The Life and Crimes of Charles Sobhraj” (1979) by Richard Neville and Julie Clarke is a gripping account of the infamous serial killer and conman Charles Sobhraj, often referred to as “The Serpent” or “The Bikini Killer.” The book provides a detailed exploration of Sobhraj’s life, his manipulative charm, and the trail of crimes he committed across Asia during the 1970s.
The narrative combines investigative journalism and psychological analysis to uncover Sobhraj’s methods of deception, his ability to evade capture, and his penchant for targeting Western tourists. The book also delves into his background, motivations, and the international manhunt that ultimately led to his arrest. It paints a chilling portrait of a man who exploited trust and cultural divides to perpetrate heinous crimes, making it a compelling true-crime classic.