Killer on the Road

James Ellroy’s deep dive into the psyche of a serial killer who recounts his life in the shadows, a tale of American madness and obsession.

“The scariest book I’ve ever read.” —Jason Kellerman

Even as a child, Martin Michael Plunkett was no ordinary boy. Extreme parental indifference marked him as an outcast. In his head, Plunkett crafted a second life, remaking himself in the guise of his favorite comic book villain. His mind fixated on dark thoughts and twisted imaginings. A heart of evil was burnished—and Plunkett grew up to become a psychotic murderer.

This chilling tale is written as the reflections of an unrepentant criminal. As Plunkett serves four consecutive life sentences in solitary at Sing Sing, he reminisces on his discovery of his disturbing passions and the dark heart of America. Killer on the Road is an exploration of the mind of a perfectly crafted psychopath: a mix of clinical vision, genius intellect, and an empty conscience. Plunkett is the killer on the road.