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Mindhunter enters the minds of some of the country's most notorious serial killers to tell the real-life story of the Investigative Support Unit (ISU) -- the FBI's special force that has assisted state and local police in cracking some of the country's most celebrated serial murder and rape cases. The unit specializes in understanding the chemistry and mechanical workings of the brain's of these serial criminals, and did its homework by interviewing such murderers as Charles Manson and David Berkowitz (the Son of Sam). John Douglas, who worked for the FBI for 25 years, is an authority on the unit, and his book combines the best of nonfiction with that of a murder mystery.
Book Description
During his twenty-five year career with the Investigative Support Unit, Special Agent John Douglas became a legendary figure in law enforcement, pursuing some of the most notorious and sadistic serial killers of our time: the man who hunted prostitutes for sport in the woods of Alaska, the Atlanta child murderer, and Seattle's Green River killer, the case that nearly cost Douglas his life.
As the model for Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs, Douglas has confronted, interviewed, and studied scores of serial killers and assassins, including Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Ed Gein, who dressed himself in his victims' peeled skin. Using his uncanny ability to become both predator and prey, Douglas examines each crime scene, reliving both the killer's and the victim's actions in his mind, creating their profiles, describing their habits, and predicting their next moves.
Now, in chilling detail, the legendary Mindhunter takes us behind the scenes of some of his most gruesome, fascinating, and challenging cases -- and into the darkest recesses of our worst nightmares.
Customer Reviews:
Another great J. Douglas book!.......2007-09-16
What can I say other than John Douglas never fails to deliver? This book is a great read, and I loved it!
Great inside look.......2007-07-10
Given Douglas' background there was little question that he would have a story or two to tell. In Mindhunter you get a glimpse of what it takes to conduct good profiling and what an instrumental tool the profile can be. The book covers some of America's most feared monsters and what role the Behavioral Science Unit played in their capture.
James A. Forrest - Eye of the Storm
Glad To Know They're There.......2007-06-09
With crimes becoming more and more heinous, it's good to know the FBI has minds like these working behind the scenes. Predicting the profile of criminals behind specific crimes is not only an art, after years of on-the-job training but also a very special gift. A fantastic behind-the-scenes look at crime busting well worth a read.
Absolutely Fascinating - A Must for "Criminal Minds" fans!!.......2007-05-29
I have been hooked on the TV show "Criminal Minds" lately and was so interested in profiling that I purchased this book. At the time I had no idea that the author was the basis for the main character in my now favorite show. Although undrestandably full of himself, this book gives amazaing insight into the criminal profiling world, discusses many infamous serial killers, and delves into an exciting world of criminal psychology. It has made me want to track down and read every similar book!
Mindhunter.......2007-05-13
Fascinating insight into the development of profiling. Full of real case studies, it is hard to put down.
Book Description
Profiler Roy Hazelwood is one of the world's leading experts on the strangest and most dangerous of all aberrant offenders-the sexual criminal.In Dark Dreams he reveals the twisted motives and thinking that go into the most reprehensible crimes.He also catalogs the innovative and remarkably effective techniques-investigative approaches that he helped pioneer at the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit--that allow law enforcement agents to construct psychological profiles of the offenders who commit them. Hazelwood has helped track down some of the most violent and well known criminals in modern history; in Dark Dreams he takes readers into his world--a sinister world inhabited by scores of dangerous offenders for every Roy Hazelwood who would put them behind bars:* A young woman disappears from the convenience store where she works.Her skeletonized remains are found in a field, near a torture device.Who committed this heinous crime?And why? * A teenager's body is found hanging in a storm sewer.His clothes are neatly folded by the entrance and a stopwatch is found in his mouth.Is he the victim of a bizarre, ritualistic murder . . . or an elaborate masturbatory fantasy gone awry? * A married couple, driving with their toddler in the back seat, pick up a female hitchhiker.They kidnap her and for seven years keep her as a sexual slave.The wife agreed to this inhuman arrangement in exchange for a second child.Who was to blame?As gruesome as the crimes are and as unsettling as the odds seem, Hazelwood proves that the right amount of determination and logic can bring even the most cunning and devious criminals to justice.AUTHORBIO: Roy Hazelwood spent twenty-two years in the FBI, sixteen of them as a member of the Bureau's Behavioral Science Unit.He is now associated with the Academy Group, Inc., a forensic consulting firm with clients in government, industry, and the criminal justice system.Hazelwood lives in Virginia with his wife, Peggy.Stephen G. Michaud has written extensively on criminal justice topics.His previous books include Lethal Shadow, a study in sexual sadism, and The Only Living Witness, an acclaimed portrait of serial killer Ted Bundy that the New York Daily News listed as one of the ten best true crime books ever.
Customer Reviews:
Disturbing and insightful.......2007-03-12
This book is not for those with a weak constitution. The cases reviewed and discussed are disturbing, but the insight is great. This book allowed me to understand a bit more about the process used to understand the mind of the criminal.
I highly recommend this work to anyone in law enforcement, private investigations, or for those who want to understand the art of investigations... Just make sure you have not eaten lunch just before you start reading.
Graphic-Not a book for the easily horrified.......2005-08-19
This book was very informative. I was fascinated by all the things that Hazelwood has encountered in his career. This book is very graphic.
A True-Crime Book.......2005-05-29
For some reason I thought this was a book about the science behind criminal profiling. I was mostly wrong. It's a book about some mildly interesting crimes, much like you would see on A&E's crime shows.
There is a page or two about the science of criminal profiling, but that's all.
I'm not into true-crime stories, so it wasn't that interesting to me.
Again, if you're looking for the methods of profiling, this is not the book.
Dark Dreams english review.......2005-01-14
Dark Dreams is a book that is absolutely for mature readers its content is not child friendly. Roy Hazelwood spent sixteen years as a member of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit. During this time he worked on many shocking cases but that's not all, he also did research on deviant behaviors this book shows some of what he discovered. Throughout the book Hazelwood gives many examples of horrifying real life crimes that he examined. The twenty-one year old woman with no history of arrest or psychiatric problems who while working at a funeral home developed a romantic interest with a corpse. Crime knows no age, thee boys of the ages seven, nine, and ten took a female playmate and forced her to perform oral on them and they took found objects and penetrated her vaginally and anally. The book went into some detail about the crimes and the explanation of some of the reasons for the crimes and what types of behaviors that lead a person to commit them. When I finish the book I still had some unanswered questions. Don't get me wrong the book was great and I would recommend it to anyone who is mature enough to handle its contents but I wish Hazelwood had gone into greater detail.
Depth & Perception.......2004-08-05
An excellent book that offers depth and perception into the criminal mind, Dark Dreams is a harsh, disturbing but ultimately mesmerizing book. The author's unquestioned authority in this area lends breadth to his analyses, certainly, but it his is writing style that gives the work a horrifying immediacy.
Although excellent for libraries, it should be noted that this is not a book for young readers. The material is candid and at times grotesque. Recommended reference for mature students.
Book Description
California was thrown into a paralysis of fear in 1969, distraught over the unsolved murders of the Zodiac killer. The Zodiac became the most elusive and frustrating adversary ever encountered by the law enforcement community in the San Francisco Bay Area. A series of letters, allegedly written by the murderer himself and published in local newspapers, only added to the mystery and panic. Over 30 years after he exploded onto the headlines of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Zodiac serial killer remains an enigma that is unparalleled in the history of crime in America, and the case remains unsolved. Violence expert Michael Kelleher and psychologist David Van Nuys attempt to provide a glimpse into the mind of this mysterious murderer. Kelleher and Van Nuys reconstruct the crime scenes, delve into the records, and psychoanalyze the Zodiac's letters to newspapers and the law enforcement agencies. The facts of the case and the fragmentary glimpses of the Zodiac's psychodynamics that came through his letters forced the authors, reluctantly, to draw a conclusion that is sure to be controversial-namely, that the Zodiac suffered from multiple personality disorder. They also debunk many popular legends and myths about the case, laying out the limited facts that we do have on the notorious Zodiac.
Customer Reviews:
Probably the best book about the Zodiac Killer .......2007-10-09
Flowing prose and a penchant for sticking to the established facts make this book a must for anyone interested in the Zodiac. DEFINATELY read it if you think that the recent film ("Zodiac") is some type of definitive presentation of the what really happened in this truly remarkable case.
"This is the Zodiac speaking".......2004-01-29
Michael Kellehers book on the Zodiac killer is well worth the time and effort and money to obtain and read!
Having researched the Zodiac case since 1987(zodiacmurders.com) I would say his book is a crisp tight narrative that fully lays out the case with exactness as he makes the story interesting while giving the reader a multi-faceted view into all aspects of the killers mind and criminal activities.
Many have related they just 'couldn't put it down' until they read the entire book!
One correction I would like to make- while STILL focusing on this fine work-is that it says Bill Nelson wrote a book on the possible connection of the Zodiac to Charles Manson and some of his associate/s.Only a small portion of the book presents this link.The majority of the content in Nelsons (now out of print) book, is about the Manson Family.It is my book ,The Zodiac Manson Connection, that has, as its MAIN theme,a possible link to the Manson Family.
Get Kellehers book is all I can say-a must for the true crime buff and members of law enforcement!
BUY THIS ZODIAC BOOK.......2003-12-07
Look no further, this is the Zodiac book that is worth your investment of money and time. Simply excellent, both factually and as entertainment.
the zodiac speaks!.......2003-04-14
This is in my opinion slightly better than Robert Graysmith's Zodiac but it does get bogged down with the information of the analysis of the letters.However, this book discounts a few theories about the Zodiac.It denies that Zodiac was a brilliant killer. It denies that Zodiac intentionally created a Z around the city when he did his crimes, the author stating it was more a connect-the-dots connection that was weak by any stretch of the imagination.Another popular theory was that Zodiac only killed near water. This book discounts that theory too, saying that San Francisco is surrounded by water on three sides.Yet another speculation was that Zodiac was brilliant in eluding the authorities when there was evidence to the contrary. Two policemen stopped him after he killed Paul Stine, a taxi driver, and if it wasn't for a wrong description about the killer (the description was of a black man) Zodiac would have been apprehended.There is more speculation about that too, that Zodiac would not have been so easily arrested; he would have put up a fight.
I also think that the suspect in Graysmith's Zodiac Unmasked was not Zodiac because he was cleared through finger-printing. Zodiac had sloppily left two partial finger-prints on a taxi after he killed Paul Stine.
This book does more of a psychological profile than Zodiac and much of it made sense, I think the author got it right about the Zodiac.
The author, Kelleher, and David Van Nuys, Chair of the Psychology Department in a Northern Californian University, differ occasionally in their opinions about the Zodiac, but mostly agree.
Van Nuys claims that Zodiac had a multiple personality disorder, brought on from a childhood trauma. Van Nuys claims that possibly he was sexually abused and had a dominant father.He states that the normal well -adjusted personality didn't know what the Zodiac personality was doing and vice versa.
The book goes on to say that Zodiac, if he still was alive,he would be looking back on his crimes now and may have been horrified by them. Van Nuys claims that possibly the good personality might have won over the Zodiac personlity. Or possibly Zodiac had committed suicide or was dead as a result of age...if he was alive he would probably be in his mid sixties.
This book doesn't really come up with any good suspects although that has been done before with other books and failed to yield results. The suspects in Graysmith's book Zodiac, I believe were not Zodiac so this subsequent book doesn't go into suspects...I think it adds to the mystery.
****&a half.
Jack Redux.......2002-12-21
I'm still reading this, and enjoying it, but was struck by its divergence from previous theories. The other recent work on Zodiac devotes several hundred pages to a suspect which that author names as the Zodiac killer. This book mentions his name once, in a one sentence dismissal. It's getting to be like Jack the Ripper, where a new theory emerges every few years (Maybe this will be next on Patricia Cornwell's list). I don't have a favorite suspect or theory to defend, but I enjoy an articulate examination of a compelling mystery. This is one.
Average customer rating:
- i was never convinced Milligan wasn't faking
- Not Detailed Information enough!
- Wow!!
- A different read about MPD
- Really Makes You Think
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The Minds of Billy Milligan
Daniel Keyes
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ASIN: 0553263811
Release Date: 1994-01-01 |
Customer Reviews:
i was never convinced Milligan wasn't faking.......2007-09-24
to me Milligan comes across as an ego-maniac fraud. i believe he had an abusive childhood and that he is a sociopath, but i believe he just learned to act and manipulate people. he is a serial rapist and armed robber. i hope he is cured, but i believe he is a con man who has created quite a scam for himself.
Not Detailed Information enough!.......2007-07-01
I hate to sound morbid or cruel but I don't think the author really explains the actual cruelty and abuse that Billy suffered at the hands of his stepfather on that farm in Ohio. I am glad that the author shows us pictures of the real Billy and his family. We should realize how important the effects of cruel child abuse whether physical, sexual, emotional or psychological can manifest in a young child like Billy. Of course, there is no excuse for his crimes of raping women. The author explains the development of Billy's mind and the fragments which holds the personalities or individuals that make him. Without them in the first place, Billy would not be alive. They came to be because of the abuse and it was a self-defense mechanism to help him cope and survive. Of course, how would be respond as young children in his situation of cruelty at the hands of a stepfather who just hated the boy. Anyway, the author does also show his drawings and how the authorities and psychiatrists came to believe that he was indeed insane at the time of his crimes. The pictures and drawings in the book indicate trouble especially the raggedy ann doll with a noose around her neck as a sign of trouble. Even Sybil was or is still an artist herself, creative people like Billy and Sybil developed their personalities in order to cope with such needless suffering, cruelty, and abuse at the hands of those who claimed to have loved them, their own parents. Of course, Sybil's mother was mentally ill but went untreated and Billy's mother left his stepfather because of all the abuse in the household.
Wow!!.......2006-03-27
This is an incredible book. It takes you through the harrowing, depressing mind of Billy Milligan. It amazes me so much that it's a true story. I guess sometimes, fact is better than fiction. It's my favorite book - a must-read if you have any interest at all in psychology.
A different read about MPD.......2005-11-03
As with any work of non-fiction, we should allow ourselves to believe as much or as little as we wish to what the author(s) has to reveal in the story. I found this book to be an extraordinary account of the life of a young man living with MPD and the struggles he faced both personally and in society.
Although the crimes Billy committed while under alter peronalities are unexcusable, it's both sad and appalling to know that the justice system in this country can be so cruel.
The conclusion left me wanting to know more of what Billy's life may be like today. Unlike other books about MPD where the so-called victims receive a great deal of therapy to mesh their different personalities into one, this book offers a different end to perhaps becoming whole.
For anyone interested in MPD, this is a great read to add to his/her library.
Really Makes You Think.......2005-08-23
Wow! I just finished reading this book, and I am completely blown away!
"The Minds of Billy Milligan" is about a young man with multiple personality disorder, the crimes a few of his personalities committed, and the mostly horrendous treatment he endured while trying to find help for his mental disability.
One of the crimes committed was that of rape, the other was stealing. Although I must admit that the crime of rape is horrific, it seems as if neither the court, politicians, nor the media cared about the reasons it happened. All that was focused on was punishment, at the expense of trying to help this man get better, and to learn to be a functioning person is society. It is really quite sad!!!
Unfortunately, I think that if the same thing happened today, the results would be similar. We, as a society, are so worried about making sure that everyone receives their just punishment, that we don't stop to see if there is a reason for the disconnect - a reason for why people in our society do these things. Maybe if we would focus our attention on the "whys", and how to provide EFFECTIVE treatment, we would find ourselves in a much better place.
Overall, I found this book to be both sad & thought provoking. I found myself getting angry at the reporters who sought to bring him down every time he was starting to show progress, as well as toward the politicians who used him as a bargaining chip to gain more votes - quite unhonestly, I found this to be disgusting behavior as well!
I would recommend this book to anyone intersted in psychology - specifically multiple personality disorder - it is a real eye opener!
Book Description
The Scott Peterson murder case is the most gripping and highly publicized crime story of the twenty-first century. It has fascinated the public, who are hungry for an answer to the question: Why would a man with no known history of violent crime or mental illness, with a pretty wife about to give birth to his son, brutally murder her? To help get inside Petersons head, the national media turned to Dr. Keith Ablow. His appearances resulted in a deluge of e-mails with most stating that his theories about the spawning of a killer inside Peterson were the first that made sense to them. Members of Scotts and Lacis families have also stated that his comments were the first that helped them understand what happened inside Scotts mind.
Customer Reviews:
could have been a three-page article.......2007-07-30
Your parents can certainly screw you up, and there is good reason to think Scott Peterson's parents did. But must the author take so many pages to say so? The discussion of the various generational dysfunctions was interesting, but really one can draw one's own conclusions. The author is so in love with his own theories and catch phrases that he repeats them over and over and over and over - Scott was dead, dead, dead, birth equals death, he's dead inside, okay we get it already. Despite the fact that lawyers are always saying it's not necessary to prove motive, motive IS one of the most interesting parts of murders. The author does come up with a plausible theory, but it seems to be drawn from other books and articles, and not one scrap of direct dialog with anyone involved. Also the style is annoyingly melodramatic. Of course there are theories that Scott didn't even do it - one of his lawyers wrote a book about how it was a probably a satanic cult supposedly operating in the area at the time. I guess this theory is no less possible than that one, but it was a lot more redundant and I would rather not have read the part where Scott "moans like a girl" during sex. Ew.
If you have read the rest..........2007-06-11
I have read all the books on this subject, I think this is a must read for anyone who is into this case. This was the last of the Scott Peterson books I read, I kept going back and forth on maybe he did, maybe he didn't. I am big on forensics, there was no hard core evidence so it was hard for me to accept he did it. After reading this book it finally made sense, to look inside his mind, he could have done this without remorse, to him he wasn't wrong for killimg them, it was his only choice.
I think We The Jury is also a must read. I would suggest reading the Amber Frey book, Anne Bird and the deadly game before reading this, it would have been hard to follow if you were not familiar with these books first.
Don't Bother.......2007-03-28
Dr Keith Ablow needs his head examined. Several times, I started to stop reading this drivel because it is so beyond belief; that something that happened to someone four generations ago, could make someone, today, psychotic. The doctor did not give any factual evidence to show what exactly did the family of Scott Peterson do to make him psychotic or sociopathic. I do agree Scott's mother and father are strange, but this does not prove Scott is/was insane. It is all conjecture. Don't waste your money buying. Check it out at the library if you must try to get through this mess.
Much Theory but no real documentation. Not worth the price.......2007-03-17
I read Ablow's book in about two hours in a local Barnes and Noble bookstore. I felt it was interesting, but when I looked for real documentation on his theories, I really couldn't find anything. From what I recall, Ablow never actually interviewed Scott Peterson; therefore, you can't say that he used any primary sources for this book. It is based on much hearsay. I also did not like the psychological analysis of Laci Peterson, who was the victim in this case. Ablow comments that Laci just ignored what was ugly and wanted to make everything in life pretty. I don't know if you can really say that with justification; again, he did not interview Laci Peterson, or talk to her mother, Sharon Rocha. I would not encourage anyone to buy this book because of the questionable research methods used to write it. I am a college professor and know that you have to include primary sources for validity in any book!
For my money, I felt that FOR LACI, by Sharon Rocha, which portrays Laci as only a mother could know a child, was a much better source for information on this case.
It was good, but..........2007-02-10
This was a good insight into a sick man's mind and behavior, but I didnt like the way the author painted Laci "as a woman who just wanted to pretty up the world". For Laci: A mother's story of love, loss, and justice was much better in my opinion. This book did explain a few things about Scott and his horrible crime.
Average customer rating:
- A Masterpiece
- A Very Unique Twist
- Dalgliesh Becomes a Memorable Detective
- Much Better Than Her First
- The Usual Suspects
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A Mind to Murder
P.D. James
Manufacturer: Touchstone
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Release Date: 2001-05-22 |
Book Description
When the administrative head of the Steen Psychiatric Clinic is found dead with a chisel in her heart, Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard is called in to investigate. Dalgliesh must analyze the deep-seated anxieties and thwarted desires of patients and staff alike to determine which of their unresolved conflicts resulted in murder.
With "discernment, depth, and craftsmanship," wrote the Chicago Daily News, A Mind to Murder "is a superbly satisfying mystery."
Customer Reviews:
A Masterpiece.......2007-03-17
This is my second James novel. I read The Murder Room which was written by James a few years ago and I thought that it was dreadful. It is a 500 page bore or snore. The present work was written over 40 years ago by a James in her prime. It is short and compact; and, it has a nicely balanced structure with good characters. It is written with straightforward and simple prose and it is a compelling read that is hard to put down. In short, it is what one can describe as a masterpiece.
The book opens with the literary hook: a murder in a clinic basement of the Steen Psychiatric Clinic during a busy Friday afternoon in London. On discovery of the murder, the doors of the clinic are sealed, Dalgliesh is called in, and we are off on the hunt for the killer, or killers.
The novel has an interesting set of characters, but not too many characters. It appears that there are just a half dozen suspects with a motivation to be involved with the killing. The mystery unfolds slowly, and the reader is given a few clues just ahead of the Dalgliesh.
Readers will not be disappointed, and the book demonstrates the fame and ability of James as a crime writer. Most will want to keep the book and set it aside to read again in the future. Also, the book demonstrates again that more is not always better than less. In the elaborate 550 page slow moving story told in The Murder Room, the author has a 95 page introduction and no crime until around page 130. We wait as Dalgliesh does not enter the investigation until almost page 200. Thankfully, all of that type of writing is missing here. In a Mind to Murder, the story is well underway and the reader is fully engaged by page 10. James tells a well balanced and a compelling tale in half the space.
Since the book came out in 1963, it has had approximately seven printings by three different publishers including Faber and Faber, and Penguin. It is easy to understand why.
A Very Unique Twist.......2006-12-24
Having recently read "A Certain Justice" I have set myself to reading all of P.D. James' works. "A Mind to Murder" firmly validated my decision to do so. In only her second mystery, Ms. James has the strength to pull a whopper of a twist. In so doing she provides some very strong character development for her Inspector Dalgliesh. He learns something very valuable in this work and will become a stronger detective for it.
A murder mystery set in a mental health facility provides a wealth of opportunities, none of which are wasted in this volume. In reviewing mysteries, one must be cautious not to throw out any spoilers--but what the reviewer can and did note was that Ms. James' writing is exceptional. The characters come to life and the story has something meaningful to say. In a day and age where entertainment is its own reward, it is nice to find an author who is willing to allow the benefits and burdens of moral choice to take center stage.
Dalgliesh Becomes a Memorable Detective.......2006-02-18
In Cover Her Face, the first book in this distinguished series, Adam Dalgliesh plays second fiddle to an intricate plot. In A Mind to Murder, the book revolves around the questioning mind of A.D. and he begins to come to life as an interesting character. The plot isn't nearly as intricate as in Cover Her Face, but the twists and turns are more entertainingly told.
Even physicians have to follow the administrative rules. When the administrator of the Steen Psychiatric Clinic starts counting the patient numbers, watching the expense accounts and insisting on proper paperwork, even the physicians find themselves annoyed and wanting her gone. But no one wanted her dead. Or did they? The circumstances of the murder seem to point inside the clinic. The method of death is a particularly strange one, seemingly appropriate for a psychiatric clinic.
The story has a certain anachronistic charm as it reflects practices and circumstances that have changed since 1963. The references to LSD as an analytic tool are particularly humorous in light of the drug's later uses (or misuses).
Much Better Than Her First .......2006-01-19
In some ways I wish I had started PD James with this book instead of 'Cover her Face', since this is a far superior novel. Frankly perhaps some of my enjoyment could of come from the fact that I was now familiar with her technique of unfolding the mystery; The introduction of the characters before the body is discovered, Adam Dalgliesh beginning his investigation, and then back to our suspects as they ponder who among them is the killer. It's classic mystery story telling that for me brings to mind the great Agatha Christie. I also must say that for something that was written in the early sixties, she tackles some subjects that in their day were probably viewed as scandalous, a clinic devoted to the practice of psychiatry for starters.
The Usual Suspects.......2005-02-14
As always, P.D. James has crafted a superb mystery with "A Mind to Murder". The plot is laid out in her trademark style, vascillating between the introspection of the detective Dalgliesh and the testimony of an array of characters. The story revolves around the murder of Miss Bolam, the administrative officer of the Steen Psychiatric Clinic.
Early on, motives and means are laid out for several characters, and Dalgliesh knows that it had to be an inside job. Miss Bolam was little liked by several employees and seemingly caused rancor everywhere she went. Yet Dalgliesh feels an overwhelming sense of failure as he tracks down various pieces of evidence. The storyline is fairly simple, with enough inconsistencies to throw the reader, and possibly Dalgliesh, off the real murderer's trail.
A worthy addition to the Dalgliesh series, "A Mind to Murder" offers Dalgliesh fans rare insight into his feelings about his deceased wife and son, and the insecurities he feels with moving forward with his life. The characters are well-written as always, and the story is fast-paced. Even though "A Mind to Murder" is an early work, it is not dated in the least, especially for those who love a good mystery.
Amazon.com
Some authors are worth reading because of their area of expertise, even when their objectivity may be questionable. This is true of John Douglas, who follows up his Mindhunter with another assortment of his observations and opinions from his ex-job as the FBI's top expert on constructing behavioral profiles of criminals. This book contains several passages of interest: a detailed discussion of the modus operandi versus the "signature" of a murder, and how each relates to motive; thoughts on how the press and the public can be used to flush out a killer; a taxonomy of pedophiles, with a chapter on how to protect children from them; a detailed analysis of the savage sex-murder of a female Marine; a profile of the Nicole Simpson/Ron Goldman killer; and a report on how the courts are handling behavioral testimony. Always biased, often egotistical, but uniquely experienced--that's Douglas.
Book Description
There is only one John Douglas.
We first met Douglas in Mindhunter, which told the story of his brilliant and terrifying with the FBI until his retirement in 1995. And now, again with coauthor Mark Olshaker, he goes even further. We accompany him on the Journey Into Darkness that marks every case he examines; every instance in which he helps police identify the unknown perpetrator of a violent series of rapes, kidnappings, or murders through his remarkable criminal personality profiling.
In this fascinating audio experience, we journey with some of the brilliant and sensitive agents John has trained, who have carried on his work. We take a startlingly fresh look at the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman as if John had been asked by the LAPD to identify the killer through behavioral profiling. And we hear how a lifetime around killers and their victims has shaped his views on justice and punishment.
The Journey Into Darkness is a perilous one, but ultimately a hopeful one as well. For not only do we see from the men and women who track the most sadistic of criminals what a powerful weapon profiling has become, we also get advice on how we might better keep our children, our families and ourselves safe from harm. By making the Journey Into Darkness with John Douglas and his colleagues, we come away with an insight into the human condition that no one else can offer.
Customer Reviews:
Great Read!!.......2007-09-16
This book was a great reading experience. Douglas is an experienced storyteller, and being that these are not just stories, but actual accounts of reality make is a bonus! This book was a satisfing buy for my evil sweettooth. I loved it. It was worth adding to my collection of true crime interests.
There are Lot of Other Victims not Mentioned in the dedication!.......2007-06-22
I won't go much further. John E. Douglas is an excellent expert on true crime particularly the gruesome serial killings. I got the book before the Green River Killer was identified as Gary Leon Ridgway. Anyway, he analyzes cases and gives his opinions but he is pro-law enforcement most of the time. He doesn't like to give the benefit of the doubt towards the law enforcement community. Sadly, his dedication in the beginning of the book mentions only a portion of the victims in the book which some are well-known like Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson and the victims of Bernardo-Homolka crimes in Canada, as well as a few others. There were others who were murdered, brutalized, and their names are bearly mentioned in the book. Unless he changed their names to protect their true identity which I doubt because most of the murdered victims are identified. Since he is pro-law enforcement, he may not have a total open view of the criminals themselves. Granted, he knows how to identify the criminal whether a child molester or serial killer from his actions. He aids in their capture, prosecution, and their sentence whether death penalty or life in prison. He doesn't suggest ways to prevent such disasters such as a pedophile or serial killer from becoming such a creature because they aren't really human.
The Art of Detecting Serial Killers.......2005-04-15
This book explains his career as a criminal profiler for the FBI. John Douglas solved unusual kinds of crimes done by those who kill or rape or torture because they enjoy it. Profiling requires "creative-type thinkers", not accounting or engineering types. They must work well both alone and in groups. They need good judgment based on instinct, which can't be defined in an objective nature. Douglas says serial killers are mostly made, not born. Most come from broken or dysfunctional homes, and are victims of some type of abuse. Real-life killers were used as models for "The Silence of the Lambs", "Red Dragon", and "Psycho". The modus operandi is what the offender does, the signature is why he does it (that doesn't change). Virtually all multiple killers are male. Chapter 2 gives an example of solving murders where there was only a vague eyewitness description.
Chapter 3 shows many examples where profiling was used to describe the habits of killers. Chapter 4 tells of more cases, some of which will never be dramatized for TV as they are too horrible. Chapter 5 deals with pedophiles. One warning sign would be a man whose house has games and amusements that appeal to children. Chapter 6 tells of the possible dangers to young children. One example is the murder of Megan Kanka. It doesn't tell you that her murderer was released from prison against all advice because a new governor wanted to cut costs. Fast footwork by propagandists made it appear to be the fault of the parents since "they didn't know". I wonder if this law affected the crime rate? Chapter 7 tells of the Collins family; its too long. Chapter 8 tells of the murder of Suzanne Collins, a sad tragedy. Chapter 9 tells of the after-effects on Suzanne's parents, and their support group. Chapter 10 is about the savage murder of a wife and her two girls. It established the use of criminal profiling at trials. Chapter 11 tells about the crimes of a rapist-murderer near Arlington Va. [Was this the inspiration for Patricia Cornwell's "Post Mortem"?] When they noted a 3-year gap in the crimes, they looked for someone who had been in prison for burglary; they found a likely suspect. This suspect was convicted, the first person in the world to be executed on the basis of DNA evidence.
Chapter 12 is about the unsolved murders of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson. John Douglas was not called in by the police and the prosecutors, but has formed a strong opinion of the case. [Ever notice how many people's opinions are set by the first news and can never consider the facts in the case?] Note that his discussion of the attack omits the fact that two different knives were used (autopsy report). Douglas talked of the "widespread conspiracy" argument, but didn't read Steven Singular's "Legacy of Deception" which tells how a journalist in Denver got news about the LAPD! The timeline says O. J. Simpson is innocent. The limo driver arrived at 10:22 and saw no one enter or leave until the 11pm trip to the airport. Any evidence like a glove or blood drops had to be planted the next day. Ron Goldman was 5'9" and 175 lbs. His unexpected visit to Nicole's place put him in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nicole had been involved with another man who was 5'9", 175 lbs, but a few years older. In the dark the killers attacked the wrong man, then the witness who came out of the house. If her boyfriend then went into hiding, then that would confirm this theory.
Chapter 13 gives the authors views on crime and punishment. Rehabilitation which makes a good guy out of a bad guy is best. But some offenders can never be rehabilitated and must be isolated from society. Capital punishment prevents the worst from recommitting their crimes. But the problem is to be sure those convicted are truly guilty. Criminals are manufactured from a poor home life. [But isn't this the result of poverty in many cases?] The problem is apparently without a practical solution.
Sequel to Mindhunter.......2005-03-30
John Douglas continues showing the inside of the criminal mind in Journey. High Profile cases like O.J. Simpson are included. Other cases are also included that are not as well known such as Suzanne Collins, a Marine killed by a civilian on post. As with the first installment, not for the faint of heart or anyone offended by graphic descriptions or language. Well written and easily to understand, a real page turner.
A real Journey into Darkness.......2003-11-26
I have been an avid true crime reader for several years although this is the first book that I have read by John E. Douglas. This book makes you see the darkness that a lot of people seem to have inside and what they are prepared to do to realise their fantasies whatever the cost. I was not able to put down this book even though it filled me with anxiety and sadness because the title is true - he really does take you on a journey into Darkness, although John Douglases telling of these brutal cases is masterly. He explains even the most complicated of theories in a way that is understandable to all. After reading this book I have already ordered his other books and can't wait for them to be delivered. Gripping stuff!!!
Book Description
From their gruesome, body-strewn lairs, to the darkest regions of their twisted psyches, Robert K. Ressler shows you serial killers as you've never seen them before.In his phenomenally successful Whoever Fights Monsters, Robert K. Ressler examined his brilliant twenty-year career hunting down killers for the FBI. Now, delving deeper than ever before into the criminal mind, Ressler recounts his years since leaving the FBI, working as an independent criminal profiler on some of the most famous serial murder cases of our day.Ingeniously piecing together clues from crime scenes, along with killing patterns and methods, Ressler explains his role in assisting the investigations of such perplexing international cases as England's Wimbledon Common killing, the ABC Murders in South Africa, and the deadly gassing of Japan's subway. We're also witness to Ressler's fascinating, in-depth interviews with John Wayne Gacy, the first and last one America's most prolific serial killer would ever grant, plus a shockingly candid discussion with "cannibal killer" Jeffrey Dahmer.Daring to understand the depraved minds of serial killers, Robert K. Ressler returns from the deepest abyss with an unforgettable account that is as riveting as it is shocking.
Customer Reviews:
Great Monster Book!.......2007-09-16
This book was wonderfully put together, and creepy as well. I loved the accounts of the the criminal behavior. It provides insight to the actions of the monsters themselves. It was chilling, exciting, and sick!!
Trying to understand serial killers.......2007-01-27
This was a trip into the minds of some of the most dangerous people, who might be your neighbor, your co-worker or even a friend. Step into the shoes of these diabolical maniacs and explores their homicidal rampages. I thought it was well done and a must read for any serious criminal justice fan.
Yes, Robert, you're good at what you do and we all know it.......2006-09-05
Despite his braggadocio, the stories he tells are chilling, especially the ones about the South African serial killers (I had never heard of either of them) and information about the Aum Shinrikyo cult that I had not seen elsewhere. Aum Shinrikyo, if you don't remember, was responsible for the Tokyo subway gassing in 1995. Its leader appeared to be a Jim Jones in the making, and that was the least of his danger.
John Wayne Gacy was always just plain unlikable, but I always thought Jeffrey Dahmer was sort of a pitiable character and never was this reinforced more than in the chapter about him.
great cases - bad egos.......2006-08-05
This book explored a lot of different cases and included a lot of material you don't find in other forensic/crime books, such as the interview with Jeffrey Dhamer. However, Robert Ressler has a HUGE ego problem and seemed to spend a lot of time boasting about himself and his work, his overwhelmingly large picture on the front of this book is just a small comparison to whats inside. ;)
101 Criminology.......2004-01-02
This book has great basic information on the most notorious murderers. If you are an experienced reader, you will see alot of basic information, but if this is your 1,2 or 3 book on the subject I strongly recommend it! His interview with Jeffrey Dahmer and his information regarding Dahmer is unique.
Again Robert Ressler takes about 1/5 of the book talking about his carrer, and it is easy to skip a few pages because he goes on and on about his career without making a constructive point.
If he would reduce needles carrer information and stick to the facts, he would be in no doubts and incredible writer.
But along with Roy Hazelwood, you have to filter through the egos.
Amazon.com
Jason Moss was a very strange boy: an overachiever, always looking for some challenge, some new way to excel. In his studies, in sports, and, for some reason that he can never explain comprehensibly, seducing serial killers into telling him their secrets. His first "project" was John Wayne Gacy. Moss sent carefully crafted letters to Gacy in which he portrayed himself as a young, naive, insecure gay man who could be easily manipulated. Gacy was suspicious and put Moss through harrowing emotional tests before surrendering his trust, but Moss came out ahead. Gacy fell head over heels for Moss, replying with graphic and disturbing letters instructing him to commit depraved acts for Gacy's vicarious thrills. Moss led him on, convincing Gacy that he was doing these things, but somehow this victory wasn't sufficient. So he extended his efforts to include other jailed killers. Although he experienced some success, amassing a disturbing collection of documents--including detailed sexual prose from Jeffrey Dahmer, disjointed ramblings from Charles Manson, and awkward, violent illustrations from "Night Stalker" Richard Ramirez--his closest relationship was always with Gacy, whom he eventually visited in prison, where even the unflappable Moss learned fear.
The Last Victim challenges the reader to understand not only the twisted psychology of serial killers who kill for pleasure but why and how a young, seemingly bright and healthy young man such as Jason Moss could create such elaborate schemes to ingratiate himself with them. Moss puts his own safety and well-being on the line time and time again, simply to gain these men's trust, to coerce from them some understanding of what makes them do the things they do. And the book gives readers the opportunity to gain this insight without providing serial killers their home addresses--not a bad deal, overall. --Lisa Higgins
Book Description
Jason Moss was a very strange boy: an overachiever, always looking for some challenge, some new way to excel. In his studies, in sports, and, for some reason that he can never explain comprehensibly, seducing serial killers into telling him their secrets. His first "project" was John Wayne Gacy. Moss sent carefully crafted letters to Gacy in which he portrayed himself as a young, naive, insecure gay man who could be easily manipulated. Gacy was suspicious and put Moss through harrowing emotional tests before surrendering his trust, but Moss came out ahead. Gacy fell head over heels for Moss, replying with graphic and disturbing letters instructing him to commit depraved acts for Gacy's vicarious thrills. Moss led him on, convincing Gacy that he was doing these things, but somehow this victory wasn't sufficient. So he extended his efforts to include other jailed killers. Although he experienced some success, amassing a disturbing collection of documents--including detailed sexual prose from Jeffrey Dahmer, disjointed ramblings from Charles Manson, and awkward, violent illustrations from "Night Stalker" Richard Ramirez--his closest relationship was always with Gacy, whom he eventually visited in prison, where even the unflappable Moss learned fear. The Last Victim challenges the reader to understand not only the twisted psychology of serial killers who kill for pleasure but why and how a young, seemingly bright and healthy young man such as Jason Moss could create such elaborate schemes to ingratiate himself with them. Moss puts his own safety and well-being on the line time and time again, simply to gain these men's trust, to coerce from them some understanding of what makes them do the things they do. And the book gives readers the opportunity to gain this insight without providing serial killers their home addresses--not a bad deal, overall. --Lisa Higgins
Customer Reviews:
Mediocre - At Best.......2007-05-06
This book is certainly not the worst True Crime book I have ever read. However, it presents with some obvious problems. It is NOT a journey into the mind of serial killer as much as a journey into the mind of the author. Much of the book is about the author himself and his own thoughts. While the book is organized and understandable, the style of writing is rather juvenile and lacking in depth. That said, the prison visits Mr. Moss had with Gacy were interesting and somewhat frightening; it is difficult to believe that prison guards were willing to leave the author alone with Gacy for periods of time long enough to constitue danger for the author. However, this is what happened. The last scheduled visit with Gacy truly scared the author and he never returned.
I knew the author of this book, having met him when he applied to be a Big Brother in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a True Crime fan, I did not find his interest in serial killers disturbing or exceptional. However, it is a bit odd that he found it necessary to correspond with so many of the high profile serial killers. During a routine "home visit" to his apartment as part of the Big Brother screening and application process, Mr. Moss showed me his album of response letters from many other serial killers, includig Charles Manson and Richard Ramirez. (I enjoy True Crime, but this was a bit too close for comfort for me.) If my recollections are correct, he did serve as a good Big Brother to a little boy who needed a male mentor. He did not present as narcissistic... although the tone of his book is self aggrandizing. However, perhaps Mr. Moss was less stable than he appeared at times. Another reviewer states the author took his own life. Somehow, this does not completely surprise me.
Terrible Book!.......2007-04-21
The author apparently had alot of spare time to mess with serial killers. All poor Jeff Dahmer needed was to be loved.
Too bad John Wayne Gacy didn't make soup out of the author.
The worst of all the books on serial killers I've read.
I wanted to use no stars, but, I had to choose one :(
Simply Awful.......2006-10-24
Don't waste your time. This book is more about Jason Moss and his egomania then it is about serial killers. It did not offer any new insight or information at all.
The Last Victim Revisited.......2006-07-17
I read this book when it was originally published. I knew the author and his family quite well so my mind was probably more receptive to it being a "great" book. Alas, upon re-reading it, I realize that it is not a "great" book at all but a fairly mediocre one. It is obviously written by a "first time" author and has an almost child-like narrative form. To give credit where it is due, however, it is nonetheless, disturbing and the guy had guts. I am sad to report that the author took his own life in early June of this year. That is the reason that I decided to read this book again to see if I could find any insight into why he would do this tragic thing...I think I did.
A HUGE disapointment.......2005-09-26
This book and the person who wrote it. Ok so he crossed the line of writting and face-to-face with some of life's most horrible people. But that was about the excitment end for me. Not only does he like himself alot by doing this book the way he did, it is porely written and has nothing to do with real investigative journalism. sorry I spent money for the book and contacting him.
Book Description
A dramatic and compelling true-crime psychological thriller
This incredible story shows how John Douglas tracked and participated in the hunt for one of the most notorious serial killers in U.S. history. For 31 years a man who called himself BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) terrorized the city of Wichita, Kansas, sexually assaulting and strangling a series of women, taunting the police with frequent communications, and bragging about his crimes to local newspapers and TV stations. After disappearing for nine years, he suddenly reappeared, complaining that no one was paying enough attention to him and claiming that he had committed other crimes for which he had not been given credit. When he was ultimately captured, BTK was shockingly revealed to be Dennis Rader, a 61-year-old married man with two children.
Customer Reviews:
So Interesting!.......2007-10-10
Douglas presents a cold case in his usual unique and informative way. I followed this case for years and thought I had read everything there was to know about the BTK, until reading this book. I think Douglas is the only profiler who could ever get an interview with Rader. A must read for any true-crime buff!
Best One Yet.......2007-10-10
With John Douglas's experience, expertise and charisma, along with Johnny Dodd's excellent writing skills and input from Kris Casarona, this is by far the most accurate book to date and well worth the read.
John Douglas At His Best!!!.......2007-10-01
Every once in awhile a book comes along that has the capability to transport you to another world with its spellbinding revelations and graphic details. With his amazing talent, Douglas grabs the reader with details of fantasy, obsession, and shear brutality of events that make the BTK one of the most gruesome and prolific serial killers in history. Douglas skillfully threads you through the inner workings of the criminal mind with first hand details and information that has never before been told or released to the public. If you love true crime you will love this book!
Books:
- My Grandfathers Blessings : Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging
- Old Souls: Compelling Evidence from Children Who Remember Past Lives
- Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions
- Out: A Novel
- Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction
- Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)
- Practical Aspects of Interview and Interrogation, Second Edition (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations)
- Redemption: The Last Battle of the Civil War
- Return To Me
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
Books Index
Books Home
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- Cottages by the Sea, The Handmade Homes of Carmel, America's First Artist Community
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The Anatomy of Motive : The FBI's Legendary Mindhunter Explores the Key to Understanding and Catching Violent Criminals
Journey Into Darkness
Obsession
The Cases That Haunt Us
Whoever Fights Monsters: My Twenty Years Tracking Serial Killers for the FBI (St. Martin's True Crime Library)
