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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Awesome history of behavioral science and the study of serial killers.
Read for a bookclub. Definitely an interesting examination of the authors career and contributions to the field, especially in terms of observed behavior of serial killers, his previous interviews, and the commitment to training offices and psychologists in recognizing signs. The section where he speculates on origins and causes of serial killers is very dated but possibly an interesting case study of what was believed 30 years ago.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Captivating and fascinating inside in to some of the darkest minds we know of. Gives great insight into the build up and advances in criminal psychology and pathology.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Incest, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder
As a dedicated Criminal Minds viewer and Real Crime Profile listener, it was really fun to see the history of the BAU from someone who helped build it. It is, at times, very dated. For example, the author feels it necessary to reassure the reader that there are, in point of fact, healthy homosexual relationships out there. Reference is also made to the Central Park Five, prior to their exoneration, as an example of criminals who try to recant, rather than victims of coercion.
One other point it really drives home is the truly remarkable sanctimony of FBI culture. I have heard on other podcasts about how Robert Mueller and James Comey are the last people you should want to tick off, because they are such self-righteously upstanding guardians of law, they will find your sin out. And Ressler really drives that home. Recommended for mystery fans, psychology fans, and other murderinos. SSDGM.
One other point it really drives home is the truly remarkable sanctimony of FBI culture. I have heard on other podcasts about how Robert Mueller and James Comey are the last people you should want to tick off, because they are such self-righteously upstanding guardians of law, they will find your sin out. And Ressler really drives that home. Recommended for mystery fans, psychology fans, and other murderinos. SSDGM.
Robert K Ressler es una maravilla. El libro es todo sacarse la polla con lo bien que lo hace, pero joder, es que lo hace todo muy bien.
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
Very much enjoyed this book. It was very informative and presented the facts without it turning into the now popular 'murder porn'. Lots of info on well known serial killers as well as lesser known ones.
However a lot of the book is now outdated. For instance he talks about using a psychic for crime investigations. He writes about homosexuality in a less than stellar way. He also said that Aileen is the only female serial killer... despite the many that existed before writing the book and now of course we are aware of many more.
However a lot of the book is now outdated. For instance he talks about using a psychic for crime investigations. He writes about homosexuality in a less than stellar way. He also said that Aileen is the only female serial killer... despite the many that existed before writing the book and now of course we are aware of many more.
Honestly written, personal story of a man who saw the worst of humanity. Really interesting if you want to learn more about the psychological aspect of true crime
This was an interesting dive into the world of serial killers. While obviously dated, given its publication year, the thing that irked me about this book is how the author went out of his way to constantly brag about himself… which definitely made it less enjoyable. If you’re interested in this topic, though, it’s a pretty solid survey of a variety of monsters.