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Summary: Touching Biography of a Compassionate Woman
Review: I read to learn. I want to meet interesting and courageous people I might never meet in real life. I first learned about Jeanne Boylan when I saw that she was chosen by TIME MAGAZINE (March 19, 2001) as the United State's "Top Innovator" in Criminal Justice. I had to know more about a woman not afraid to rock the boat, so I sought her out and found this book about her life story. This book is a multi-faceted 'biography' of a woman who defied the odds, who took personal tragedy and turned it into triumph and whose selflessness and hard work effects people all around her for the good. This story was funny at times, scary at times at the revelation of the behind the scenes politics in stories we lived and remember, so moving at times that I found myself hurting for the people in the stories that are profiled. All in all, it was everything I invest in a book for. I am keeping this one on the shelf to read again when I need a dose of personal inspiration.
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Summary: She does what she writes
Review: This was a fascinating book. I can speak from a first hand account that Jeanne Boylan not only does what she proclaims to do in the book but she does it extremely well. I am a detective lieutenant and I have had the opportunity to work with Ms. Boylan and the results were as successful as I hoped. I am also an expert in the field of interview and interrogation and have taught numerous courses in this field to seasoned investigators. I am contemplating using this book as a text for future courses. I would not only recommend this book to someone interested in the field of psychology but also to those who are looking for cutting edge techniques in the field of interviewing witness and victims of traumatic experiences. By the way before I read Ms. Boylan's book or utilized her talents I checked with the Portland Oregon Police Department and she received the highest recommendation for her work. She is an invaluable asset to law enforcement and to the witnesses and victims she works with.
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Summary: Comments from an old friend!
Review: A remarkable true story about compassion and a ladies affinity for "doing the right thing." This book is hard to put down once started. She even has the right name. Let me explain. All through life we often hear about or dream of finding a bottle and being granted a wish or two. Although she spells her name differently, Jeanne does indeed have unique almost magical ability. Often when the authorities have reached a dead end or the trail has gone cold, they have reached for their bottle. She has not only helped solve many high profile cases but almost single handedly is making strides in improving methods dealing with witness memory recall. This is a great time in our country and today's lifestyle and computer technology have brought many outstanding changes and improvements. Jeanne has provided what no computer ever will. Her compassion and approach aren't programmable. Back when JFK made the statement "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country", he was talking about making a difference. Jeanne exemplifies Kennedy's concept. Very few people make the kind of impact she has. A popular movie ERIN BROCKOVICH, received great reviews because of what she was able to accomplish against long odds. "Portraits of Guilt" is similar. In both cases, NO wasn't ever an option. Finally, this book no doubt earns its five star rating. You will be somewhat humbled but feel good after reading it. With the holidays approaching, this book would make a great gift. Merry Christmas Jeanne, and Happy New Year to you and the many people whose lives you have touched.
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Summary: An Amazing Story!
Review: "Portraits of Guilt" is the extremely interesting story of Jeanne Boylan, the woman whose interviews with crime victims and witnesses have led her to produce amazing likenesses of the criminals involved. Boylan has been involved in many cases, including the Polly Klass kidnapping, the Oklahoma City Unabomber, and the tragic Susan Smith murders. Boylan's methods, while unorthodox, have helped to capture many criminals and to cause "tried and true" police methods of criminal identification to be called into question. Part of the book naturally serves as an autobiography, but Boylan does a pretty good job of keeping the focus on the cases themselves. Some readers may wish Boylan would refrain from commenting on her personal life and the sacrifices she has made, but I think that's an important part of the story. Boylan doesn't really like the job she does, but she can't say no. The job is too important. Whether her gift is a blessing or a curse is for you to decide.
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Summary: What an incredible woman....
Review: This is such an incredilbe book! Words can't dsescribe it, buy I'll give it my best shot. First I want to say what an incredible woman Jeanne Boylan is! When she goes and does a portrait of the person that's on the run, it was said that Jeanne is a "mavrick" or a "rogue" when it comes to doing portraits. That she uses "extreme ways" to get the drawing done. Know what her "extreme ways" that make her a "rouge" or a "mavrick"? It's simple, she gives a damn. In case after case, she doesn't just go in and do the drawing and leave, she takes time to get to know the victim. In once case (I won't say which one~can't spoil it) she had a famous actor help the healing process for one of the people she helped. You may ask why she does this? It's simple, she was the victim of a horrible crime, and Jeanne, knows what it feels like to be a victim. What imperssed me so much is how Jeanne does't want the credit. It's not important to her. In one case, she broke the case open and the local police never gave her credit. They went as far as to say that she never helped. But she insn't looking for praise, she just wants to help and catch the guilty. She has help in catching the most dangerous people that are out there...she deserves credit. This is a woman who put everything on the line for her job. Her marriage, personal time....people like Jeanne should be honored for the compassion that she has. Far to many times we honor soprts figures who get paid millions of dolars and then get introuble with the law. Then people like Jeanne who are doing good never get mentioned. This seems so unfair. I hvae the up most respect for Jeanne. People like her should be known, and the serverices she has mad (and will make) to us. Jeanne-if your reading this, I just want to say "thank you.". I urge all of you to read this book and know what a true hero is.
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Summary: More stars please, five isn't nearly enough.
Review: Instead of a "review", what I wish I could write here is a THANK YOU card. You run across a rare few people in this world, if you are so lucky, who devote themselves selflessly to the service and well being of others. In this story, you feel the pain Ms. Boylan endured in giving up her own aspirations for the good of others.Yet, her work has a ripple effect of not just soothing the souls of those she helps, but in catching a criminal before he or she ever has the chance to hurt another.In return, she receives the animosity of her "peers", the wrath of police who want credit for solving a case themselves, and the jealousy of a husband she so clearly, albeit it reluctantly, outshines. This book is testament to the expression, "No good deed goes unpunished." I found this book to be facinating, enlightening,moving and unique. Thank you Jean Boylen, for a wonderful view into a life and a world we would never have otherwise had a chance to see.
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Summary: Well, it's unanimous!
Review: First my mother read it in New York. Then my father took it with him and read it in California. Then they sent it to me. What does that tell you? I'm now sending it on to my little sister.
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Summary: Bait and Switch
Review: I was lured into buying this book by the promise of satisfying my curiosity regarding the resolution of some of the most famous crimes in recent history. I certainly was not disappointed in this aspect as many new "behind the scenes" details were uncovered with the turn of every page. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find the spectrum of human elements woven througout this historical tapestry. I experienced a degree of the pain each victim's loved ones were forced to endure - because of the compassion and empathy Jeanne, their interviewer, a complete stranger, felt herself, and was therefore so aptly able to convey. I was in awe of her courage as she accompanied McKenzie through the seediest tenements in San Francisco in search of a witness - this book had all the "edge of your seat" suspense contained in any great piece of fiction, only this was real life. I admired the determination of a woman to stick to her convictions - to take the road not taken - just to benefit others regardless of consequence to herself; to triumph in the face of adversities thrown in her path because she opted to defy traditional police sketch artist and interrogation methodologies in favor of doing it the right way. Her philosophies are fascinating, and obviously most successful. I began reading this book with inquisitiveness, but finished the journey feeling very inspired. This book has the power to make a person want to pick themselves up by the bootstraps and go make a difference in this world. An awesome read! My only disappointment in "Portraits of Guilt" was that it ended - I wanted more! When will we get a sequel!
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Summary: Read it overnight
Review: After being captivated by this author and topic on a major magazine cover yesterday morning, I went straight to my bookstore and purchased this book. I started reading it and in a first for me, literally could not put it down until I finished it early this morning. It held me like glue from beginning to end. Especially the end. I closed the back cover feeling like a better educated and more open hearted person. Thank you Ms. Boylan, for an excellent job at presenting this book to us readers and for your excellent work in your highly unusual calling. May we all be so lucky as to identify our purpose in this world as you so clearly have. Top rating for this superb find.
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Summary: Old Dog Learns New Tricks
Review: As an investigator of 20 years and the son of an investigator, I thought I knew it all about interviewing eyewitnesses. Then I read this book and realized I knew very little. Boyland does a good job of putting information inside each one of her real cases so you learn as you move along. Read it in a weekend. Most facinating. I also liked getting to experience what life was like for someone in her shoes. Good book, good woman, good work.
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