Publisher's Synopsis
John List appeared to be the perfect example of a son, husband, and parent. To support his family, he worked as an accountant at a local financial institution. The 19-room mansion in New Jersey that he shared with his mother, wife, and three children had, among other opulent features, marble fireplaces, Tiffany skylights, and a ballroom. In 1965, List and his family represented the American ideal for many, they were devout Lutherans, so every Sunday they attended church, and List taught Sunday school.
Everything appeared to be in order on the surface. However, almost nothing was as it initially appeared. At least from John's perspective, things inside the List family had always been rough.
John was placed under a tremendous amount of pressure to provide for his family as a result of this, yet he was unable to maintain employment. Although the quality of his work was never an issue because he was thorough and conscientious, he was repeatedly terminated for irritating his managers or co-workers.
Even though the quality of his work was never an issue, he was precise and conscientious. It was impossible to pinpoint just what it was about John List that was uncomfortable. Find out why he decides to kill his ailing wife and children and start a new life in a different city, earning him the moniker "the family annihilator."
