The Alienist

By: Caleb Carr

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 20 hrs

Publisher's summary

The year is 1896, the place, New York City. On a cold March night New York Times reporter John Schuyler Moore is summoned to the East River by his friend and former Harvard classmate Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, or "alienist." On the unfinished Williamsburg Bridge, they view the horribly mutilated body of an adolescent boy, a prostitute from one of Manhattan's infamous brothels.

The newly appointed police commissioner, Theodore Roosevelt, in a highly unorthodox move, enlists the two men in the murder investigation, counting on the reserved Kreizler's intellect and Moore's knowledge of New York's vast criminal underworld. They are joined by Sara Howard, a brave and determined woman who works as a secretary in the police department. Laboring in secret (for alienists, and the emerging discipline of psychology, are viewed by the public with skepticism at best), the unlikely team embarks on what is a revolutionary effort in criminology-- amassing a psychological profile of the man they're looking for based on the details of his crimes. Their dangerous quest takes them into the tortured past and twisted mind of a murderer who has killed before. and will kill again before the hunt is over.

Fast-paced and gripping, infused with a historian's exactitude, The Alienist conjures up the Gilded Age and its untarnished underside: verminous tenements and opulent mansions, corrupt cops and flamboyant gangsters, shining opera houses and seamy gin mills. Here is a New York during an age when questioning society's belief that all killers are born, not made, could have unexpected and mortal consequences.

©1994 Caleb Carr (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Audio

Well wrought but over written

The Alienist is dense, slow, and heavy on description. As a historian, Carr did his best to recreate late 19th century New York life. But unlike Dickens, his story suffers and drags until almost half way through the novel. When it finally catches the imagination it moves quite swiftly but I almost gave up on it several times.

A good listen for a period mystery

I really liked this novel. I felt the pacing was good and the story itself was interesting enough to keep me going. It did t astound me, but I rather liked it regardless.

Dark and Creepy Definately a Great Adventure.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Alienist?

Honestly I don't want to say because the book is crafted in such a way that to give a small detail could ruin the book. Suffice it to say most of the book was memorable.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

He did a great job of doing the voices and keeping them consistant throughout the book. He really added to the great storytelling.

Any additional comments?

This book is not for the squeamish. There are many very graphic portions of the book. I wouldn't say that they are over done, but they may turn some off.

engrossing

Would you consider the audio edition of The Alienist to be better than the print version?

i do not own the print, that said, this audio version is so well read that i feel i wouldn't get as much out of the read.

Who was your favorite character and why?

our main character is favorite because of his humanity and patience.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

this is an awesome performance. Mr. Guidall makes every character real and his accents are spot on.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

enter the world of evil

Any additional comments?

I would listen to this often. So very entertaining and the second time around fills in some blanks.

Brilliant

This is a great story well written and fast paced with the benefit of Carr's research and humour.

excellent story line.

couldn't wait to listen to more. more suspense than anticipated. great story line, great character plot.

George Guidall, You Rock!!

Where does The Alienist rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks about mid point for content; at the top for the narrator! If anyone else had narrated this novel, it would have bombed.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The news reporter was the best. The author showed his strengths and weaknesses in every situation that was presented.

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator's voice and tone places the reader inside the characters and the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, it was a little creepy at times.

Any additional comments?

George Guidall should get royalties also.

The beginning of Profiling

It is 1896, and young male prostitutes are being killed. Theodore Roosevelt has assembled an alienist (early psychiatrist), a Newspaper reporter to see if they can find this killer. This book was interesting if you like detailed investigation details, really enjoyed how the techniques we take for granted, were just being invented.

Great listen! Great narration!

What did you love best about The Alienist?

The story line was exciting and well written and the narrator hit it out of the park! They were an absolutely perfect blend.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the main characters are outstanding....but I do have a soft spot for Teddy Roosevelt!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely! I stayed awake at night in bed for waaaay to long before going to sleep.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this series and I look forward to more! I am a veteran listener and this is in the top 20% of the 100's I have listened to!

Top notch!

Engrossing story and an amazing narration. I wish that I could give more than 5 stars.