Between Good and Evil

A Master Profiler's Hunt for Society's Most Violent Predators

By: Roger L. Depue, Susan Schindehette

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

In this first-person account of becoming the FBI's top serial-killer hunter and a member of a religious order in an attempt to discern the true nature of good and evil, Roger L. Depue searches for an understanding of how evil develops. Between Good and Evil is Depue's look back at a life spent apprehending criminals, especially serial killers, first as a small-town police chief, then an FBI-SWAT team member, Behavioral Sciences Unit chief, and a developer of revolutionary law enforcement programs.

The book also examines Depue's experience studying with the Brothers of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles in an attempt to discover why a good person like his wife, whom he had lost to cancer, is allowed to die while monstrous criminals get to live. Following his time in the clergy, Depue returned to law-enforcement and today heads one of the world's most elite forensics think tanks, "The Academy".

©2005 Roger L. Depue and Susan Schindehette (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Beautifully written

While I wouldn’t give most true crime memoirs the definition of “beautifully written” this one is the exception. Depue is insightful, compassionate, wise, philosophical, and hopeful with his words. Much respect for this man and his words. I work in psychological trauma, and am no stranger to horrific stories, to the point I’m almost immune to hearing them, however me in tears at times with how poignant he was in his thoughts. Thank you for the read.

Inspiring True FBI Story

As a rule, I don't like books written by FBI agents. Many strike me as self-serving portrayals of self-proclaimed super heroes. Between Good and Evil is the great exception. Roger Depue's powerful and emotional story explains so much about the minds of the sociopaths we all know by name; Bundy, Berkowitz, etc., and takes the reader on a journey through the life of an exceptional law enforcement officer, teacher, Marine, cleric and philosopher. The story would be a great work of fiction, but it's remarkably true story that speaks of the one in a million people out there, monsters, who for all you know could be living next door. I'm not sure how it could be made into a screenplay, but I bet it would make a helluva movie.

an autobiography more than a career retrospective

What did you love best about Between Good and Evil?

fascinating and insightful, but more about the life and career of Depue and less about criminal profiling.

Still a great read, and the presentation is fantastic, but maybe more of the author's life and less of the details of his career than you might be expecting. Also, there is a consistent religious aspect to the author's life. It does not supersede his commitment to the science of forensics and his work at large, but anyone with a hard anti-religious agenda might lose interest before finishing this book (the author commits himself to religious study, but never loses sight of his role as an objective observer). My suggestion is that regardless of you theological inclination, listen to his whole book.

When all is said and done: a fantastic voice performance, a great read, and a definite recommendation.

*WARNING: THIS BOOK DETAILS EXTREMELY HEINOUS VIOLENT CRIMES. AVOID THIS TITLE IF THAT IS PROBLEMATIC FOR YOU*

Were the concepts of this book easy to follow, or were they too technical?

very accessible and easy to follow, though some details may be too much for some people, due to the violent nature of the author's work.

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

Paul Michael brings to this work exactly what I would hope for, which is nothing flashy. He reads the book in the sort of even, presentational tones that one would expect sitting in on an FBI debriefing, nothing more or less.

I find the greatest problem I have with audio books is readers trying to put too much stylzation into their reading. This book was read in a genuine and straightforward tone that was completely in keeping with the text.

Any additional comments?

A great reading of a very good book. Slow at times, but a great experience over-all.

Great Book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have been in law enforcement and it truly shows the realness of it all. Very well written.

Compelling, creepy and sensitive

This was a great listen. Mr. Depue has lead a fascinating life, ranging from profiling and chasing serial killers, to joining a monastery. Truly incredible professional story that really opens the readers eyes to the brutality of murder, and the hero's that hunt them.

Autobiography Marketed as Predator Hunt

An interesting read. The narration was outstanding, but this book is more a man waxing philosophical about good and evil than "a hunt for society's most violent predators." Hey, the marketing worked. I wouldn't have bought the book otherwise, and it was pretty good, but not really as advertised.

solid nonfiction read

you can easily see this guy's influence on so many crime dramas we see today on tv (criminal minds, basically any show with criminal profiling). when I read reviews, some reviewers felt Depeu was full of himself. I didn't get that impression but this guy can be full of himself, a true pioneer in criminal investigations & psychological profiling.

Very Good

Quite interesting view into the mind of thee serial killer and deranged. Might not be for everyone, but if you want more on the topic this is the one.

Great choice, well written, well read

Roger Depue has led an interesting life, and at it's heart, Between Good and Evil is an autobiography depicting how he made his way from an ordinary upbringing to the head of the FBI's behavioral sciences unit . . . and beyond.

It's peppered with case studies of depraved criminals. These studies are graphic without being pornographic. The victims are treated with respect, and the treatments are detailed, without being overwhelming. Some are disturbing, as they should be, but somehow the story allows the reader to leave without being emotionally drained . . .The subject matter is handled well.

In full disclosure, this was my first "profiling" book. Looking for others now.

Story - 3.5 stars
Writing - 4 stars
Reader - 4.5 stars

Fascinating

This book was a fascinating listen and the narrator was quite good. Although the book is largely about his life, it adds wonderful context to his career as an FBI profiler and the origins of this science.