Decoding Madness

A Forensic Psychologist Explores the Criminal Mind

By: Richard Lettieri

Narrated by: David Mack

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Dealing with some of the most heinous crimes imaginable, forensic neuropsychologist and psychoanalyst Dr. Richard Lettieri gives a behind-the-scenes look at criminal psychology through case studies from his over 30 years of experience as a court-appointed and privately retained psychologist.

With cases like Michael, who stabbed his mother in the back believing she was the evil force causing the sun to descend upon the earth and gobble him up, and Tina, who seriously injured her boyfriend and stabbed his son to death, Decoding Madness is filled with gripping stories and forensic analysis. Through psychological examination, it is the author’s job to conclude whether these individuals are truly guilty and understand their actions are wrong, or if these individuals are not guilty by reason of insanity and instead require treatment.

Decoding Madness offers a nuanced psychological understanding of defendants and their personal complexities beyond the usual clinical accounts. The book introduces the novel idea of the daimonic as a basic force of human nature that is the source of our constructive and destructive capacities and argues for an update to the criminal justice system’s perspective on rationality and conscious thinking.

Featuring new findings and personal insights, Dr. Lettieri presents an engrossing view of the psychology of defendants accused of committing heinous crimes and the insight that they provide towards the human mind.

©2021 Richard Lettieri (P)2022 Rowman & Littlefield

Insight and style

This author uses a more sophisticated literary style than most profiling authors who lean toward a more cut and dried style! Insightful at a general level! 10/10

Deep Exploration of Complex Minds

This is a new favorite. He meticulously invites the reader to explore the many variables that make up a criminal mind. He also wisely explains why we are all capable of violence under the right circumstances.

Well written and very interesting

I really enjoyed this book. It was great to read about the author’s insight experiences as a forensic pathologist and the cases he has worked with throughout the years.
The book was also well performed.

Understanding

I liked that I now understand the psychological nature of the human behavior in many different aspects.

VERY Interesting, Enjoyable and Insightful

I read and listen to a lot within the "true crime" genre, and what I appreciated about this book is that not only did it hold my attention like most good true crime reads, but it also provided some real insight into the "why" these horrible crimes happen and what drives these criminals to commit them. It's hard to stop listening when hearing these stories and his personal experiences with the people who perpetrated these crimes. Even if you're someone who doesn't typically listen to the true crime genre, there is a lot more to this book without it being ANY less captivating.

Great Book!

I am so glad to have found this audiobook. I only wish the author had read it himself. This read is incredibly informative, heartfelt, and unique in its delivery of the human side of madness and criminality.

Grating Narrator

Very interesting book, a peek behind the curtain into the world of forensic psychology. The author's insights, compassion and clear expertise were marred by a stilted, stiff narrator whose inflection ruined the nuance and depth. Could barely listen to the awkward and robotic presentation.