Reviews (2)

I like this book.
I like this book. It is filled with a lot of interesting information about how the U.S. justice system uses psychology and psychologists. It also clearly defines what a forensic psychologist is. I am a fourth year psychology major and have read many psychology books about a variety of psychological subjects, and this bookis one of the most intresting I have read in a while. The only thing I do not like about it is that it has no glossary of the bold words, only a subject and name index. This makes it a little difficult to completely understand what the vocabulary words mean especially since many of them are legal terms.

The worst textbook I've ever wasted money on...
Poorly ordered, extremely dry, and almost impossible to read.And I've read a lot of textbooks.
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Subjects:  1. Forensic Psychology    2. Psychology    3. Offenders    4. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology   

Reviews (20)

Turvey demystifies criminal profiling
This book by Mr. Turvey offers a lucid and comprehensive overview of criminal profiling. Contrary to popular belief, criminal profiling is not science per se but rather a collection of subjective views offered by renowned criminal profilers. Most of these views have not been scientifically corroborated and according to Turvey there is no concensus amongst criminal profilers on this subject. Turvey holds that much more scientific research is required in order to substantiate many claims. What separates Turvey's book from most books on this subject is his refusal to make sensationalistic assertions. Every major theory is explained clearly and both its strengths and flaws are accounted for. Inductive and deductive methods are reviewed extensively and meticulously and it becomes readily apparent to the reader that criminal profiling has been only somewhat beneficial in a few cases. In most cases, criminal profilers have failed to offer an accurate profile of the perpetrator, small wonder given the extreme complexity of human nature.
Waste of Money
Don't waste your money on this book.As a professor of Criminology, I found Mr. Turvey's approach to be quite juvenile in it's theories.Mr. Tuvey's analysis often contradicts itself in following chapters.I advise my students that there are far better books about criminal profiling on the market.

Seminal Text in Crime Scene Behavior Analysis
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... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal behavior, Prediction    2. Criminal behavior, Prediction of    3. Criminal investigation    4. Criminology    5. Forensic Psychology    6. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    7. Psychological aspects    8. Psychology    9. Social Psychology    10. Sociology    11. Criminal or forensic psychology    12. Offenders    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (5)

Very good comprehensive text
This book was mandatory for a forensic case law course taught by a seasoned forensic expert.It is thorough, accurate, and provides everything one needs to know before conducting forensic evaluations, as well as a significant amount of information most professionals ought to know but often don't.I recommend it as a tremendous resource for any clincian, especially those who have even a mild interest in forensic or correctional psychology.

5+*s
Not a light Sunday afternoon read, this book requires time to think and digest topics.It provides outstanding survey and advanced analysis of research, U.S. laws, and policies across the major foci.While a bit dated, it probably is the best source for gaining an understanding of forensic mental health.An outstanding reference.I feel somewhat odd in reviewing this book, almost like, I'd imagine someone feels when reviewing the Bible.Well worth the price.I wish it would have an annual or biannual update.

Journeyman's Opinion
Excellent reference, but a little outdated as of this writing (Dec. 2001).Opinions and recommendations of the authors do not in all respects reflect the majority, or even the respectible minority, of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists.Nonetheless, an excellent reference to have in your library to get the overall gist of an issue or a topic at the interface of psychology and the law.Detailed information pertaining to actual practices will need to be located elsewhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Evidence, Expert    2. Forensic Psychiatry    3. Forensic Psychology    4. Insanity    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Mental Health    7. Psychology    8. Reference    9. United States    10. Witnesses    11. Criminal or forensic psychology    12. Forensic medicine    13. Psychiatry    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology   

Subjects:  1. Forensic Psychology    2. Psychology    3. Forensic medicine    4. Psychiatry    5. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology   

Reviews (21)

Profoundly moving book about what it means to live life
This is a profoundly moving book by a sensitive and caring author that will definitely bring tears to your eyes. It's a beautifully written book that provides true stories of love, compassion, and enduring love through living and dying; an inspiring read not to be missed!

I really liked this book and wanted more...
The short chapters make this an easy book to pick up and read. It was also a quick read.It is a book I will return to again and again.I have met Dr. Janis Amatuzio and she is a captivating speaker.The subject matter was very interesting and also personally comforting.The only reason I did not give it 5 stars, is that I wish it was longer.

Life After Death, A Scientist's Perspective.
Memories (good, bad and otherwise) are forever ours.Six years of good memories crashed down in April, and my world became topsy-turvy.Everything went wrong.How could he have suddenly turned into a tyrant?Last April, Tristan died in a car wreck and gave me an extra year to live, for which I felt much guilt.
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Subjects:  1. Amatuzio, Janis    2. Biography    3. Death    4. Death, Grief, Bereavement    5. Forensic Psychology    6. Forensic pathologists    7. Inspirational    8. Physicians    9. Psychology    10. Religious aspects    11. Thanatology    12. United States    13. Body, Mind & Spirit / Personal Transformation    14. Mind, body, spirit: reincarnation & past lives   

Reviews (3)

Mediocre
I agree with the first reviewer--not a very useful text.More academic than anything else.I pretty much walked away with nothing from this book.Is choppy and just a compilation of various topics written by a variety of authors--it is like reading different research papers.None of the book is integrated.As the first reviewer said, a better book would have been a text written by one author with an integration of ideas.

A good reference work but not a practical working text
This book is a compilation of chapters on malingering and deception by leaders in the field.Like all edited works, it suffers from disjunctions in quality and style from chapter to chapter.I was hoping for a practical manual of how to work with clients.Instead, I got a book that is solidly researched but that would appeal more to a researcher than a clinician.I would have preferred a book by a single author who synthesizes the works of leaders in the field.The content is good but one has to do a lot of work to find the clinically useful material.In addition, the concepts do NOT come alive in case examples.Finally, the print is rather tiny, so those over 40 will strain their eyes trying to read the text.

Open the door to better understanding the "fakes!"
Dr. Rogers certainly knows his "stuff!"Take it from one of those guy's who has "been there and done that."His arrows hit the mark!Deception and malingering, these are not just mere words to echoin the wind.The author walks along side of the reader, while all thewhile supporting his professional perspectives with documented and keenlyresearched facts.Read more

Subjects:  1. Clinical Psychology    2. Deception    3. Diagnosis    4. Forensic Psychology    5. Malingering    6. Medical    7. Mental Disorders    8. Mental Health    9. Psychiatric Diagnosis    10. Psychiatry - General    11. Psychology    12. Behavioural theory (Behaviourism)    13. Psychiatry    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology   

Reviews (3)

very good
who am i to be providing a review of weiner and hess?the 2 previous reviews were on the second edition, which, i agree, was probably "4 stars".the editors and authors of the individual chapters did an excellent job and the third edition is, in my opinion, an excellent improvement over the second edition.they have updated some information, providing greater necessary detail.most chapters read quite well.while no text can ever be comprehensive, i would like to have seen separate chapters on basic law, applications of psychology to disability law, miranda waivers, and contributions of psychology to public policy and legislation.to be fair, few forensic psychology texts cover all of these.while most chapters did a very good job of summarizing the topic and relevant research, i did not feel that this was a "how to" manual. it provides much of the background information necessary in the practice of forensic psychology that is useful for the clinician.so, i think that this is a very good book, overall, for students of forensic psychology as well as for the practicing forensic psychologist to have in his/her library for easy reference.there are a few areas where coverage nicely augments goldstein and weiner's handbook and melton et al.'s psychological evaluations for the courts. in my opinion, a nice addition to the literature.

Informative
This book is very informative and you MUST own it if you are considering working in a field related to forensic psychology.Many of the chapters are well written and concise.However watch out for a few portions of the book--namely Chapters 12, 13, and 14.The authors of these chapters did a terrible job--you may need additional resources to understand the concepts.But overall this book is very good and (generally-speaking) easy to understand.

I think this is one of the greatest books on psychology
I'm a highschool junior. This book helped me greatly on a research paper for english. I especially liked the way it described the meaning of psychology. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in psychology. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Forensic Psychology    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Psychology    4. Reference    5. Criminal or forensic psychology    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology   

Reviews (3)

Not the best
Yes, it is adequate, but my advice to any write who is seriously considering writing about anything psychologically related is to simply buy a psychology book related to what you want. They, for the most part, are not that hard to understand and are very often much more interesting than any how-to book or any mass market fiction. This book gives a good overview, but not much else.
Review of The Criminal Mind
Writer's Digest Books' The Criminal Mind by Katherine Ramsland is an insightful tool for the serious crime writer. It is more intellectual than most self-help writing books and can provide interesting ideas for fleshing out characters. It is deeply rooted in psychological theory and that makes it an exceptionally interesting read. Complex topics are explained in layman's terms. It is nice to have a writing guide by such a talented writer.

Excellent reference tool for crime/fiction writer
The Criminal Mind: A Writer's Guide to Forensic Psychology is an excellent reference tool for any crime or fiction writer who wants to write a believable story involving elements of criminal behavior and those who investigate and treat individuals who display this behavior.Katherine Ramsland, Ph.D., is herself a forensic psychologist and the author of fourteen previous nonfiction books. She uses a mixture of fiction and fact to describe the fundamentals of forensic psychology.She stresses the importance of keeping characters and their behavior realistic to an extent. By knowing how your character would really behave,Ramsland suggests that the writer can add credibility to both characters and plot of the crime, mystery or suspense novel.Read more

Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - Genre Fiction    2. Forensic Medicine    3. Forensic Psychology    4. Reference    5. Writing Skills    6. Creative writing guides    7. Crime & criminology    8. Criminal or forensic psychology   

Reviews (1)

great
Very useful book, well documented and user friendly.Good for those in that wonderful niche. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clinical Psychology    2. Cognitive therapy    3. Criminal Psychology    4. Forensic Psychology    5. Mental Illness    6. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation    7. Psychology    8. Rehabilitation    9. Rehabilitation Therapy    10. Sex offenders    11. Sociology    12. Neurology & clinical neurophysiology    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology    14. Psychotherapy    15. Rehabilitation of offenders    16. Sexual abuse   

Reviews (11)

Advancing the categorization of violent crimes
I was greatly anticipating the delivery of this book as it had been labeled the "DSM of Violent crimes".Although I wouldn't apply the same label, for the DSM approaches mental illness in a drastically different way than the CCM approaches criminal investigation, this book is a great way to understand the ways in which the crimes can be differentiated based upon the evidence observed.
Leading the field of crime classification
Whilst written primarily for the American law enforcement community this book is an excellent read and will provide a highly useful guide to police officers, criminal lawyers and criminologists the world over. John Douglas proves again that he is one of the leaders in the field of behavioral science providing a character type for each of the main crime classes. I recommend that anyone embarking on a degree with emphasis on criminal law or the sociology of crime should read this book. Technical, not for light reading
I am studying forensic psychology and this book has been insightful and helpful. I have read everything john douglas has written and this is just perfect, precise, and organized in every way. Bravo! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classification    2. Crime    3. Criminology    4. Forensic Psychology    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Psychology    7. Reference    8. Sociology    9. United States    10. Criminal investigation & detection    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology   

Reviews (3)

Dust cover missing when bought brand new
The book was sent without the depicted dust jacket cover.

The only Rorschach interpretation book you'll ever need.
This book is, without question, the best book on Rorschach interpretation I have ever seen.Highly recommended.Weiner uses Exner's structural summary as the foundation, then incorporates Schafer's psychoanalytic approach for the interpretation of thematic imagery and idiosyncratic contents.Excellent integration of structural summary, thematic imagery, test behavior, and sequential analysis approaches.In addition to translating Exner's often stilted language into much more clinically useful language, the chapter on sequential analysis is worth the price of the book on its own.Excellent case presentations integrating the interpretive principles presented earlier close out the book.A must-have book for anyone who wants to make better sense of all the data provided by the Rorschach method.

Excellent source for anyone interested in the Rorschach
This book conveys in a clear language the complexities of the Rorschachinterpretation.The case examples provide a very good practice forgrasping what is essential.I would recommend this book to anyone involvedwith the Rorschach interpretation.Will never be without it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Assessment, Testing & Measurement    2. Forensic Psychology    3. Interpretation    4. Personality    5. Psychology    6. Rorschach Test    7. Psychological testing & measurement    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / Testing & Measurement    9. The self, ego, identity, personality   

Subjects:  1. Forensic Psychology    2. Forensic Science    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Pediatrics    5. Psychiatry - General    6. Psychology    7. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    8. Adolescents    9. Children    10. Criminal or forensic psychology    11. Psychiatry   

Reviews (4)

Masterpiece -- The Art and Science of Interviewing and Interrogation
This book is the benchmark by which all other books on the art and science of interviewing and interrogation should be measured.It is truly a grand tour in every sense of the term.The text covers the greatest discoveries, techniques and practices in the field, and provides valuable insights by the authors, who are widely acknowledged experts and seasoned practitioners.The historical basis for truth-determining techniques is discussed at some length.However, the book really shines in its coverage of interviewing and interrogation theories and techniques developed over the past eighty years, paralleling the great advancements in law enforcement and psychology.The authors present a concise, insightful and balanced examination of the significant theories and theoreticians in the field, all the while drawing upon their substantial knowledge and expertise when evaluating and assessing the various theories and techniques discussed throughout the book.Their observations on interrogation ethics post 9-11 are thought-provoking.
Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques
I have read several books on this topic in the past.I found this book to be very interesting and easy reading.It contained excellent information applicable for anyone involved in the field of interviewing. This Book Delivers
I have just finished reading this book and I am thoroughly impressed with it's attention to detail, usable procedures, and overall organization.It was a very quick read, and I now feel like an expert in the art of interrogation.I am already confidently putting these new techniques into practice and seeing results.If your goal is attaining the truth in an interview situation, buy & read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Forensic Psychology    2. Forensic Science    3. Interviewing    4. Interviewing in law enforcement    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Police questioning    7. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    8. Political Science    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Criminal investigation & detection    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology   

Subjects:  1. Civil Procedure    2. Evidence, Expert    3. Forensic Psychology    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Legal status, laws, etc    6. Legal status, laws, etc.    7. Mental health personnel    8. Psychology    9. United States    10. Witnesses    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy   

Subjects:  1. Forensic Psychology    2. Psychology    3. Social Psychology    4. Psychology & Psychiatry / Social Psychology    5. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (4)

Superficial and mediocre
This book has a superficial review of issues in forensic psychology.Perhaps useful for a student in an initial review of the subject, it lacks any depth for the practitioner who is generalizing skills into specific areas in the forensic domain.I am sure there are more useful and valuable books for the practitioner.

Mediocre
The book was just okay as a very basic overview, but I was disappointed.A very superificial overview of each topic that was presented, much was redundant from other texts.For example, how many times can one read about using the MMPI-2 in forensic assessments.Furthermore, the cover said that the book covered newer malingering instruments, such as the MPS.However, the coverage of the MPS was about 7 lines and pretty useless.

Essential Reading
Any psychologist considering or currently working in the field of forensics will benefit from this book. Essential reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Forensic Medicine    2. Forensic Psychology    3. Medical    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Mental Health    6. Criminal or forensic psychology    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology   

Reviews (2)

Such a great "Hands-On" resource!
As a performance enhancement specialist, I am constantly looking for activities and exercies to do with my clients. This book helps to develop PST programs, including various activites to do with your athletes. This book was used as a text in a Sport Psychology class that I took. I have found it to be extremely helpful and fully recommend it.

The best of applied sport psychology theory and practice.
Jean William's edited text is a favorite of mine. I use it in our graduateprogram at Georgia Southern University. The authors have done an excellentjob of presenting both the "whys" and "how tos" of theintervention techniques in sport psychology. Several leading sportpsychologists have made significant, easy to understand, contributions tothis text. This book has accomplished the rare feat of being able to beused as an academic text AND a "performance enhancement" book forthe interested athlete, coach, exerciser, or other performers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Coaching (Athletics)    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Forensic Psychology    5. Physical Education    6. Psychological aspects    7. Sports    8. Sports Psychology    9. Education / Physical Education   

Editorial Review

"Americans are frightened and outraged by violent crime and their frustration at not being able to stop it. Bashing the insanity defense is universally seen as a way of getting tough on crime. Ironically, as we all seem to abdicate responsibility for our own lives, we seem to assert that everyone else, even the mentally impaired, is responsible for his." Barbara Kirwin is a forensic psychologist most often employed by prosecuting attorneys to distinguish the bona fide mental cases from the fakers. In Read more

Reviews (7)

Passionate indictment of court treatment of insanity issues
In this timely, interesting book, psychologist Barbara R. Kirwin writes of her experience as a forensic psychologist in the New York City area.Kirwin did most of her evaluations and testimony on behalf of the prosecution, but her writing does not suffer from a prosecutorial bias.Rather, Kirwin attacks the treatment of insanity issues in the courts from a perspective outside traditional categories. Agoodvoice of common sense.
Excellent book dealing with topics such as faking bad and faking good, malingering, and understanding of the workings of the criminal mind as s/he comes into contact with the justice system. Other important issues arediscussed such as the effect of the media in the courtroom, and thequestion of common sense at the end of the day after all the legalise hassaid its piece.Other highlights include reaction of jurors and judges inthe face of the presentations layers make who are essentially interested inwinning for their client. A justice system should be able to come to thetruth and act on that at the end of the day, rather than how good oneslawyer is.

Criminals Don't Just Surface
This book doesn't contain a lot of great information, but it DOES make a few great points.Dr. Kirwin makes a fine statement when she says "Any criminal is a long time in the making, and there are many clear signs alongthe way." Amen, sister! One of the biggest responsibilities society hasshirked is admitting when a failure is in the making. Law enforcement wouldalso benefit by NOT believing serial killers are quiet, unknown men wholive unseen in the community. Bullfeathers! They are the outstandingweirdoes that we pretend don't exist. Dr. Kirwin also hits hard on the lackof accountability in the judicial system. As she puts it "no continuity, nofollow-up." Pat Brown/Director/Investigative Criminal Profiler/TheSexual Homicide Exchange, Inc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal liability    2. Criminal psychology    3. Criminology    4. Forensic Psychology    5. General    6. Health/Fitness    7. Insanity    8. Jurisprudence    9. Psychology    10. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology   

Subjects:  1. Forensic Medicine    2. Forensic Psychology    3. Forensic psychiatry    4. Forms    5. Psychology    6. United States    7. Psychiatry    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / Forensic Psychology   

Reviews (4)

Don't Even Go Near a Courtroom Without It!
This is the single most useful psych resource I've ever used, and I have a pretty extensive library.The explanations of some of the internal features of the MMPI-II were impressive andhelpful even to a Ph.D. psychologist with 30 years' clinical experience!Unless you have a graduate degree in psychology, this book is your best bet for mounting an effective challenge to bad, sloppy, or harmful psychological testing.

Usefulness in Forensic Psychology
I found this book to be highly readable, well indexed, and a valuable source for report writing and preparing court testimony.The research cited is current, validity and clinical scales well defined, and sources ofbias clearly stated.In addition, ethical considerations and pitfalls ofreliance on this testing instrument are provided.Excellent comparisons ofthe MMPI and MMPI-2 including modified, deleted, and new items.Extremelyvaluable for any psychologist going to court and explaining to a judge orjury to results and interpretations of this instrument.

For the pro per dad seeking equal custody
I was subjected to the MMPI and it's interpretations while attempting to maintain equal parenting time of my son. After my attorney ignored repeated requests for the results, I fired him, and have since representedmyself.Read more

Subjects:  1. Assessment, Testing & Measurement    2. Evidence, Expert    3. Forensic Psychology    4. Forensic Science    5. Law and legislation    6. Personality    7. Psychological tests    8. Psychology    9. United States    10. Courts & procedure    11. Forensic medicine    12. Medical diagnosis    13. Psychiatry