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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Mass/school shootings, Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief
The topic of serial killers is fascinating to me and the book did a good job of exploring the various cases Ressler undertook during his career at the FBI. A lot of the killers were also profiled in the John E. Douglas's Book Mindhunter (which I also recently read), so it was interesting to see the same crimes from another person's perspective. There are still a lot of monsters out there, and BSU is continuously improving. I wonder if Ressler would approve of the progress that his old unit has made in recent years and what he would advise to refine their procedures - his voice is surely missed.
This was an extremely interesting true crime book (warning for graphic details and photos) regarding serial killers and the start of profiling serial killers in the FBI. The author does tend to go on unrelated tangents at times but the overall story and information is worth the read.
I loved this book because it is right up my alley. Ressler trained John Douglas and started criminal profiling. Both men have amazing books and if you like this or like Douglas you should check them both out. This book is older written in 93 but still very enjoyable if your into true crime, criminal psychology, and profiling.
After reading this I’m a little mad at how Ressler’s character is portrayed in mindhunter on Netflix but I know it’s not meant to be true to life just loosely based on it. But still!
After reading this I’m a little mad at how Ressler’s character is portrayed in mindhunter on Netflix but I know it’s not meant to be true to life just loosely based on it. But still!
informative
slow-paced
Warning: this book contains graphic depictions of horrific crimes along with some pretty disturbing photos. However, you need only read the subtitle to figure this out.
This book is a thorough and fascinating account of a man’s time not necessarily creating, but rather solidifying the practice of criminal profiling. Not only is the psychological information fascinating, there is some great historical information about the development of the FBI from the Hoover years to its modern iteration. This is a must-read for any true crime aficionado.
Some readers have been put off by Ressler‘s seeming egomania, but I was far from bothered. A man who has gained the trust of some of the most notoriously difficult people in the world has earned some self-assuredness. Especially since it’s in the job description when one is constantly interacting with serial killers, FBI agents, and accomplished psychologists and psychiatrists. Shrinking violets need not apply. Additionally, Ressler is as open about his failures as much as his successes; he readily admits to times when his profiles have been quite wrong, and he acknowledges the puzzles that are Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer; neither of whom fit neatly into Ressler’s developed profiles.
Despite his time in the army and straight-laced attitude, Ressler also comes off as compassionate, curious, and open-minded (he invited a psychic to speak at Quantico!). The book is masterfully put together and flows very well (props to the cowriter). I can see why Georgia Hardstark has read this book over and over; I might do the same.
This book is a thorough and fascinating account of a man’s time not necessarily creating, but rather solidifying the practice of criminal profiling. Not only is the psychological information fascinating, there is some great historical information about the development of the FBI from the Hoover years to its modern iteration. This is a must-read for any true crime aficionado.
Some readers have been put off by Ressler‘s seeming egomania, but I was far from bothered. A man who has gained the trust of some of the most notoriously difficult people in the world has earned some self-assuredness. Especially since it’s in the job description when one is constantly interacting with serial killers, FBI agents, and accomplished psychologists and psychiatrists. Shrinking violets need not apply. Additionally, Ressler is as open about his failures as much as his successes; he readily admits to times when his profiles have been quite wrong, and he acknowledges the puzzles that are Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer; neither of whom fit neatly into Ressler’s developed profiles.
Despite his time in the army and straight-laced attitude, Ressler also comes off as compassionate, curious, and open-minded (he invited a psychic to speak at Quantico!). The book is masterfully put together and flows very well (props to the cowriter). I can see why Georgia Hardstark has read this book over and over; I might do the same.