The Alienist

by Caleb Carr
The Alienist cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 1565
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780812976144
  • Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
  • Published: 2006-10-24
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 4

The Alienist is a gripping historical thriller that blends the gritty realism of 1896 New York with a compelling narrative of crime and psychological intrigue. The story follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a pioneering psychologist known as an 'alienist,' and newspaper reporter John Schuyler Moore as they embark on a dangerous quest to track down a serial killer. Their innovative approach to criminology, which involves creating a psychological profile of the perpetrator, sets the stage for a tense and suspenseful hunt through the city's tenements and mansions, revealing the stark contrasts of the era. Beyond the thrilling plot, The Alienist offers a richly detailed portrayal of Gilded Age New York, complete with corrupt cops, flamboyant gangsters, and the emerging understanding of criminal behavior. The novel's exploration of the psychological and societal factors that contribute to violence makes it a thought-provoking read, while its fast-paced action and historical authenticity keep readers on the edge of their seats.

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.

Luke Harkness · Luke Harkness · 2021-06-26
rewarding 4.50

The writing style requires concentration but is rewarding. The plot is driven by early forensic science and graphic murders.

Luke Harkness found 'The Alienist' to be a book that requires a bit of concentration due to its writing style, but the effort is well worth it. The plot is driven by early forensic science and the graphic nature of the murders, which adds a layer of tension and suspense. The historical setting of New York City is vividly portrayed, enhancing the overall reading experience. The psychological depth of the characters, particularly the alienist, is impressive and adds layers to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    I was a huge fan of The Alienist by Caleb Carr.

    His writing style was one that you have to concentrate on to be able to follow.

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

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.

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