The Mind of a Murderer

An intricate and brilliantly written psychiatric perspective on the most perplexing of crimes Kerry Daynes, author of The Dark Side of the Mind

Beautifully written and very dark Nimco Ali OBE

Whodunnit doesnt matter so much, not to a forensic psychiatrist. Were more interested in the why.

In his twenty-six years in the field, Richard Taylor has worked on well over a hundred murder cases, with victims and perpetrators from all walks of life. In this fascinating memoir, Taylor draws on some of the most tragic, horrific and illuminating of these cases - as well as dark secrets from his own familys past - to explore some of the questions he grapples with every day:

Why do people kill?
Does committing a monstrous act make someone a monster?
Could any of us, in the wrong circumstances, become a killer?

As Taylor helps us understand what lies inside the minds of those charged with murder - both prisoners he has assessed and patients he has treated - he presents us with the most important challenge of all: how can we even begin to comprehend the darkest of human deeds, and why it is so vital that we try?

The Mind of a Murderer is a fascinating exploration into the psyche of killers, as well as a unique insight into the life and mind of the doctor who treats them.For fans of Unnatural Causes, The Examined Life and All That Remains.

MORE PRAISE FOR THE MIND OF A MURDERER:

A fascinating insight into what drives criminality - and a punchy polemic against mental-health service cutsJake Kerridge, Sunday Telegraph

A fascinating, well-written and compelling account of the mental state in homicideAlisdair Williamson, TLS

A dark, fascinating and often surprising glimpse into the minds of those who kill, from a forensic psychiatrist whos seen it all Rob Williams, writer of BBCs The Victim

An excellent, engaging and honest book, full of interesting, powerful and important observationsAlison Liebling, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Cambridge