Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you enjoyed ‘Mindhunter’ you will certainly enjoy this book. Unlike ‘Mindhunter’, however, this book shows how the profiling tools developed in the early years of the Behavioural Science Unit are used to categorise known serial killers. Douglas, despite the subtlety and complexity of his craft, provides the layman reader with a perceptible window into the often rotten soul of the serial killer. As he shows us, however, what makes these men ‘tick’ often vary from killer to killer. Taking four case studies of killers; interspersed with vignettes of other more known serial killers like Gacy, Bundy et al., Douglas walks us, stage-by-stage through the profiling process. This was particularly illuminating in that it exploded some of my own preconceptions about serial killers. For example, all killings of children with a sexual element are paedophilic and all serial killers target strangers to avoid detection. If you want to understand more about the workings of these inhuman humans then this is the book for you.

Although this was a little bit self-congratulatory in places, I did really enjoy it. The conversations in question take place between John Douglas and four murderers over a span of time. I found the details about the science of criminal profiling fascinating and the way in which Douglas was involved from the ground level in the institution of criminal profiling as a valid aspect of investigation. I also thought it was really interesting to discuss the differences between interviewing a suspect and interviewing a convict and the ways in which different techniques would be used to get the best possible outcome. All in all, anyone with an interest in true crime narratives will definitely get a lot out of this book. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

As a psychology student this was on my recommended reading list for my course. It's an easy to read book in terms of flow of writing but a difficult read in terms of content being discussed in some parts, which is extremely disturbing in some cases (McGowan & Kondro specifically). What I wasn't a big fan of was the plugging of other books the author has written or the mindhunter series which is based on the author. It starts to come across as a bit self-serving & grandiose when it's sprinkled so often throughout this book. With that being said, this book gives a lot of food for thought as it delves into the psyche of killers and predators. It discusses where their similarities converge & what sets them apart from each other. Easily readable in one sitting.

This book is well written and needs to be read by anyone interested in true crime. It establishes how criminal profiling is used to help us understand how and why these people commit the crimes that they do. Interesting insights from the men in this book who have committed the worst of crimes to what they were thinking before, during and after their crimes. Take it with a pinch of salt however since they are complete narcissists but interesting nevertheless! What is refreshing that the four case studies the author has chosen could be classed as “unknown” cases to the wider general public and not the usual killers such as Bundy and Rader. To read these “unknown” cases gave another insight into the way a persons mind works when committing this level of crime. In essence, it is an excellent book which will certainly get you thinking about the whole nature/nurture debate.