alrey's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
bibliomaniac33's review against another edition
I couldn't make it past page 100. The characters' opinions and actions were so out of place for the time period and setting it ruined the book for me. I'm baffled by all of the 5 star reviews.
ktxx22's review against another edition
5.0
Yes yes yes!!!! This book is delicious. The characters are well developed and make you really feel for them. The writing in this book is superb. Carr is a wordsmith with a love of words that are uncommonly used, but enjoyed throughly but folks like myself who love language. This is definitely Law and Order S. V. U. Circa 1896. Total page turner. I loved the gruesome details, and the Criminal Minds/ Mindhunter aspect of this book. Looking for a serial killer. 5/5 easy. Highly recommend and now I need to watch the show!!!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
5.0
The Alienist by Caleb Carr.
Sub-genre: Historical mystery
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Before the modern day criminal profiler, there were "alienists" - psychologists interested in the workings of the criminal mind. In this book a crime reporter, John Schulyer Moore, is asked by his friend, Theodore Roosevelt in his days as the police commissioner of New York, to assist one of these alienists in the search for a serial killer butchering young children in the sex trade.
Review:
This is a well-researched take on life in New York at the turn of the 20th century. The characterization is excellent, especially that of Sara, Roosevelt's secretary who is determined to become the first female detective, and the alienist, Lazlo Kreizler who seeks to understand the origins of monstrous behaviors while at the same time fighting demons of his own. The books includes some fascinating details on the beginnings of forensic science and has a profound message about humanity and society. The language and descriptive passages can be quite challenging to get through but they are well worth it.
Recommendation: An absolute must for lovers of mystery and thrillers as well as the history of New York.
Sub-genre: Historical mystery
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Before the modern day criminal profiler, there were "alienists" - psychologists interested in the workings of the criminal mind. In this book a crime reporter, John Schulyer Moore, is asked by his friend, Theodore Roosevelt in his days as the police commissioner of New York, to assist one of these alienists in the search for a serial killer butchering young children in the sex trade.
Review:
This is a well-researched take on life in New York at the turn of the 20th century. The characterization is excellent, especially that of Sara, Roosevelt's secretary who is determined to become the first female detective, and the alienist, Lazlo Kreizler who seeks to understand the origins of monstrous behaviors while at the same time fighting demons of his own. The books includes some fascinating details on the beginnings of forensic science and has a profound message about humanity and society. The language and descriptive passages can be quite challenging to get through but they are well worth it.
Recommendation: An absolute must for lovers of mystery and thrillers as well as the history of New York.
monda16's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
jcarsrud's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book and if you like dark mysteries, this one is for you! I was a little scared at the beginning, when there was gore, but it was just the right amount of gore for the story to be engaging the problem.
aga89's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ginbottle's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First half graphic and laboured. The writing picked up a bit later and the plot fell into place, but for all the psychology I felt we never really got inside the characters.