Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book attempts to shed light on why we as a culture remain so incredibly fascinated by Karla Homolka. Homolka is identified as a sexually violent woman in a society where it is an anomaly to be a female predator. The object of analysis is therefore the series of characterizations of Homolka offered in newspaper reporting, court transcripts and judicial decisions. The book discusses of Homolka's dual construction as both a woman in danger and a dangerous woman. Homolka's similarity to dominant members of Canadian society and to her victims elicited greater public shock and outrage at her involvement in these crimes. The role that Homolka's violation of different sexual and death taboos played in generating widespread and collectively felt disgust. The book explains how interpretations of Homolka's remorse influenced the attention paid to this case.