Dangerous Women

by Larry A. Morris

Criminologists have noted a disturbing trend in the last few decades- although men are still most often the perpetrators of murder, violent assault, and child molestation, more and more girls and women are becoming dangerous criminals, filling courtrooms and jails. While Americans cannot escape the coverage of young high-profile celebs such as Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan trading in swanky anklets for ankle monitors while out on bail, stories about seemingly everyday mothers molesting or killing their children, female teachers having "affairs" with grade school boys, and young girls beating up or molesting other children are becoming increasingly more commonplace. Simultaneously fascinated and repelled by these lurid accounts, people often wonder out loud: How could a mother or young girl do such a thing?

This is the first book for the general reader that explores the full scope of girls and women behaving badly. From inappropriate sexual behavior to brutal murders, forensic psychologist Dr. Larry A. Morris relies on thirty years of personal clinical experience with perpetrators and victims of interpersonal violence to reveal why an alarming number of girls and women are now headed down dangerous paths to crime and punishment.

Morris provides much more than a walk on the forbidden wild side of femininity. By examining the gruesome crimes of femme fatales like Aileen Wuornos, a self-destructive drifter convicted of murdering seven men, the strange case of Lisa Marie Nowak, an astronaut with huge potential at NASA and bigger problems in her love life; and the unthinkable acts of mothers like Susan Smith, who watched her car sink into a North Carolina lake while her two young boys were strapped inside, Morris provides a fresh perspective on the complex biological, developmental, psychological, and sociocultural forces driving girls and women to molest and murder. Blending humanity with scientific rigor and evocative case material, this book draws readers into the direct experiences of dangerous girls and women, their families, and the professionals who try to understand and help them. Along the way, the readers also learn practical ways to prevent these grievous acts from creeping into their lives.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

310 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Georgie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is enough to make me actually tract down the author and propose arguments with him. It's laughable to even think the way he does. If he should want a subject on this matter, he can interview me anytime. I will definitely see what I can do. Do NOT read this book if you are studying this topic. It is bull, and the point of view of the part of society that does not understand women and the laws we face AT ALL.

[Shom-shom parks · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, it tells you a lot of stories about the reason for women killing and what they’ve suffered and were exposed too. I will say though it gave off a very sexist viewing based off the writers perception.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm floored that this has decent ratings. Floored. This righteous bastard pissed me the hell off. Britney! OMG! Lindsay! OMG! They're sooo bad! It's all their fault! Believe me please! Please! Please? ???
This is the book. It's boring, it sucks, it's not the type of book an idiot could learn a thing from, it's plain horrible.
If it's true that this guy is a clinical/forensic psychologist I can say this ~ I don't know how. I can also say this ~ I couldn't be a patient of his.
If you think everything in the world is a celeb's fault read this. You'll like it. If you're normal you won't. Point blank folks.

[Bobbi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this after finding it in the trash and thought it might deserve a second chance. It doesn’t.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, rather morbid, and a bit condescending.
I would posit that the supposed uptick in female-perpetrated crimes has more to do with our patriarchal society not believing we're capable in the past, leading to no or false convictions. Low report rates by victims may also be to blame, but none of these theories are discussed.

However, I did enjoy learning about the crimes and psychology for what was shared.

[Brooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I saw a reference to this recently. If I had known is was published 14 years ago, I wouldn't have bothered. This might have been informative back then but now the general public is much more informed about psychology. I found it condescending and sexist.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very intriguing and disturbing at the same time. If you like true crime this book has a huge range of stories about women killers.

[Rozz Y · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst and most disappointing and disgusting books I’ve read. The way this author describes things is horrendous, very clear this is written by an old, decrepit man.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

(FROM JACKET)Criminologists have noted a disturbing trend in the last few decades-although men are still most often the perpetrators of murder, violent assault, and child molestation, more and more girls and women are becoming dangerous criminals, filling courtrooms and jails. While Americans cannot escape the coverage of yound high-profile celebs such as Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan trading in swanky anklets for ankle monitors while out on bail, stories about seemingly everyday mothers molesting or killing their children, female teachers having "affairs" with grade school boys, and young girls beating up or molesting other children are becoming increasingly more commonplace. Simultaneously fascinated and repelled by these lurid accounts, people often wonder out loud: "How could a mother or young girl do such a thing?"
This is the first book for the general reader that explores the full scope of girls and women behaving badly....

[Em · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an OK read. The writing was condescending and tacky in places, and I found that annoying. Definitely lacking, but provides a good overview of some of the sensational cases of female offenders.

[T.M. Carper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book--but it was disappointing. The cases that went into detail have been re-hashed time-after-time before (Alieen Wuneros, Susan Smith, Mary Kay Loutenera) and others were simply very short snippets without much detail or psychological input. Interesting, but not amazing.

[Brittney Christ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not what I thought it was. I was expecting riveting information about why people because murderers and whatnot. It was more about their stories and boring court stuff. I am really disappointed. I couldn't even finish it.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting !!!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting, in a morbid sort of way.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pulled it off the library shelf due to the "eye-catching" cover. What is wrong with these women??? Glad I don't know any of them:)

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting read. Started to feel a little redundant at times, but overall a good analysis of how women become violent offenders.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in one sitting. Some stories where a little short on detail for me but overall good book.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book by a brilliant mind. Thank you Dr. Morris!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading, well-organized.