Mindhunter: inside the FBI's elite serial crime unit

One of the first to develop the specialty of "criminal-personality profiling," Douglas has written a readable, popular version of his earlier Sexual Homicide (Lexington, 1988). He discusses how FBI profilers, working from crime scene evidence, predict the type of personality who committed a serial murder. Accurate profiles-such as that of Wayne Williams, the Atlanta child killer-can help focus on likely suspects. Profiling can also suggest proactive steps for luring the culprit into contacting the police. Unfortunately, a profile is apt to "fit a lot of people." As the unsolved Green River Killer case attests, it cannot substitute for hard evidence. Although profiling has limitations not emphasized in this semiautobiographical account, Douglas is justifiably proud of its success. Recommended for true crime collections. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/95.]-Gregor A. Preston, formerly with Univ. of California Lib., Davis (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Douglas (Sexual Homicide) retired this year after 25 years with the FBI, the last 18 with the Behavioral Science Unit, which he rechristened the Investigative Support Unit (``to get rid of the BS''). With the aid of Olshaker (The Instant Image), he traces the rise of the unit from stepchild of the agency to a position of national respect, especially as it became helpful to state, county and local police in solving many high-profile serial murder and rape cases. This was accomplished in large part by having agents put themselves in the minds of criminals, a feat made possible largely by interviews conducted with incarcerated serial murderers, from Charles Manson to David Berkowitz (``Son of Sam''). The authors conclude that although such offenders may be impelled by anger, greed, jealousy, profit or revenge (as are many other criminals), they are more complex cases because they are distanced from compassion, guilt or remorse and so provide what is called a unique signature. All are motivated by the desire for manipulation, domination and control, and fantasy looms large in their psyches. The many case histories make this singularly important study as readable as a mystery novel. Literary Guild, Doubleday Book Club and Mystery Guild alternates. (Nov.) Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information.

One of the first to develop the specialty of "criminal-personality profiling," Douglas has written a readable, popular version of his earlier Sexual Homicide (Lexington, 1988). He discusses how FBI profilers, working from crime scene evidence, predict the type of personality who committed a serial murder. Accurate profiles-such as that of Wayne Williams, the Atlanta child killer-can help focus on likely suspects. Profiling can also suggest proactive steps for luring the culprit into contacting the police. Unfortunately, a profile is apt to "fit a lot of people." As the unsolved Green River Killer case attests, it cannot substitute for hard evidence. Although profiling has limitations not emphasized in this semiautobiographical account, Douglas is justifiably proud of its success. Recommended for true crime collections. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/95.]-Gregor A. Preston, formerly with Univ. of California Lib., Davis Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information.