The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder

by Charles Graeber
The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder cover
Good Books rating 4.33
True Crime
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 2612
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781782393481
  • Publisher: Atlantic Books Ltd
  • Published: 2013-07-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Good Nurse delves into the disturbing case of Charlie Cullen, a registered nurse accused of being one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. The book provides a vivid portrait of Cullen's life, revealing the complexities of his character and the horrific extent of his crimes across multiple hospitals. /n/n Beyond the gruesome details of his actions, the narrative also explores the efforts to stop him and the broader implications of his case on the healthcare system. It's a gripping tale of murder, friendship, and the shocking betrayal of trust within a profession meant to heal.

Reviews
Facebook · 2025-10-15
powerful 4.00

The reviewer praises the book as a powerful examination of systemic failure in the healthcare system and the moral complexities of the story.

This Facebook post highlights the book's ability to go beyond just a murder story, delving into the systemic failures of the American healthcare system. The reviewer emphasizes the moral complexities and the human elements that make the book a compelling read. The post also mentions the book's thought-provoking nature and its ability to inspire reflection on broader societal issues.

Quick quotes

    More than just a tale of murder, this book is a powerful examination of systemic failure in the American healthcare system and the moral complexities of the story.

    The book is a searing indictment of a crushing and dehumanizing for-profit medical system.

    It offers an inspiring human story of the previously unknown victims and their families.

The StoryGraph · misreadmeg · 2025-10-15
gripping 4.50

The reviewer found the book gripping and chilling, appreciating the additional perspectives included in the narrative.

Misreadmeg couldn't put this book down, finishing it in less than two days. They found the story both gripping and chilling, and particularly appreciated the additional perspectives that added depth to the narrative. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to balance a terrifying true story with a thought-provoking examination of the healthcare system.

Quick quotes

    I couldn't stop listening and finished it in less than two days.

    I found it gripping and chilling.

    I really appreciated the additional perspectives too.

Goodreads · 2013-04-15
haunting 4.50

The review describes the book as an urgent and terrifying tale of murder, friendship, and betrayal, with a focus on the intelligence and complexity of the main character.

This book is a gripping true-crime story that delves into the shocking tale of Charles Cullen, a nurse turned serial killer. The reviewer highlights how the book not only tells a horrifying story but also explores the systemic failures in the healthcare system that allowed such atrocities to occur. The vivid portrayal of Cullen's character and the moral dilemmas faced by those around him make for a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    The Good Nurse weaves an urgent, terrifying tale of murder, friendship, and betrayal.

    Graeber's portrait of Cullen depicts a surprisingly intelligent and complex individual.

    The book paints an incredibly vivid portrait of madness and offers an excoriating examination of systemic failure in the healthcare system.

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