America's Femme Fatale

"America's Femme Fatale is the detailed story of Belle Gunness, one of the nation's most prolific mass murderers. Ammeson recounts the horrific events with dry wit and corrects many errors found in previous accounts. Gunness stands out in an infamous crowd because she was a woman; she killed men, women and children rather than choosing from among one narrow section of victimology; and her murders seem to have been rooted in greed rather than lust, the serial killer's usual motive."—Keven McQueen, author of Murderous Acts: 100 Years of Crime in the Midwest, author of Murderous Acts: 100 Years of Crime in the Midwest

"Ammeson uses astute research and punchy prose to chronicle Belle's transformation from destitute farm girl to one of history's most egregious female serial killers. . . . Compact and captivating, this salacious tale of murderous greed during the early twentieth century will be devoured quickly by true-crime fans."—Michelle Ross, BOOKLIST / Amer Library Assn

"It's a mesmerizing cautionary tale I had to keep reading despite the late-night hour. . . . Ammeson writes narrative nonfiction with a sense of drama to propel us along the unbelievable."—Rita Kohn, NUVO

"Speaking of wild women, you'll be riveted by America's Femme Fatale. More than a century has gone since Belle Gunness killed her first victim and she didn't stop there. Belle went on to kill at least thirteen more people over the course of just twenty years. Money was involved, of course, and she had a little bit of help now and then, but what's creepiest about Belle are the circumstances of her death. And now you've gotta read the book..."—Terri Schlichenmeyer, Webb Weekly - The Bookworm Sez