Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Book Review: Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit by John Douglas

Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime UnitMindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars on Goodreads


John Douglas has written a reference book that belongs on the desk of any crime writer. Even though not every writer discusses the FBI's serial crime or the behavioral analysis units, this study into the mind of criminals opens endless possibilities for topics while at the same time reinforces the effort these brave agents go through to solve some of the most bizarre crimes. The model for Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs, Douglas detailed profiles, habits and next moves to give law enforcement officers new tools to use in their fight against crime.

Through interviews with many of the most notorious serial killers and mass murderers, Douglas takes the reader inside their minds. From Charles Manson, who had to sit on the back of a chair to appear taller than he was, to Richard Speck, who murdered nurses in South Chicago, Douglas holds little back. Evil people are portrayed in all their evilness. This journey leaves the reader wanting a hot shower, sleeping with the lights on and jumping at every strange sound in familiar surroundings.

Chilling and yet fascinating, the reader will want to turn away but won't be able to.

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