s manifesto included extensive references to works he misconstrued as legitimizing his beliefs of racial purity and societal upheaval.

5. “The Anarchist Cookbook” by William Powell

Influence: Various criminals

First published in 1971, “The Anarchist Cookbook” serves as a controversial guide to various forms of protest and rebellion, including methods for creating explosives. This book has been cited in numerous criminal cases, including those involving youth radicals and school shooters who sought to inflict chaos. Its accessibility has led to its appropriation by individuals seeking to enact their dark fantasies.

6. “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath

Influence: Various tragic figures

While “The Bell Jar” is primarily about mental illness and the search for identity, its profound melancholy has resonated deeply with many troubled souls. Some individuals, including notorious figures within the realm of the so-called “copycat killers,” have cited it as a narrative that mirrored their despair and drove them to extremes during their own struggles with mental health, leading to tragic outcomes.

7. “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess

Influence: Malcolm McLaren & The Sex Pistols

Anthony Burgess’s dystopian novel about a young delinquent in a violent, oppressive future inspired the punk aesthetic and ideological framework for not only Malcolm McLaren but also led to increased acts of violence among some young readers who took the themes of ultraviolence and rebellion too literally. The book raises questions about free will and morality, but in the wrong hands, it can instigate anarchy.

8. “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris

Influence: Jeffrey Dahmer

Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was highly influenced by the chilling narratives of books like “The Silence of the Lambs,” which showcased psychological manipulation and the mind of a killer. Dahmer’s fixation on both the book and the film adaptations led him to emulate some of the behaviors exhibited by its characters, showcasing the dangerous influence of fine literary art on disturbed minds.

9. “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo

Influence: Various extremists

Although “Les Misérables” is a story of redemption, it has been misappropriated by various political radicals who have cherry-picked themes of revolutionary justice to justify violent behavior. Notorious figures within several extremist groups have cited Hugo’s work as a philosophical justification for their violent acts, indicating how misunderstood themes can lead to real-life chaos.

10. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Influence: Gangsters like Al Capone

The allure of wealth and power in “The Great Gatsby” has inspired various criminal behaviors, most notably among gangsters during the Prohibition era. Al Capone and others in the organized crime world often drew parallels to Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream, engaging in violent acts to attain their own versions of opulence and freedom. The seductive prose of Fitzgerald has revealed how ambitions can spiral dangerously in the quest for status.