Mindhunter - Mark Olshaker & John E. Douglas

Mindhunter

By Mark Olshaker & John E. Douglas

  • Release Date: 1998-11-26
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 715 Ratings

Description

Discover the classic, behind-the-scenes chronicle of John E. Douglas’ twenty-five-year career in the FBI Investigative Support Unit, where he used psychological profiling to delve into the minds of the country’s most notorious serial killers and criminals—the basis for the upcoming Netflix original series.

In chilling detail, the legendary Mindhunter takes us behind the scenes of some of his most gruesome, fascinating, and challenging cases—and into the darkest recesses of our worst nightmares.

During his twenty-five year career with the Investigative Support Unit, Special Agent John Douglas became a legendary figure in law enforcement, pursuing some of the most notorious and sadistic serial killers of our time: the man who hunted prostitutes for sport in the woods of Alaska, the Atlanta child murderer, and Seattle's Green River killer, the case that nearly cost Douglas his life.

As the model for Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs, Douglas has confronted, interviewed, and studied scores of serial killers and assassins, including Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Ed Gein, who dressed himself in his victims' peeled skin. Using his uncanny ability to become both predator and prey, Douglas examines each crime scene, reliving both the killer's and the victim's actions in his mind, creating their profiles, describing their habits, and predicting their next moves.

Reviews

  • Gripping and Important

    5
    By AmericanAffair
    This book is a fascinating read. When I first picked it up, the first few pages were mind numbing and quite literally put me to sleep, but I picked the book up again a few weeks later after reading some fiction, and quickly found myself entirely immersed and in this book. It is interesting, although sometimes hard to keep up with the Rolodex of names and locations, but the pacing of the writing and overall storytelling is incredibly compelling. The beginning is dry but within 50 pages it is thrilling and an absolute page turner. In conclusion: if you like true crime, history, or science, it’s well worth the read.
  • Blown Away

    5
    By LucyMinnie
    The FBI was primitive before Ressler and Douglas really started using the tools. Way interesting read. His brutal honesty and humor show you can be a FBI profiler and share vulnerability, compassion, and perfectionism. Will be reading more of him.
  • Most Disorganized Writing

    1
    By behsjs disnsndn
    Can I get a refund please? This book is absolutely terrible. In one paragraph, we’re talking about how his wife got molested. The next paragraph, we’re talking about his new friend Joe. The next paragraph, we’re talking about a hostage situation. Nothing flows. Nothing connects. The writer sounds like a jerk. He doesn’t do anything out of love or affection but to serve his own ego. He constantly refers to analyzing people and all he’s really good at is manipulating them. I will not finish this book.
  • Mind Numbing

    1
    By K9Lover72
    If you’re looking for an insightful read (or listen), go elsewhere. If you’re intrigued by listening to a laundry list of meaningless names and stories with the palatability of canned fruit and Miracle Whip ambrosia, this is for you.
  • A truly excellent book!

    5
    By Stephen Harp
    This book is great! John Douglas has and keeps his audience hooked, trapped- captured from the beginning! You won’t want to stop reading/ listening (which ever you’re doing!). Not to mention the show that they released on Netflix has 2 seasons to watch after- or while reading/ listening to this book! The book is excellent, & The show is Great! WIN WIN! What are you waiting for? Mindhunter is an essential for True crime readers- simple as that.
  • Loved it!

    5
    By Ozcrome
    I feel like my IQ may have gone up a little after reading this book. I highly recommend it. It will grab your attention and teach you a thing or two in the process.
  • Thank You Douglas

    5
    By Monkey Bootie
    After reading this book when it was released, I decided to become a police officer at age 39. I wanted to work in criminal psychology after rifling through Douglas’ writings, and I have been a part of the fascinating underworld ever since. It’s been a great career, thanks to men and women like Douglas. Great read check it out!
  • Kor

    3
    By Dman8133
    I -rfvdezk On
  • Now a Netflix series!!!

    5
    By TheWeedQween
    I’m going to read his books👍
  • A MUST READ

    5
    By StarSharon
    If you love psychological insight into true crime this is the book for you.