Helpful Score: 2
This book was one of my more interesting texts for my degree in forensic psychology. Douglas's theories don't always agree with the popular thinking, but his logic makes sense once you understand the method. It's interesting reading, until you get to the Ramsey case where his bias gets in the way of following his own method. Some knowledge of the facts of the historical cases helps with the understanding, but the book is definitely written for the popular press. If you like CSI-type stuff you'll probably like this book, although his first book, Mindhunter, was better.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent accounts of the following cases, some solved and some unsolved:
Jack the Ripper
Lizzie Borden
The Zodiac Killer
The Black Dahlia
The Lindbergh Baby
Lawrencia "Bambi" Bembenek
The Boston Strangler
JonBenet Ramsey
I had no idea that Lizzie Borden may have been a kleptomaniac. The insights on the Ramsey case are especially good. Don't skip the "Perspectives" section at the end--the authors have some terrific suggestions on how to equip law enforcement agencies so they can solve these types of cases.
Jack the Ripper
Lizzie Borden
The Zodiac Killer
The Black Dahlia
The Lindbergh Baby
Lawrencia "Bambi" Bembenek
The Boston Strangler
JonBenet Ramsey
I had no idea that Lizzie Borden may have been a kleptomaniac. The insights on the Ramsey case are especially good. Don't skip the "Perspectives" section at the end--the authors have some terrific suggestions on how to equip law enforcement agencies so they can solve these types of cases.
Helpful Score: 1
The authors--Douglas worked for the FBI for 25 years--tackle famous cases including Jack the Ripper, Lizzie Borden, the Zodiac killer, and JonBenet Ramsey's murder. This is not sleazy or sensationalistic crime writing; the book is down-to-earth and very convincing of various parties' guilt or innocence. Highly recommended. Now I'd like to see Douglas tackle Scott Peterson and Darlie Routier.
Helpful Score: 1
Do you like true crime? This book has Jack the Ripper, the Black Dahlia, Jon Benet and MORE. Very good read.
This book includes the cases of Jack the Ripper, JonBenet Ramsey, Lizzie Borden, the Lindbergy kidnapping and the Zodiac killer. Authors give their views on who might have commited these crimes. Very good.
