Customer Reviews

Journey Into Darkness

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Journey Into Darkness undertakes several missions on its path. Sure, we have the murders themselves committed by people we can only dream never come within a thousand miles of anyone we know. We also get a riveting insight into the science of criminal psychology, victimology and investigative detection. Finally, the noble crusades of victims' relatives and advice, support and education on how to spot and avoid potential catastrophes occurring to anyone you know is touched on in detail.

I guarantee that if you have children or relatives that have anything in common with any of the victims you will be affected by this book in a way that few others will affect you.

I'm tempted to go off at a tangent and comment on the vile killers themselves but since this is a book review, I will cut myself off and say that the book is extremely well written, excellently structured and balanced superbly. This isn't merely a Triple A guide to serial killers, and although Douglas is clearly proud of the work he has done, what shines through is the fact that he is a human being first and a criminal investigator second. The fact that he has to get into their heads to understand and uncover the crimes is continually balanced with his assertions that he has just as much contempt for these killers as those directly affected by them. That's important, along with his attempts to educate the readers on how to avoid such situations coming up in their neighborhoods or families. It effectively diffuses the chances of the book becoming episodic or even biographical.

I was confused by his inclusion of the O.J. Simpson case, not because it was poorly put together - it was very convincing - but because it didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book. It might well belong in a different book, but here it struck me as an attempt to cash in on something which almost undid the good intentions of the rest of the book.

However, it is a remarkable insight into a profession and a world dominated by the truly darkest elements of the human race. The book is hard to read without feeling guilty at yourself for not wanting to put it down. And that is a testament to its power.

I have been an avid true crime reader for several years although this is the first book that I have read by John E. Douglas. This book makes you see the darkness that a lot of people seem to have inside and what they are prepared to do to realise their fantasies whatever the cost. I was not able to put down this book even though it filled me with anxiety and sadness because the title is true - he really does take you on a journey into Darkness, although John Douglases telling of these brutal cases is masterly. He explains even the most complicated of theories in a way that is understandable to all. After reading this book I have already ordered his other books and can't wait for them to be delivered. Gripping stuff!!!

Douglas opens with the murder of Marine Suzanne Collins in Tennessee in 1985, describing his own mental process in analyzing her killer's behavior. After discussing several other cases, he returns to the Collins murder for a very detailed, moving discussion of her life and death, and the difficult experiences her family has had with the legal system in the intervening years. Her parents became ardent campaigners for victims' rights, and against lengthy and frivolous appeals. Much of what Douglas writes on this issue reminds me of John Walsh, of "America's Most Wanted." Also reminiscent of "America's Most Wanted" is Douglas' advice on teaching our children how to avoid becoming victims of abusers, abductors, and killers. Having recently read Robert Ressler's excellent book, _Whoever Fights Monsters_, I was interested to note that Douglas and Ressler disagree on the value of letting serial killers live. Ressler advocates keeping killers alive for psychological study, but Douglas says it would take "about six hours" to learn all that he would need to know from a convicted serial killer. Beyond that, he says, a killer who claims to have more valuable information for police and psychologists is doing nothing more than looking for an excuse to avoid execution, and the quality of the information is suspect. Near the end of the book, Douglas considers a case in which profiling helped exonerate an innocent man. He also analyzes, from a behavioral standpoint, the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, describing the sort of profile he would have developed had he been asked to consult on the case

Though this book still has John Douglas's usual pat on his own back all through it, it's truly a terrifying read.

The only unfortunate part of the book is Douglas's rehash of the Simpson case (yawn), and his showing us how he'd profile the killer is a big bore.....and it's in here because John Douglas likes to talk about how good he is (and I'm sure he is....but the man has an ego problem).

Aside from that profile, the reading is so scary that I couldn't sleep, and as far as true crime books, that rarely happens to me.

It's an excellent read, and gives some worthy "tips" as far as your own self-preservation, and the safety of your children.

In spite of Douglas himself, I enjoyed this book almost too much. I was afraid to go in front of my windows for days!

Absolutely worth buying and reading...

John Douglas continues showing the inside of the criminal mind in Journey. High Profile cases like O.J. Simpson are included. Other cases are also included that are not as well known such as Suzanne Collins, a Marine killed by a civilian on post. As with the first installment, not for the faint of heart or anyone offended by graphic descriptions or language. Well written and easily to understand, a real page turner.

This book was chilling. John Douglas did a fine job in portraying to the reader the kind of evil that lurks out there. While all the stories were horrible, I found the one about the serial rapist/murderer the scariest. As a fan of true crime I can tell you this, you won't be disappointed.

A super book that I couldn't put down. It made me feel like I knew the victims and their families. It also gave great tips on how to keep from getting mixed up with the weirdos among us. I hope he continues writing!

This book could make you absolutely paranoid! John Douglas, the FBI profiling agent recently called in by the Jon Benet Ramsey family, writes a fascinating account of the psychology of killers and rapists. Many of the cases described you will remember from the news. At times the book can be tedious because of lengthy personal opinions . The author is very blunt about his feelings. At other times the author can be self serving. But, if you ever wondered what the underbelly of crime is really like, read this book

This book's cover reads "...penetrates the minds and motives of the most terrifying serial killers." In some places it lives up to this theme but for the most part it doesn't. This book is 400+ pages long and over 200 are spent covering the life story of one victim and the aftermath her family faced along with the killer's trail. The story is very uneventful and drawn out. The rest of the book reads at a similar pace. The author has written many books on the subject of the criminal mind and at this point I think he's spread himself thin.

This book is very precise and detailed but a bit scattered at times. Very good psychological analysis and details without getting too graphic or drawn out.