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ShadowMan: An Elusive Psycho Killer and the Birth of FBI Profiling
Best Nonfiction Book of 2023—New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards
Finalist for Best Narrative Nonfiction—2023 Montana Book Awards
Editor's Pick at Amazon and Montana Quarterly
" Mindhunter crossed with American Gothic . This chilling story has the ghostly unease of a nightmare."—Michael Cannell, author of The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber and the Invention of Criminal Profiling
The pulse-pounding account of the first time in history that the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit created a psychological profile to catch a serial killer
On June 25, 1973, a seven-year-old girl went missing from the Montana campground where her family was vacationing. Somebody had slit open the back of their tent and snatched her from under their noses. None of them saw or heard anything. Susie Jaeger had vanished into thin air, plucked by a shadow.
The largest manhunt in Montana's history ensued, led by the FBI. As days stretched into weeks, and weeks into months, Special Agent Pete Dunbar attended a workshop at FBI Headquarters in Quantico, Virgina, led by two agents who had hatched a radical new What if criminals left a psychological trail that would lead us to them? Patrick Mullany, a trained psychologist, and Howard Teten, a veteran criminologist, had created the Behavioral Science Unit to explore this new "voodoo" they called "criminal profiling."
At Dunbar's request, Mullany and Teten built the FBI's first profile of an unknown the UnSub who had snatched Susie Jaeger and, a few months later, a nineteen-year-old waitress. When a suspect was finally arrested, the profile fit him to a T...
Finalist for Best Narrative Nonfiction—2023 Montana Book Awards
Editor's Pick at Amazon and Montana Quarterly
" Mindhunter crossed with American Gothic . This chilling story has the ghostly unease of a nightmare."—Michael Cannell, author of The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber and the Invention of Criminal Profiling
The pulse-pounding account of the first time in history that the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit created a psychological profile to catch a serial killer
On June 25, 1973, a seven-year-old girl went missing from the Montana campground where her family was vacationing. Somebody had slit open the back of their tent and snatched her from under their noses. None of them saw or heard anything. Susie Jaeger had vanished into thin air, plucked by a shadow.
The largest manhunt in Montana's history ensued, led by the FBI. As days stretched into weeks, and weeks into months, Special Agent Pete Dunbar attended a workshop at FBI Headquarters in Quantico, Virgina, led by two agents who had hatched a radical new What if criminals left a psychological trail that would lead us to them? Patrick Mullany, a trained psychologist, and Howard Teten, a veteran criminologist, had created the Behavioral Science Unit to explore this new "voodoo" they called "criminal profiling."
At Dunbar's request, Mullany and Teten built the FBI's first profile of an unknown the UnSub who had snatched Susie Jaeger and, a few months later, a nineteen-year-old waitress. When a suspect was finally arrested, the profile fit him to a T...
292 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2022
108 people are currently reading
3476 people want to read
About the author
Ron Franscell
30 books328 followersRon has written 19 books. His writing has been compared to Truman Capote, Charles Frazier and Robert Olen Butler—diverse, poetic, evocative and muscular. His new DEAF ROW—a mystery—proves it.
He burst onto the crime scene with THE DARKEST NIGHT (also titled FALL in a 2007 hardcover), which continues to be a bestselling true crime. This intensely personal nonfiction about a monstrous crime that touched his life as a child has been hailed by authors such as Ann Rule and Vincent Bugliosi, as well as critics, as a direct literary descendant of Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood."
His widely acclaimed 2016 true crime, MORGUE: A LIFE IN DEATH (co-authored with renowned medical examiner Dr. Vincent Di Maio) was nominated for an Edgar in 2017.
His most recent true crime, "ALICE & GERALD: A HOMICIDAL LOVE STORY" (Prometheus Books) explores a grisly, real-life case of murder and perverse devotion. "Alice & Gerald" features a femme fatale whose manipulative, cold-blooded character rivals Lady Macbeth, this page-turner revisits a shocking cold case that was finally solved just when the murderers thought they'd never be caught.
Over the years, Ron's books have earned high praise from bestselling authors such as Ann Rule, John Lescroart, Vincent Bugliosi, C.J. Box, Howard Frank Mosher, and Warren Adler. His writing has been compared to Truman Capote, Robert Olen Butler, Norman McLean, Cormac McCarthy and Charles Frazier. Now, meet the author, who now lives in northern New Mexico.
But Ron's books aren't confined to true-crime. THE SOURTOE COCKTAIL CLUB is the true story of an extraordinary -- if slightly macabre -- road trip with his teenage son to the Yukon in search of a mummified human toe .. and a father's reassurance that he hasn't become irrelevant to his son.
His CRIME BUFF'S GUIDE books are quirky travel guides that take true-crime and history-trippers to some 400 outlaw- and crime-related sites all over the USA. Editions include Los Angeles, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Washington DC, and Maryland.
His debut novel, ANGEL FIRE, was published by Laughing Owl in 1998, and reprinted by Berkley (Penguin/Putnam) in 2000. His popular mystery, THE DEADLINE, was re-published in 2014 by WildBlue Press, followed by a sequel, THE OBITUARY. His book reviews and essays are regularly published in many of America's biggest and best newspapers, such as the Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Denver Post, San Jose Mercury-News, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and others.
DELIVERED FROM EVIL (2011) explores the entangled lives of mass-murderers and their victims, tracing the lives of 10 ordinary people who survived some of America's worst massacres. Auspiciously, it debuted on the day a deranged young gunman killed six and wounded 13 at a Tucson supermarket in one of the most shocking crimes of our day.
He burst onto the crime scene with THE DARKEST NIGHT (also titled FALL in a 2007 hardcover), which continues to be a bestselling true crime. This intensely personal nonfiction about a monstrous crime that touched his life as a child has been hailed by authors such as Ann Rule and Vincent Bugliosi, as well as critics, as a direct literary descendant of Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood."
His widely acclaimed 2016 true crime, MORGUE: A LIFE IN DEATH (co-authored with renowned medical examiner Dr. Vincent Di Maio) was nominated for an Edgar in 2017.
His most recent true crime, "ALICE & GERALD: A HOMICIDAL LOVE STORY" (Prometheus Books) explores a grisly, real-life case of murder and perverse devotion. "Alice & Gerald" features a femme fatale whose manipulative, cold-blooded character rivals Lady Macbeth, this page-turner revisits a shocking cold case that was finally solved just when the murderers thought they'd never be caught.
Over the years, Ron's books have earned high praise from bestselling authors such as Ann Rule, John Lescroart, Vincent Bugliosi, C.J. Box, Howard Frank Mosher, and Warren Adler. His writing has been compared to Truman Capote, Robert Olen Butler, Norman McLean, Cormac McCarthy and Charles Frazier. Now, meet the author, who now lives in northern New Mexico.
But Ron's books aren't confined to true-crime. THE SOURTOE COCKTAIL CLUB is the true story of an extraordinary -- if slightly macabre -- road trip with his teenage son to the Yukon in search of a mummified human toe .. and a father's reassurance that he hasn't become irrelevant to his son.
His CRIME BUFF'S GUIDE books are quirky travel guides that take true-crime and history-trippers to some 400 outlaw- and crime-related sites all over the USA. Editions include Los Angeles, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Washington DC, and Maryland.
His debut novel, ANGEL FIRE, was published by Laughing Owl in 1998, and reprinted by Berkley (Penguin/Putnam) in 2000. His popular mystery, THE DEADLINE, was re-published in 2014 by WildBlue Press, followed by a sequel, THE OBITUARY. His book reviews and essays are regularly published in many of America's biggest and best newspapers, such as the Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Denver Post, San Jose Mercury-News, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and others.
DELIVERED FROM EVIL (2011) explores the entangled lives of mass-murderers and their victims, tracing the lives of 10 ordinary people who survived some of America's worst massacres. Auspiciously, it debuted on the day a deranged young gunman killed six and wounded 13 at a Tucson supermarket in one of the most shocking crimes of our day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
April 4, 2022
ShadowMan by Ron Franscell
I've become fascinated by the path "criminal profiling" has taken, from it's beginnings, to where we are now. We get to see the beginnings of an idea when in June 25, 1973, seven year old Suzie Jaeger disappears from a tent she was sharing with her sister and brothers, which begins the largest manhunt in Montana's history. Before that, some odd things had happened in the area of the little town of Manhattan, Montana but they faded back into memory as kids being kids, an errant hunter's shot, simple tragedies that couldn't be explained but shouldn't be dwelt on. The search for little Suzie is going nowhere when nineteen year old Sandy Smallegan vanishes in thin air.
Along with the help of the new, and still in it's infancy, criminal profiling techniques by the FBI, we follow the successes and missteps of plain old gut instinct and boots on the ground investigative techniques. It's so easy, from the safety and security of my home and with all the hindsight of the crimes being solved, to see how the murderer fit the description of profile that the FBI came up with after Sandy disappeared. But it's still amazing that after evidence has been destroyed and scattered, in the middle of a desolate landscape, how the searchers begin to put the pieces together. Also involved in the capture of the murderer is the mother of Suzie, who played a very active role in helping to obtain audio records of the murderer's voice. This tale isn't just about the investigators and the murderer but also about the effect that these crimes had on families, friends, and other people in the area.
True crime stories often don't go easy on anyone, even the innocent people. I feel for the people who find themselves under a microscope, through no fault of their own. I often felt like I was intruding, while reading this story. But that feeling can sometimes keep us from helping investigators find answers and I'm sure, if this murderer was not caught, more people would have died.
Pub: March 1st 2022
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.
I've become fascinated by the path "criminal profiling" has taken, from it's beginnings, to where we are now. We get to see the beginnings of an idea when in June 25, 1973, seven year old Suzie Jaeger disappears from a tent she was sharing with her sister and brothers, which begins the largest manhunt in Montana's history. Before that, some odd things had happened in the area of the little town of Manhattan, Montana but they faded back into memory as kids being kids, an errant hunter's shot, simple tragedies that couldn't be explained but shouldn't be dwelt on. The search for little Suzie is going nowhere when nineteen year old Sandy Smallegan vanishes in thin air.
Along with the help of the new, and still in it's infancy, criminal profiling techniques by the FBI, we follow the successes and missteps of plain old gut instinct and boots on the ground investigative techniques. It's so easy, from the safety and security of my home and with all the hindsight of the crimes being solved, to see how the murderer fit the description of profile that the FBI came up with after Sandy disappeared. But it's still amazing that after evidence has been destroyed and scattered, in the middle of a desolate landscape, how the searchers begin to put the pieces together. Also involved in the capture of the murderer is the mother of Suzie, who played a very active role in helping to obtain audio records of the murderer's voice. This tale isn't just about the investigators and the murderer but also about the effect that these crimes had on families, friends, and other people in the area.
True crime stories often don't go easy on anyone, even the innocent people. I feel for the people who find themselves under a microscope, through no fault of their own. I often felt like I was intruding, while reading this story. But that feeling can sometimes keep us from helping investigators find answers and I'm sure, if this murderer was not caught, more people would have died.
Pub: March 1st 2022
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.
May 6, 2022
I love everything about how the mind works, so I find the subject of true crime/criminal profiling endlessly fascinating. What it is not, is a voyeuristic pleasure in the suffering of others. Instead, I want to know what drives someone to perpetrate such evil against a fellow human being. I want to know the why. And I appreciate the puzzle of the investigation, and the satisfaction of catching the criminal and seeing justice is served.
In June of 1973, seven-year-old Susie was taken from the tent she shared with her older sister while on a family camping trip in Montana. No one heard or saw a thing. Susie seemingly vanishing into thin air, “plucked by a shadow”. A few months later, 19-year-old Sandy disappeared. Strange things were happening in the quiet town of Manhattan, Montana, and it soon became clear there was a serial killer on the loose (although this was long before that term was used).
What followed was the largest manhunt in Montana’s history, led by the FBI. As the months wore on, Agent Pete Dunbar attended a workshop at FBI Headquarters in Quantico, Virginia, led by two agents who presented a radical new idea: what if criminals left behind signs of their psychological traits that would lead investigators to them?
What follows is a fascinating tale of the often-painstaking process of how investigators create a criminal profile. We meet little Susie’s parents and hear how they were taunted and cruelly manipulated by the perp. A profile is not enough; it must be combined with old-fashioned boots-on-the-ground detective work. After 15 long months, the perpetrator was caught, and he fit the profile to a T.
I’m being deliberately vague despite this case being an older one. I had not heard of it until I read this book and I appreciated following the case alongside the investigators, not knowing what had happened to Susie or Sandy until the case was solved. I recommend not looking up the case until you finish the book. But even if you are familiar with it, there’s still much to be learned.
I highly recommend this blend of history and true crime. It’s not always easy reading, but it lends insight into the criminal mind, and gave me a new appreciation for the history of profiling, and the detectives who make it their life’s work to catch these monsters.
In June of 1973, seven-year-old Susie was taken from the tent she shared with her older sister while on a family camping trip in Montana. No one heard or saw a thing. Susie seemingly vanishing into thin air, “plucked by a shadow”. A few months later, 19-year-old Sandy disappeared. Strange things were happening in the quiet town of Manhattan, Montana, and it soon became clear there was a serial killer on the loose (although this was long before that term was used).
What followed was the largest manhunt in Montana’s history, led by the FBI. As the months wore on, Agent Pete Dunbar attended a workshop at FBI Headquarters in Quantico, Virginia, led by two agents who presented a radical new idea: what if criminals left behind signs of their psychological traits that would lead investigators to them?
What follows is a fascinating tale of the often-painstaking process of how investigators create a criminal profile. We meet little Susie’s parents and hear how they were taunted and cruelly manipulated by the perp. A profile is not enough; it must be combined with old-fashioned boots-on-the-ground detective work. After 15 long months, the perpetrator was caught, and he fit the profile to a T.
I’m being deliberately vague despite this case being an older one. I had not heard of it until I read this book and I appreciated following the case alongside the investigators, not knowing what had happened to Susie or Sandy until the case was solved. I recommend not looking up the case until you finish the book. But even if you are familiar with it, there’s still much to be learned.
I highly recommend this blend of history and true crime. It’s not always easy reading, but it lends insight into the criminal mind, and gave me a new appreciation for the history of profiling, and the detectives who make it their life’s work to catch these monsters.
March 1, 2022
FBI Profiling. They have become adept at catching killers. The Behavioral Science Unit created a psychological profile to catch a serial killer for the first time in history when seven-year-old Suzie Jaeger disappeared from the tent she was sleeping in with her siblings.
June 25, 1973
The Jaeger family was vacationing in a Montana campground when their seven-year-old daughter went missing. A Circular cut was made in the tent where the children were sleeping, and seven-year-old Suzie was taken. No one saw or heard anything. The result - the largest manhunt in Montana's history.
A year later, nineteen-year-old, Sandy Smallegan vanished as well.
Special Agent Pete Dunbar along with psychologist, Patrick Mullany and criminologist, Howard Teten created the Behavioral Science Unit. Mullany and Teten built the first profile an unknown subject "unsub" who took Suzie Jager.
Well written and engrossing, Shadowman: An Elusive Psycho Killer and the Birth of FBI Profiling details what happened to Suzie and Sandy, it also showed how the created profile brought down a killer. Criminal Minds and other shows make it look easy but finding clues and solving crimes do not happen overnight. In this case, the profile was near perfect, the investigators had to find clues and put the dots together with very little evidence, by following the profile and good old fashioned detective work. They also had one thing to go on, the phone calls that Suzie's mother received from the man who took her daughter.
Fans of True Crime will not be disappointed. This book was extensively researched and well thought out. We get the human side, the missing females, the family members, those involved in the search and investigation and the science behind creating a profile. I found this book to be extremely interesting as I had not heard of these cases or how profiling came to be. This book also shows a killer so brazen that he would creep into a campground and cut a hole in a tent, not worried about being caught. He taunted his victim's mother, enjoying the pain he caused.
Readers will breathe a sigh of relief when an arrest is made.
Thank you to Berkley Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 25, 1973
The Jaeger family was vacationing in a Montana campground when their seven-year-old daughter went missing. A Circular cut was made in the tent where the children were sleeping, and seven-year-old Suzie was taken. No one saw or heard anything. The result - the largest manhunt in Montana's history.
A year later, nineteen-year-old, Sandy Smallegan vanished as well.
Special Agent Pete Dunbar along with psychologist, Patrick Mullany and criminologist, Howard Teten created the Behavioral Science Unit. Mullany and Teten built the first profile an unknown subject "unsub" who took Suzie Jager.
Well written and engrossing, Shadowman: An Elusive Psycho Killer and the Birth of FBI Profiling details what happened to Suzie and Sandy, it also showed how the created profile brought down a killer. Criminal Minds and other shows make it look easy but finding clues and solving crimes do not happen overnight. In this case, the profile was near perfect, the investigators had to find clues and put the dots together with very little evidence, by following the profile and good old fashioned detective work. They also had one thing to go on, the phone calls that Suzie's mother received from the man who took her daughter.
Fans of True Crime will not be disappointed. This book was extensively researched and well thought out. We get the human side, the missing females, the family members, those involved in the search and investigation and the science behind creating a profile. I found this book to be extremely interesting as I had not heard of these cases or how profiling came to be. This book also shows a killer so brazen that he would creep into a campground and cut a hole in a tent, not worried about being caught. He taunted his victim's mother, enjoying the pain he caused.
Readers will breathe a sigh of relief when an arrest is made.
Thank you to Berkley Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
March 29, 2023
"Life goes on, [but] life and death aren't always neatly explained . . . In a nutshell, there was wickedness around [the rural community of] Manhattan, Montana. If anything worse than those two unfortunate deaths had happened, folks would have assumed it was done by outsiders, because nobody they knew would sin like that . . . and they knew everybody." -- on page 11
Although numerous true crime tomes and retellings have been lining the book shelves ever since Truman Capote's seminal In Cold Blood became red hot during its publication in 1965, there is always (rather unfortunately) yet another sadistic or heartbreaking violation or transgression in the U.S. that can be examined, dissected, or - as in the case of author Franscell's affecting tragedy Shadowman - be brought to the attention of a wider audience for possibly the first time. Between 1967 and 1974 a village out in 'big sky country' experienced an apparently and seemingly random string of child abductions and/or unsolved homicides. A locally-assigned and hardworking FBI agent, called in to assist the beleaguered county's sheriff's office after the suspicious disappearance of a young local woman, takes the limited gathered case file information to a new section at the bureau's Quantico office known as the Behavioral Science Unit. Although initially dismissed by some investigators or veteran agents as a dubious type of voodoo or black magic, said untried branch assembles a detailed criminal profile of the likely suspect. Using said data the investigation finally kicks into high gear and an arrest is made . . . and from there the narrative goes off in an unexpected and dispiriting direction where true justice and needed answers are ultimately denied to the friends and families of the victims. I won't mention the murderer by name - he simply doesn't deserve the notoriety - but may Michael Raney, Bernard Poelman, Susie Jaeger, and Sandra Smallegan all rest in peace.
Although numerous true crime tomes and retellings have been lining the book shelves ever since Truman Capote's seminal In Cold Blood became red hot during its publication in 1965, there is always (rather unfortunately) yet another sadistic or heartbreaking violation or transgression in the U.S. that can be examined, dissected, or - as in the case of author Franscell's affecting tragedy Shadowman - be brought to the attention of a wider audience for possibly the first time. Between 1967 and 1974 a village out in 'big sky country' experienced an apparently and seemingly random string of child abductions and/or unsolved homicides. A locally-assigned and hardworking FBI agent, called in to assist the beleaguered county's sheriff's office after the suspicious disappearance of a young local woman, takes the limited gathered case file information to a new section at the bureau's Quantico office known as the Behavioral Science Unit. Although initially dismissed by some investigators or veteran agents as a dubious type of voodoo or black magic, said untried branch assembles a detailed criminal profile of the likely suspect. Using said data the investigation finally kicks into high gear and an arrest is made . . . and from there the narrative goes off in an unexpected and dispiriting direction where true justice and needed answers are ultimately denied to the friends and families of the victims. I won't mention the murderer by name - he simply doesn't deserve the notoriety - but may Michael Raney, Bernard Poelman, Susie Jaeger, and Sandra Smallegan all rest in peace.
February 14, 2022
It began with the disappearance of little Suzie Jaeger. Only seven years old at the time, Suzie was abducted from the camping tent she shared with her sister and brothers. Then, nearly a year after little Suzie’s disappearance, nineteen year old Sandy Smallegan vanishes without a trace.
It would be at least 15 months before the grisly remains of Suzie and Sandy are found and the perpetrator apprehended and charged with murder. But that journey of discovery was arduous and painstaking. During the time of discovery, Special Agent Byron “Pete” Dunbar who was leading the investigation, enlisted the help of psychologist Patrick Mullany, and criminologist Howard Teten. Both Mullany and Teten created a specialized unit in the FBI known as the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU), and they would be instrumental in solving the murders of Suzie, Sandy and at least 4 other cases by the use of criminal profiling. A term used to describe the identification strategy of the pepetrator using personality and behavior characteristics.
Shadow Man is more than a historical account about the emergence of the BSU. It is also a behind the scenes look into the criminal mind and how seemingly innocuous people can be monsters in real time.
Author, Ron Franscell did an excellent job in composing a true crime novel that blends history and humanity into a cohesive narrative. Extensive reasearch is evident by the timelines, series of events, and bibliographical citations. And unlike some other true crime novels, Franscell aptly includes a look into the current status of those men and women that were involved in the crimes and investigations.
Shadow Man is certainly a must read for fans of the television series, Criminal Minds, Bones, as well as CSI. It is also a novel not to be missed by true crime afficionados. Five masterful stars.
I received a digital ARC from Berkley Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
It would be at least 15 months before the grisly remains of Suzie and Sandy are found and the perpetrator apprehended and charged with murder. But that journey of discovery was arduous and painstaking. During the time of discovery, Special Agent Byron “Pete” Dunbar who was leading the investigation, enlisted the help of psychologist Patrick Mullany, and criminologist Howard Teten. Both Mullany and Teten created a specialized unit in the FBI known as the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU), and they would be instrumental in solving the murders of Suzie, Sandy and at least 4 other cases by the use of criminal profiling. A term used to describe the identification strategy of the pepetrator using personality and behavior characteristics.
Shadow Man is more than a historical account about the emergence of the BSU. It is also a behind the scenes look into the criminal mind and how seemingly innocuous people can be monsters in real time.
Author, Ron Franscell did an excellent job in composing a true crime novel that blends history and humanity into a cohesive narrative. Extensive reasearch is evident by the timelines, series of events, and bibliographical citations. And unlike some other true crime novels, Franscell aptly includes a look into the current status of those men and women that were involved in the crimes and investigations.
Shadow Man is certainly a must read for fans of the television series, Criminal Minds, Bones, as well as CSI. It is also a novel not to be missed by true crime afficionados. Five masterful stars.
I received a digital ARC from Berkley Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 9, 2021
This is another good true crime book by the author, this time about a twisted killer in Montana who triggered the very first criminal profile by the FBI. His crimes were particularly repulsive. When Special Agent Dunbar learns about the newest thing out of the Behavioral Science Unit, he asks them to use it to profile the person behind the crimes in Montana. This serial killer would be the first to be actively investigated using this method. Although Dunbar had some reservations, it worked so well, that criminal profiling became used much more in the future. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Ron Franscell, and the publisher.
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July 3, 20223.5 Stars
This is an interesting, lesser known account of the history of Criminal Profiling prior to the FBI subunit discussed in the famous Mindhunter book. The narrative was a little slow and dry in places, but that actual history and case were quite compelling. I would recommend this one to anyone fascinated by True Crime and wants to expand their understanding of the history of Profiling.
This is an interesting, lesser known account of the history of Criminal Profiling prior to the FBI subunit discussed in the famous Mindhunter book. The narrative was a little slow and dry in places, but that actual history and case were quite compelling. I would recommend this one to anyone fascinated by True Crime and wants to expand their understanding of the history of Profiling.
June 14, 2022
***3.5***
I have read many True Crime books. This one didn’t rise up to my expectation of a full 5 star. It wasn’t badly written or the story wasn’t intriguing. No, neither!
However, I felt the story was not complete. Too many unanswered questions, loop holes etc… just kept me hanging! I don’t like that about true crime books. I want a clean ending with every question answered. Otherwise it makes me feel uneasy.
I also didn’t like the two FBI agents way of questioning the UnSub. It was leading. They didn’t let him talk freely where he would have said more. They asked the questions in a leading way where he answered “Yes”. Instead of elaborating in his own words.
Mind you this was the 70’s! Things were very different back then. In 2022, FBI profilers are much more knowledgeable. Back in the day “behavior profiling” of serial killers were at its infancy. Thanks to their hard work, we have learned so much. We are where we are because of their integrity and unrelenting focus.
A good ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I have read many True Crime books. This one didn’t rise up to my expectation of a full 5 star. It wasn’t badly written or the story wasn’t intriguing. No, neither!
However, I felt the story was not complete. Too many unanswered questions, loop holes etc… just kept me hanging! I don’t like that about true crime books. I want a clean ending with every question answered. Otherwise it makes me feel uneasy.
I also didn’t like the two FBI agents way of questioning the UnSub. It was leading. They didn’t let him talk freely where he would have said more. They asked the questions in a leading way where he answered “Yes”. Instead of elaborating in his own words.
Mind you this was the 70’s! Things were very different back then. In 2022, FBI profilers are much more knowledgeable. Back in the day “behavior profiling” of serial killers were at its infancy. Thanks to their hard work, we have learned so much. We are where we are because of their integrity and unrelenting focus.
A good ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
February 26, 2025
4 Stars
December 18, 2025
Schematyczna do bólu książka, pełna niepotrzebnych szczegółów nic nie wnoszących do sprawy. Polecieliście na podtytuł o portrecie psychologicznym? Przykro mi, ale jest o tym tyle co kot napłakał. Ciągle tylko specjaliści analizują dane, analizują i nagle im coś wyskakuje co może pasować - zero o metodach, narzędziach.
Autor wciska nam swoje prawdy o życiu, że obcy to zło, mężczyzna mający długie włosy to od razu dziwny typ - pewnie hipis od Mansona (str.39), chłopak z dobrego domu nie może być mordercą, itd.
Sprawa bardzo interesująca, ale napisana w sposób powodujący odruch wymiotny. Same sensacyjne treści, autorskie wywody, drewniany humor. Szybko leci. Ale za spojlery pod zdjęciami powinno się karać przez powieszenie ;)
Autor wciska nam swoje prawdy o życiu, że obcy to zło, mężczyzna mający długie włosy to od razu dziwny typ - pewnie hipis od Mansona (str.39), chłopak z dobrego domu nie może być mordercą, itd.
Sprawa bardzo interesująca, ale napisana w sposób powodujący odruch wymiotny. Same sensacyjne treści, autorskie wywody, drewniany humor. Szybko leci. Ale za spojlery pod zdjęciami powinno się karać przez powieszenie ;)
March 31, 2022
The misguided tendency to think they looked different or acted differently—as if we’d know them immediately by their wild eyes, helter-skelter hair, or bizarre way of talking—made them especially frightening, which made them especially spellbinding. No, they were us, ordinary and imperceptible. Our monsters were ethereal. Shadows.
Though I am fascinated by the True Crime genre, I had not heard anything about this case before. Set in a small Montana town, this book details the police, FBI, and psychological profilers' attempt to bring a serial killer to justice. And the details they uncover are truly harrowing.
I was fascinated by the history of criminal profiling, its origins, and the ways in which it was implemented to solve crimes (in one case, the psychologist predicted that a serial bomber would be wearing a double breasted jacket when he was apprehended - and he was right). Nevertheless, not every tactic used by the police was effective, as shown by the killer's successful (and very frustrating) navigation of lie detectors.
I would suggest that readers go into this book without researching the killer or his crimes, if they can help it. Since I was so new to this case, I was uncovering new details right alongside the detectives and the FBI, which made the read fast-paced and exhilarating (though it is also very somber, tragic, and truly disturbing).
Though I am fascinated by the True Crime genre, I had not heard anything about this case before. Set in a small Montana town, this book details the police, FBI, and psychological profilers' attempt to bring a serial killer to justice. And the details they uncover are truly harrowing.
I was fascinated by the history of criminal profiling, its origins, and the ways in which it was implemented to solve crimes (in one case, the psychologist predicted that a serial bomber would be wearing a double breasted jacket when he was apprehended - and he was right). Nevertheless, not every tactic used by the police was effective, as shown by the killer's successful (and very frustrating) navigation of lie detectors.
I would suggest that readers go into this book without researching the killer or his crimes, if they can help it. Since I was so new to this case, I was uncovering new details right alongside the detectives and the FBI, which made the read fast-paced and exhilarating (though it is also very somber, tragic, and truly disturbing).
September 17, 2022
4.5 stars.
This book is very good and I recommend it without hesitation.
The thing that keeps it from 5 stars is that one of the investigations gets overburdened by early details that seem to be added as a favour to the local police. Clearly the book is about profiling, and thus about the FBI. Readers don’t need to know what food and drink were ordered for investigators at the campground on the first day, nor do we particularly care.
The book begins roaring out of the gate, then bogs down for these 30-50 pages before turning into a _Prime Suspect_ style investigation that uses profiling to narrow focus and bag the bad guy.
NOTE: there are photos at the end, and the last few are HUGE spoilers. Save the photos until you’re done unless you don’t mind knowing.
This book is very good and I recommend it without hesitation.
The thing that keeps it from 5 stars is that one of the investigations gets overburdened by early details that seem to be added as a favour to the local police. Clearly the book is about profiling, and thus about the FBI. Readers don’t need to know what food and drink were ordered for investigators at the campground on the first day, nor do we particularly care.
The book begins roaring out of the gate, then bogs down for these 30-50 pages before turning into a _Prime Suspect_ style investigation that uses profiling to narrow focus and bag the bad guy.
NOTE: there are photos at the end, and the last few are HUGE spoilers. Save the photos until you’re done unless you don’t mind knowing.
November 2, 2023
Uwielbiam zagłębiać się w lekturze historii gatunku true crime. To jeden z tych gatunków, który dostarcza mi najwięcej emocji, wszak historie opisane na kartach takich książek, wydarzyły się naprawdę. Tym razem w moje ręce wpadł reportaż Rona Franscella, „Shadowman”. Jakkolwiek to zabrzmi, z przyjemnością oddałam się lekturze i przeniosłam do lat 70.
25 czerwca 1973 roku na kempingu w Montanie ginie siedmioletnia Susie Jaeger. Niebawem w nieznanych okolicznościach znika bez śladu młoda kobieta, Sandra Smallegan.
Podczas gdy policja szuka jakichkolwiek śladów, Peter Dunbar, agent specjalny, uczestniczy w warsztatach w siedzibie FBI w Quantico w Wirginii, na których omawiana jest zupełnie nowa metoda — profil kryminalny.
Na prośbę Dunbara powstaje pierwszy w historii profil domniemanego sprawcy: UnSub. Kiedy w końcu dochodzi do aresztowania podejrzanego o porwanie Susie i Sandry, profil wykonany przez śledczych pasuje idealnie. UnSub zyskuje imię i nazwisko: David Meirhofer, a nowa dziedzina wiedzy zostaje nazwana profilowaniem kryminalnym.
„Shadowman” to wnikliwie i bardzo rzetelnie napisany reportaż, w którym poznajemy kolejne kroki powstawania profilowania kryminalnego. Oprócz szczegółowych opisów kolejnych etapów powstawania profilu sprawcy, mamy też do czynienia z ogromną ilością tragicznych wydarzeń. Autor się nie rozdrabnia, szczegółowo opisuje nam etapy śledztwa zarówno małej dziewczynki, jak i młodej kobiety. Nie szczędzi w środkach, nie owija w bawełnę, daje nam realistyczny obraz bestialstwa, z jakim spotkali się śledczy.
„Shadowman” to reportaż, który czytałam z zapartym tchem. Historia Davida Meirhofera wciągnęła mnie od pierwszych stron, z wypiekami na twarzy śledziłam kolejne etapy śledztwa, nie mogąc oderwać się od lektury. To jeden z tych reportaży, który pochłania czytelnika do tego stopnia, że odkładamy książkę na półkę w momencie, kiedy dobrniemy do samego końca.
Ron Franscell stworzył bardzo rzetelny obraz okrutnego mordercy oraz szczegółowo przedstawił czytelnikom proces powstawania profilowania kryminalnego. Widać ogrom pracy włożony w powstanie tej książki. Kartkując kolejne strony czytelnik jest w stanie odczuć emocje, jakie tworzyszyły autorowi w procesie powstawania książki. Z czystym sumieniem stwierdzam, że to jeden z lepszych reportaży, jakie miałam przyjemność przeczytać. Zdecydowanie jest to pozycja obowiązkowa dla fanów true crime! U mnie na półce czeka „Sekcja zwłok” autorstwa Franscella i mam nadzieję, że niebawem znajdę czas by zagłębić się w lekturze.
25 czerwca 1973 roku na kempingu w Montanie ginie siedmioletnia Susie Jaeger. Niebawem w nieznanych okolicznościach znika bez śladu młoda kobieta, Sandra Smallegan.
Podczas gdy policja szuka jakichkolwiek śladów, Peter Dunbar, agent specjalny, uczestniczy w warsztatach w siedzibie FBI w Quantico w Wirginii, na których omawiana jest zupełnie nowa metoda — profil kryminalny.
Na prośbę Dunbara powstaje pierwszy w historii profil domniemanego sprawcy: UnSub. Kiedy w końcu dochodzi do aresztowania podejrzanego o porwanie Susie i Sandry, profil wykonany przez śledczych pasuje idealnie. UnSub zyskuje imię i nazwisko: David Meirhofer, a nowa dziedzina wiedzy zostaje nazwana profilowaniem kryminalnym.
„Shadowman” to wnikliwie i bardzo rzetelnie napisany reportaż, w którym poznajemy kolejne kroki powstawania profilowania kryminalnego. Oprócz szczegółowych opisów kolejnych etapów powstawania profilu sprawcy, mamy też do czynienia z ogromną ilością tragicznych wydarzeń. Autor się nie rozdrabnia, szczegółowo opisuje nam etapy śledztwa zarówno małej dziewczynki, jak i młodej kobiety. Nie szczędzi w środkach, nie owija w bawełnę, daje nam realistyczny obraz bestialstwa, z jakim spotkali się śledczy.
„Shadowman” to reportaż, który czytałam z zapartym tchem. Historia Davida Meirhofera wciągnęła mnie od pierwszych stron, z wypiekami na twarzy śledziłam kolejne etapy śledztwa, nie mogąc oderwać się od lektury. To jeden z tych reportaży, który pochłania czytelnika do tego stopnia, że odkładamy książkę na półkę w momencie, kiedy dobrniemy do samego końca.
Ron Franscell stworzył bardzo rzetelny obraz okrutnego mordercy oraz szczegółowo przedstawił czytelnikom proces powstawania profilowania kryminalnego. Widać ogrom pracy włożony w powstanie tej książki. Kartkując kolejne strony czytelnik jest w stanie odczuć emocje, jakie tworzyszyły autorowi w procesie powstawania książki. Z czystym sumieniem stwierdzam, że to jeden z lepszych reportaży, jakie miałam przyjemność przeczytać. Zdecydowanie jest to pozycja obowiązkowa dla fanów true crime! U mnie na półce czeka „Sekcja zwłok” autorstwa Franscella i mam nadzieję, że niebawem znajdę czas by zagłębić się w lekturze.
March 1, 2022
Shadowman started off well, but bogged down in the 20% section of the Kindle edition. There, Ron Franscell gave so many minute details about the ranch where killer David Meirhofer took two of his victims, Susie Jaeger and Sandra Smallegan, one really wondered why he thought the reader wanted to know all those details. In addition, he came across as incredibly condescending to the locals, including the local law enforcement officers. His use of profanity was not necessary, either, but also not excessive. Maybe he's just not my type of true crime writer.
Things did fortunately pick up at 30%, especially when exploring offender profiling. Most of the book isn't about that, however, but about the killings in the area, as well as about David Meirhofer. Towards the end of the story, when the reader is told how his younger brother Alan ended up becoming a serial child rapeist, one could only wish there had been more in the book about The Meirhofer family in general. There is quite a bit about Susie Jaeger's mother Marietta Jaeger Lane, a woman with a steel will and a forgiving heart. She was the true standout in the story.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and Berkley Books.)
Things did fortunately pick up at 30%, especially when exploring offender profiling. Most of the book isn't about that, however, but about the killings in the area, as well as about David Meirhofer. Towards the end of the story, when the reader is told how his younger brother Alan ended up becoming a serial child rapeist, one could only wish there had been more in the book about The Meirhofer family in general. There is quite a bit about Susie Jaeger's mother Marietta Jaeger Lane, a woman with a steel will and a forgiving heart. She was the true standout in the story.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and Berkley Books.)
April 1, 2022
review to come
August 20, 2025
This was quite good. Ron Franscell is a cut above most true crime writers.
March 23, 2025
Rating: 5/5
Shadowman by Ron Franscell provides you with a real deep dive into the world of criminal profiling with a strong focus into the mind of a terrifying serial killer from the mid-to-late 1900s. As a lifelong super fan of Criminal Minds, this book immediately appealed to me and I’m glad I read it as I finished regretting it not one bit.
Franscell provides the reader with an incredibly comprehensive and insightful piece. You can tell that a lot of research went into the creation of Shadowman as the book provides a significant amount of insight into the crimes at hand and why the criminal did them. This was discussed in a masterful blend of true crime with a fiction-esque style. You get that slow-burn, methodical build up that keeps you hooked to the end, but the information that allows you to continue learning about the criminal profiling topic. It is also done in an elaborate way that is easy to understand which is very convenient for such a complex topic and a very nuanced case. He also wrote the novel with a very gritty and raw style, using modern diction and does not shy away from grotesque details that adds authenticity and energy to the novel.
Although the title features the topic of criminal profiling, it felt as though this was on a minor subtopic in the novel as there was only a few sections where it was really dove into. This was a minor disappointment to me as I was hoping to get much more of a strong focus on the profiling. That alone was not enough however to take away from my sheer enjoyment of this book. Huge recommend to anyone!
Shadowman by Ron Franscell provides you with a real deep dive into the world of criminal profiling with a strong focus into the mind of a terrifying serial killer from the mid-to-late 1900s. As a lifelong super fan of Criminal Minds, this book immediately appealed to me and I’m glad I read it as I finished regretting it not one bit.
Franscell provides the reader with an incredibly comprehensive and insightful piece. You can tell that a lot of research went into the creation of Shadowman as the book provides a significant amount of insight into the crimes at hand and why the criminal did them. This was discussed in a masterful blend of true crime with a fiction-esque style. You get that slow-burn, methodical build up that keeps you hooked to the end, but the information that allows you to continue learning about the criminal profiling topic. It is also done in an elaborate way that is easy to understand which is very convenient for such a complex topic and a very nuanced case. He also wrote the novel with a very gritty and raw style, using modern diction and does not shy away from grotesque details that adds authenticity and energy to the novel.
Although the title features the topic of criminal profiling, it felt as though this was on a minor subtopic in the novel as there was only a few sections where it was really dove into. This was a minor disappointment to me as I was hoping to get much more of a strong focus on the profiling. That alone was not enough however to take away from my sheer enjoyment of this book. Huge recommend to anyone!
March 3, 2022
What It's About:
In this book we learn how FBI created its first psychological profile to catch an elusive serial killer, and it all begins with the disappearance of seven year-old Susie Jaeger on June 25, 1973 in Montana.
My thoughts: This book focuses on Susie Jaeger case - from her kidnapping, and investigation (where Special Agent Pete Dunbar crosses path with Patrick Mullany, a trained psychologist, and Howard Teten, a veteran criminologist), to the eventual arrest of the UnSub. I enjoyed learning the history of Behavioural Science Unit, thought processes, and method used to create a psychological profile. It was logical and just amazing!
Overall, this was an intriguing read! The writing was engaging and it reads like a fiction. I flew through this book in two sittings! If criminal profiling is a topic that interests you, definitely give this a read!
Pub. Date: March 1st, 2022
***Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
My thoughts: This book focuses on Susie Jaeger case - from her kidnapping, and investigation (where Special Agent Pete Dunbar crosses path with Patrick Mullany, a trained psychologist, and Howard Teten, a veteran criminologist), to the eventual arrest of the UnSub. I enjoyed learning the history of Behavioural Science Unit, thought processes, and method used to create a psychological profile. It was logical and just amazing!
Overall, this was an intriguing read! The writing was engaging and it reads like a fiction. I flew through this book in two sittings! If criminal profiling is a topic that interests you, definitely give this a read!
Pub. Date: March 1st, 2022
***Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***
August 6, 2022
This was a good audiobook. I had never heard of this killer or profiler prior to this (that I can recall) but it was a well told (though obviously grisly) story. I listened to it over 3 days, and picked it over podcasts, which is my tell tale sign that it’s completely sucked me in.
December 3, 2024
3,5⭐️ przez pierwszą 1/3 było trochę nudno i myślałam, że będzie mid, ale potem się bardzo wciągnęłam. overall bardzo ciekawe i przerażające zarazem
April 7, 2022
Excellent historical novel concerning the FBI and particular branches inside the FBI.
March 11, 2023
I read this for a book club fully expecting to hate it. And I hated it. And the reasons I hated it were probably the reasons true crime fans loved it: sensationalism, copaganda, merciless imposition of story-logic on real events (why do people say "This reads like fiction!" as an endorsement???), a fundamentally conservative worldview disguised as neutrality and common sense, and baseless pop-psych speculation as to what "surely must have" been going on in the killer's head.
Well what can you expect from a book that goes for the "psycho" framing in its very subtitle. Incredibly trashy, and that's not a word I trot out often.
The angle that is meant to make this stand out from other true crime books is that this case involved a very early application of what is now known as offender profiling, a practice that has been repeatedly found to have little scientific and empirical validity*. The book makes some token rhetorical gestures acknowledging that these doubts exist (including an afterword by a professional profiler which admits that profiling plays an indirect-at-best role in actually solving crimes) but never substantively engages with the sheer depths of pseudoscience involved in profiling. Instead it seems to take a "Who can say?" approach which superficially resembles neutrality—but only the neutrality of ignorance, prentending that the efficacy of profiling is still an open question, when in actuality, researchers can say, in much more concrete detail than this book cares to entertain, just how and why and to what extent it fails.
The book doesn't even do a good job illustrating how exactly profilers do their job. It manages to sound informative while actually conveying very little information. It glosses over the details with empty non-explanations like "[The voice recording] conveyed a lot about [the suspect]. The words he chose, the way he said them, and the timbre of his voice all meant something. [The profilers] knew one thing above all: The UnSub was a sadist. They heard it in his words."
You'll notice that these sentences don't really say anything: If the timbre of his voice is meaningful, why is there no description of what that timbre actually sounded like? If his word choice was so significant, why not identify which specific words were the clue? It all means "something", but what? On what grounds do the profilers go from voice timbre to sadism? They heard the sadism in his words—where, exactly?
The only thing this book is useful for is a case study in how to frame true events in a thoroughly skewed way without technically lying. It doesn't just fall for the pseudoscience of offender profiling; it also falls for its own pretense of educational value.
*see "Taking Stock of Criminal Profiling: A Narrative Review and Meta-Analysis" by Snook, Eastwood, Gendreau, Goggin, and Cullen, published in Criminal Justice and Behavior in 2007 for just one source on this.
Well what can you expect from a book that goes for the "psycho" framing in its very subtitle. Incredibly trashy, and that's not a word I trot out often.
The angle that is meant to make this stand out from other true crime books is that this case involved a very early application of what is now known as offender profiling, a practice that has been repeatedly found to have little scientific and empirical validity*. The book makes some token rhetorical gestures acknowledging that these doubts exist (including an afterword by a professional profiler which admits that profiling plays an indirect-at-best role in actually solving crimes) but never substantively engages with the sheer depths of pseudoscience involved in profiling. Instead it seems to take a "Who can say?" approach which superficially resembles neutrality—but only the neutrality of ignorance, prentending that the efficacy of profiling is still an open question, when in actuality, researchers can say, in much more concrete detail than this book cares to entertain, just how and why and to what extent it fails.
The book doesn't even do a good job illustrating how exactly profilers do their job. It manages to sound informative while actually conveying very little information. It glosses over the details with empty non-explanations like "[The voice recording] conveyed a lot about [the suspect]. The words he chose, the way he said them, and the timbre of his voice all meant something. [The profilers] knew one thing above all: The UnSub was a sadist. They heard it in his words."
You'll notice that these sentences don't really say anything: If the timbre of his voice is meaningful, why is there no description of what that timbre actually sounded like? If his word choice was so significant, why not identify which specific words were the clue? It all means "something", but what? On what grounds do the profilers go from voice timbre to sadism? They heard the sadism in his words—where, exactly?
The only thing this book is useful for is a case study in how to frame true events in a thoroughly skewed way without technically lying. It doesn't just fall for the pseudoscience of offender profiling; it also falls for its own pretense of educational value.
*see "Taking Stock of Criminal Profiling: A Narrative Review and Meta-Analysis" by Snook, Eastwood, Gendreau, Goggin, and Cullen, published in Criminal Justice and Behavior in 2007 for just one source on this.
December 27, 2021
Really interesting peek at the very first attempt of the FBI to use profiling to identify a killer. The process they used and the theories behind it aren't covered in great detail but it was interesting to read what they came up with and the struggles they had getting their theories to be accepted by investigators and even the FBI itself. The case gets a lot of flack but when you consider that they were working off only two crimes and almost no physical evidence, their profile was surprisingly accurate. I also thought it was really interesting that one of the psychics mentioned as having contacted the police after the second murder told the police the killer was a carpenter. Nailed it! Definitely worth a read for anyone who's interested in true crime.
March 30, 2022
Could not put this one down! An “In Cold Blood”-esque narrative that grabbed me from the very beginning. A fascinating look into the infancy of the FBI’s BSU and how it’s Special Agents helped catch an elusive killer.
March 27, 2022
Read the book first and then go back and look at the photo section.
June 26, 2022
Ron Franscell’s Shadowman is an interesting account of a serial killer I’d not known of before. Its real value, however, is in its description of how the guesswork/intuition/gut feelings of experienced lawmen first started to be codified into what is today known a profiling. Several Goodreaders have noted that the book “sagged” in the middle and others have been put off by the seemingly endless descriptions of irrelevant (as it turned out) people and places and things. But of course this is part of the point: the kind of crimes for which profiling is most useful are not those which involve someone’s shooting someone else on Fifth Avenue. These investigators don’t know what, of everything that conceivably can be observed, is actually a clue. People whom they suspect may prove to be completely uninvolved. The case may drag on for months or years. And the best profiling can do is indicate who the perpetrator probably isn’t - not old, not female, not left-handed, not a different race from the victims, not short, etc., narrowing down the pool of potential suspects to a much more manageable size, thus permitting investigative resources to be allocated more usefully.
As for the book ... I recommend Shadowman to true crime fans. If some among them find parts of the book boringly slow, well then the’ve learned a little more of the truth about true crimes.
As for the book ... I recommend Shadowman to true crime fans. If some among them find parts of the book boringly slow, well then the’ve learned a little more of the truth about true crimes.
November 25, 2025
Overall: 5 stars
Absolutely fantastic true crime writing. The author brings a wonderful sense of dread and tension as the narrative unfolds, keeping the perspective entirely from the viewpoint of the investigators and the victims' families, so that we as readers are left in the dark as to "whodunnit," how, and why until the police themselves figure that out. This is true crime as a mystery, and it really really works.
The author writes with vast compassion for the families, and they really take center stage in the story. Although the title and blurb highlight the criminal profilers at the FBI who played a role in solving this case, the book itself isn't really about their story. Sure, you learn the early history of the Behavioral Sciences Unit (before John Douglas and company made it famous) and about early profiling techniques, but the profilers themselves and the FBI aren't really the protagonists here.
If you're interested in this book at all based on the blurb, do yourself a favor and don't look up any "spoilers" about whodunnit and their crimes. Let yourself get swept up in the tension and anxiety of the story. Also, if you like audiobooks, the narrator for this is great: she does an excellent job at giving each character a unique voice.
Highly, highly recommended for anyone into true crime.
Absolutely fantastic true crime writing. The author brings a wonderful sense of dread and tension as the narrative unfolds, keeping the perspective entirely from the viewpoint of the investigators and the victims' families, so that we as readers are left in the dark as to "whodunnit," how, and why until the police themselves figure that out. This is true crime as a mystery, and it really really works.
The author writes with vast compassion for the families, and they really take center stage in the story. Although the title and blurb highlight the criminal profilers at the FBI who played a role in solving this case, the book itself isn't really about their story. Sure, you learn the early history of the Behavioral Sciences Unit (before John Douglas and company made it famous) and about early profiling techniques, but the profilers themselves and the FBI aren't really the protagonists here.
If you're interested in this book at all based on the blurb, do yourself a favor and don't look up any "spoilers" about whodunnit and their crimes. Let yourself get swept up in the tension and anxiety of the story. Also, if you like audiobooks, the narrator for this is great: she does an excellent job at giving each character a unique voice.
Highly, highly recommended for anyone into true crime.
December 19, 2023
Jaki czytelnik lekturę “Shadowmana” uzna za satysfakcjonującą? Poproszę o łatwiejszy zestaw pytań. Książka Rona Franscella nie zadowoli miłośników reportaży true-crime, a dla adeptów tego podgatunku też jest wielce niewskazana - gdyż tylko może zrazić ich do książek tego typu. Wyżyny literatury true crime to to nie są, eufemistycznie mówiąc.
“Shadowman” miał traktować o początkach profesjonalnego profilowania psychologicznego, powstaniu pierwszej w historii FBI oddzielnej specjalizującej się w tym jednotki. W rzeczywistości jest to standardowe true crime opowiadające o seryjnym mordercy, dokonanych przez niego przestępstwach, śledztwie i pościgu i finalnie aresztowaniu i oskarżeniu. Owszem, profilowanie się tu pojawia, bo było kluczowe przy wskazaniu sprawcy, ale zdecydowanie zagadnienie to jest na drugim planie. Sama sprawa kryminalna opisana jest w tak prosto, powierzchownie, że naprawdę trudno uwierzyć, że autor (dziennikarz!) zbierając materiały korzystał z czegoś więcej niż Wikipedii i artykułów prasowych. Franscelli w posłowiu utrzymuje, że pisząc “Shadowmana” zrobił dogłębną i obszerną kwerendę - przejrzał setki akt policyjnych, osobiście rozmawiał z osobami zaangażowanymi w sprawę. No cóż, możliwe, że faktycznie to zrobił - jednak zapewne cały materiał pozostawił w szufladzie, bo w książce śladu po tak porządnym przygotowaniu nie ma. Kopiuj - wklej Wikipedia. Nawet darmowe tworzone przez pasjonatów, a nie profesjonalistów podcasty kryminalne mogą pochwalić się solidniejszym przygotowanymien i dużo lepszym wykonaniem. I nie ukrywajmy - przewaga Wikipedii i podcastów również taka, że i wyczerpujące źródła są wymienione i w przypadku tego drugiego - w porywający sposób często jest historia podana - w tej książce tego się nie uświadczy.
Poza zastrzeżeniami do samej treści jeszcze więcej uwag mam do wykonania. Byle jakiego, powierzchownego potraktowania historii autor nie rekompensuje stylem. Ten jest wręcz fatalny! “Shadowman” jest do granic możliwości rozwleczony, monotonny, niestroniący od powtórzeń, topornie i zdecydowanie nieporywająco napisany. Jakby tego było mało to całość sprawia wrażenie, że Franscelli nie mógł bądź nie potrafił się zdecydować czy chce napisać klasyczny reportaż czy fabularyzowaną literaturę faktu. Efekt jest koszmarny, bo surowe, dokumentalne relacje sąsiadują się z pseudo-poetyckimi, metaforycznymi opisami i irytującymi swoją szczegółowością i brakiem wiarygodności obrazami przeżyć wewnętrznych, emocji, przemyśleń “bohaterów”. Ni to pies, ni to wydra. Kuriozalne.
Wisienką na tym niezjadliwym torcie niech będzie wzmianka, że sam autor porównuje siebie i swoje dzieło do Trumana Capote i jego kultowego “Z zimną krwią”. Przepraszam, i to i to książka - faktycznie tu mamy zgodność.
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“Shadowman” miał traktować o początkach profesjonalnego profilowania psychologicznego, powstaniu pierwszej w historii FBI oddzielnej specjalizującej się w tym jednotki. W rzeczywistości jest to standardowe true crime opowiadające o seryjnym mordercy, dokonanych przez niego przestępstwach, śledztwie i pościgu i finalnie aresztowaniu i oskarżeniu. Owszem, profilowanie się tu pojawia, bo było kluczowe przy wskazaniu sprawcy, ale zdecydowanie zagadnienie to jest na drugim planie. Sama sprawa kryminalna opisana jest w tak prosto, powierzchownie, że naprawdę trudno uwierzyć, że autor (dziennikarz!) zbierając materiały korzystał z czegoś więcej niż Wikipedii i artykułów prasowych. Franscelli w posłowiu utrzymuje, że pisząc “Shadowmana” zrobił dogłębną i obszerną kwerendę - przejrzał setki akt policyjnych, osobiście rozmawiał z osobami zaangażowanymi w sprawę. No cóż, możliwe, że faktycznie to zrobił - jednak zapewne cały materiał pozostawił w szufladzie, bo w książce śladu po tak porządnym przygotowaniu nie ma. Kopiuj - wklej Wikipedia. Nawet darmowe tworzone przez pasjonatów, a nie profesjonalistów podcasty kryminalne mogą pochwalić się solidniejszym przygotowanymien i dużo lepszym wykonaniem. I nie ukrywajmy - przewaga Wikipedii i podcastów również taka, że i wyczerpujące źródła są wymienione i w przypadku tego drugiego - w porywający sposób często jest historia podana - w tej książce tego się nie uświadczy.
Poza zastrzeżeniami do samej treści jeszcze więcej uwag mam do wykonania. Byle jakiego, powierzchownego potraktowania historii autor nie rekompensuje stylem. Ten jest wręcz fatalny! “Shadowman” jest do granic możliwości rozwleczony, monotonny, niestroniący od powtórzeń, topornie i zdecydowanie nieporywająco napisany. Jakby tego było mało to całość sprawia wrażenie, że Franscelli nie mógł bądź nie potrafił się zdecydować czy chce napisać klasyczny reportaż czy fabularyzowaną literaturę faktu. Efekt jest koszmarny, bo surowe, dokumentalne relacje sąsiadują się z pseudo-poetyckimi, metaforycznymi opisami i irytującymi swoją szczegółowością i brakiem wiarygodności obrazami przeżyć wewnętrznych, emocji, przemyśleń “bohaterów”. Ni to pies, ni to wydra. Kuriozalne.
Wisienką na tym niezjadliwym torcie niech będzie wzmianka, że sam autor porównuje siebie i swoje dzieło do Trumana Capote i jego kultowego “Z zimną krwią”. Przepraszam, i to i to książka - faktycznie tu mamy zgodność.
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October 21, 2024
Legitimately able to use this for both of my book groups - Tuesday Evening, and for our Staff Book Club, which is looking at the Horror genre in October.
This book looks at related crimes that occurred in the late 60's and early 70's. Not only did FBI Profiling / Behavioral Analysis not exist (as it does today), but neither did the term, "Serial Killer." This was not coined until 1977, and the characteristics that determine whether or not you have an actual serial killer are intriguing.
As for FBI Profiling, J Edgar did not approve, and this was considered more of an artistic way of solving a crime, as opposed to viewing things scientifically.
Getting back to this story ... WOW! Words cannot adequately express my feelings about this killer (who shall remain nameless in this review) or their victims. Truly, horrific, but also well worth the read. You'll have to read the book to learn more.
This book looks at related crimes that occurred in the late 60's and early 70's. Not only did FBI Profiling / Behavioral Analysis not exist (as it does today), but neither did the term, "Serial Killer." This was not coined until 1977, and the characteristics that determine whether or not you have an actual serial killer are intriguing.
As for FBI Profiling, J Edgar did not approve, and this was considered more of an artistic way of solving a crime, as opposed to viewing things scientifically.
Getting back to this story ... WOW! Words cannot adequately express my feelings about this killer (who shall remain nameless in this review) or their victims. Truly, horrific, but also well worth the read. You'll have to read the book to learn more.
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