NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A TNT ORIGINAL SERIES • “A first-rate tale of crime and punishment that will keep readers guessing until the final pages.”—Entertainment Weekly “Caleb Carr’s rich period thriller takes us back to the moment in history when the modern idea of the serial killer became available to us.”—The Detroit NewsWhen The Alienist was first published in 1994, it was a major … The Alienist was first published in 1994, it was a major phenomenon, spending six months on the New York Times bestseller list, receiving critical acclaim, and selling millions of copies. This modern classic continues to be a touchstone of historical suspense fiction for readers everywhere.
The year is 1896. The city is New York. Newspaper reporter John Schuyler Moore is summoned by his friend Dr. Laszlo Kreizler—a psychologist, or “alienist”—to view the horribly mutilated body of an adolescent boy abandoned on the unfinished Williamsburg Bridge. From there the two embark on a revolutionary effort in criminology: creating a psychological profile of the perpetrator based on the details of his crimes. Their dangerous quest takes them into the tortured past and twisted mind of a murderer who will kill again before their hunt is over.
Fast-paced and riveting, infused with historical detail, The Alienist conjures up Gilded Age New York, with its tenements and mansions, corrupt cops and flamboyant gangsters, shining opera houses and seamy gin mills. It is an age in which questioning society’s belief that all killers are born, not made, could have unexpected and fatal consequences.
Praise for The Alienist
“[A] delicious premise . . . Its settings and characterizations are much more sophisticated than the run-of-the-mill thrillers that line the shelves in bookstores.”—The Washington Post Book World
“Mesmerizing.”—Detroit Free Press
“The method of the hunt and the disparate team of hunters lift the tale beyond the level of a good thriller—way beyond. . . . A remarkable combination of historical novel and psychological thriller.”—The Buffalo News
“Engrossing.”—Newsweek
“Gripping, atmospheric . . . intelligent and entertaining.”—USA Today
“A high-spirited, charged-up and unfailingly smart thriller.”—Los Angeles Times
“Keeps readers turning pages well past their bedtime.”—San Francisco Chronicle
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I read this book years ago and also the sequel. This is an excellent and well written story that depicts Manhattan near the turn of the century so well that you feel like you are there.
I highly recommend this book, then watch the TV miniseries afterwards. It’s a great depiction of the book and follows the story well. But read the book first!
Gripping
Very unusual story – great history and entertaining at the same time.
WOW! This book was great.
kept my attention!
Wordy and overlong.
This book was truly a page-turner. It was a crime story, which is something I never read, and I enjoyed the suspense and the setting, which was 1896 NYC.
Easy and fast read. You want to meet, have dinner with and join the Alienist’s team as they struggle to identify and trap the perp at large.
Long and slow
Loved this book about 19th century forensics and criminal profiling. The story is riveting. Also, be sure to watch the series based on the book.
Vintage sleuthing in the finest tradition.
This is a great book and one that you won’t want to part with. Caleb Carr leads the reader through a unique plot, with characters you feel for.
An excellent historical murder mystery highlighting an early use of psychology to track and catch a serial killer.
Riveting. I’ll have to see the movie and compare.
Love it!
Excellent book!
One of the best books I have ever read. Twists and turns that will keep you reading page after page.
Wonderfully researched, written and engaging
The book is about one of the first crime profilers (called alienists) at the turn of the century New York. Someone is killing young boys and it is up Dr Lazlo Kreitzler and the police commissioner of N.Y., none other than Theodore Roosevelt, to find out who the perpetrator is. Introducing fingerprints to the investigation, a team is assembled to help Dr. Kreitzler. I enjoyed the time period and the characters very much in this book. The murders are bit gory so be advised.
More of a why done it than who done it. Fascinating characters.