My parents watch Criminal Minds and similar shows all the time, two friends of mine bought a book about a serial killer and my Twitter timeline is full of people talking about a new true crime podcast. It's just my bubble or is it a broad cultural phenomenon?
I too try no to go too tinfoil about this, but considering the reputation of the american intelligent services it isn't too far fetched to thing they have some influence on these questions, they probably do some social engineering. I searched about the McGowan Book, it seems really interesting, I'll definitely put on my list! Thanks comrade!