Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Between Good and Evil summary
Roger L. Depue
Susan Schindehette
Brief summary
Between Good and Evil by Roger L. Depue and Susan Schindehette delves into the world of criminal profiling. It offers a fascinating look at the minds of criminals and the efforts to understand and combat evil.
Topics
Table of Contents
Between Good and Evil
Summary of key ideas
A Unique Perspective on Evil
In Between Good and Evil, Roger L. Depue and Susan Schindehette provide a unique perspective on the nature of evil. As a former FBI profiler, Depue has spent a significant portion of his life studying the minds of some of the most dangerous criminals. He begins by sharing his early life experiences, which led him to pursue a career in law enforcement and ultimately to become a pioneer in the field of criminal profiling.
Depue's work at the FBI Behavioral Science Unit involved developing profiles of serial killers and other violent offenders. He delves into the chilling details of cases he worked on, such as the Atlanta child murders and the Green River Killer investigation. The book provides a raw and unflinching look at the horrors of these crimes, offering insights into the minds of the perpetrators.
The Toll of Profiling Evil
While Between Good and Evil offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of criminal profiling, it also sheds light on its emotional toll. Depue describes how immersing himself in the darkest aspects of human behavior began to take a heavy toll on his mental health and personal life. He shares the difficulties of balancing his professional responsibilities with his role as a husband and father, and the strain it placed on his relationships.
Depue's experiences underscore the challenging nature of his work and the emotional resilience required to confront evil on a daily basis. He discusses the coping mechanisms he developed, such as compartmentalizing his emotions and seeking solace in his family, to maintain his mental well-being in the face of such harrowing subject matter.
Seeking Redemption and Understanding
As Between Good and Evil progresses, Depue shifts his focus from the darkness of crime to the possibility of redemption. Following his retirement from the FBI, he embarks on a spiritual journey, studying theology and counseling maximum-security prisoners. This experience provides him with a new perspective on the nature of evil, emphasizing the potential for transformation and the importance of understanding the root causes of criminal behavior.
Depue also reflects on his personal struggles and the impact of his work on his mental health. He candidly discusses his battle with depression and the steps he took to seek help and healing. This part of the book serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of confronting evil, even for those who do so in the pursuit of justice.
A Call to Confront Evil
In the latter part of the book, Between Good and Evil takes on a more philosophical tone, as Depue shares his reflections on the nature of good and evil. He argues that acknowledging the existence of evil is crucial in combating it, and that society must confront the uncomfortable truths about human nature to effectively address criminal behavior.
Depue's call to action is not only directed at law enforcement and criminal justice professionals but also at society as a whole. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to criminal behavior, such as childhood trauma and mental illness, and advocates for a more holistic approach to crime prevention and rehabilitation.
Conclusion: A Profound Exploration of Humanity
In conclusion, Between Good and Evil offers a profound exploration of the human capacity for both good and evil. Through his experiences as an FBI profiler and his subsequent spiritual journey, Roger L. Depue provides a unique perspective on the nature of criminal behavior and the toll it takes on those who confront it. The book serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the complexities of human nature and the ongoing battle against evil.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Between Good and Evil about?
Between Good and Evil delves into the mind of a criminal profiler and offers a unique perspective on the battle between good and evil. Roger L. Depue, a former FBI profiler, shares his experiences and insights into the world of criminal behavior, shedding light on the factors that drive individuals to commit heinous acts. Through real-life cases and psychological analysis, this book challenges our understanding of morality and the complexities of human nature.
Between Good and Evil Review
Between Good and Evil (2005) delves into the world of criminal profiling through the eyes of an FBI veteran. Here's why this book is a gripping read:
- Featuring real cases and insights into the criminal mind, it offers a fascinating look at the intricate work of tracking down dangerous individuals.
- The book showcases the challenges and breakthroughs in the field of profiling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each revelation.
- With its engaging narrative style and firsthand accounts, it transforms a complex subject into a compelling and thought-provoking journey for readers.
Who should read Between Good and Evil?
Individuals interested in criminal psychology and profiling
True crime enthusiasts seeking insights into the minds of serial killers
Law enforcement professionals looking to understand the complexities of criminal behavior
Categories with Between Good and Evil
Book summaries like Between Good and Evil
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Between Good and Evil FAQs
What is the main message of Between Good and Evil?
The main message of Between Good and Evil explores the psychology behind criminal behavior.
How long does it take to read Between Good and Evil?
Reading Between Good and Evil takes a few hours. Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Between Good and Evil a good book? Is it worth reading?
Between Good and Evil is worth reading for its insights into criminal psychology.
Who is the author of Between Good and Evil?
The authors of Between Good and Evil are Roger L. Depue and Susan Schindehette.
What to read after Between Good and Evil?
If you're wondering what to read next after Between Good and Evil, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
- Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- The Now Habit by Neil Fiore
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
- Incognito by David Eagleman
- Quiet by Susan Cain
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
Featured Titles
- Teaching Community
- The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
- The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- The Courage to Teach
- The Making and Breaking of Affectional Bonds
- The Murderer Next Door
- The Neuroscience of Intelligence
- The New Strong-Willed Child
- The Sociopath Next Door
- The Velvet Rope Economy