Do serial killers really prefer The Catcher in the Rye?

The notion that serial killers prefer The Catcher in the Rye as their favorite book is not supported by substantial evidence or research. This misperception appears to have originated from a few isolated cases where serial killers mentioned reading the book, leading to a flawed generalization.

In fact, a study by Dr. Benjamin Radford thoroughly analyzed the literature about serial killers and their reading habits, examining hundreds of cases. He concluded that there is no consistent pattern or preference for a specific book among serial killers. Their book preferences vary significantly, and there is no evidence to suggest a predilection for The Catcher in the Rye.

The association of The Catcher in the Rye with serial killers might have been reinforced by the book's portrayal of a troubled and isolated protagonist, Holden Caulfield. However, it is essential to understand that literary preferences do not directly reflect an individual's behavior or potential for violence.