Scan barcode
alliewertman's review against another edition
2.0
that specific case studies were few a far between. his focus is entirely on the general psychology, with little to no mention of details of the actual crime or how details of the crime truly relate to the psychology of a killer. there are limited series on Netflix that dive deeper into the psyche of a serial killer than this almost 300 page book
_katsullivan's review
5.0
Absolutely amazing. If you are interested in true crime and the reasons why people do the things they do, this is the book for you. Wilson doesn't just cover murderers, he covers hitmen/women, young offenders, the prison system, unsolved cold cases and miscarriages of justice. There's something for almost everyone. Couldn't put it down.
kaela_readsnwrites's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Whilst I found this a very interesting read, I would say that the title & tagline are perhaps a little misleading.
This is more a memoir of David Wilson's career and how, at points in that career, he has come into contact with male murderers. It also reflects on the criminal system, how we treat prisoners, why some men are violent, and if they can rehabilitated.
However, if you are looking for in-depth examinations of murderers and their crimes, you'll most likely be disappointed.
I felt there were several points where the book diverged into other topics related to crime in general. Though these topics could be connected to murder cases, they were tangents that detracted from the reason I'm sure many picked up the book, discussing the actual murderers.
I am perhaps a little more forgiving of these issues as I'm interested in criminology as a whole. In addition, I picked this up on a whim from a charity shop for 30p.
If I had bought this new and based on the impression of the title & tagline, I think I would have been disappointed as other reviewers were.
However, unlike others, I found this a fairly easy read and finished it in a few days. To me, it never felt like a dry or dense read akin to a textbook. I felt it gave a lot to think about in an interesting way.
I think I'd recommend this to those interested in reading about violent men & crime but not those wanting to only delve into the minds of murderers.
This is more a memoir of David Wilson's career and how, at points in that career, he has come into contact with male murderers. It also reflects on the criminal system, how we treat prisoners, why some men are violent, and if they can rehabilitated.
However, if you are looking for in-depth examinations of murderers and their crimes, you'll most likely be disappointed.
I felt there were several points where the book diverged into other topics related to crime in general. Though these topics could be connected to murder cases, they were tangents that detracted from the reason I'm sure many picked up the book, discussing the actual murderers.
I am perhaps a little more forgiving of these issues as I'm interested in criminology as a whole. In addition, I picked this up on a whim from a charity shop for 30p.
If I had bought this new and based on the impression of the title & tagline, I think I would have been disappointed as other reviewers were.
However, unlike others, I found this a fairly easy read and finished it in a few days. To me, it never felt like a dry or dense read akin to a textbook. I felt it gave a lot to think about in an interesting way.
I think I'd recommend this to those interested in reading about violent men & crime but not those wanting to only delve into the minds of murderers.
notlikethebeer's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this, a lot more than I thought I would actually. My academic/personal background make me pretty critical when it comes to books such as this (and I'm scarred from C.-D...)- however, this passed even my high standards! It was a really in-depth look at the prison system that I think a lot of people could benefit to read, particularly with regards to focusing on rehabilitation and therapeutic intervention. I also really appreciated that there was a look at what causes people to engage in crime, as well as some consideration as to why society reacts so negatively to so-called 'criminals'. All of these aspects were well-balanced with a constant awareness of the severity of the crimes committed, and an utmost appreciation for the victims and/or family/friends of the victim. I did have a few minor criticisms, notably that, although gender was touched upon at times, it could have been explored more in-depth I think (although I'm glad that misogyny as a cause of crime wasn't given a pass). I also worried a little about Wilson's approach at times, it felt like he took quite a therapeutic approach with the people he was working with when he didn't cite any formal training in therapy or therapeutic approaches, which could be quite dangerous. As someone with a theoretical/research background in sociology and criminology, I think the book could have been improved with a little more focus given to existing research- there were lots of very valid points made from Wilson's anecdotal evidence that have a lot of well-researched backing to them (for instance, the causes of crime) and citing these would have made it much stronger I think. However I am also aware that it's a memoir, as opposed to a handbook or even introduction to criminology, and that there is a great amount of further reading listed at the end. Lastly, I think my most major criticism is the obvious one: that I would have liked at least a discussion of a more 'radical' approach as to whether prisons are so necessary as society would like to think, and whether they are really doing any more good than harm. This could really easily have been tied into the many examples of therapeutic work as being far more effective, and would have been a really valid and important conversation. Overall, however, a great book, and one I will definitely be keeping for further reference.
elizabeth1993's review
1.0
David Wilson has had an amazing career working within the prison system & then going on to interview many murderers and violent men.
This could have been brilliant, instead it is extremely boring & monotone.
Disappointing first read of the year.
This could have been brilliant, instead it is extremely boring & monotone.
Disappointing first read of the year.
eilidhmacdonaldd's review against another edition
I’ve persevered with this book until I got to 25% of the way through. As much as I love Wilson’s work, I just found this poorly written. For a man with so many interesting experiences and so many stories to tell, I felt that this book was dull and just didn’t capture me.