Johnny Trevisani - The Serial Killer Travel Guide Across America

·23 min·2 clips

Johnny Trevisani reveals his plan to create a travel guide mapping serial killer locations across America.

The episode begins with host Al Warren introducing the show and guest Johnny Trevisani, co-author of 'The Serial Killer Travel Guide Across America'. Trevisani explains he collaborated with Brian Whitney, who helped publish his first book 'The Serial Killer Quote of the Day'. The idea for the travel guide came from Trevisani's curiosity about the Gilgo Beach murders on Long Island, leading him to research serial killer locations nationwide. He structured the book as a route-based guide, starting from his home in Philadelphia and moving across states, though he notes not every state has notable serial killers. Trevisani selected killers based on personal interest and story intrigue, including big names like Jeffrey Dahmer and lesser-known ones like Marty Graham in Philadelphia. He highlights unique cases such as Robert Hanson, the 'Butcher Baker' in Alaska, and the Honolulu Strangler in Hawaii. A key moment is his discussion of Charles Severance, a serial killer in Alexandria, Virginia, who ran for mayor and Congress. Trevisani shares that his first book was inspired by a quote from Jeffrey Dahmer about spoiled meat, and he includes fun facts like Karl Panzram stealing William Taft's revolver. He addresses criticism for making light of dark subjects, arguing his approach is lighthearted but not disrespectful to victims. The conversation covers challenges like serial killers who travel, such as Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway, making location assignments arbitrary. Trevisani mentions including dive bar recommendations in the travel guide for breaks. He plans future projects with humor and promotes his website and upcoming TikTok content. The episode ends with details on book availability and closing remarks.

As heard by us

A grim travel guide with just enough weird detail to make the history stick.

House of Mystery Radio Show turns Johnny Trevisani's The Serial Killer Travel Guide Across America into a roadside tour of grim trivia, moving from its coast-to-coaster premise toward the stranger details that linger.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get a serial-killer travel guide with local-history detours and a loose, banter-first mood.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from House of Mystery Radio on NBC