Rating: 
Summary: A good piece of historical fiction
Review: Though not a truly great book, Carr did enough to hold my interest. I really didn't think any of the main characters, especially the narrator, were all that interesting, and the main female role of a woman trying to prove herself an equal in a man's turn of the century world has become a cliche of late (see Titanic for example). Carr spaced out the murders and clues at good intervals to keep me guessing about the murderer, but he never explains the motives and the choice of victims very well which was kind of a let down at the end.
Rating: 
Summary: Make this Book a PRIORITY on your reading list!
Review: The author did a splendid job of blending his characters with the backdrop of a well-researched historical setting. After setting the tone of the story, which took about the first 100 or so pages, I could not put the book down. Most definitely one of the best books I have read. Too often murder mystery stories are 'quick' reads with little real substance. This book, however, is truly refreshing in that the focus is not the 'murders' per se, nor is the focus primarily solely on 'suspense'. There are many fascinating angles for the reader to focus on as Carr takes us through the streets of NYC, painting a dark, gloomy picture of early city life. There are also many glimpses of how some of our current crime fighting techniques of the modern age were probably introduced and sparked controversy. It is this detail, along with the character interaction, which makes the book extra special. I highly recommend this book for everyone - especially those readers who tire of quick reads which lack substance and truism.
Rating: 
Summary: I expected so much more....
Review: I don't really understand why so many people seemed to think this book is extremely well written. It didn't really strike me as anything all that special in the writing department. Concerning the story itself, it lacks any tension or suspense. If found myself not really caring who the killer was... I found it to be emotionally flat. The author clearly knows what New York was like during the time period he writes about, but I thought he put a little too much time and emphasis describing the setting. After a certain point, I really thought that he was trying too hard to show us how much he knew about what stores and restaraunts were around back then. I wished he had spent more time developing the suspense. This is one of the few murder mysteries I've read that took me more than a week to finish; I just kept putting it down because of lack of interest.
Rating:
Summary: Impeccable
Review: Caleb Carr has succeeded in writing a truly fascinating piece of historic horror/fiction. Throughout the story you learn more and more about the prejudices that used to (and still do) blind people to violence. You are there every moment with Laslo and John Moore, and your heart alternately breaks and soars with them. this is one of the best books I've ever read, and I will soon read "Angel of Darkness". I recommend both books to everyone. If "Angel" is half as good as "The Alienist", it will be amazing.
Rating:
Summary: fabulous!!
Review: I really loved this book. For the people who didn't like it- I'm wondering if you were turned off by the plot and gruesome details of the murders because it was doubtlessly well written. The Alientist is filled with wonderful descriptions and powerful twists and turns that will keep the readers mezmorized until its gripping conclusion. The book is EXTREMELY well written, however if you have a weak stomach I wouldn't recomend it. I loved the fact it was told from the first person perspective. As an english major myself I can appreciate how difficult it is to pull of this style of writing, and I believe Carr did a comendable job!!!!!! Definately a first rate novel.
Rating:
Summary: An intriguing peek into the past.
Review: Some nice little cameos of turn-of-the-century historic American characters, including Teddy R., and a fascinating portrayal of the city of New York at the time, raise this murder mystery above the crowd. It also gives a very interesting look at the evolution of the modern approach to abnormal psychology, and the use of psychology in the solution of serial crimes. It also rubs the reader's nose in the ugly realities of earlier city life in a way that will make you appreciative of every social institution and government institution out there in modern times! An excellently written and gripping story. Its only real weakness is in its ending, which lacks a sense of real closure.
Rating:
Summary: A great book
Review: Iloved this book and I especially liked the name that the author chose to give the killer: Japheth. Even his name frightened me. Nice touch!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing, shocking, an eye for detail.
Review: Caleb Carr's novel tells a compelling story that is at times gruesome, yet always facinating. I have read The Alienist several times, and I feel the need to address those who have not read it yet. Do not be swayed by some of the lower reviews that are given here... most are NY trendoids or university students who think they are the most clever individuals in the world. However, the characters are indeed interesting, the story is thrilling, and the style of the book was well done. For those of you that own a copy of the book, re-read some of the earlier scenes in which Kreizler appears, and contrast them with the latter: you will find a catharsis in the the character, or rather in which he is portrayed: from an optimistic, and concerned doctor, to a desperate and ruthless man, intent on capturing the killer to prove his points. The other characters in the cast are interesting, especially the cynical drunk and inveterate gambler, John Schyler Moore. Roosevelt, Comstock, Morgan etc, are all interesting depictions of true to life people, increasing the veracity of the novel. Finally, remember those of you I chastise for intellectual snobbery, that the plot is told to the reader in 1918 or 1919, after the First World War, a device which, like the telling of a tale, can play with certain details for better or worse. Great book, couldn't put it down.
Rating: 
Summary: Good concept, poorly executed.
Review: Other than some interesting historical tidbits, the book has absolutely no appeal. After reading this book, I now hate Teddy Roosevelt; and he is the only character that leaves any impression. A note to the author: Don't write in the first person. You are not good enough to pull it off.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent historical fiction
Review: I found this book well-written and interesting, especially in its descriptions of New York City in the 1890s. What's most important to me is that it piqued my interest in Teddy Roosevelt and caused me to read two biographies of him. What a fascinating man.
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