In the Minds of Murderers, The inside story of criminal profiling

by Paul Roland

While many infamous killers are profiled in these pages, the dark heart of this book explores the nature of evil.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Roland

Reviews

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at the art of criminal profiling. The pages aren't filled with gory details. Instead, we're given the truth behind profiling of all crimes, including rape, kidnapping, and serial murder. Paul Roland offers multiple examples of both recent and historical cases. There are also sections specifically about child killers and female killers.

Roland's writing style is engaging. This is an easy but informative read for anyone intrigued by the criminal mind.

[Deanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book which focuses on profiling,not just murderers but other types of criminals.

[Darren Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read on the history and application of behavioral analysis.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but found there wasn't much to set it apart from books of a similar nature. I study criminology in University though and have to read quite a lot around the subject, most of which are more in depth compared to this one. That said I would recommend this for those with an interest in the subject matter as it does have a lot to offer.

[Sharon]

Intresting look at criminal profiling. Like that it dosn't just look at known serial killers, but at also despot leaders, and those who acted in the name of their 'cause'

[Rachele Deans · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who is interested in true crime and the psychology involved in determining who may have committed a crime, why etc. this was a natural choice for me to read. The book delves into the soft science of criminal profiling and how in particular, the BSU in the FBI assist law enforcement in creating a profile of a potential offender.

Although the book tries to distance itself from TV shows like CSI, which I understand as there is probably a wide misconception in the speed offenders can be caught, either through profiling or scientific techniques - I understood a lot of the book because I loved Criminal Minds.

So if you like Criminal Minds and have an interest in true crime I don't think there's much extra you could really learn. It talks about homicidal triad, backgrounds of offenders, what a crime scene/victimology can provide.

So it's interesting and well put together but there wasn't a lot of new information if you already have a good understanding of true crime and psychology.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth reading. The writing, design and structure is all over the place. Richard Ramirez, whose photo you can see in the corner of the cover, isn't even mentioned in the text. I could pick out more problems, but suffice to say this is a mess.

[Maddison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. True crime fascinates me. If you like the show Criminal Minds, I would recommend this book as it largely focuses on criminal profiling.

Rating: 3.5/5

[Elisa Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. Not quite what I was expecting when I picked it up.

[☽ Chaya ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

[read in French]
Interesting account of profiling and the different types of offenders you can encounter when it comes to serial killers/rapists.
The book does a good job at deconstructing common myths surrounding profiling and crime investigation.
The profiles and examples given were good illustrations to the more theoretical parts of this book.

[Madison DeMille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about criminal profiling. It was kind of a slow read for me though because although I found it interesting, it just wasn't as captivating as a fiction book would be.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm already half way through this book and loving it.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Type of thing that interests me

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really amazing insight into the the psychology of murderers.

[Gigi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book--Loving the case about the serial killer kid. So weird!

[Aliah Alawadhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me a lot with my essay about serial killers. Very informative book.