Rating: 
Summary: A very practical book
Review: I have read the book and then utilised in my work as a detective sergeant. I found that the book easily translated from theory to practice. I would recommend anyone to read this book to understand some basic concepts of investigation, such as MO and signature.In some places the reading can be a bit heavy but in the main the book is well written.
Rating: 
Summary: An inch deep and a mile wide
Review: I'm a scientific type and used to reading serious texts. This book had all the look and feel of being written by a "true believer" who had decided on "the truth" (i.e., his way) and who developed a body of facts, much of which could be useful, that he wished to share with the audience. If he truly wants profiling to become a respected field, he will need to (1) deepen his knowledge of the scientific method, (2) criticize the opinions and methods of others with whom he disagrees in a serious and credible scientific fashion, and (3) attempt to get some control over what comes across (rightly or not) as a healthy case of narcissism ("I'm right; you're wrong; end discussion"). That said, the book contains a plentitude of information (selected and presented from his particular point of view), much of which will help others with different but equally legitimate points of view (given the current state of the "science") become exposed to a possibly unfamiliar database. Worth reading if its serious scientific flaws of argument are kept in mind.
Rating:
Summary: Turvey is knowledgeable, and the book is readable.
Review: I'm using this book for an independent study on criminal profiling as part of my degree in Criminal Psychology. I like Turvey's style (and I've read some really BAD books on this topic), but I want to know more about his personal experiences. The Intro baits you with how he got into the field and it leaves you wanting more on this. As a book on this topic, I think it's one of the best and most comprehensive overviews available.
Rating: 
Summary: Seminal Text in Crime Scene Behavior Analysis
Review: Mr. Turvey has done an outstanding job in assembling and presenting critical, fundamental concepts on behavioral analysis of crimes and criminals based upon what the physical evidence describes. The introduction by John Thornton, PhD, one of the worlds leading forensic scientists and authors is an endorsement that says it all. Each human act is unique in the context of the mindset of the offender and his behavior at the time of the crime. This book describes the effective analyis and interpretation based upon the uniqueness of each crime scene evidence and event, keeping the investigator on track. This book should be required reading for all "introduction to criminal investigation" classes for both law enforcement and the defense bar. The book demonstrates the importance of merging and considering all aspects of victimology, forensic science, psychology and good old fashioned investigative work. Mr. Turvey does an excellent job of promoting the deductive, individualized analysis of a crime. Although it is tempting to look at the "statistical" data of similar scenes, the inductive process can be distracting and misleading. Yes, he takes a few jabs at some of FBI's legends, however it is more likely that he attacks the process and not the individual. For those of us who have worked with the Feds and enjoyed their friendship, it does evoke a chuckle or two...
Rating: 
Summary: Great book, contains subtle negativism.
Review: Mr. Turvey's book is a very informative approach to Criminal Profiling. Without a doubt this work is an excellent addition to the many books on Serial Crime and Criminal Profiling that have flooded the market place recently. It is a text book approach to this multidisaplinary topic which does add some originality to this latest addition to the genre. However, the author takes a few brief departures throughout his discourses to throw out subtle, but negative critiques of retired and former FBI profilers. Turvey, though well educated, is still a bit too new to the profession to come off this judgemental of those that have gone before him. His somewhat deliberate bashing and relatively inaccurate criticisms of Profiler's John Douglas, Robert Ressler and Joel Norris PHD, really have no place in an otherwise excellent work. Turvey's claim that Douglas and Ressler advocate and employ only the inductive method of Criminal Profiling is ofcourse inaccurate as well. These statements are unfortunate and one would only have to read John Douglas's book 'Mind Hunter', or Ressler's 'I have lived in the monster', to know that these comments are false. Those who are interested in a more applied approach to Criminal Profiling, with fewer memoirs, will not be disappointed though, it is packed with usefull information. I would however recommend a more cost effective and entertaining book, John Douglas's new book 'Anatomy of Motive'.
Rating: 
Summary: The obvious in exquisite detail.
Review: On page 52 you will find Mr. Turvey's suggested Case Assessment Form, with such items as; 1) Victim Name, 2) D.O.B, etc. On page 53 you will find the Case Assessment Form Instructions; 1) Enter victim's name, 2) Enter victim's date of birth, etc.This book comes complete with a handy Glossary. Examples of definitions, "E-mail, or Email: A service that allows people to send electronic messages to each other", and "Stab Wound: An injury that is the result of being pierced with a pointed instrument. The depth of the injury into the tissue is usually greater than its width on the skin". This is the recommended reading for Mr. Turvey's online course. Enough said.
Rating:
Summary: Informative and Original
Review: One of the most informative and original works I've read on profiling so far. Great overall reference. Went into gritty detail in pretty clear language and demonstrated a lot of what I would call "applied knowledge". Great Appendixes, too. Not what I expected, but a lot more. Wish every textbook was this easy to read and this interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Very educational and refreshingly up-to-date...Thankyou
Review: Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou. This book is not only a brilliant educational tool but also points out how important it is to present all the facts and evidence in a case before one can even begin to close it. I particularly liked the fact that the author and contributing authors all still actively work in their chosen professions. I can also see from reading this textbook how important it is to involve professionals who might be able to offer other investigative tools that could benefit and assure a more thorough investigative process and outcome. It is after all a thorough investigative process and outcome that will assure the capture and conviction of the predators out there. The author and contributing authors are proof enough that great teamwork can and will produce the best results. This book has inspired me to be a more dedicated student. I can see that in this field education is ongoing. I look forward to joining a field that presents such fine professionals as those who contributed to this great book. Well done, I look forward to following your fine examples.
Rating:
Summary: Criminal Profiling??!
Review: This author uses a rather casual style filled with the author's own biases as it relates to criminal "profiling." To the casual reader this textbook leaves out several historical facets to criminal investigating. Also, it leaves the reader questioning what are truly the qualifications one must possess to be a criminal "profiler." The author has a history in "profiling" that is up for questioning by several legitimate forensic agencies and professional societies--read at your own risk. Opinion only.
Rating:
Summary: Informative yet entertaining.
Review: This book tells the reader a lot about all the aspects of criminal profiling. It reads almost like an encyclopedia. Interesting (though gory) pictures. Not only is it informative, it is also fun to read. Many such books have a really dry, boring tone to them but this one has a definite voice. I liked the author's note at the beginning, though I'm not sure what his girlfriend's horridly abusive family had to do with the book. I also liked the case studies in the end: West Memphis Three, JonBenet Ramsey, Kristin and Kati Lisk etc.
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