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The Devil you know
Serial homicide. Stalking. Arson. Gang crime. Who are the people behind these acts of terrible violence? What are their stories? And what is it like to sit opposite them?
Dr Gwen Adshead is one of Britain’s leading forensic psychiatrists and she has spent thirty years providing therapy inside secure hospitals and prisons. Whatever her patient’s crime she aims to help them to better know their minds by helping them to articulate their life experience.
Through a collaboration with co-author Eileen Horne, Adshead brings her work to life in these fascinating, unflinching portraits of individuals who newspaper headlines, TV dramas and crime fiction label ‘monsters’.
Case by case, Adshead takes us into the treatment room and reveals these men and women in all their complexity and vulnerability. She sheds new light on the unpredictable nature of the therapeutic process as doctor and patient try to find words for the unspeakable. These are stories of cruelty and despair but also change and recovery.
In a time of increasing polarisation, in the face of overcrowded prisons and devastating cuts to mental health care, Adshead speaks to our shared humanity and makes the case for compassion over condemnation, empathy over fear. The Devil You Know challenges what we think we know about evil. It is a rare book that has the power to change minds.
Dr Gwen Adshead is one of Britain’s leading forensic psychiatrists and she has spent thirty years providing therapy inside secure hospitals and prisons. Whatever her patient’s crime she aims to help them to better know their minds by helping them to articulate their life experience.
Through a collaboration with co-author Eileen Horne, Adshead brings her work to life in these fascinating, unflinching portraits of individuals who newspaper headlines, TV dramas and crime fiction label ‘monsters’.
Case by case, Adshead takes us into the treatment room and reveals these men and women in all their complexity and vulnerability. She sheds new light on the unpredictable nature of the therapeutic process as doctor and patient try to find words for the unspeakable. These are stories of cruelty and despair but also change and recovery.
In a time of increasing polarisation, in the face of overcrowded prisons and devastating cuts to mental health care, Adshead speaks to our shared humanity and makes the case for compassion over condemnation, empathy over fear. The Devil You Know challenges what we think we know about evil. It is a rare book that has the power to change minds.
- GenresNonfictionPsychology
Unknown Binding
Published June 3, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 1, 2022
In my opinion, the key messages that the author, Gwen Adshead, wanted the reader to take away from this book are that:
Firstly, as she explains in the introduction, there should be more hope and understanding in our modern culture. She asks the reader to remain open minded and refrain from forming prejudiced judgements of the people in her case studies until their full stories have been told. An important message as, she touches on this also in the book, media in the UK and US especially propagate a really exaggerated, demonising retric around offenders and this is not helpful for rehabilitation or reintroduction into the community and, ironically enough, further instils the cycle of reoffending and going back to prison further demonising these individuals.
Another point she makes is in relation to religion and the prison system detailing a case of an offender who had converted to Islam whilst in prison and how this helped him discover a sense of community and mentalise his traumatic past- I think it is really interesting how spirituality, religion and mindfulness can be used a tools to help rehabilitate offenders and the impact having a higher belief can have on the human psyche. Opportunity for a study into mental health, religion and psychosomatic neurological conditions?
Lastly, the discussion around (Freudian) child attachment theory and the devastating effects that an unstable, abusive home can have on a child was very well explored in this book. I think most of the people she worked with suffered a traumatic past and I would imagine this is true throughout most of the prison system- maybe highlighting a need for better child protection services to prevent offending, especially that which is caused by psychosis/ paranoia/ PTSD?
I think overall a very humane, insightful look into a topic most people would rather ignore written by a women who clearly understands humanity and what it takes to be a good person (objectively speaking anyways). Her writing is very pleasant to read, a good balance of fact and storytelling despite the difficult subject matter- the only reason that is book is a 4/5 is because I personally would have liked more of a deep-dive into some of the ideas discussed in the book (Freudian attachment being one already mentioned). I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it!
Firstly, as she explains in the introduction, there should be more hope and understanding in our modern culture. She asks the reader to remain open minded and refrain from forming prejudiced judgements of the people in her case studies until their full stories have been told. An important message as, she touches on this also in the book, media in the UK and US especially propagate a really exaggerated, demonising retric around offenders and this is not helpful for rehabilitation or reintroduction into the community and, ironically enough, further instils the cycle of reoffending and going back to prison further demonising these individuals.
Another point she makes is in relation to religion and the prison system detailing a case of an offender who had converted to Islam whilst in prison and how this helped him discover a sense of community and mentalise his traumatic past- I think it is really interesting how spirituality, religion and mindfulness can be used a tools to help rehabilitate offenders and the impact having a higher belief can have on the human psyche. Opportunity for a study into mental health, religion and psychosomatic neurological conditions?
Lastly, the discussion around (Freudian) child attachment theory and the devastating effects that an unstable, abusive home can have on a child was very well explored in this book. I think most of the people she worked with suffered a traumatic past and I would imagine this is true throughout most of the prison system- maybe highlighting a need for better child protection services to prevent offending, especially that which is caused by psychosis/ paranoia/ PTSD?
I think overall a very humane, insightful look into a topic most people would rather ignore written by a women who clearly understands humanity and what it takes to be a good person (objectively speaking anyways). Her writing is very pleasant to read, a good balance of fact and storytelling despite the difficult subject matter- the only reason that is book is a 4/5 is because I personally would have liked more of a deep-dive into some of the ideas discussed in the book (Freudian attachment being one already mentioned). I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it!
July 28, 2025
A good book that resonates deeply feels like coming home to a parent who sits and tells the roads you’ve walked, in simple and profound words.
After reading about different schools of psychotherapy, having reflected, and metabolised my own pain, this book feels like returning home.
Gwen Ashead is a brilliant psychotherapist and a writer. She is steady, compassionate, unflinching in talking with people who would make most feel disgusted or at least disturbed. Through her words and presence, she dives deep into the psyches of these offenders- patients, revealing the mesmerising ways our internals twists and folds.
We see how these crimes are in large, coping mechanisms these people developed to their unaddressed pain, grief, anger, shame. Emotions that we know too well, though are lucky enough to find ourselves still within the bounds of laws after acting out.
The devil you know is a pun here- you could be one of them too.
This is precisely Dr Ashead’s intention as she revealed in her forewords.
“For whatever we lose(like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea.”
- E.E. cummings
“What is the last digit on the bike combination lock? “
This is the analogy Dr Ashead’s uses to capture the contributing stress factors to the offenders’ crimes, with the last digit being the trigger that led to the crime.
The first 2 digits are socio-political factors, such as one’s relationship with masculinity, vulnerability, and poverty. The middle 2 digits maybe specific to the offender, such as substance abuse or childhood adversities. The last digit is the tipping point that led to the crime, usually something uniquely meaningful to the offender, like a posture, or even a smile. This is the moment Dr. Ashead seeks to find in her work.
‘Every violent crime is a tragedy, for both the victims and their families, or for the offender themselves.” She writes. As someone who has worked within NHS for over 30 years, specifically in the forensic psychiatric sector, her words sit in the heart of this question: “How do we work within an imperfect system?”
The other reason this book left such a prominent mark on me, is that it echoes the question I think of all the time- how do we hold people accountable for their actions, whilst recognising and making space for their past histories- shaped by forces (racism, poverty, war etc.) so great that oftentimes almost erase individual agency completely.
It’s the question asked by many again and again- how do we balance systemic forces and individual agency? Where is the balance between accountability and compassion?
This is applicable on both a civic and relational level, and the only possible answer for me now is- this is an ongoing process of judgement.
Being human is to carry this paradox, this moral ambiguity and move forward.
The key to moving forward is to have conversations- conversations that hold the grey, uncertain space the way psychotherapy does. A space where curiosity precedes moral judgement.
Dr. Ashead holds this space, not without missteps (her honesty and reflections are crucial parts of her work, both in writing and in psychotherapy), and eventually, we get to know the offenders, not as the “obscene” acts, but as people, who are struggling with identity, traumas, rage, loneliness like the rest of us.
Murder, sex offense, arson. The nature of these acts doesn’t disturb me, rather I find a poetic sadness once I see the correlation between the acts and the pain they’re grappling with. It is not innocent sentimentality, but a recognition- I see the river that washes over us from time to time, some are fortune to stay on shore, whilst some, plunged into the water.
I saw myself in Zahra’s story. A woman so desperately yearning for her mother’s attention despite her repeated rejection, set her apartment on fire, as the final, quiet protest, burning herself along with it. As if fate wished upon her a twisted smile- she was rescued, then imprisoned for Arson.
We meet Zahra, who is detached, quiet, with hollowed eyes. Like what Dr. Ashead notes: for people with severe depression and high suicidal risk, they do not express sadness, but more likely to feel numb and emotionless. A state of the walking dead- a perpetual state of being elsewhere- until a moment comes that awakes the suppressed fire, usually somewhere on the edge. Like the rush I get when cycling down a big heel- the agitated scream to release the break.
This is where the psychotherapist comes in- their presence uncovers the suppressed aliveness and contains it. Upon their first meeting, as soon as after a few words, Dr.Ashead feels the agitation bubbling within herself- against Zahra’s resignation, she wants her to give her some reaction. I’m fascinated by the power relationship holds- the way it evokes and awakes things about ourselves and each other is exhilarating, and it is great to see this affirmed in Dr.Ashead’s experience.
The tension between Zahra’s surface (She tells Dr.Ashead that she had want to die her whole life. Dr.Ashead quotes Keats’ “I have been half in love with easeful Death” to capture the frosty cold she felt from Zahra’s words.) and her buried heart (her self-immolation) is something I’m too familiar with myself.
As I write this review, I’m reading Zahra’s telling of that moment, and I’m filled with the wrenching loneliness she felt in that moment. Except that who I am now, is able to cry for her, instead of holding it in. It was near Christmas, and Diwali was late, happening almost right after Christmas. Zahra bought a box of tealights from her work, the only place she felt a faint sense of belonging and acceptance all her life.
She lied to her manager that she was going home to visit her mom, smiling, and was all alone in her apartment.
She waited and waited for her mom’s message, imagined how it would play out after her death, wondered if anyone would care about her death at all. She sent a final text to her mom, asking her to reply, before lighting up the tealights like a birthday cake.
This is described with much more vivid and heart-breaking details in the book, but I hope I capture the devastation that was choking Zahra.
Though my favourite part of this story must be the end. Dr. Ashead answers my previous question by asking Zahra if herself harm and acting out during her teenage years have hurt her families in some ways. Zahra rages- and this is the first time we see her reacting differently to her typical subdued quietness. She calls Dr. Ashead a bitch, that she is here only for money.
What’s typically seen as a fracture or a setback in a relationship, is actually the moment of breakthrough for Zahra- this is the instance she learns to deal with her anger: instead of externalising, releasing it upon her body, or burning inanimate objects, she learns to resist the pain- attacking the source that is causing her harm.
Dr. Ashead also shows that it’s possible to make space for grief as well as holding someone accountable. This needs to be a gradual process, with accountability placed much later in the order, but it is only with accountability, that one regains hope for their agency. You pain is legitimate, but you are not defined by your mistakes. You have the power to choose differently, and in that choosing- you start to write your own story.
There are many more fascinating moments, therapeutic techniques, relational wisdom, provoking reflections on system and gender differences in this book. I cannot recommend it enough.
After reading about different schools of psychotherapy, having reflected, and metabolised my own pain, this book feels like returning home.
Gwen Ashead is a brilliant psychotherapist and a writer. She is steady, compassionate, unflinching in talking with people who would make most feel disgusted or at least disturbed. Through her words and presence, she dives deep into the psyches of these offenders- patients, revealing the mesmerising ways our internals twists and folds.
We see how these crimes are in large, coping mechanisms these people developed to their unaddressed pain, grief, anger, shame. Emotions that we know too well, though are lucky enough to find ourselves still within the bounds of laws after acting out.
The devil you know is a pun here- you could be one of them too.
This is precisely Dr Ashead’s intention as she revealed in her forewords.
“For whatever we lose(like a you or a me) it's always ourselves we find in the sea.”
- E.E. cummings
“What is the last digit on the bike combination lock? “
This is the analogy Dr Ashead’s uses to capture the contributing stress factors to the offenders’ crimes, with the last digit being the trigger that led to the crime.
The first 2 digits are socio-political factors, such as one’s relationship with masculinity, vulnerability, and poverty. The middle 2 digits maybe specific to the offender, such as substance abuse or childhood adversities. The last digit is the tipping point that led to the crime, usually something uniquely meaningful to the offender, like a posture, or even a smile. This is the moment Dr. Ashead seeks to find in her work.
‘Every violent crime is a tragedy, for both the victims and their families, or for the offender themselves.” She writes. As someone who has worked within NHS for over 30 years, specifically in the forensic psychiatric sector, her words sit in the heart of this question: “How do we work within an imperfect system?”
The other reason this book left such a prominent mark on me, is that it echoes the question I think of all the time- how do we hold people accountable for their actions, whilst recognising and making space for their past histories- shaped by forces (racism, poverty, war etc.) so great that oftentimes almost erase individual agency completely.
It’s the question asked by many again and again- how do we balance systemic forces and individual agency? Where is the balance between accountability and compassion?
This is applicable on both a civic and relational level, and the only possible answer for me now is- this is an ongoing process of judgement.
Being human is to carry this paradox, this moral ambiguity and move forward.
The key to moving forward is to have conversations- conversations that hold the grey, uncertain space the way psychotherapy does. A space where curiosity precedes moral judgement.
Dr. Ashead holds this space, not without missteps (her honesty and reflections are crucial parts of her work, both in writing and in psychotherapy), and eventually, we get to know the offenders, not as the “obscene” acts, but as people, who are struggling with identity, traumas, rage, loneliness like the rest of us.
Murder, sex offense, arson. The nature of these acts doesn’t disturb me, rather I find a poetic sadness once I see the correlation between the acts and the pain they’re grappling with. It is not innocent sentimentality, but a recognition- I see the river that washes over us from time to time, some are fortune to stay on shore, whilst some, plunged into the water.
I saw myself in Zahra’s story. A woman so desperately yearning for her mother’s attention despite her repeated rejection, set her apartment on fire, as the final, quiet protest, burning herself along with it. As if fate wished upon her a twisted smile- she was rescued, then imprisoned for Arson.
We meet Zahra, who is detached, quiet, with hollowed eyes. Like what Dr. Ashead notes: for people with severe depression and high suicidal risk, they do not express sadness, but more likely to feel numb and emotionless. A state of the walking dead- a perpetual state of being elsewhere- until a moment comes that awakes the suppressed fire, usually somewhere on the edge. Like the rush I get when cycling down a big heel- the agitated scream to release the break.
This is where the psychotherapist comes in- their presence uncovers the suppressed aliveness and contains it. Upon their first meeting, as soon as after a few words, Dr.Ashead feels the agitation bubbling within herself- against Zahra’s resignation, she wants her to give her some reaction. I’m fascinated by the power relationship holds- the way it evokes and awakes things about ourselves and each other is exhilarating, and it is great to see this affirmed in Dr.Ashead’s experience.
The tension between Zahra’s surface (She tells Dr.Ashead that she had want to die her whole life. Dr.Ashead quotes Keats’ “I have been half in love with easeful Death” to capture the frosty cold she felt from Zahra’s words.) and her buried heart (her self-immolation) is something I’m too familiar with myself.
As I write this review, I’m reading Zahra’s telling of that moment, and I’m filled with the wrenching loneliness she felt in that moment. Except that who I am now, is able to cry for her, instead of holding it in. It was near Christmas, and Diwali was late, happening almost right after Christmas. Zahra bought a box of tealights from her work, the only place she felt a faint sense of belonging and acceptance all her life.
She lied to her manager that she was going home to visit her mom, smiling, and was all alone in her apartment.
She waited and waited for her mom’s message, imagined how it would play out after her death, wondered if anyone would care about her death at all. She sent a final text to her mom, asking her to reply, before lighting up the tealights like a birthday cake.
This is described with much more vivid and heart-breaking details in the book, but I hope I capture the devastation that was choking Zahra.
Though my favourite part of this story must be the end. Dr. Ashead answers my previous question by asking Zahra if herself harm and acting out during her teenage years have hurt her families in some ways. Zahra rages- and this is the first time we see her reacting differently to her typical subdued quietness. She calls Dr. Ashead a bitch, that she is here only for money.
What’s typically seen as a fracture or a setback in a relationship, is actually the moment of breakthrough for Zahra- this is the instance she learns to deal with her anger: instead of externalising, releasing it upon her body, or burning inanimate objects, she learns to resist the pain- attacking the source that is causing her harm.
Dr. Ashead also shows that it’s possible to make space for grief as well as holding someone accountable. This needs to be a gradual process, with accountability placed much later in the order, but it is only with accountability, that one regains hope for their agency. You pain is legitimate, but you are not defined by your mistakes. You have the power to choose differently, and in that choosing- you start to write your own story.
There are many more fascinating moments, therapeutic techniques, relational wisdom, provoking reflections on system and gender differences in this book. I cannot recommend it enough.
September 15, 2025
Hooked with every chapter.
Found in Oxfam and passed on to Pip
Found in Oxfam and passed on to Pip
January 30, 2022
The Devil You Know presents 11 very different case studies based on the experiences of a forensic psychiatrist (Dr Gwen Adshead) whilst encompassing some of the challenges faced by the prison system, particularly with regard to mental health and psychiatry. The book aims to shed new light on therapy within criminal settings and it does so in a wonderfully engaging and inventive form.
Each case study is written from the point of view of the therapist and allows the reader to gauge the thoughts and feelings of the therapist in very challenging situations. It was constantly keeping me on my toes, wanting to know more about both the individuals described in the stories and the psychological background and causes that led to the individuals' actions.
This is not the type of book that I would normally gravitate towards but I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and I read the whole book in two days as I could not put it down. This book is definitely appealing to readers who have an interest in criminology, psychology and counselling and I would recommend it to anyone with even the slightest intrigue towards these topics. This writing allows readers to understand and empathise with criminals and their behaviours in a way that I never expected to.
However, I did find the introduction a slow read but this may be due to my previous knowledge of the topic. Also, I believe that this book should come with a trigger warning to anyone who has/is suffering with depression, anxiety or has experience of sexual assault or criminal harm.
Each case study is written from the point of view of the therapist and allows the reader to gauge the thoughts and feelings of the therapist in very challenging situations. It was constantly keeping me on my toes, wanting to know more about both the individuals described in the stories and the psychological background and causes that led to the individuals' actions.
This is not the type of book that I would normally gravitate towards but I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and I read the whole book in two days as I could not put it down. This book is definitely appealing to readers who have an interest in criminology, psychology and counselling and I would recommend it to anyone with even the slightest intrigue towards these topics. This writing allows readers to understand and empathise with criminals and their behaviours in a way that I never expected to.
However, I did find the introduction a slow read but this may be due to my previous knowledge of the topic. Also, I believe that this book should come with a trigger warning to anyone who has/is suffering with depression, anxiety or has experience of sexual assault or criminal harm.
June 5, 2021
I enjoyed this collection of case studies from Dr. Gwen Adshead a forensic psychiatrist. The cases tell the stories of her patients - convicted of terrible crimes - patricide, arson, serial murder all recounted in an incredibly empathetic and compassionate way.
I read this novel in staves and found myself eagerly awaiting each stave and genuinely sad when i came to the last one.
Each case is recounted in a clear and consistent manner. The crime is detailed but the focus is kept squarely on the person and their feelings. Dr. Adshead also gives us some insights into her own feelings which really give colour and context.
Absolutely worth a read.
Thanks to the Pigeonhole for giving me an opportunity to read this book.
I read this novel in staves and found myself eagerly awaiting each stave and genuinely sad when i came to the last one.
Each case is recounted in a clear and consistent manner. The crime is detailed but the focus is kept squarely on the person and their feelings. Dr. Adshead also gives us some insights into her own feelings which really give colour and context.
Absolutely worth a read.
Thanks to the Pigeonhole for giving me an opportunity to read this book.
August 21, 2021
'The Devil you Know' gives us 11 fascinating real life case stories, about individual's who have committed terrible crimes, but many of them who have also suffered and helps us, with huge compassion, understand their stories. I have huge admiration for Dr Adshead - the psychiatrist who is telling us these stories and also gives you a glimpse into the incredible work that the mental health NHS do and the kind of strength and resilience you need to survive in that world. It also brings to light the desperate need for more resources and understanding of the trauma of mental health and perhaps we can all be a part of this!
If you enjoyed this book and the incredible compassion and insight of Dr Adshead, then i would also recommed Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.
If you enjoyed this book and the incredible compassion and insight of Dr Adshead, then i would also recommed Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.
May 21, 2023
A variety of stories, while reading them I have certainly questioned my own previous humanity. A very human perspective of people who have committed some atrocious crimes. Hats off to the likes of Dr Adshead and her peers who deal with this day in day out. I agree with the authors, it’s very clear that the mental health support of the population in general is underfunded and not prioritised or even seen as being par to physical health.
June 9, 2021
This book is very well written, the subject matter is fascinating. To get inside the minds of violent offenders with compassion really opened my eyes to what a hard and important job it is for mental health professionals.
This book challenges our way of thinking about the people who have committed the most loathsome crimes, are people really evil. A group of stories not easily forgotten.
This book challenges our way of thinking about the people who have committed the most loathsome crimes, are people really evil. A group of stories not easily forgotten.
July 30, 2021
Nah. Was intrigued by the description of this book, and the local connection, but I felt the attempts to help the various perpetrators were major resource drains, with minimal success (cures.) i do agree with the point that public resources devoted to medical health greatly exceed those devoted to mental health, possibly to the detriment of society.
February 16, 2024
A book I feel I will never stop recommending, if only everyone could read this book. Just an incredible insight to the minds of those who ‘do wrong’ and so refreshing to have read a book by someone so relatably level headed.
If you find Psychiatry interesting this is the book for you! I always find it good to read a book based on someone’s work life experiences.
If you find Psychiatry interesting this is the book for you! I always find it good to read a book based on someone’s work life experiences.
December 5, 2021
Fascinating, wise, gracious and compassionate. Gwen has great empathy for her clients who she sees as 'disasters' to whom she and her colleagues are 'first responders' helping them to come to terms with having committed violent crimes...often due to "insecure attachments" during childhood.
August 18, 2022
super interesting read that appealed to my true crime-loving heart with all of the mentions of Broadmoor, as well as my interest in forensic psychology
deals with difficult topics (of course) which i felt were handled respectfully but just a warning that this book is quite emotionally taxing
deals with difficult topics (of course) which i felt were handled respectfully but just a warning that this book is quite emotionally taxing
October 27, 2022
As a counsellor I found this book incredibly interesting! Not only does Gwen touches on many psychology modalities, she also connects the reader with each case with so much integrity.
This book had definitely made me think both professionally and personally!
This book had definitely made me think both professionally and personally!
July 27, 2022
Interesting, informative, well-written, thought-provoking, and unsettling.
August 19, 2022
Fantastic book with some great reflections and a lot of thought provoking elements. Would definitely urge anyone to read this
January 14, 2023
Far more moving than I expected! A great mix of the facts but has a narrative writing style so easier to read
March 21, 2023
I love this book. Thought provoking, well-written and intriguing. If understanding people is an interest of yours, you will enjoy this book.
May 4, 2023
This was easily a 5 star read! Well written and the experiences shared are incredible.
October 20, 2023
Really enjoyed this book - highly recommend!
February 9, 2025
girls so convincing she’s got u feeling bad for child sex offenders and murderers
July 18, 2025
Very easy to read but also amazingly informative on different types of crime and why people offend. Would recommend to anyone that wants an easy read.
Read
September 22, 2023This book was very thought provoking and also insightful at times.
August 27, 2024
3.75⭐️ interesting and well written
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews