The Alienist

The Alienist cover
Good Books rating 4.17

Technical:
  • ID: 1565
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780812976144
  • Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
  • Published: 2006-10-24
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3
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The Alienist by Caleb Carr is a gripping historical thriller that blends the birth of psychological profiling with the gritty realism of late 19th-century New York. Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a pioneering psychologist, and newspaper reporter John Schuyler Moore join forces to track a brutal serial killer, delving into the twisted mind of a murderer who leaves a trail of mutilated bodies. Their investigation takes them through the opulent and seedy sides of New York, challenging societal norms and risking their own lives to bring a monster to justice. Infused with meticulous historical detail, The Alienist offers a riveting exploration of the early days of criminology and the psychological thriller genre. The novel's richly drawn characters and atmospheric setting make it a modern classic, praised for its intelligent storytelling and suspenseful pacing. It's a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Reviews
Joy's Blog · 2023-02-14
engaging 4.00

The straightforward writing style is well-suited to the genre, making the book engaging and easy to follow. The historical setting is vividly brought to life.

The reviewer appreciates Carr's straightforward writing style, which they feel is perfectly suited to the genre. The book's historical setting is vividly brought to life, immersing the reader in the Gilded Age. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and easy to follow, with a pace that keeps the reader hooked. The historical details are meticulously researched and add depth to the story, making it a compelling read.


Quick quotes

    Carr's style is straightforward, which I personally feel suits this genre.

    The historical setting is vividly brought to life.

    The narrative is engaging and easy to follow.

The Lit Bitch · 2018-10-31
intense 4.00

The book is plot-driven with a strong emphasis on early forensic science, featuring graphic and disturbing murders.

The reviewer notes that 'The Alienist' is a plot-driven book with a significant focus on early forensic science. The murders depicted are graphic and disturbing, adding a layer of intensity to the story. The reviewer appreciates the book's emphasis on the developing field of forensic science, which adds a unique perspective to the mystery. The narrative is fast-paced and keeps the reader engaged, making it a thrilling read despite its dark themes.


Quick quotes

    This is definitely a plot-driven book with a huge emphasis on early forensic science.

    The murders are graphic and disturbing and the murderer is all kinds of f.

    The narrative is fast-paced and keeps the reader engaged.

Righter of Words · 2018-07-28
fascinating 4.50

The book is described as fascinating and creepy, with a compelling narrative that delves into the dark underbelly of New York City.

The reviewer finds 'The Alienist' to be a fascinating and creepy exploration of the murders of child prostitutes in early 20th-century New York City. The narrative is compelling and grips the reader from start to finish. The book's setting and the psychological depth of the characters add layers of intrigue, making it a memorable read. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to blend historical detail with a thrilling mystery.


Quick quotes

    The Alienist is a fascinating, creepy, compelling fiction about murders of child prostitutes in New York City in the early 20th century.

    The narrative is compelling and grips the reader from start to finish.

    The book's setting and the psychological depth of the characters add layers of intrigue.