This is an investigation of "spree killers" and the psychology behind their murderous intent. The cases examined all involve loners who were white, middle-class and male. With no outlet for their rage, they fuelled their violent fantasies until a small incident occurred which sparked off their murderous rampage. The cases include that of ex-marine Charles Whitman, who climbed the tower of the University of Texas and opened fire, killing 16 people; a 33-year-old who went berserk with a rifle in a shopping plaza in Sydney, Australia; and Michael Ryan, who slew 16 on the streets of the quiet English town of Hungerford.