Expert Witness: The Weight of Our Testimony When Justice Hangs in the Balance

by Ann Wolbert Burgess, Steven Matthew Constantine - contributor

From the author of the critically-acclaimed true crime account, A Killer By Design (the inspiration behind Hulu's original docuseries, Mastermind), a groundbreaking look into the crucial role played by expert witnesses in the most high-profile criminal cases, based on Dr. Ann Burgess’ personal experiences within the criminal justice system.

Written through Burgess’ singular lens of compassion and lived experience, Expert Witness pulls back the curtain on some of the biggest cases in the last thirty years—from Bill Cosby to the Menendez brothers to Larry Nassar—to reveal the deeply human stories behind the trials that have captivated a nation. The book explores the role of expert witnesses in high stakes court cases, offering first-hand accounts and never-before-seen interviews with attorneys, victims, and offenders.

Expert Witness places readers inside the mind of the nation’s most prominent courtroom expert, following Burgess as she takes on one seismic case after the next. Throughout the narrative, each case deepens the reader’s understanding of the art and science of expert testimony, taking readers from the women’s movement of the 1970s to the #MeToo movement of today—one of the largest social reckonings in recent history. At its core, Expert Witness is a story of empowerment. It’s a story of compassion and the ever-increasing need for individuals to stand up and speak truth to power or to popular opinion. And it's ultimately a story of how revolutionary one voice can be.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Audiobook, Crime, History, Science, Politics

Audible Audio

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Ann Wolbert Burgess, D.N.Sc., APRN, FAAN, is an internationally recognized pioneer in the assessment and treatment of victims of trauma and abuse. She has received numerous honors including the Sigma Theta Tau International Audrey Hepburn Award, the American Nurses’ Association Hildegard Peplau Award, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Episteme Laureate Award. Her courtroom testimony has been described as “groundbreaking,” and she has been called a “nursing pathfinder.”

Reviews

[Olive Fellows (abookolive) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting look into the author's work as a sexual assault trauma therapist and how she has used that expertise to act as an expert witness in cases large and small, famous and under-the-radar. She gives a brief overview of how expert witnesses came to be integral in the court system before going into her involvement in some well-known cases, like the Menendez brothers and Bill Cosby.

I wish there had been a little more to this book; I feel like I blinked and it was over. But the discussions in here were important and eye-opening.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I never really thought about what it took to be an expert witness in the criminal justice system, besides being top in their chosen field, but reading this really brought to light the very delicate balancing acting it takes to be one. It was so engrossing and shocking at some of the things I learned. Expert Witness, is a nonfiction book that covers the history and development of what it is to be an expert witness in court proceedings. It includes very important historical cases that affected the use and rules on having an expert's testimony. Not only that but very well known cases today that the author worked on using her knowledge and experience. I found it all fascinating, especially getting these insider looks at these national news cases and I do mean inside, because it looks at the psychological and behavioral aspects of these cases from both victim and perpetrator perspective. I highly recommend this book especially if you're into History, true crime, and psychology. It is very riveting stuff.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕣𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕞 𝕡𝕚𝕡𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕔𝕣𝕒𝕒𝕒𝕒𝕒𝕫𝕪, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 🙂‍↕️

If you were certain you’d be Hoch’s next new hire, this is a must read. Ann Burgess quite literally wrote the book on criminal profiling. & Now—w the help of Constantine—she’s ripped back the curtain even further.

I was v familiar w many of the cases discussed here (𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘻 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘴, 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘣𝘺, 𝘋𝘶𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦, 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘕𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺), yet Ann still managed to blow my mind w facts shared for the first time in these pages.

Admittedly, I picked this up more for the tea than for the edu on the role of Expert Witness—but Expert Witness is a position w 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 much much more power than we know. There’s exponentially more responsibility than I imagined, & without their insight countless people would be left in a legal limbo—a horrifying & confusing place to be as the victim of a crime. Even those falsely accused depend on EW testimony! There’s so much hinging on what these professionals say, so learning how similar to the Wild Wild West the role is/was/can be was eye opening to say the least.

If you have any interest in behavioral analysis & criminal profiling, psych in general, true crime, laws within the court system, feminism, the #MeToo movement specifically & all it represents or are just looking for nonfic so interesting you won’t wanna put it down—𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 😋

Thank you bunches to Grand Central Pub for the #gifted copy—your nonfic game lately 😮‍💨😮‍💨🫶🏻

[CYIReadBooks (Claire) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expert Witness by Ann Wolbert Burgess offers a glimpse into the career of a pioneering forensic psychologist who helped shape criminal profiling. The book chronicles Burgess’s experiences working on high-profile cases, including her contributions to understanding criminal behavior and aiding legal proceedings. Through her perspective, readers learn about her involvement in cases like the Menendez Brothers and the Duke University lacrosse team, Bill Cosby, as well as her behind-the-scenes work in forensic psychology.

I enjoyed the book for its unique perspective on Burgess’s groundbreaking career, and certain cases, like the Menendez Brothers, the Duke lacrosse team, and Bill Cosby were gripping and held my attention with their intensity and complexity. However, the book often felt tedious, as much of it focused on the aftermath of investigations rather than the investigative process itself. As someone who enjoys the thrill of active casework and the details of investigations, I found the emphasis on post-investigation analysis and behind-the-scenes work less engaging. While informative, the narrative lacked the consistent excitement I was hoping for, making it a solid but not standout read.

Overall, Expert Witness is a decent read for those interested in forensic psychology, but it may not fully satisfy readers looking for in-depth, action-packed investigative stories. Three stars.

I received a DRC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expert Witness: The Weight of Our Testimony When Justice Hangs in the Balance tells of Dr. Ann Burgess’s experiences as an expert witness on some of the biggest cases in recent years, including those of the Menedez brothers, the Duke Lacrosse team, Bill Cosby and more. Dr. Burgess is a forensic and psychiatric nurse, a professor at Boston College, and she has worked with the FBI.

The introduction sets the stage for her work by walking us through the history of the use of expert witnesses. I found this to be informative and helpful, but a little dry. The book got to be very interesting once she started telling her stories.

I admired her openness when telling of the challenges she’s faced over the course of her career. For example, the environment in the 1970’s was very different than it is today and it was more difficult having her opinions be truly considered. In more recent years where she’s sometimes struggled to balance empathy with impartiality.

Not surprisingly, my favorite chapters were those which dealt with the highest profile cases. At those times when I wished she talked about the cases through their resolutions, I had to remind myself the book was about the role of the expert witness, not a recount of the entire case.

Here’s my to-do list now that I’ve finished this enjoyable book:
• Watch the Mastermind docuseries on Hulu.
• Watch ESPN’s 30 on 30 episode about the Duke Lacrosse scandal.
• Determine whether the Menedez-related season of Monsters on Netflix had any mention of Dr. Burgess.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read Expert Witness. The above opinions are my own.

[Morgan Knudsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting. Actually gave me a different perspective on large cases like the Menendez brothers. She does a good job describing victims responses to trauma. Also interesting how media has played a large role in the portrayal of certain cases

[kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A peak into the work of expert witnesses, or at least one of them.

I was honestly left a bit underwhelmed. I was hoping for more - more history, more insight into contemporary issues (ex. Blood spatter expert(s) that may or may not be credible, or if blood spatter analysis can even be considered "generally accepted.") - and less sensationalizing. Especially given the relatively short length with the true crime cases chosen, it felt too surface level.

**I received my copy from Netgalley.

[CoffeeNQuotations | Jacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Burgess is a hero of mine for her— often overlooked & under-mentioned— work in the field of criminology, victimology, & profiling, making this one of the top books on my TBR! I appreciated Burgess’ ability to balance empathy & facts while discussing her role in various high profile cases without sensationalizing them. It is clear throughout this book that she is passionate, not just about her work but also about the role she plays as an expert witness. I think this book is also good at giving insight & information for those with some knowledge in the field & for the layperson— it wasn’t overly “heady” nor simplistic. I found this book to be engaging & worked my way through it at a decent clip.

The book ends with some powerful statements about the role of an expert witness that I felt were very strong! However, my one qualm came in this same epilogue. As other reviews mention, Dr. Burgess advocates strongly for the future of AI in policing, threat & risk assessment, & other areas within her field. I was fairly surprised by this &, honestly, disappointed. I’m sure there are people who will agree with her perspective, & of course Dr. Burgess didn’t write this for me or to please everyone. But I felt it was important to include this because it did dampen my enthusiasm for this book a bit. With the resources AI consumes, it’s questionable validity in the form of bias among other issues, & its impact on various skills when over-relied upon, I think this is a concerning place to be putting our faith, especially as folks with a dedication to the truth. Overall, 4/5 🌟

[Katee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

Ann Burgess is back with another account of her work in well-known cases. As someone who testifies at times as an expert witness, I was hoping for more of her experience as an expert witness while testifying. In a trial this typically occurs following qualifying questions to show one is an expert in a given field. She did a good job of explaining the rules of evidence and the cases that have changed those rules over time. What she doesn't discuss much is her actual testimony experience as an expert witness. Most of the cases she discusses in this book are ones she consulted on but didn't actually testify to. I found that extremely misleading given the synopsis and title of the book. I'd be interested to hear about cases she actually testified in. While I don't deny that she is an expert in her field, the title is misleading because only one or two of the cases she discusses are ones she actually gave testimony to as an expert witness. I still enjoyed reading her insight into these cases, but I don't know if it really added anything that isn't readily available for prior consumption.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.

[Elizabeth Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a feeling I'm the only person in my social circles that has a favorite criminal investigator. Although, I suppose, if true crime fans listen to podcasts or read non-fiction, they may choose an investigator-turned-celebrity like Paul Holes. For me, is a pinnacle of the field. She continues to rock the world of justice at age 88 and also remains at the top of my list for as a pioneer, public speaker, feminist, data researcher, and author. EXPERT WITNESS is her second book with co-author Steven Matthew Costantine. The first was A Killer by Design: Murders, Mindhunters, and My Quest to Decipher the Criminal Mind.

Pros:

EXPERT WITNESS is exceptionally well-organized and easy to read despite the severity of the subject matter. It includes an introduction, ten chapters, and an epilogue. The introduction and epilogue are, honestly, chapters in their own right. They aren't exactly short and each presents a topic that Burgess and Constantine explore with headline examples. The chapters take on a handful of specific criminal and civil cases where Burgess took on the role of an expert witness. Not all of them required her to take the witness stand, though she was always prepared for it.

The introduction gives a history lesson of how the American court system created expert witnesses and laid out the credentials required. American judicial history, of course, spurred from the English (without those wigs). Needless to say, 18th century to present day scientists called to the witness stand can and do have biases, even though they should not. For a basic understanding of the landmark cases, Frye v. United States (1923) and Daubert v. Merrell Dow (1993) and the Federal Rules of Evidence, readers will appreciate the beginning of the book.

The first chapter is an example of what Burgess' research was like for a great deal of her career. She took on Jane's case in the early 1970s. Jane was the victim of a home invasion and sexual assault by three men. What's crucially addressed in this chapter and others is that cases of rape (which legally may be divided into other labels) are so rarely brought to trial [1]. The cases Burgess and Constantine chose to include in EXPERT WITNESS illustrates how badly victims are treated by law enforcement, lawyers, judges, juries, the press, and the public. What's impressive is that by chapter ten, some of these heinous behaviors are changing as the growth and change occur in society. For Burgess to bear witness to these changes within one lifetime is remarkable.

Chapters 2-4 are about the work Burgess did on the defense for Erik Menendez, one of the two infamous Mendendez brothers who murdered their parents. People in Burgess' sphere were shocked that she was going to defend a male killer given her historic path of helping female victims of violence by men. She was only allowed to work on one of the brothers' cases. This look at her approach, what happened in court, and then what couldn't happen during the second trial show how frustrating the judicial process is.

The Con-Man. It's a character who has been romanticized throughout time in stories. Burgess calls them out for what they are: liars and manipulators out for their own gain. Chapter 5 is an important highlight in Burgess' career. She categorized Charlie Scott as a confidence-style rapist. The reason this case is well-chosen for a book about expert scientific witnesses is that psychology and psychiatry can be disparaged in discussions about science. There are valid reason which aren't for a book review. Burgess blossomed into the pioneering advocate for victims of violence because of her years as a psychiatriatic nurse who interviewed and treated those victims.

What is a confidence-style rapist? These are offenders that will manufacture relationships with their targets. As a friend or acquaintance, this type of offender gaslights their victims into questioning whether the assaults were consensual sex. Casting that doubt is all it takes for uncertainty to take hold. Victims blame themselves.

Erik Menendez wasn't the only case where Burgess' expertise was sought out to defend a man. Burgess' feminism has always revolved around helping victims regardless of demographic. She carved the methods to analyze and find patterns of (at the time, all male) serial violent criminals.

Chapter 6 might be a difficult case for some readers to appreciate (as I feel about the epilogue). The Duke University case of lacrosse players falsely accused of beating and raping a female dancer they hired for entertainment was one of the most polarizing of examples of collegiate elites versus someone of a less glamorous status. Burgess agreed to help on the defense of Reade Seligmann, at the time a 19-year-old student and one of the three accused athletes. The reasons become crystal clear in this chapter why Burgess was willing to take on the case. She and Constantine clearly present the evidence and the unreliable narrative of the accuser.

Before going into what I felt were the best chapters in EXPERT WITNESS, there's chapter 9, "Kemper Revisited." This chapter is unlike any of the others. Kemper has been in prison for a long time. He has never denied his crimes although he sometimes lies. He's also famous for being the first serial killer the FBI decided to use in order to invent the entire field of profiling. This chapter shows Burgess' point of view when she was contacted by Gregory Horoupian in 2018. There's a lot of inaccurate information about Kemper and his crimes which is why Horoupian went to Burgess. He wanted to go back to the primary sources including Burgess and Kemper to get the stories right. None of the graphic details of those crimes are included. This unique chapter is truthful look behind the scenes yet away from the filthy trenches of a serial killer's mind (for that read the other book by Burgess and Constantine).

The heaviest hitters in EXPERT WITNESS are chapters 7, 8, and 10. These show Burgess' involvement with one victim of Bill Cosby and one victim of Larry Nassar. The two cases are even larger in impact, spectacle, and sensationlism than the Menendez case.

Andrea Constand suffered from delayed onset posttraumatic stress disorder as determined by Burgess. This was necessary to show that Constand was, in fact, effected to this day by Cosby's assault. Burgess administered a psychiatric examination, came to understand Constand's mental state, and saw what elements of the present day are clouded by the trauma. Cosby was bold enough to try it again when Constand went to his house a second time with the plan to confront him.

Details like Constand's loose-fitting, inconspicuous wardrobe choices of 2016 show how Constantine plucked signs of depression from Burgess' input. This survivor resigned from her job and moved back in with her parents. She lost weight, another sign. Perhaps the saddest for her was when she lost her interest in sports. The whole reason she went to see Cosby was because she sought his mentoring to get a job in sports journalism. The shame and embarrassment are palpable in each paragraph. Cosby's grotesque actions are spelled out in detail. It's Constand's play-by-play descriptions including her assailant's flippant side of their conversations that will make any former Cosby fan feel like they've been punched in the gut.

Larry Nassar, convicted sex offender, has had over 500 known victims, according to chapter 10, "Victim Impact Statements." When Burgess became involved in the case, there were 150 victims who had come forward. This chapter's title clearly illustrates one key part of a modern case. The prosecution brought Burgess on board for the exam and analysis of the victim called M. in EXPERT WITNESS. Burgess set out to show M. that, in this tsunami of survivors, she was going to be more than a data point. The goal was for M. to feel seen, heard, and acknowledged by an impartial person. Like the Cosby chapters, chapter 10 includes the details of what M. went through at the hands of Nassar, and subsequently, her personal aftermath.

Cons:

The epilogue is more than a mere summation of Burgess' thoughts on the role of the expert witness in today's American judicial system. Burgess jumps into the deep end in defense of artificial intelligence. Knowing that AI is not only responsible for consuming natural resources beyond measure, and that AI is not a fact-checked source [2], makes any defense of LLMs unbearable.

I will point out that Burgess, unlike people stealing art, speaks about her excitement for a tool where investigators can feed their written reports and have those analyzed to find patterns and allow humans opportunities to use their time more productively. Personally, I don't think that will happen, but I'm not an expert. Burgess believes AI will produce indisputable facts without bias.

People better versed than I could ever be on AI have worked through the various systems and come across its failures. These LLMs have been proven to exhibit bias in favor of white, heteronormative, conservative-thinking males. It's a running joke how quickly they turn against humanity's best interests.

Summary:

EXPERT WITNESS is a quick way to get an authentic look into the world of being a scientific expert and advocate for victims of violent crimes. From the 1970s to present day, Dr. Ann Wolbert Burgess has had a fascinating perspective about the aftermath of such crimes which she graciously shares with the world. Steven M. Constantine co-authors Burgess' decades of experience in a digestable format with well-organized chapters. The stories include transcripted conversations and court records while still adding the flourishing touches of what Burgess was thinking, the setting, and what she gleaned from those involved in each case.

Burgess' opinion of AI is hopeful and clearly comes from a place of passion in crime solving and proving. This is a divisive topic. The viewpoint that AI will solve, rather than cause, problems is something that has yet to become a proven fact. The naciency of the technology has a long way to go before law enforcement—no less civilians—should rely on it for unbiased and factual output.

Being analytical does not mean without empathy, compassion, and concern. Burgess bears the weight of the burdens people entrust to her to see that justice is done.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Notes:

Only 2-5% of sexual assault caes make it to trial.

Articles on AI:

Krishnamohan, A. (2025) Why ai fails: The untold truths behind 2025’s biggest Tech letdowns, Techfunnel. Available at: https://www.techfunnel.com/fintech/ft... (Accessed: 04 August 2025).

Wu, D. (2025) Lawyers using AI keep citing fake cases in court. judges aren’t happy., The Washington Post. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation... (Accessed: 04 August 2025).
"Courts across the country are facing a deluge of filings from attorneys and litigants that back their arguments with nonexistent research hallucinated by generative artificial intelligence, prompting judges to fight back with fines and reprimands.
The problem reflects well-known issues with AI tools, which are prone to fabricate facts, or in these cases, citations. Soon after AI tools such as ChatGPT began to circulate, attorneys made headlines for submitting error-ridden memos after failing to check AI-assisted work."

[Coffee & Kindles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book , we see Dr Burgess’s pioneering techniques in action and get an inside look at some off the most famous case’s of the 20th century. I recommend it if you are into true crime stories

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing Ann Burgess speak at CrimeCon earlier this year, so of course I had to grab her book! I loved seeing how she used her expertise to act as an expert witness in (or consult on) a variety of cases, and taking a look into her work in general. It was also interesting to see how expert witnesses came to be a part of the court system, plus the behind-the-scenes looks into cases like the Menendez brothers. It was shocking and horrifying, and I recommend picking this up if you have any interest in criminal behavior analysis, forensic psychology, and the court system.

[Giana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book was absolutely excellent, although not quite what I was expecting. Chapter One gave a brief history of expert testimony in the courtroom, and I was expecting the book to be more about that. That's probably on me for not reading the synopsis closely enough. Instead, this is a memoir about Burgess's time serving as an expert (witness, consultant, etc.) in several high profile cases such as the Menendez trial (extra relevant as both brothers have just been denied parole) and the one of the Bill Crosby trials. Burgess talks extensively about the need to remain unbiased when peoples lives and reputations remain in the balance. As someone who had very little background on any of the cases mentioned, I can't ascertain whether or not she succeeded, however (for the most part) she was very clear where scientific evidence ended and her conjecture began.

This was a very informative look into some very rough cases. I definitely recommend reading trigger warnings (primarily for SA and CSA) before going into this.

[Jody Blanchette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Dr. Burgess for a while. She is a pioneer in her field, and an amazing woman. Dr. Burgess helped create the BAU in the FBI, and has been a voice for victims for years. She approaches all cases with a non biased, scientific approach. She looks for the facts to help the victims with their case. She is the best Expert Witness.
In her book, Dr. Burgess tells about her working with the Menendez brothers, a victim of Bill Cosby, and more. She details their reactions and emotions to trauma, and how it can come back and control them. It’s heartbreaking, but extremely factual.
During a recent event, I saw how Steven Constantine helped bring this book to life. He is obviously a fan of Dr. Burgess, a work colleague and a perfect match for the teamwork that was needed to create this book. Dr. Burgess is a vault of information and stories that has been bursting to come out, and Steven helped facilitate that.
I shook Dr. Burgess’s hand, and was genuinely in awe of her. She is the OG of her field, an icon, and a wonderful human.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXPERT WITNESS is a fascinating, firsthand look at the way expert witnesses in criminal trials work with lawyers, victims, and offenders.

Ann Wolbert Burgess is a rare gem within this realm. She’s compassionate, fair, and open-minded, within a criminal justice system that’s often harsh and biased. This book made me think about how we define “experts,” how much weight we place on their testimony, and how often they bring their own preconceptions and biases with them into a case.

Burgess takes us through some of her higher profile cases, including the Menendez brothers and Bill Cosby. I was fascinated by the amount of work that went into the research and preparation for each case. I also learned some interesting and chilling things along the way.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in crime, justice, psychology, and/or women working their way through a male-dominated field.

*Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the free ARC!*

[H. Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

5. I seldom give five stars, but this one deserves it! I've been a fan of Ann Burgess since I first discovered her work. I read her first book, too. But, this, THIS, is SO good. The insight she brings to some of the US's most famous cases is fascinating. Because being a famous mindhunter isn't enough, she has to totally slay at being an expert witness, too? As you all know if you follow my reviews, I teach American History through the lense of famous criminal cases and trails. This book has already got me thinking about changing around some of my lessons. It also gives me ideas about how to better teach my students about the intersection between "chaos and clarity" as Burgess puts it. So thoughtfully written, and compassionate. Beautifully done.

[Larisa Cueva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never expected to be so drawn into a true-crime, nonfiction book but “Expert Witness” completely captivated me.

Dr. Ann Wolbert Burgess with Steven Matthew Constantine shares her groundbreaking work as forensic expert while also standing out as a strong female voice in a male-dominated field.

What makes this book remarkable is how it balances scientific insight with genuine humanity, blending evidence with empathy in a way that lingers long after the final page.

It will be exciting to see everything she will accomplish by integrating AI!!

Trigger warnings: SA, CSA.

A big thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!

[Megan Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fascinating. From the beginning, it is abundantly clear that Dr. Burgess holds her role as an expert witness to the highest standard of integrity. She leaves no stone unturned, and is incredibly detailed and thoughtful in her conclusions. For each case she acts as an expert witness for either the prosecution or the defense and I found the different perspectives so interesting. What really stuck out to me was her focus on trauma and how it guides behavior, sometimes even leading her to conclusions that surprised me. True crime lovers- this book is for you.

Disclaimer: I listened to the audiobook of this, I can’t recommend it enough 🎧

[Luna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

MUST READ if you are a fan of Dr. Ann Burgess and her work with the BAU/Mindhunter!!

I have never skipped a Dr. Burgess book (or TV show) and this one did not disappoint. It's fascinating to see behind the scenes of her work consulting on famous US criminal trials and her perspective on the different cases. If you are a fan of true crime or like to watch trials, you would enjoy this!

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very interesting and a different look at crime and how the legal system works through the courts. Sometimes it seems to work as it should, and others it's more a battle of lawyers and egos rather than justice. The author’s career and different cases she has been involved in held my attention all the way through. I found it quite informational in many areas and an important read.

[Kate | Date With A Thriller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting look into Burgess’s experiences as an expert witness! 🧐

We get a bit of insight into several cases, from the Menendez brothers to the Duke lacrosse players to Bill Cosby! Many if not all of the cases shared involved SA, so keep that in mind if that’s a trigger for you! Definitely recommend for true crime and nonfiction lovers! 👏

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review! ❤️

[Shelly Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that was picked for me from my library at home service. I didn't choose it myself, in other words.
That said, it was so interesting to me, as I'm a big fan of the true crime genre. This book offers the perspective of our judicial system as an expert witness and explains how extremely detailed the process is from their standpoint.

[Kallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4, maybe 4.5 stars. really interesting and informative first bit, but the last two high profile cases did have the same depth of story telling that I enjoyed from the first half. I didn't know about the laws pertaining to expert witnesses, so that was interesting.

[Madison ✨ (mad.lyreading) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was going to give this two stars and then she talked about using AI in parole decisions. She literally spent the whole book talking about how nuanced everything is in the criminal field and then she thinks AI can be neutral. No thank you.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appeal terms: non-fiction; true crime; analytical

Trigger warnings: rape; sexual assault; child molestation; serial predators; drug use

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling and fascinating. I just wish it was longer.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave an interesting perspective on being an expert witness; not only for regular cases but for famous ones as well (Menedez Brothers, Bill Cosby, etc). I've never really thought much about expert testimony and how experts get chosen.

[Vanima León · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Wolbert Burgess did a wonderful job sharing her courtroom stories. It was view that I don't think I have read before. It felt like I was like I was in the courtroom. The book has first hand accounts and interviews with attorneys, victims, and offenders.

The book definitely had me intrigued and I did not want to put the book down. You will begin to learn the science of behind being an expert witness and look into the lives of those and the psychological effects of their trama had on them.

After I read the book I went on Hulu and watched the series Mastermind featuring Ann Wolbert Burgess and her family.

Thank you NetGallery and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missed opportunity to discuss racism in the criminal justice system but otherwise good