The Devil You Know

by Gwen Adshead
The Devil You Know cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 2746
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781982134792
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2021-07-20
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Devil You Know explores the complex motivations behind violent acts through the lens of Dr. Gwen Adshead's extensive experience in forensic psychiatry. Drawing from her thirty years of working with serious offenders, she presents eleven vivid narratives that challenge our understanding of violence and the capacity for change. /n/n Through her collaboration with Eileen Horne, Dr. Adshead brings her career to life, demonstrating the power of empathy and therapy in transforming lives. This book is a compelling journey into the human psyche, offering fresh perspectives on the nature of violence and the possibility of redemption.

Reviews
Buried Under Books · 2022-07-06
compelling 4.00

The book is written in a clear and organized style, making it accessible despite its challenging subject matter. It is not an easy read but offers valuable insights into human cruelty and redemption.

Buried Under Books notes that while the book is well-written and organized, it is not an easy read due to its heavy subject matter. They appreciate the depth of insight provided into the lives of those who commit cruel acts, highlighting the human capacity for change and redemption. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling exploration of complex issues, making it a valuable read for those interested in understanding the darker aspects of human nature.

Quick quotes

    'The Devil You Know' is written in a clear, organised style that makes it easy to read – but it is not an 'easy' read: when I started one ...

    Once again, this book humanises the people who do these monstrous acts and provides important social and psychological contexts…

    Adshead is gentle, full of humility and quick to demonstrate her wisdom via her reading

The Guardian · 2021-06-04
insightful 4.50

The book is insightful and compassionate, challenging misconceptions about violent offenders. It provides a thoughtful exploration of human cruelty and the capacity for change.

The Guardian's review highlights the book's ability to challenge our preconceived notions about violent offenders. They appreciate the compassionate and insightful approach taken by the authors, which sheds light on the complexities of human behavior. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful tool for understanding and moving beyond our misconceptions about those who commit heinous acts. They also mention that the book is hard to put down, despite its heavy subject matter.

Quick quotes

    This insightful, compassionate and fascinating book will help us to move away from our blindness and misconceptions and shine a light on the ...

    The chapter describing “Ian's” case history is particularly harrowing and illuminating.

    The book is a powerful myth buster.

Amazon · 2021-06-01
brilliant 4.75

The book is brilliant and powerful, challenging stereotypes about violent offenders. It offers a unique perspective on human cruelty and the potential for change.

Amazon's review praises the book for its brilliance and power in challenging common stereotypes about violent offenders. They highlight the unique perspective offered by the authors, which provides a deeper understanding of human cruelty and the potential for redemption. The reviewer finds the book to be a myth-buster, offering valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior. They appreciate the compassionate and thoughtful approach taken by the authors, making it a must-read for those interested in the subject.

Quick quotes

    'Brilliant . . . The book is a powerful myth buster. Name a sterotype about violent offenders and Adshead upends it.

    An internationally renowned forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist demonstrates the remarkable human capacity for radical empathy, change, and redemption.

    In her memoir, The Devil You Know, co-written with dramatist Eileen Horne, she reflects on the blurred line between good and evil, horror and empathy.

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