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Best Criminal Psychology Books

Unlock the mysteries of the criminal mind with the most compelling criminal psychology books, extensively cited and recommended by psychological experts and academic reviews.

Recommendations from 7 articles, Ben Shapiro, Sam Harris, Dave Weigel and 4 others.
13 books on the list
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The Anatomy of Motive book cover
The Anatomy of Motive
John E. Douglas, Mark Olshaker - 2000-07-01 (first published in 1999)
Goodreads Rating
This insightful book by legendary FBI profiler John Douglas and Mark Olshaker delves into the root of all crime – the motive. Using his renowned insights, Douglas uncovers the reasons behind violent sociopathic behavior, from seemingly ordinary people who go on rampages to famous killers like Lee Harvey Oswald and Theodore Kaczynski. By analyzing the progressive escalation of their behavior, Douglas helps readers anticipate potential violent behavior before it's too late.
Mindhunter book cover
Mindhunter
Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit
John E. Douglas - 1996-08-01 (first published in 1995)
Goodreads Rating
Delve into the minds of some of the most notorious serial killers and assassins of our time with this captivating true crime book. Written by a retired Special Agent who interviewed the likes of Charles Manson, Richard Speck, and John Wayne Gacy, this book offers a landmark study on the motives of these individuals. Learn how John Douglas's work in behavioral science and criminal profiling ushered in a new era of law enforcement.
Discipline & Punish book cover
Discipline & Punish
The Birth of the Prison
Michel Foucault - 1995-04-25 (first published in 1975)
Goodreads Rating
Discover how punishment has evolved from torture to impacting the human soul in this thought-provoking work by a highly regarded philosopher. Explore how modern penitentiaries haven't truly abolished torture, but merely shifted its focus.
Without Conscience book cover
Without Conscience
The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us
Robert D. Hare - 1999-01-08 (first published in 1993)
Goodreads Rating
Uncover the chilling world of psychopaths in this book based on 25 years of scientific research by Dr. Robert D. Hare. Delve into the minds of society's most manipulative and remorseless predators, including serial killers like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy. Learn how to recognize psychopaths - who may appear completely normal to unsuspecting targets - and protect yourself from their dangerous behaviors. Discover the difference between right and wrong in the eyes of a psychopath and gain tangible insights into this devastating condition.
Recommended by
Andrew Wilkinson
Serial Killers book cover
Serial Killers
The Method and Madness of Monsters
Peter Vronsky - 2004-10-05
Goodreads Rating
This book delves into the dark and chilling history of serial killers, exploring America's most notorious cases like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy, as well as lesser-known but equally disturbing killers. The author, Peter Vronsky, offers insights into the psychological, investigative, and cultural aspects of serial murder, as well as practical tips on how to recognize and survive an encounter with a serial killer. With detailed research, interviews with killers, and up-to-date information on recent cases, this book is sure to captivate those intrigued by this fascinating true crime phenomenon.
Whoever Fights Monsters book cover
Whoever Fights Monsters
My Twenty Years Tracking Serial Killers for the FBI
Robert K. Ressler - 1993-03-15 (first published in 1992)
Goodreads Rating
Discover the techniques used by FBI veteran and ex-Army CID colonel Robert Ressler to track down and capture some of America's most brutal serial killers. Learn how Ressler created psychological profiles of these dangerous criminals using evidence from crime scenes and personal accounts from convicted murderers. Join him on a terrifying journey to understand the mind of a killer and how they choose their victims. Uncover the secrets behind some of history's most notorious murderers and how they were brought to justice.
Dark Dreams book cover
Dark Dreams
A Legendary FBI Profiler Examines Homicide and the Criminal Mind
Roy Hazelwood, Stephen G. Michaud - 2002-10-13 (first published in 2001)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the twisted minds of some of the world's most dangerous sexual criminals with Dark Dreams. FBI profiler Roy Hazelwood reveals the innovative and remarkably effective investigative techniques he helped pioneer that allow law enforcement to construct psychological profiles of the offenders who commit these heinous crimes. Hazelwood takes readers into his world, solving cases such as the disappearance of a convenience store worker, a teenager's bizarre ritualistic murder, and a married couple who kidnapped and kept a hitchhiker as a sex slave for seven years. A gruesome but fascinating read that proves even the most cunning criminals can be brought to justice.
Introduction to Forensic Psychology book cover
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Research and Application
Curtis R. Bartol, Anne M. Bartol - 2011-03-18 (first published in 2004)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the fascinating world of forensic psychology with this research-based and practical text. Written by experts in the field, this book teaches you how to apply psychological knowledge to the civil and criminal justice systems. With real-life examples and discussions of emerging specializations like investigative psychology, you'll gain a multicultural perspective critical to successful practice in this field. Updated with current statistics, research, and case law, this fifth edition explores issues like mental health courts, online predators, and the effects of violent media.
Dangerous Personalities book cover
Dangerous Personalities
An FBI Profiler Shows You How to Identify and Protect Yourself from Harmful People
Joe Navarro - 2014-10-07
Goodreads Rating
Discover the secrets to identifying and protecting yourself from the four most common "dangerous personalities" with Dangerous Personalities. Former FBI profiler, Joe Navarro, takes readers on a journey through the Narcissist, the Predator, the Paranoid, and the Unstable Personality, providing essential tips and tricks for assessing potential threats and healing from trauma. Don't miss out on this national bestseller with a new foreword in the paperback edition.
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
The Anatomy of Evil by MD Michael H. Stone
Inside the Criminal Mind by Stanton E. Samenow
The Science of Evil by Simon Baron-Cohen