Customer Reviews

Profiling Violent Crimes: An Investigative Tool

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

A must-read for anyone interested in the world of profiling. It covers a broad range of material including profiling in general, crime scene analysis and profiling of serial murder, arson, rape, pedophilia and victims. It has a good chapter on geographic analyses and predatory criminals.

While not a research publication itself, almost all material presented is linked by citation to a publication in its References section. It has a fair-to-good index. In my reading, this book is referenced by more publications on profiling and on serial killers than any other book.

Holmes and Holmes make a feeble attempt to discredit the FBI in chapter one. What is ironic is the fact that 95% of the quality profiling theory contained in this "book" is cited from FBI authored sources. Mr. Holmes can't have it both ways. Mr. Holmes bashes the FBI and discredits their methods of profiling and at the same time almost his entire text is referencing the FBI journals on profiling written by Douglas, Ressler, Hazelwood and others. He constantly references the Crime Classification Manual, Sexual Homicide: Patterns and Motives, and the early 1980's articles written on profiling by the FBI.

This book is written at junior high school level. The mistakes are numerous and the wording is awkward and choppy. There is no depth at all to anything presented in this book. Anyone who actually finds value in this garbage should read "Profilers: Leading investigators take you inside the criminal mind," and "Sexual Homicide: Patterns and Motives." The first of these contains a compilation of the ACTUAL articles that Mr. Holmes's entire book is based on.

I will never read another book by Ronald Holmes again.

If you are looking for really gory stories and lots of blood and perversion. This is not your book. If you have an genuine interest in crime analysis (or criminal profiling) on the other hand, this book is very much something you want to own and read many times. In a very easy to understand way the authors explains the art of profiling, how it's done, how to use a profile and how it shouldn't be used. This book also shows examples of less than perfect profiles, plus it shines a new, critical light, on the FBI behavioral science unit and some of it's profilers. Very interesting!

The author's writing style keeps the book lively for a text book. The examples are interesting and well chosen. However, only the most common types of violent offenders are discussed and those discussions lack depth. Most topics are addressed only superficially. Therefore, I recommend this book as a nice overview but not for research or other purposes.

This book is presented in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way. The authors cover the most important points of profiling, and I have used this book as a reference many times. Definitely a must have if you're a student in the field of forensic psychology!

I am in serious disagreement with all other reviewers of this book. This is not serious research but a rehash of some well known facts and many fallacious stereotypes. It panders to naive voyeur types, and I find it appalling that this book serves as a text to teach students and a reference for law enforcement professionals. What legitimate, scholarly purpose is served, for example, by reprinting the entire autopsy report of poor, little
JonBenet Ramsey?

I agree completely with Dr. Chorbajian. I purchased this book in preparation for a graduate level criminal profiling class and have been thoroughly disappointed with both the quality of the writing and the depth (or lack thereof) of discussion. The authors may be experts in their field, but you wouldn't know it from this book. Unless you're forced to buy this book for school, opt for something else.

I was assigned this book for a criminial justice course on profiling, and while I find the content interesting, the book itself is hard to read because the writing is bad. I *think* the authors are trying to state veiled opinions about the 'hotshots' of the FBI and what they would call 'proper' use of criminal profiling, but the language is stilted and I just end up confused as to their intent. That coupled with the misuse of the word 'affect' (instead of 'effect') within the first ten pages! Therefore, if you're looking for a well-written, thought-provoking text, this isn't it, but it can provide some interesting commentary on the state of profiling today.

Excellent information. Provides the novice writer and anyone else interested in investigating crime, a good background regarding types of criminals, investingation of the crime scene, etc. Well worth the purchase.

I am a college student majoring in Political Science and minoring in Criminal Justice. This book was used as a supplement for a Criminology course I took in the spring of 2004 and I have to say it is one of the best texts I have read for any of my classes. While it can be used as a text book it can also stand alone. I learned so much from this one book and would suggest reading it if you are interest in criminology.