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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Really interesting - especially when he delves into cases, but it was a bit repetitive. I'm not a fan of Ressler's writing style either. But very interesting to hear about some cases he's worked, the beginning of behavioral analysis, VICAP, and other things. It was written in 1991, so some of the predictions he makes about the future of criminal justice are neat in that he knew he was coming even back then. Worth the read, but don't expect to love it.
This was interesting. I don’t know if I can accurately rate it, being a true crime lover, I’ve heard a lot of these stories about these specific serial killers before. The beginning of this book was really enjoyable, but I felt that, around the middle of the book it became repetitive and preachy. Yes, he has done so much good in his career, but he was constantly patting himself on the back and singing his own praises. It got really annoying, really fast.
This guy writes in such an uncomfortably self-congratulatory way that seriously harms the actual content.
The stories are so great, but the book lacks cohesive organization. My first comment was going to be that perhaps it should be read like magazine articles. But there is no serialization or structural commonalities between chapters. Reads more like crappy blog entries, which is a shame from someone of this experience. I think a crack junior editor could have taken the same words and anecdotes and made it a five star book.
Really interesting stories about Ressler's career, cases, and advancements in his field - anyone interested in true crime will enjoy his examinations of some of the most infamous serial killers. It did get a bit self indulgent when it came to all of his awards and revelations - however, he DID do those things so I wasn't too bothered. It does get fairly graphic in its descriptions, so beware if that is upsetting to you - otherwise, definitely recommend!
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
There’s definitely some very dated ideas in here, but that is to be expected with how old this book is. The writing style is very dry.
dark
informative
medium-paced
It would be a crazier world without the contributions of Mr. Ressler. To think that if he had followed the strict/upright behavior of those before him, we wouldn't have insights to behavior from some of the worst that society ever produced. Right man in the right place at the right time. This read is a hidden gem for those who are not simply enthralled by the surface world of true crime.
It's gritty, engaging, and needles to say quite informative!
Among many other things it told me what makes a serial killer; emotional abuse during childhood, neglectful distant mother, parents not setting up moral standards, all of it resulting in dysfunctional romantic relationships and hence loneliness.
They suffer = the society suffers.
Among serial killers 70% had been victims of familial alcohol and drug abuse. Everyone need to read this gemstone of a book!
Among many other things it told me what makes a serial killer; emotional abuse during childhood, neglectful distant mother, parents not setting up moral standards, all of it resulting in dysfunctional romantic relationships and hence loneliness.
They suffer = the society suffers.
Among serial killers 70% had been victims of familial alcohol and drug abuse. Everyone need to read this gemstone of a book!