Experts, Paula Phillips, Serial Killers & Murders

The Story Behind The Movie Badlands

Serial killers are a fascinating subject but let’s not forget about the victims they leave behind and the lesson that sometimes we must learn. Here is the story of what inspired the movie Badlands.

The American Midwest in the 1950s was supposed to be safe. White picket fences, malt shops, and the promise of prosperity defined the era’s mythology. But in the winter of 1957-58, two young people shattered that illusion in the most brutal way imaginable.

NZGeekChicMarch 16, 2026March 16, 2026Leave a comment

Experts, Paula Phillips, Serial Killers & Murders

The Tragedy of Brandon Teena

The darkest history has to offer sometimes isn’t in war but in neighbours or people that share the same town. So, what truly happened behind the movie Boys Don’t Cry? Let NZGeekChic tell you the story.

In the quiet rural landscape of Falls City, Nebraska, the final days of 1993 unfolded with a horror that would expose the deadly consequences of hatred and institutional failure. Brandon Teena, a 21-year-old transgender man, was living his truth in a small town that would ultimately prove fatal.

NZGeekChicMarch 9, 2026March 6, 2026Leave a comment

Experts, Medicality, Paula Phillips

Alien Hand Syndrome: When Your Body Betrays You

For the most part, we trust our bodies. But what would happen if it turned against us? Like a possession but there is no ritual to free yourself from it? Let NZGeekChic talk to you about Alien Hand Syndrome!

Picture this: You’re sitting there, minding your own business, maybe scrolling through your phone or reaching for a Tim Tam, when suddenly your hand has other plans. Not the fun kind of plans, like spontaneously high-fiving strangers or doing jazz hands. No, we’re talking full-blown mutiny. Welcome to Alien Hand Syndrome, where your appendage goes rogue, and you get to watch the horror show unfold.

NZGeekChicMarch 2, 2026Leave a comment

Experts, Paula Phillips, Serial Killers & Murders

The Hello Kitty Murder: When Innocence Became Horror

What happens when a kid’s toy is used in the most gruesome way, and a murder turns into a cautionary tale? Come find out with us.

Hong Kong, 1999

Some crimes burrow beneath your skin and refuse to leave. The Hello Kitty murder is one of them, not because of its macabre nickname, but because of what it reveals about the human capacity for cruelty.

NZGeekChicFebruary 24, 2026February 20, 2026Leave a comment

Books, Paula Phillips

Just Another Ripper

Reading this piece of history now makes me wonder as Jack the Ripper’s second victim was killed the next day, whether it had angered Jack as we all know how serial killers like to be the first and act superior to the rest of the world. Continue reading Just Another Ripper

NZGeekChicOctober 29, 2025October 27, 2025Leave a comment

Experts, Middle Ages, Paula Phillips

Our Lady Poison

Step into the dimly lit chamber of 17th-century France, where shadows dance with secrets and whispers of witchcraft linger in the air. Amid this eerie setting stands Catherine Monvoisin, a woman of intrigue and mystery, facing an uncommon fate.

Enveloped by darkness, her silhouette is illuminated solely by the flickering flames held by faceless figures passing judgment upon her. Yet, amidst the solemnity of her impending doom, Catherine’s enigmatic presence defies convention.

Join us as we unravel the enigma of Catherine Monvoisin, a woman whose life defies the norms of her time and whose story unveils the complexities of an era steeped in superstition and fear.

NZGeekChicJune 30, 2025June 29, 2025Leave a comment

Books, Experts, Paula Phillips

Behind The Door By Amy Price Book Review About The Cecil Hotel

In the shadowy corridors of downtown Los Angeles’ notorious Cecil Hotel lies a saga of intrigue, tragedy, and the haunting presence of the past.

Amy Price, the steadfast protagonist of Behind the Door, beckons readers into this labyrinth of mysteries, where she unveils the chilling truths lurking within the hotel’s walls.

At first glance, Behind the Door appears to be a mere account of Elisa Lam’s enigmatic demise, as showcased in the controversial Netflix documentary series, Crime: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel.

NZGeekChicJune 16, 2025June 29, 2025Leave a comment

Books, Experts, Paula Phillips, Reviews

The Review Of Anna O, Written By Matthew Blake

There are so many books in the wild, and sometimes, we need a guide to give us advice about them. Fear not. Paula is on the case. Let us know what she thinks of Anna O by Matthew Blake!

Anna O, A Review

Cases of sleepwalking can take chilling turns, sometimes even leading to murder. The phenomenon of sleepwalking, known medically as somnambulism, has fascinated and puzzled both researchers and the general public for centuries.

While most cases involve harmless nocturnal activities like wandering around the house or talking in one’s sleep, there have been instances where sleepwalking culminated in tragic outcomes, such as homicide. These cases blur the lines between consciousness and unconsciousness, raising profound questions about the complexities of the human mind.

NZGeekChicMay 10, 2024May 9, 2024Leave a comment

Books, Experts, Paula Phillips

A Review Of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple Reimagining Book

A Reimagining book of short stories based on the Queen of Crime Fiction – Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple stories.

The Overall View

In the realm of classic detective fiction, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple stands as an enduring icon, captivating readers for generations with her keen intellect and unassuming demeanour.

Now, in a delightful homage to the Queen of Mystery, twelve remarkable authors come together in a brand-new collection of short stories, each featuring the legendary sleuth, Jane Marple.

NZGeekChicMay 9, 2024May 9, 2024Leave a comment

Experts, Paula Phillips, Serial Killers & Murders

The Mysterious Unsolved Case Of The Sodder Children

There are many unsolved mysteries when it comes to families and individuals that none of us will ever find the answers to. So, here is one of those incredible unsolved mystery of a family from West Virginia in 1945.

The Book of Cold Cases

I recently read a book by Simone St. James called The Book of Cold Cases. It talked about an unsolved murder of two men and a website that the main character ran all about those cold cases, also known as unsolved murders.

We can all think of some cases relevant to the JonBenét Ramsey case. There’s also the Madeline McCann abduction, and a bit closer to home in New Zealand is the case of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope, who vanished on New Year’s Eve in 1998, never to be seen again.

NZGeekChicMarch 27, 2024March 24, 2024Leave a comment

Experts, Haunted, Medicality, Paula Phillips

What Is The Most Haunted Place in New Zealand?

New Zealand is a country on Earth that is sometimes missing on our world maps and is home to the Hobbits. But they are wonderful people with much history to offer. Lucky us, we have our own kiwi, Paula, to talk to us about NZ’s most haunted place!

What Is It About New Zealand?

Growing up in New Zealand, a small country, many things started happening civilisation-wise in the late 1800s and early 1900s. We have a different history than other countries around the world.

In saying that, though, we have a few exciting spots around New Zealand worth visiting, including the former Seacliff Lunatic Asylum, considered the most haunted place in New Zealand.

NZGeekChicFebruary 1, 20242 Comments

Books, Experts, Paula Phillips, Reviews

Horror Unmasked: A History of Terror from Nosferatu to Nope by Brad Weismann Reviewed

Gothic Bite Magazine is home to the Phantom Paragrapher book reviewer also known as Paula Phillips from New Zealand and here is her Gothic review of the Horror Unmasked novel by Brad Weismann.

Official Summary Of Horror Unmasked

From the silent-film era to the blockbusters of today, Horror Unmasked is a fun-filled, highly illustrated dive into the past influences and present popularity of the horror film genre.

The horror film’s pop-culture importance is undeniable, from its early influences to today’s most significant and exciting developments in the genre.

NZGeekChicJanuary 26, 2024January 25, 20241 Comment

Books, Experts, Paula Phillips, Reviews

A Classic Revamped As Dracula Daily Reviewed By Paula Phillips

Gothic Bite Magazine is home to the Phantom Paragrapher book reviewer also known as Paula Phillips from New Zealand and here is her Gothic review of the classic tale of Dracula but known as Dracula Daily.

Official Summary Of Dracula Daily

Dracula Daily: Reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula in Real Time With Commentary by the Internet

The wildly popular email newsletter that has been described as an “internet sensation” (The New York Times) and “the coolest book club on the internet” (Fast Company) is breathing new life into Bram Stoker’s classic vampire novel.

Now, the internet phenomenon can be experienced in this deluxe hardcover book that includes hilarious commentary and artwork from Dracula Daily readers.

NZGeekChicJanuary 18, 2024January 17, 20241 Comment

Demons, Experts, Paranormal, Paula Phillips

The Real Story Behind Regan MacNeill From The Exorcist

We all know that actual events often inspire many movies and stories. What ‘true events’ and ‘real life events’ mean is left to the one telling the story. So, who inspired the most horrifying movie of all time, The Exorcist?

The Horror Is Sometimes Real In Movies

Lately, it has been on my mind just how many movies, TV shows, and other pop culture references are based on events that happened in reality. Especially when it comes to horror and mystery movies.

I have touched on films and the stories behind movies like Scream, Annabelle, and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and even The Exorcist was based on a true story.

NZGeekChicNovember 1, 20231 Comment

Experts, Middle Ages, Paula Phillips, Serial Killers & Murders

Germany’s Medieval Boogeyman Known As Peter Niers

Throughout history, humankind has encountered many murderers and people thirsty for the blood of innocents. Worldwide known names come to mind, but what about those in the shadows of the big names?

The Names We Know Of The Medieval Period

When you think of the evillest murderers of medieval times, there are specific names that come to mind that took over their centuries. They inspired fear so great that they branded their time with their names.

But if you mention the name Peter Niers, nobody would know who you are talking about. But this person deserves a place on those charts because he left his mark, so who is he, and what did he do?

NZGeekChicOctober 26, 2023October 25, 20231 Comment

Experts, Paranormal, Paula Phillips, Serial Killers & Murders

Remember 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville Horror?

Many houses rhyme with horror, but one in particular comes to mind, and we can even see the two croissant windows. Paula talks to us about the history of pop culture in Amityville.

The Address We Can’t Forget

This address has been popularized in movie culture since 1979. Countless movies have been filmed about the incident, and books have been written about its story. This is one address that all crime fans will remember for eternity. It’s similar to how everyone connects to 221B Baker Street with Sherlock Holmes.

I have seen a few movies based on the Amityville incident but did not realize how many films had been released around the fateful night of November 13th, 1974.

NZGeekChicOctober 18, 2023October 17, 20231 Comment

Experts, Paranormal, Paula Phillips

What Is The Legacy Of Ed And Lorraine Warren?

We all know the names of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Not just because of The Conjuring franchise but also through the paranormal field. After their passing, what is their legacy?

Who Are The Warrens?

Although the paranormal research couple have passed on, Ed and Lorraine Warren are still one of America’s most valued experts on demonology and spirits. It’s not just those interested in the occult world that have turned towards the Warrens for help, but also religious authorities.

In 1952 Ed and Lorraine Warren founded the New England Society of Paranormal Research. Ed was a trained demonologist, Lorraine was a trance medium, and together they were the paranormal research couple.

NZGeekChicOctober 11, 20231 Comment

Experts, News, Paula Phillips

What if Disney Movies had a horror counterpart?

Recently, we had the release of Winnie The Pooh, Blood And Honey, and people were quick to judge. But Winnie was only the beginning.

Newly, heads turned when Winnie the Pooh became public domain when its copyright laws expired. Sorry, AA Milne. The result of Winnie the Pooh on the open market gave us a new horror movie called Winnie The Pooh: Blood And Honey.

NZGeekChicOctober 4, 2023Leave a comment

Experts, Paranormal, Paula Phillips

The Elusive Axeman of New Orleans And His Victims

New Orleans is a unique ground for the paranormal and mysteries. This figure might not be paranormal but inflicted much terror in their time. Here is the story of the never found Axeman of New Orleans.

The Rising Terror Of The Axeman

When we think of serial killers that got away, those who come to mind are often Jack the Ripper and the Zodiac Killer. These people escaped justice in the dark of the night, committing murders and keeping their towns on the edge of their seats as they eluded police and inflicted pain while terrorising their neighbourhoods.

It started in May of 1918 in New Orleans before his reign of terror ended in October 1919. A lesser-known serial killer, later named The Axeman of New Orleans, was clever enough to get away with murder as he eluded the authorities to this day. He became one of New Orleans’ unsolved mysteries.

NZGeekChicJune 22, 2023Leave a comment

Experts, Paula Phillips, YouTube

La Quintrala, A Chilean Drop Dead Gorgeous Beauty Killer

People don’t often think about women as serial killers, even less in aristocratic times. However, knowing it is a man’s world, only now do we discover women did more than first thought. How many women do YOU think got away with murder?

Only Men Can Be Serial Killers

When the general public hears the word ‘serial killer’ or a crime has been committed, more often than not, their minds will automatically go to seeing the criminal as a male.

That is often because eighty-five percent of serial killers are male, and only fifteen percent are female. Also, women don’t seem to be in it for publicity. However, regardless of gender, one is always motivated by a reason to kill. Then again, when it comes to women, the kills are more personal compared to men.

NZGeekChicMay 10, 2023May 9, 20231 Comment

Serial killers are a fascinating subject but let’s not forget about the victims they leave behind and the lesson that sometimes we must learn. Here is the story of what inspired the movie Badlands.

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The darkest history has to offer sometimes isn’t in war but in neighbours or people that share the same town. So, what truly happened behind the movie Boys Don’t Cry? Let NZGeekChic tell you the story.

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For the most part, we trust our bodies. But what would happen if it turned against us? Like a possession but there is no ritual to free yourself from it? Let NZGeekChic talk to you about Alien Hand Syndrome!

Share this:

What happens when a kid’s toy is used in the most gruesome way, and a murder turns into a cautionary tale? Come find out with us.

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Step into the dimly lit chamber of 17th-century France, where shadows dance with secrets and whispers of witchcraft linger in the air. Amid this eerie setting stands Catherine Monvoisin, a woman of intrigue and mystery, facing an uncommon fate.

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In the shadowy corridors of downtown Los Angeles’ notorious Cecil Hotel lies a saga of intrigue, tragedy, and the haunting presence of the past.

Share this:

There are so many books in the wild, and sometimes, we need a guide to give us advice about them. Fear not. Paula is on the case. Let us know what she thinks of Anna O by Matthew Blake!

Anna O, A Review

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A Reimagining book of short stories based on the Queen of Crime Fiction – Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple stories.

The Overall View

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There are many unsolved mysteries when it comes to families and individuals that none of us will ever find the answers to. So, here is one of those incredible unsolved mystery of a family from West Virginia in 1945.

The Book of Cold Cases

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New Zealand is a country on Earth that is sometimes missing on our world maps and is home to the Hobbits. But they are wonderful people with much history to offer. Lucky us, we have our own kiwi, Paula, to talk to us about NZ’s most haunted place!

What Is It About New Zealand?

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Gothic Bite Magazine is home to the Phantom Paragrapher book reviewer also known as Paula Phillips from New Zealand and here is her Gothic review of the Horror Unmasked novel by Brad Weismann.

Official Summary Of Horror Unmasked

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Gothic Bite Magazine is home to the Phantom Paragrapher book reviewer also known as Paula Phillips from New Zealand and here is her Gothic review of the classic tale of Dracula but known as Dracula Daily.

Official Summary Of Dracula Daily

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We all know that actual events often inspire many movies and stories. What ‘true events’ and ‘real life events’ mean is left to the one telling the story. So, who inspired the most horrifying movie of all time, The Exorcist?

The Horror Is Sometimes Real In Movies

Share this:

Throughout history, humankind has encountered many murderers and people thirsty for the blood of innocents. Worldwide known names come to mind, but what about those in the shadows of the big names?

The Names We Know Of The Medieval Period

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Many houses rhyme with horror, but one in particular comes to mind, and we can even see the two croissant windows. Paula talks to us about the history of pop culture in Amityville.

The Address We Can’t Forget

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We all know the names of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Not just because of The Conjuring franchise but also through the paranormal field. After their passing, what is their legacy?

Who Are The Warrens?

Share this:

Recently, we had the release of Winnie The Pooh, Blood And Honey, and people were quick to judge. But Winnie was only the beginning.

Share this:

New Orleans is a unique ground for the paranormal and mysteries. This figure might not be paranormal but inflicted much terror in their time. Here is the story of the never found Axeman of New Orleans.

The Rising Terror Of The Axeman

Share this:

People don’t often think about women as serial killers, even less in aristocratic times. However, knowing it is a man’s world, only now do we discover women did more than first thought. How many women do YOU think got away with murder?

Only Men Can Be Serial Killers

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