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

Favorite Book of All Time

Mr. Carr can weave an amazing story. The fact that much of it is historically accurate is an added plus. Just wish he'd write Sarah's story. I'd buy it in a heart beat.

great listen

A great detective story taking place in late 19th century NYC with referances to actual people and places. good narration and a decent pace.

Excellent read

Wonderful historical mystery. Read this book in my 20’s and just finished the audio version 15 years later. If you like a good murder/serial killer mystery, you’ll love this one.

Psychological Thriller: prepare to be scared .

Caleb Carr brings us a capsule of mind sickness that an Alien is
must untangle. Before another youngster dies a horrible death.

Superb

A very well narrated book. Was hard to set it down. Enjoyed every minute of it.

Takes time to become invested

I may have returned this book early on had I not been reading it for a book club, as there's a terrible amount of exposition.

After about 4 or 5 hours into the story, though, the plot began to pick up, and by the climax, I wasn't ready for the book to end.

It does, however, end rather abruptly, with almost the impression that Carr was eager to wrap the story up.

I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a psychological thriller as an 1890s SVU with a touch of Sherlock Holmes.

Criminal Minds in 1890s Manhattan

One of the best historical mysteries I've found in a while. A rich period piece that explores some very dark social and psychological themes without being depressing. This is largely due to Mr. Carr's creation of a wholly likable ensemble of smart, witty, flawed sleuths that not only entertain but endear themselves to the listener. The brilliant but wounded Dr. Kreizler, the intemperate, dry-witted NY Times reporter John Schuyler Moore, the genteel, derringer-packing, aspiring woman-detective Sara Howard, and the comical bickering Detective Sergeants, the Isaacson brothers.

The world of 1890s New York City--from Delmonico's to Five Points--is brought vividly to life by Mr. Guidall's accomplished performance of The Alienist. A thoroughly enjoyable novel.

Gripping & well presented

I'm new to audiobooks. I enjoyed the story greatly, and the telling was marvelous.

Great book. Outstanding performance

Well paced and fascinating murder mystery which also provides the reader with a visceral sense of what turn of the century urban America was really like. George Guidall' s performance was one of the best I've ever heard. He wasn't just reading the text, he was truly acting it.

good on early detective use of forensics

Good on early use of mental frorensics in detective work where there is an indication of mental illness.