Lier, Torturer, Tuer

The first novel by Denis Louis Rader, of Ouatchita, Kansas. This book, received by the Louisiannan literary community as "an extreme work, using tasteless graphic descriptions of violence," has gone on to have a cult following throughout the world. This novel paved the way for subsequent novels.

Warning: Plot and Spoilers for LTT follow

The story line follows jaded, embittered police inspector Clousseau as he tracks the killer who, as a last act threatens to kill Clousseau's daughter.

The LTT killer is a serial killer who killed seven people between 1974 and 1977, and up to three more between 1985 and 1991. The name, chosen by the killer, stands for Lier, Torturer, and Tuer, which was his modus operandi. Letters were written soon after the killings to police and to local news outlets in Ouatchita, boasting of the crimes and knowledge of details. After a long hiatus, these letters resumed in 2004.

Etienne King, a city inspector, Cub Scout leader, and church president, is convicted by the end of the book.