Rating: 
Summary: Excellent material from a qualified expert in serial crimes.
Review: John Douglas is quite honestly, perhaps one of the most compelling and qualified persons in the United States today dealing with the problem of serial crime. Once again, he has proven himself a master in his field; competent and capable at both catching those who serially offend society and then telling the tales of doing so. It is true that his stories are graphic. It is also true that he has an ego of sorts, and does speak highly of himself and the Behavorial Sciences Unit of the FBI. But let us consider that he is one of millions of people in the United States, who does a job that many would consider incomprehensible, and quite honestly, has earned the right to have that ego. Considering the number of vain people in the world whose egos center around their looks or other superficial points of their being, I can easily see why his ego is criticized by those who cannot compare to his level of expertise. Douglas challenges the reader to reach into the mind of the criminal; to see the world as the offender sees it, and to understand what it is that many times we refuse to see, whether from ignorance or disgust.As a public safety officer, as well as an arson investigator for the fire service, I applaud Mr. Douglas' work, and hope to someday be the investigator that he has become. I challenge future readers to look deeper into his writings, into HIS mind, and maybe, into the mind of the criminal. It may frighten you. But, then again, it should.
Rating:
Summary: Obsession
Review: John Douglas, a renown Behavioral Scientist, details and examines the characteristics and progressionary depravity of individuals that have....well....problems....to put it mildly. Problems be they physiological and/or psychological. You think you're having a bad day? Try tapping into the minds, lives, and motivations of serial rapists. The subject is not the most joyous nor enlightening but it is reality and many of the aspects of behavioral science is interesting. And, this field is relevant because it covers this realistic aspect of our society. There are many things to learn about in the general strategies behavioral scientists' use in "Obsession." Such commonly used terms in the media such as Modus Operandi (MO) and "signature" are defined, and explained, and real life examples are provided. What do signatures tell us? Why do these perpetrators leave them behind? Find out in this well-written and easy-to-read book, that does describe but doesn't not over-whelm you with the the gory details. Behavioral Science is an interesting and solidly scientific field that compiles case histories, research and data, validity, psychological testing, and evidence collection. With the current knowledge John Douglas can often predict with tremendous accuracy several things with a mere profile. He often accurately predicts what year, model, and make of car a particular Unknown Suspect (UnSub) would own and drive. The type of work he would do. The kind of work schedule he keeps. What industry he likely worked in, and what hours he probably kept. He often accurately predicts the UnSub's sexual and criminal history, and the types of relationships the UnSub has with friends and lovers. When the Unknown Subject is eventually identified, apprehended, charged, and convicted, Douglas is regularly proven to be accurate. This book is primary based upon one type of particular crime.
However, it is written in an objective and professional manner based upon scientific evidence and expertise, case histories, and technological advancements used in this field. Several criminal case histories are noted from all over the world. Serial criminals often exhibit the same symptoms all over the world, which transcend cultures, ethnicity, and geographical make-up. Check it out.
Rating: 
Summary: Mostly Repeat of Mindhunter
Review: Love the author, loved Mindhunter....but...if you've already read Mindhunter, don't waste your money...a lot of the same stories and material. If you haven't read Manhunter, go for it.
Rating: 
Summary: A book both fascinating and unpleasent.
Review: Obsession is a fascinating look at the work of profiler John Douglas and his contributions to law enforcement investigation. Because it details actual criminal cases the book is far more disturbing and frightening than any fiction could hope to be. Recommended, but you're going to need to get some fresh air between chapters. I sure did.
Rating:
Summary: I Looked for this one year before it was out in print
Review: One year prior to this book being on the shelves I tried to explain to librarians what I meant by the very content of this book. Nobody could find anything or understood what I was talking about. Mr. Douglas you were the answer to it all. When you have lived as someone's obsession it is hard for anyone to relate to. Obsession explained from a professional in criminology what I had been talking about and nobody had a "clue". I own 2 copies of this book in case I lend one out and it does not get back to me. I had so many questions,but who could answer them if they had no idea what you were talking about. "Oh, he just really likes you". No, it's an illness and I felt at least Mr. Douglas understood as he described the dymanics so well. They never give up and Mr. Douglas had the victim profiled as to the extremes they would take to try to protect themselves from these predators. Personally, Mindhunter and Journey into Darkness should be read prior to Obsession so the reader has continuity and fully appreciates how Obsession relates to the other two. Mr. Douglas said, you had better have your stalker profiled because he has a profile on you, to understand how serious an issue this is for the victim. It would help if people who were close to the victim understood the reality also.
Mrs. Symmington
Rating:
Summary: Manages to make a fascinating subject dull...
Review: Pioneer FBI profiler Douglas discusses some of the crimes he has investigated and lobbies for victims' rights and the dealth penalty. While the cases discussed and the methods used to profile the criminals are fascinating, the writing is so dry and boring that it's nearly impossible for the reader to maintain an interest.
Rating:
Summary: Rambling presentation
Review: The most interesting information in this book was found on a few pages near the end- a description of the bizarre case that inspired the "Buffalo Bill" character in Silence of the Lambs and the famous movie Psycho. The rest of the book was a long presentation of classifications of types rapists, details of some cases, some law enforcement programs to work with victims, and some advice for victims- both past and potential. Contains editorial about how certain types of serial offenders cannot be rehabilitated- the ones who enjoy what they do and repeatedly decide to do it. Overall there was some intersting information here, but you have to labor to get to the end of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Repetitive and disappointing
Review: This book is filled with repetitions, long wined prose, and the oversize ego that marred Mindhunter. There is less insight and interest than in his book Anatomy of Motive. Motive is a far far better book; read it and pass on this one.
Rating:
Summary: I Looked for this one year before it was out in print
Review: This book started out to be a really interesting book, but it was almost like reading a lecture. What could have been a real page turner was repetitive, dry, and boring. Actually, I got so bored with the book (unusual for me) that I didn't even finish it. I was prepared to not be able to put this book down, and I'm sorry to say that it was a real disappointment.
Rating: 
Summary: Obsession...of what?
Review: This book started out to be a really interesting book, but it was almost like reading a lecture. What could have been a real page turner was repetitive, dry, and boring. Actually, I got so bored with the book (unusual for me) that I didn't even finish it. I was prepared to not be able to put this book down, and I'm sorry to say that it was a real disappointment.
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