Set in New York City during the late 19th century, 'The Alienist' follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, as he investigates a series of gruesome murders. Teaming up with a group of unconventional specialists, he delves into the dark psychology of the killer and the societal issues of the time. As they uncover shocking truths, the line between sanity and madness blurs, revealing a chilling exploration of the human mind. With each clue, they race against time to save the next potential victim. Will their groundbreaking methods expose the killer before it’s too late?
By Caleb Carr
Published: 2017
"The mind is a fascinating labyrinth, and within its shadows, we often find the most profound truths lurking."
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A TNT ORIGINAL SERIES • “A first-rate tale of crime and punishment that will keep readers guessing until the final pages.”—Entertainment Weekly “Caleb Carr’s rich period thriller takes us back to the moment in history when the modern idea of the serial killer became available to us.”—The Detroit News When The Alienist was first published in 1994, it was a major phenomenon, spending six months on the New York Times bestseller list, receiving critical acclaim, and selling millions of copies. This modern classic continues to be a touchstone of historical suspense fiction for readers everywhere. The year is 1896. The city is New York. Newspaper reporter John Schuyler Moore is summoned by his friend Dr. Laszlo Kreizler—a psychologist, or “alienist”—to view the horribly mutilated body of an adolescent boy abandoned on the unfinished Williamsburg Bridge. From there the two embark on a revolutionary effort in criminology: creating a psychological profile of the perpetrator based on the details of his crimes. Their dangerous quest takes them into the tortured past and twisted mind of a murderer who will kill again before their hunt is over. Fast-paced and riveting, infused with historical detail, The Alienist conjures up Gilded Age New York, with its tenements and mansions, corrupt cops and flamboyant gangsters, shining opera houses and seamy gin mills. It is an age in which questioning society’s belief that all killers are born, not made, could have unexpected and fatal consequences. Praise for The Alienist “[A] delicious premise . . . Its settings and characterizations are much more sophisticated than the run-of-the-mill thrillers that line the shelves in bookstores.”—The Washington Post Book World “Mesmerizing.”—Detroit Free Press “The method of the hunt and the disparate team of hunters lift the tale beyond the level of a good thriller—way beyond. . . . A remarkable combination of historical novel and psychological thriller.”—The Buffalo News “Engrossing.”—Newsweek “Gripping, atmospheric . . . intelligent and entertaining.”—USA Today “A high-spirited, charged-up and unfailingly smart thriller.”—Los Angeles Times “Keeps readers turning pages well past their bedtime.”—San Francisco Chronicle
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Caleb Carr is an acclaimed American author and historian, best known for his historical novels and thrillers. His most notable work, "The Alienist," published in 1994, gained widespread recognition for its rich historical detail and psychological depth, immersing readers in the mind of a criminal psychologist in 1890s New York City. Carr's writing is characterized by its meticulous research and a narrative style that blends historical fact with fiction, often exploring themes of crime, morality, and the human psyche. His subsequent works, including "The Angel of Darkness" and "Killing Time," further showcase his ability to weave intricate plots with profound insights into the social issues of his time.
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The Alienist (TNT Tie-in Edition)
By Caleb Carr
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