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

Gripping story; turn of the century pre-CSI

Would you listen to The Alienist again? Why?

Yes. I greatly enjoyed the description of society, places in New York, the food, the atmosphere and emerging forensic and psychological techniques to resolve crimes. My favorite aspect of the book was finding about more about the character's history and their developing relations.

What other book might you compare The Alienist to and why?

'Doc' by Mary Doria Russell. Both books are books I would read over and over; there is a mix of fiction with actual history and the character development and relationships involve loyalty, social justice and both authors described the environment such that I felt I was there or knew the characters.

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Any additional comments?

I greatly enjoyed listening to this as I was watching Season 1 of the TNT series 'The Alienist'. While there were some minor differences, I still enjoyed both and would purchase both. The story kept me guessing and I did not find it predictable. I really liked Sarah's story line and her steely resolve to persevere in a man's world.

I could not stop listening.

Great escape listen. Riveting story line with lots of interesting historical references. A chilling murder mystery that is not for the faint hearted. I enjoyed the book taking me on a journey with some of the earliest pioneers in psychology‘s age old question of nature versus nurture. The book also reflects on social issues that are still relevant today such as class struggle with justice and corruption within law enforcement, morality questions and LBGQ issues. I highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.

Thrilling

The narrator is memorizing and adds a bit more to the story. I really enjoy Caleb Carr books, I highly recommend this book. I wanted to stay up all night to finish it.

George reading is the best. thanks! very good good

thanks for the very good and entertaining book about NYC back when I was a kid.

Totally enthralling!

First, Guidall is one of my favorite narrators ever! He did a wonderful job with the text. Second - what a #dark and #clever historical fiction novel! I immediately bought the sequel once I’d finished. #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

a classic thriller

this is a great book. It captures and holds you till the end. Every time I listen or read it I'm hooked

An engaging period piece

This story centers on the sort time Theodore Roosevelt served as police commissioner in New York City. N engaging crime story as well it illustrates all of Teddy’s known personality to use unconventional ends to solve a complicated puzzle

Good read

A bit wordy and meandering at times but otherwise a good story. I can listen to anything George Guidall reads!

#Suspenseful

When the TV series came out, I saw a commercial for this book on audible.com. It became an immediate MUST READ!! As is typical, the book is so much better than the movie/series.
The forensics and mental health combination threw this nurse into a tizzy of enjoyment. I simply couldn’t stop listening until I knew how it ended. #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

As good as the written work

Highly recommended. One of the best books ever. And the narrator does. a wonderful job.