What creates a serial killer? Is it possible to predict that someone will become a rapist? Do spree killers share common character traits and childhood experiences? What turns a child into a murderer? And how do they explain their crimes?

To unravel the psychological profile of the world’s most dangerous criminals, consultant forensic psychologist Kerry Daynes, examines some of the most infamous cases and goes in search of in-depth, personal interviews with convicted criminals and killers.

Kerry is not your average forensic psychologist. She’s female, she’s glamorous and she talks in accessible sound bites. She’s passionate about her subject and she’s on a mission to investigate, understand and unravel a psychological blueprint of violent crime.

Each episode of The Making of a Monster will take Kerry on a journey into the minds of violent criminals; serial killers, rapists, fantasists, paedophiles, wife beaters, women who kill, arsonists. It’s a journey with many twists and turns as she builds up a clear psychological profile.

Brian Blackwell - My Child, My Killer

Brian Blackwell was well educated and well mannered. He seemed the perfect son. But he committed the most shocking of crimes. He killed both his parents and left their bodies to rot.

After the killing his actions were both extraordinary and chilling. With his unsuspecting girlfriend by his side, Brian went on a holiday of a lifetime, leaving a paper trail of extravagant and apparently carefree behaviour.

After two weeks Brian returned to his home in a small village just outside Liverpool. But Brian wasn’t charged with murder and the case never went to court.

Brian’s bizarre behaviour led to one final and dramatic twist in the tail. He was diagnosed with a personality disorder and his plea of manslaughter was accepted.