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Mapping Murder: The Secrets of Geographical Profiling. David Canter
'Criminals reveal who they are and where they live not just from how they commit their crimes, but also from the locations they choose.'
So claims renowned criminal psychologist and profiler David Canter. Fully revised and updated, Canter's groundbreaking book leads the reader through the labyrinth psyches of serial killers, rapists and other violent criminals and takes us on the murderer's journey, in both the psychological and geographical sense.
From contentious cases such as Jack the Ripper and Jill Dando, to the murders of Fred West, Canter lifts the lid on geographical profiling and how this new approach to solving crime is changing the way police work and our understanding of the criminal mind.
So claims renowned criminal psychologist and profiler David Canter. Fully revised and updated, Canter's groundbreaking book leads the reader through the labyrinth psyches of serial killers, rapists and other violent criminals and takes us on the murderer's journey, in both the psychological and geographical sense.
From contentious cases such as Jack the Ripper and Jill Dando, to the murders of Fred West, Canter lifts the lid on geographical profiling and how this new approach to solving crime is changing the way police work and our understanding of the criminal mind.
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2003
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462 people want to read
About the author
David Canter
87 books42 followersProfessor of Psychology, university of Huddersfield.
David Victor Canter (born 5 January 1944) is a psychologist. He began his career as an architectural psychologist studying the interactions between people and buildings, publishing and providing consultancy on the designs of offices, schools, prisons, housing and other building forms as well as exploring how people made sense of the large scale environment, notably cities. He set up the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 1980. His work in architecture led to studies of human reactions in fires and other emergencies. He pioneered Investigative Psychology in Britain. He helped police in 1985 on the Railway Rapist case. He was the Professor of Psychology at the University of Surrey for ten years, where he developed Investigative Psychology described in detail in Investigative Psychology: Offender Profiling and the Analysis of Criminal Action and a course curriculum. He was Director of the Centre For Investigative Psychology which is based at the University of Liverpool. Since 2009 he has been at the University of Huddersfield. At Liverpool University Canter developed the MSc programme in Investigative Psychology which he directed until 2007. He no longer directs this programme which has consequently changed to reflect the wider arena of Forensic Psychology and a more balanced view of the field. He is the founder and director of the International Academy for Investigative Psychology, a professional academy for researchers seeking to apply social science to investigative and legal processes.
David Victor Canter (born 5 January 1944) is a psychologist. He began his career as an architectural psychologist studying the interactions between people and buildings, publishing and providing consultancy on the designs of offices, schools, prisons, housing and other building forms as well as exploring how people made sense of the large scale environment, notably cities. He set up the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 1980. His work in architecture led to studies of human reactions in fires and other emergencies. He pioneered Investigative Psychology in Britain. He helped police in 1985 on the Railway Rapist case. He was the Professor of Psychology at the University of Surrey for ten years, where he developed Investigative Psychology described in detail in Investigative Psychology: Offender Profiling and the Analysis of Criminal Action and a course curriculum. He was Director of the Centre For Investigative Psychology which is based at the University of Liverpool. Since 2009 he has been at the University of Huddersfield. At Liverpool University Canter developed the MSc programme in Investigative Psychology which he directed until 2007. He no longer directs this programme which has consequently changed to reflect the wider arena of Forensic Psychology and a more balanced view of the field. He is the founder and director of the International Academy for Investigative Psychology, a professional academy for researchers seeking to apply social science to investigative and legal processes.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 3, 2016
Apparently one of the main players in the field of geographical profiling, David Canter has taken this as the theme for this book, setting out the case for its (and his) preeminence with varying effect. This half success was coloured by Canter's propensity to go off on tangents that seemed unrelated to geographical profiling (such as the authenticity of the Ripper diary, Fred West's diary, etc) and heavily criticising investigations that he wasn't personally part of - as well as leading with the Jill Dando case and how geographical profiling would have nailed Barry George, who has since has his conviction overturned and therefore made me look askance at much of Canter's subsequent claims.
While no doubt very useful, much like any of the other tools in a criminal investigation's arsenal, according to many of the examples used it seems this sort of profiling is most useful in hindsight when it's usually revealed that the perpetrator(s) of the crimes either live in the areas suggested by their crimes, have a friend or family member that lives there, work there, once parked their cars there, etc.
So, while interesting, I felt that Mapping Murder fell short thanks to some poor examples, meandering thoughts that had naff all to do with its chosen topic and arrogant dismissal of any investigation that didn't include Canter's expertise.
While no doubt very useful, much like any of the other tools in a criminal investigation's arsenal, according to many of the examples used it seems this sort of profiling is most useful in hindsight when it's usually revealed that the perpetrator(s) of the crimes either live in the areas suggested by their crimes, have a friend or family member that lives there, work there, once parked their cars there, etc.
So, while interesting, I felt that Mapping Murder fell short thanks to some poor examples, meandering thoughts that had naff all to do with its chosen topic and arrogant dismissal of any investigation that didn't include Canter's expertise.
August 23, 2012
Although I find geo spacial analysis, profiling and mind mapping interesting, what put me off this book was the author's propensity to critisize those investigations he wasn't involved in, but rate highly anything he was involved with.
There were a few sections of this book which tended to slow the pace considerably and I think the author could have cut to the chase a bit quicker.
What was good about this book though was the way the author takes us into the mind of the criminals and looks at the offending from their point of view, rather than the police point of view.
It seems criminals are the same the world over as his book covers quite a few countries and I did find the chapter on the New Zealand South Auckland Serial Rapist particularly interesting.
There are many profilers who write books like this and I think that this book just wasn't right for me and I will look for other profilers should I wish to read about this subject again.
There were a few sections of this book which tended to slow the pace considerably and I think the author could have cut to the chase a bit quicker.
What was good about this book though was the way the author takes us into the mind of the criminals and looks at the offending from their point of view, rather than the police point of view.
It seems criminals are the same the world over as his book covers quite a few countries and I did find the chapter on the New Zealand South Auckland Serial Rapist particularly interesting.
There are many profilers who write books like this and I think that this book just wasn't right for me and I will look for other profilers should I wish to read about this subject again.
August 19, 2021
Second book of Canter's that I've read, Criminal Shadows being the other. The titles should be flipped as this one is nothing much about geographical profiling where Criminal Shadows had more about the technique. Maybe trading standards should be brought in for false advertising? Anyway, like Criminal Shadows this was a very hard read, digressing constantly and chapter after chapter (George, West, etc.) about cases before getting to the geographic part. And why just pick on one suspect in the Jack the Ripper case. I understand there were many suspects but this picks out one based on where he was based. Surely the other suspects should have been "mapped"? I found this quite subjective. Agree with most reviewers in that there is an overriding self-righteousness about the technique and attitude of "well if they'd asked me I could have solved it much quicker". Chapter 21 on Bodily Violations was totally out of context and very very boring. The words literally didn't digest. I found this chapter totally unnecessary like many other chapters about killer diaries and lengthy comparisons about black holes. Again like Criminal Shadows this book could have been two thirds shorter. Sorry to criticise a fellow Liverpudlian but the good, relevant and interesting parts were in a very small minority. The last of his books I own. There wont be any more...
April 27, 2024
started strong but it dragged so much at the end. Also the last few chapters are totally off track.
August 11, 2020
While there were definitely parts of this book I enjoyed, I feel that overall it was quite hit and miss. I found that there was quite a bit of repetition when the author was discussing methods of mapping crimes and therefore locating the criminals, although I did enjoy the more focused biographies of the killers.
There were definitely parts of this book which didn’t feel particularly relevant, especially the delving into Jack the Ripper theories. While I found it interesting, I also thought that it was quite out of place considering the main focus of the book.
The author also discusses his own work a lot. While not inherently a bad thing, as he has clearly been involved the development of important techniques and software systems, he does seem to have a strong sense of his own importance. There were times throughout the book when he criticised an investigation, and either suggested or outright stated that he would have figured it out much quicker, without much real evidence other than his own ego.
There were definitely parts of this book which didn’t feel particularly relevant, especially the delving into Jack the Ripper theories. While I found it interesting, I also thought that it was quite out of place considering the main focus of the book.
The author also discusses his own work a lot. While not inherently a bad thing, as he has clearly been involved the development of important techniques and software systems, he does seem to have a strong sense of his own importance. There were times throughout the book when he criticised an investigation, and either suggested or outright stated that he would have figured it out much quicker, without much real evidence other than his own ego.
October 15, 2017
Sadly, this is a flawed book in need of a revised edition. The version I read appeared to be the latest version sold on Amazon. Canter clearly rates ‘his’ system of geographical proximity filing very highly as a tool that locate serial killers - unfortunately of course it can’t stop people until they become serial killers as it does require the data from several murders before it can locate their ‘lair’.
It’s an entertaining read though, but you need to overlook some digressions. Canter’s early argument as to the validity of his system is punctured by its reliance on the case of a TV celebrity’s murder which was pinned on a certain individual seemingly using geographical profiling. The man was convicted. Job done...except the year after the edition I read was published the convicted man was released after appeal. Why the book hasn’t since been withdrawn I don’t know...
It’s an entertaining read though, but you need to overlook some digressions. Canter’s early argument as to the validity of his system is punctured by its reliance on the case of a TV celebrity’s murder which was pinned on a certain individual seemingly using geographical profiling. The man was convicted. Job done...except the year after the edition I read was published the convicted man was released after appeal. Why the book hasn’t since been withdrawn I don’t know...
January 15, 2020
This is not a very appealing read. I respected the author’s expertise, and it would have been a stronger book had he stuck to his speciality. As it was, the narrative meandered all over the place, and didn’t do a great job of highlighting the complexity and nuances of geographical profiling. I’m sure they’re there, but the way David Canter described it actually made us found very humdrum.
This was written as if it were delivered as a monologue to a class of first year undergraduates. Canter does like to criticise other techniques and seems to feel he alone is championing the scientific method (although homeopathy escaped his criticism, interestingly). It was all a bit irritating to be honest. OK for a fiver I guess but definitely not any more.
This was written as if it were delivered as a monologue to a class of first year undergraduates. Canter does like to criticise other techniques and seems to feel he alone is championing the scientific method (although homeopathy escaped his criticism, interestingly). It was all a bit irritating to be honest. OK for a fiver I guess but definitely not any more.
June 13, 2025
This wasn't awful, and I don't regret reading it. But the author is rather preachy, extremely arrogant, and seems to think that profiling has better success than chance, which it doesn't. Whether that applies to geographic profiling or not, this was still interesting, despite many meandering tangents and comments on the incompetence and ineptitude of any police force that does not include geographic profiling in their repertoire.
January 26, 2025
Mapping Murder: The Secrets of Geographical Profiling by David Canter was a tough read—not because of the content, but because of the delivery. This is one of those research books I five star for the information gleaned (when Canter actually mentions the whole geographical profiling thing) but not for the actual writing. Just because you’re an expert in any chosen field doesn’t necessarily mean you’re capable of sharing said intelligence in a storytelling manner that has the cohesion and flow necessary for nonfiction writing.
It's not my intention to convince others to not pick up this book, as certainly there have been those who enjoyed the read and would disagree with my opinion. That’s the beauty of books! If geographical profiling is a subject of interest, or even a passing curiosity to you, the content in this book is written by someone who knows a thing or two about crime and patterns in human behavior. Canter has been working with police agencies around the world (U.K., U.S., Canada, Australia, India, etc.) since the 1980s and certainly they request his opinion, education, and theories for good reason.
And I did take quite a few notes while reading, as there were some incredibly insightful one-liners throughout, I just wish there had been more discussion about the mapping and modeling of the psychology of place and how it pertained to the dozen different serial crimes Canter summarized throughout. These crimes were fascinating to learn of, as being in the United States I wasn’t aware of the incident in Belgium, but I suppose I expected these crimes, and the men who perpetrated them, to be examples used by Canter in teaching us, the reader, the geographical “secrets,” but really every chapter felt as if it ended with: and profiling could have solved this quicker.
Well, yeah.
Explanations of a killer’s mental map and the difference between one who kills locally versus one who travels—that was fascinating. The actual provided maps with markers of locations/bodies found and the shapes killers inadvertently made—loved it. I just wish there had been more education and less criticizing and hubris on the author’s part.
It's not my intention to convince others to not pick up this book, as certainly there have been those who enjoyed the read and would disagree with my opinion. That’s the beauty of books! If geographical profiling is a subject of interest, or even a passing curiosity to you, the content in this book is written by someone who knows a thing or two about crime and patterns in human behavior. Canter has been working with police agencies around the world (U.K., U.S., Canada, Australia, India, etc.) since the 1980s and certainly they request his opinion, education, and theories for good reason.
And I did take quite a few notes while reading, as there were some incredibly insightful one-liners throughout, I just wish there had been more discussion about the mapping and modeling of the psychology of place and how it pertained to the dozen different serial crimes Canter summarized throughout. These crimes were fascinating to learn of, as being in the United States I wasn’t aware of the incident in Belgium, but I suppose I expected these crimes, and the men who perpetrated them, to be examples used by Canter in teaching us, the reader, the geographical “secrets,” but really every chapter felt as if it ended with: and profiling could have solved this quicker.
Well, yeah.
Explanations of a killer’s mental map and the difference between one who kills locally versus one who travels—that was fascinating. The actual provided maps with markers of locations/bodies found and the shapes killers inadvertently made—loved it. I just wish there had been more education and less criticizing and hubris on the author’s part.
October 28, 2023
David Canter explores the development and application of geographical profiling in the detection of criminals through the analysis and review of several cases, including Jack the Ripper, Fred West and the murder of Jill Dando. The author provides insights into how geographical analysis of crimes could have provided insight into likely suspects and how, since the Yorkshire Ripper case, the techniques have been applied to more recent crimes.
Fortunately, short on details of the horrific crimes, the focus is on an understanding of the criminals' mental maps that create the landscape in which they operate and seek opportunities to commit their crimes - and how this can aid in the detection of criminals by understanding the geography of their crimes - where giving insight to why and ultimately who.
Fascinating not only for its insights into the criminal mind but humanity as a whole.
Recommended.
Fortunately, short on details of the horrific crimes, the focus is on an understanding of the criminals' mental maps that create the landscape in which they operate and seek opportunities to commit their crimes - and how this can aid in the detection of criminals by understanding the geography of their crimes - where giving insight to why and ultimately who.
Fascinating not only for its insights into the criminal mind but humanity as a whole.
Recommended.
July 25, 2020
David Canter, for anyone who is interested in nitty, gritty side of this subject, is a good read. It can be hard going but is really interesting. I have stopped reading the book and have read plenty of other ones but kept on going back to it. Now it is finished, pheew. He has written another book but I think I will leave it for quite sometime.
My husband worries about the type of books I am attracted to. I can not why.
My husband worries about the type of books I am attracted to. I can not why.
May 5, 2022
This is by far the best nonfiction I have read this year. That doesn't mean much because I haven't gotten very lucky but this had just enough depth and analysis to give a sufficient discussion and evidence.
I think there is still a somewhat Westernised perspective to some things bur one of the better true crime nonfictions I have read recently.
I think there is still a somewhat Westernised perspective to some things bur one of the better true crime nonfictions I have read recently.
October 14, 2019
It was a fascinating read. Although I did find Canter to be a bit self-serving and arrogant. He didn't seem to like the way others did things unless they did it his way. I also noted that none of the cases he discussed were solved by him and his Dragnet program. Just an observation.
May 9, 2023
aud
December 3, 2023
Easy to read for an academic author.
February 23, 2024
Interesting, certainly
May 25, 2024
Needs updating, at least one of the cases used was a miscarriage of justice (Barry George).
December 6, 2024
Interesting Read.
March 6, 2016
Forensic profiling – think of a character such as Cracker – has fallen in reputation a little as geographical profiling has risen. Prof David Canter is the UK's leading expert on the subject, having actually assisted detectives successfully around the world, most notably on London's 1985 Railway Rapist case.
While my 2004 edition of this book is clearly out of date and the conclusions about the Jill Dando case and Barry George need updating, there is a wealth of fascinating insight into the evolving technique of crime mapping. This is a method whereby a serial offender's pattern of crimes can be explored to suggest where his base, probably his home, might be. It is not a magic bullet in solving crimes and needs plenty of interpretation by profilers and detectives, and must be used in tandem with other intelligence police might have, but it has proved invaluable in several cases from around the world detailed by the author.
Most compelling is the way he writes about how their offences can reveal insights into the narrative lives of serial offenders, their 'personal myth' or self-justifications. It is a serious read, but always offers fascinating psychological intelligence.
While my 2004 edition of this book is clearly out of date and the conclusions about the Jill Dando case and Barry George need updating, there is a wealth of fascinating insight into the evolving technique of crime mapping. This is a method whereby a serial offender's pattern of crimes can be explored to suggest where his base, probably his home, might be. It is not a magic bullet in solving crimes and needs plenty of interpretation by profilers and detectives, and must be used in tandem with other intelligence police might have, but it has proved invaluable in several cases from around the world detailed by the author.
Most compelling is the way he writes about how their offences can reveal insights into the narrative lives of serial offenders, their 'personal myth' or self-justifications. It is a serious read, but always offers fascinating psychological intelligence.
April 28, 2019
Lots to Contemplate
This analysis of crime detection is compiled by a psychologist and reads quite differently than one written by a detective or true crime writer. It is exceedingly detailed and thorough but will surprise you once in a while with a sentence of curious naïveté. And sometimes when he is discussing the effectiveness of geographical profiling he loses his logic. At one point he says that when a suspect is caught it will then become clear that the techniques used in geographical profiling could have worked. If a perp is caught without using it, what does that prove?
I'm only giving this one a three because the author transgresses into very detailed discussion of various cases and loses the subject of geographical profiling for a long, long time. And also because he writes in a convoluted style that makes the reading slow.
This analysis of crime detection is compiled by a psychologist and reads quite differently than one written by a detective or true crime writer. It is exceedingly detailed and thorough but will surprise you once in a while with a sentence of curious naïveté. And sometimes when he is discussing the effectiveness of geographical profiling he loses his logic. At one point he says that when a suspect is caught it will then become clear that the techniques used in geographical profiling could have worked. If a perp is caught without using it, what does that prove?
I'm only giving this one a three because the author transgresses into very detailed discussion of various cases and loses the subject of geographical profiling for a long, long time. And also because he writes in a convoluted style that makes the reading slow.
March 23, 2014
The book has been very helpful when I was working on my university assignments, especially in the Profiling and Investigating Serious Crime module. I found the book very interesting and hard to put down. In addition, the writing style was very clear.
March 26, 2015
Some interesting ideas but not very well executed. David Canter hadn't actually consulted on the majority of the cases mentioned, and was very critical of other cases. The section about Jack the Ripper was really interesting.
July 11, 2008
the only scientific profiling technique
December 30, 2008
fascinating stuff.......
November 18, 2013
Interesting read about geographical and criminal profiling. The analysis of Fred West was pretty scary...
October 28, 2019
Read for personal research - found this book's contents helpful and inspiring.
A good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
A good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
January 27, 2010
Criminal profiling- wow
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews