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The Cases That Haunt Us

The Cases That Haunt Us

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Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I purchased this book on the assumption that Mr. Douglas would shed new light on old mysteries. I mistakenly assumed he would have looked at the case files and then offered new perspectives given his experience in profiling. Having some knowledge of the cases presented, I expected better.

The Lindburgh chapter was interesting. In all these years, I somehow missed the fact that the kidnap ladder was hinged. I never doubted Hauptmann's involvement. And I still don't.

Unlike others posting here, I take no issue with his stance on the Ramsey case, there is simply no solid evidence with which to charge them. Absent that evidence, it is irresponsible to assume their guilt. We should ALL know better than to convict people via the news media.

My main gripe, I suppose, is that I expected better information on the Zodiac case. Douglas seems to rely almost entirely on the work of author Robert Graysmith. And Graysmith's work is unfortunately more fiction than fact. Perhaps Douglas should have used Graysmith's latest book identifying Jack the Ripper. He could have pronounced that case solved.

If you still feel the need to read this book, borrow it from the library.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Fascinating insight on infamous cases
Review: This is the best Douglas book since his first, "Mindhunter." Subsequent books has have tended to be repetitive with not much new information. In this book, since he is looking into historical cases for the most part, he offers new analyses and ideas about the Unsubs in cases including Jack the Ripper, Lizzy Borden, Charles Lindbergh Jr, Zodiac killer, and Boston Strangler.

I almost wish he hadn't included the JonBenet Ramsey case, because I think that takes away from the rest of the book. He could have included some other cases that still "haunt" us, that would be interesting from a historical point of view. I don't think enough time has passed for people to consider the Ramsay case objectively. I am not saying I disagree with his conclusions about the Ramsays, but I don't completely buy them either. If he is ever proved wrong, he will have to eat a ton of crow. Enough said.

Still, I would recommend this book for true crime lovers, historical crime buffs, and anyone with an interest in psychological profilings. I admit freely my favorite TV show is Discovery Channels "The New Detectives." If you have never seen it, and you fall into one of the above categories, you must check this show out.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good crime book
Review: Interesting investigations into the most famous crimes of the past centurys up until recently. The author analyzes, investigates and tells us about the victims of the most popular and notorious murder cases. Some of the cases he investigates are the jon benet ramsey murder, the lindbergh baby kidnapping, the zodiac killer and more. Tons of interesting info and a highly enjoyable read. 4 stars/ good for anyone interested in crime/murder investigations.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great Information and Evaluation on Infamous Cases
Review: The Cases That Haunt Us is the first book that I've read by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, but it definetly won't be the last. This book was a really great read, featuring such cases as Jack the Ripper, Zodiac, and the JonBenet Ramsey murder.

I think that Douglas was very insightful while going over the cases, telling us what occured(to the knowledge of those working the case)and giving us possible explanations(no matter how improbable).

I highly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy reading cold cases. Happy reading!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Average Attempt
Review: I enjoy reading John Douglas's books; I have always found his insights interesting. This book is not up to par with some of his other works, however. Perhaps it is because these are cases that remain unsolved and much that he would use in "working cases" has been muddied by years of mystery. Perhaps the best thing he says is that all killings deserve equality in the press -- that the press shouldn't single some cases out because of some sensational in the case, whether it be the brutality or the wealth of the family. Everyone deserves for their suffering to receive equal attention.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: John Douglas is amazing!
Review: I have read all of Mr Douglas' books and I have never been disappointed. I have liked some more than others but over-all his theories are none short of brilliant. He actually makes YOU THINK!! Once I have started any of his books, I cannot put them down. I have recommended them to friends and they too have never been disappointed. In this book I was drawn to the JonBenet case. I thought that I had made up my mind who I felt the killer or killerS were until I read his thoughts. He makes the reader look at things in a way you never would have before. I strongly recommend any of his books if you are open minded (or not, but like to challenge yourself) enough to step out of your box for a while and actually USE that brain. Mr. Douglas, I salute you, if for nothing else but for being a really great FBI agent.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Not bad...could have been better
Review: I read a previous book by John Douglas and was fascinated by the science of profiling. As a result, I also enjoyed this book. I believe the book could have been improved by not including the Lizzy Border case; the Bembenek story; and the Black Dahlia case, none of which many Americans are really familiar with. Douglas could have included theories about the more reknown cases such as the Green River Killer and the OJ Simpson case. The book is certainly worth a read if you enjoy the true crime genre.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: TRULY AMAZING
Review: I went into this book for the JonBenet Ramsey chapter, thinking John Douglas had sold out to the Ramseys when they hired him to consult on their case. But I have to say, JD changed my mind. I no longer believe the Ramseys killed their own daughter.

JD brought a fresh and enlightening viewpoint to the Ripper case and convinced me Scotland Yard had their man, but couldn't prove it. The Zodiac chapter was also nicely done. I would have to say the Lindbergh kidnapping was the hardest chapter to get through. It's hard to make old cases fresh if there isn't compelling new information. Good read for the crime buff.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Really Interesting...
Review: I'm not a reader...too busy with college, etc. BUT, I could not stop reading this book. I thought it was extremely interesting and well written.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: curious explanations of behavior
Review: Too many statements of duratiion of time profiling with clear poor grasp of human behavior. "No mother would act this way." Vain, aging beauty queen mothers facing their 40th birthday with a history of dolling up in tights and rouge their preschool age children can probably be suspected of behavior slightly different from the norm. Interesting cases presented, but interpretations of behaviors are superficial, lack insight, lack curiosity. Why did Patsy Ramsey sit unmoved on the sofa while others with her reacted to screams from the basement--Duh.. No clear answer to who would sit and compose lengthy note without worry of discovery--Duh. I am inspired to seek other authors for insights.


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