Killer Charm: The Double Lives Of Psychopaths

From the Files of Linda Fairstein

by Linda Fairstein

Linda Fairstein unmasks the true face of psychopathy, and reveals the warning signs that every woman should know

The 2009 “Craigslist Killer” murder case shocked America, not just because of the heinous nature of the crimes but because their perpetrator—a handsome young law student with an unsuspecting girlfriend—seemed a very unlikely suspect. This killer, like others before him, had learned to leverage his charm and golden-boy looks to lure his victims, a skill many psychopaths learn to master. In Killer Charm, legal expert Linda Fairstein draws on her decades of experience in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to uncover what traits psychopaths often share, and how to spot them. She illustrates these points with the stories of some of America’s most notorious sex criminals, such as Ted Bundy and Marvin Teicher. Originally published in Cosmopolitan, this essay is now available in digital format for the first time and features a new introduction by the author.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime

8 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Linda Fairstein (born 1947) is one of America's foremost legal experts on crimes of violence against women and children. She served as head of the sex crimes unit of the Manhattan District Attorney's office from 1976 until 2002 and is the author of a series of novels featuring Manhattan prosecutor Alexandra Cooper.

Like Fairstein, Alex ('Coop') Cooper is in charge of the Special Victims Unit of the Office. She works closely with NYPD detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace. The 17th book in her best-selling series - DEVIL'S BRIDGE - launches in paperback in June, 2016. The 18th novel - KILLER LOOK - debuts on July 26th.

This year, Fairstein will debut a new series for Middle Grade readers - 8-12 years old. Her kid sleuth, Devlin Quick, appears in INTO THE LION'S DEN in November, 2016. The series is an homage to Nancy Drew, whose books inspired Linda's two careers - in crime fiction and in the law.

Ms. Fairstein is an honors graduate of Vassar College (1969) and the University of Virginia School of Law (1972). She joined the Manhattan District Attorney's office in 1972 as an Assistant District Attorney. She was promoted to the head of the sex crimes unit in 1976. During her tenure, she prosecuted several highly publicized cases, including the "Preppy Murder" case against Robert Chambers in 1986.

Linda Fairstein left the District Attorney's office in 2002, and has continued to consult, write, lecture and serve as a sex crimes expert for a wide variety of print and television media outlets, including the major networks, CNN, MSNBC among others. Ms. Fairstein is often called to provide her opinion on high profile prosecutions including: Michael Jackson's molestation charges in 2004, Kobe Bryant's sexual assault charges, and Scott Peterson's trial. She is also a frequent speaker on issues surrounding domestic abuse.

Ms. Fairstein lives in Manhattan and on Martha's Vineyard with her husband, Michael Goldberg. Her novels draw on Ms. Fairstein's legal expertise as well as her knowledge of and affection for the rich history of the city of New York.

Series:
* Alexandra Cooper Mystery

Reviews

[Hazel Richardson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not at all what I was expecting. I just thought I'd finished the introduction and it was the end of the book! No idea why this was published as a book. It works as an introduction but really doesn't give any information that most people, especially anyone interested in reading a book about psychopaths, wouldn't already know. Almost seemed like an excuse to mention higher profile cases she'd been involved in as she didn't actually give any detail about anything. Very disappointed.

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is no cause for this to be listed as a book. It's a three minute read, tops.
It hardly qualifies as an article. It's not particularly informative and is very loosely worded.
It reads like a TEASER to an ACTUAL book.

[Fatma Budak · Rating 1 out of 5]

Please don’t support this monster!! #whentheyseeus

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a book. Not sure why it’s packaged as such. It’s more of an essay, or an intro to a book. I was expecting a book about psychopaths and psychopathy. I got a short story telling me that those things exist.

[Edith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good primer on how to spot psychopaths and other criminally minded predators who may cross your path, and how to protect yourself from them. When it comes to trusting people, it's best to err on the side of caution. Just one of these types of people can wreck your life.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

NOT a book! Just a short article.

[Jennifer Giles Hinojosa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure why this is listed as a book. It took me five minutes to read and seemed more like an essay than anything else.

[LC · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're hoping for a psychology book, or indeed, any sort of book, don't bother - it's about three pages long and seems to be an unfinished introduction. Pity, as it would make an interesting subject choice.

[Matthew Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible book and terrible author. Hopefully she reads the reviews one day and realizes that those who would knowingly prosecute children like she did should suffer the same punishment and more. Truly evil.

[Tim Clouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

94 Pages of Recycled Magazine Articles

Everything here was published elsewhere with a few additions. If you really enjoy true crime tales, it may be OK. Otherwise, read only if you don't have to pay for it.

[Shannon Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were brief stories about case files Linda Fairstein has worked on. Some good tips, but I like to read indepth true crime stories.

[Vanessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Central Park Five

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trash don’t read any of this racist piece of shits books

[Gigi · Rating 2 out of 5]

That's all?

Incredibly short. No depth. Like this review.
This came across like a sketch of an idea, not a ready to publish book.

[mar · Rating 1 out of 5]

disgusting monster

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must be honest in saying that I expected more from this book by Linda Fairstein. Granted it was a short story, but it just left me cold, unlike her full length novel. Fairstein's background makes her a perfect candidate to write on this topic, but this book came off as very superficial.

I am hoping that this was released as "lil bites" to a full length book coming out! I would jump at that bad boy!

[Mary Chrapliwy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little longer than the four pages listed in the description. I imagine this was supposed to be a short true story. However, it read more like just an excerpt of a longer work... perhaps it is? This one left me scratching my head and wondering what I missed. NetGalley's desription describes this as a longer work, but it is not. It may be well written, but it's short length lacks substance.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not exactly sure of the purpose of publishing this short essay, originally published in a magazine, as a standalone. It would be better served to publish a book's worth collection of such essays but nevertheless it was an entertaining read on how psychopathic serial killers can seem to be very charming people in their everyday "normal" lives. The addition of a new introduction to the essay by the author also adds to the reading experience.

[Majanka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/mini-rev...

A bit of a dissapointment. Very short, and offers no real insights. It reads more like a prequel to a novel at around 12 pages. Nevertheless, the article itself is interesting, and talks about the peculiar charm of killers. If this was novel-length, I would have enjoyed it more.

[Rebecca Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

At 11 pages, this wasn't a book. More like just the first chapter. What was there was interesting, and fairly well written, but I expected a more in-depth approach. Luckily I got my copy free. It was worth about that much.

[Eileen · Rating 1 out of 5]

12 pages? Are you kidding me??

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short however it sounds sadly familiar and very accurate

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was shorter than I expected, but I still enjoyed it. I prefer her fiction.

[Margaret Young · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overly short and with extremely few (and obvious) 'insights.'

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

It feels like this is a chapter from a much longer book. :(

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, just fluff essays

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't count ten pages as a 'book' and saying that I expected more is an understatement.