The Alienist

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Summary: Serial Murder literature is still alive and well.
Review: It had once been said that the sonnet form was dead, a mere 14 line vessel into which poets could empty their thoughts. In the wake of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, mystery mavens, after having read its mostly lame imitations, had regretfully come to this conclusion. Then, Caleb Carr wrote THE ALIENIST. Assessing such a book with Amazon's rating system is always a challenge: Do we, the reviewers, unfairly match it up against ALL the great works of literature, or against the standard fare offered by New York's major publishers? In this case, THE ALIENIST stands on its own merits, and earns my "8" against any and all standards. The book begins well, continues well, and falters rather anticlimactically only at the very end. Other than that, the book is thoroughly researched, bringing not only the imagery but even the sounds and smells, of 1896 New York into our bedrooms and studies. The characterization is superb, far above that of the average novelist and it's fascinating to read an account, albeit a fictional one, of a prototype of a modern day serial killer task force. More than a mere attempt is made to understand the insane logic behind Carr's killer. The reader suspects that Carr was merely bowing to political correctness by introducing a "90's" woman (Sarah), but this officious bow to womens' rights is largely vindicated by giving her a virtually unforgettable personality. John Schuyler Moore makes an Ishmael-type, "morally flawed" narrator, and Lazlo Kreizler comes across almost as three dimensional as Sherlock Holmes. A reader with poetic sensibilities would wish that Mr. Carr had more of a gift for metaphor and simile, but the novel's historical and scientific authenticity, coupled with vivid character delineation, more than make up for his occasional prosiness. The Paramount film version should be no less a treat

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Summary: The best novel written since "The Godfather"!
Review: Those with a fondness for the historic, particularly New York City and the Northeast will undoubtedly find "The Alienist" an absolute treat. Vivid, believable characters set against the historic, accurate setting by this talented, young historian provide for one of the most suspenseful, page-turning original fiction to be offered in a very long time. This original and entrancing style of storytelling has been absent from modern psychological thrillers. Do yourself a favor and read this book

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Summary: Undoubtedly the best book written since "The Godfather"!
Review: Those with a fondness for the historic, particulary New York City and the Northeast, as well as Mystery and Suspense fans will find a connection that has been unparrelled in modern fiction. The most appealing component to Mr.Carr's style of storytelling is his uncanny cliff-hanging chapters which compel one to continue turning the pages until the riddle is solved. Vivid, believable characters intertwined with the incredibly accurate and historical settings told through the eyes of this talented, young historian is an absolute treat. "The Alienist" will leave you longing to have been part of the era when New York was undergoing its development and the moden criminal and psychological practices of society were merely beginning to be experimented with. Do yourself a favor. Read this book. Furthermore, hope that Mr. Carr has chosen his movie-script development team wisely. This is one of the good ones that you would hate to see fall into tragic hands

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Summary: Combines Silence of the Lambs with a history lesson
Review: Caleb Carr has created a great period piece with the Alienist, although I did have problems with the Hannibal Lecter type character in the book. He took his time to develop the character personalities and also to show the torment at the Alienist's soul. One of the best books written in the genre to date. I can not wait for his next boo

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Summary: Typical
Review: The only reason I gave this book a three is because it seems Caleb Carr put alot of work into it. The results are terrible though. I found this book to be like every other Hollywood bullshit movie. Suspense..suspense..and....=)Happy ending=) Terrible read with its tedious sub plots and much to typical.

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Summary: I couldn't put it down.
Review: This was a difficult book to put down. Not only was it suspenseful, but you could feel the time period. I could hardly wait to see who done it

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Summary: Excellent
Review: An author who knows the English language and is not afraid to use it. Must have taken a great deal of research on the part of Mr. Carr, but well worth it

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Summary: Phenomenal
Review: This book should definitely be read

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Summary: Wonderfully descriptive and suspenseful!
Review: Caleb Carr's descriptive narration enables you to visually follow the characters through their chases. The book instantly sweeps you up and doesn't let you down 'til the last page

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Summary: An intoxicating journey!!!
Review: I love reading...it usually takes me a couple of weeks to finish reading a 400 page novel. This is mainly due to the amount of free time I have. In reading The Alienist, I read it in three days! An accomplishment of great magnitude on my part...It is so captivating how Caleb introduces the characters and continuously developes them throughout the story...Caleb has mastered the art of cliffhangers! "CoolCat"