The Man in the Monster

June 8, 2015
From 1981 to 1984, Michael Ross raped and murdered at least eight women before finally being caught, convicted, and sentenced to death. Though his death sentence was overturned after years on death row, he argued for his own execution, which was finally carried out in 2005. In an attempt to understand what had driven Ross all his life, journalist Elliott spent years studying the case, in the process befriending Ross and gaining his trust. Never losing sight of the killer’s monstrous deeds, Elliott delves into a myriad of factors—an emotionally abusive childhood, a poorly treated mental illness, a tumultuous love life—to paint a picture of a man consumed by uncontrollable urges and self-loathing. The interviews and firsthand accounts further strengthen this image of Ross as a repentant killer with incurable problems; Elliott encourages readers to sympathize with him as a human being, but to condemn him for his actions. The details are often disturbing or even downright scary, especially as they come straight from Ross himself. “He didn’t want to be remembered as a monster, but he also didn’t want anyone to forget the monster’s deeds,” Elliott says. Some might criticize Elliott for getting too close to her subject, but her portrayal is honest and her presentation of the facts is thorough and accessible, making for a strong true-crime narrative. Agent: Wayne Kabak, WSK Management.