The best 23 Forensic Psychology books

Unnatural Causes is a gripping memoir by Richard Shepherd, a forensic pathologist who has worked on some of the most high-profile cases in the UK. From Princess Diana's death to the 7/7 bombings, Shepherd provides a fascinating insight into the world of forensic pathology and the secrets it can reveal about how and why people die.

The Silent Dead by Claire McGowan is a gripping crime novel that delves into the dark secrets of a small Irish town. When a body is discovered in a remote cave, forensic psychologist Paula Maguire is called in to help solve the mystery. As she uncovers long-buried secrets and confronts her own troubled past, Paula races against time to bring the truth to light.

A Killer's Mind by Mike Omer is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a serial killer. When FBI profiler Zoe Bentley is called in to help catch a brutal murderer, she must use all her skills and insights to unravel the killer's motives and stay one step ahead. As the body count rises, Zoe finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Catching a Serial Killer by Stephen Fulcher is a gripping true crime book that delves into the author's personal experience with hunting down a notorious murderer. Through meticulous detective work and high-stakes interrogations, Fulcher takes readers on a journey to unravel the dark secrets of a serial killer, ultimately bringing him to justice. This compelling narrative offers a rare inside look at the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of unimaginable evil.

Serial Murderers and Their Victims by Eric W. Hickey delves into the dark and complex world of serial killers. Through detailed case studies and analysis, the book explores the psychological, social, and cultural factors that contribute to the development of these individuals and their heinous crimes. It also sheds light on the impact of these crimes on the victims and society as a whole, making it a thought-provoking and insightful read.

Evaluation of Criminal Responsibility by Ira K. Packer provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex legal and psychological factors involved in determining criminal responsibility. Drawing on case studies and research, the book examines the assessment of mental state at the time of the offense and explores the challenges and controversies surrounding this critical aspect of criminal law.

Criminological and Forensic Psychology by Helen Gavin provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection between psychology and criminal justice. It delves into the psychological theories and research that help us understand criminal behavior, as well as the application of these insights in forensic settings such as profiling, interrogation, and courtroom proceedings. This book is a valuable resource for students and professionals in the fields of criminology and psychology.

The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of incarcerated serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another killer on the loose. The book delves into the complex relationship between Starling and Lecter, and explores themes of power, manipulation, and the darkest corners of the human mind.

A Bit of a Stretch by Chris Atkins is a thought-provoking memoir that offers a candid and often darkly humorous account of the author's time in a British prison. Through vivid storytelling, Atkins delves into the realities of life behind bars, the failings of the criminal justice system, and the challenges of rehabilitation. It challenges our preconceptions and offers a unique insight into a world that is often hidden from view.

A Killer's Mind by Mike Omer is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a serial killer. When FBI profiler Zoe Bentley is called in to help solve a series of gruesome murders, she teams up with a local detective to catch the killer before he strikes again. As they unravel the clues and get closer to the truth, Zoe finds herself in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a brilliant and cunning adversary.

Catching a Serial Killer by Stephen Fulcher is a gripping true crime book that takes you inside the mind of a detective as he hunts down a notorious murderer. Filled with suspense and shocking revelations, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat as the author recounts the intense investigation and the ultimate capture of the killer.

Coercive Control by Evan Stark delves into the often overlooked form of domestic abuse that involves psychological manipulation and control. Drawing on extensive research and real-life examples, Stark sheds light on the devastating impact of coercive control and offers insights into how society can better recognize and address this pervasive issue.

Criminological and Forensic Psychology by Helen Gavin provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Exploring topics such as criminal behavior, offender profiling, and eyewitness testimony, this book offers valuable insights into the minds of both criminals and victims. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the psychological factors behind criminal behavior.

Criminalistics by Richard Saferstein is a comprehensive guide to forensic science and its application in solving crimes. From analyzing physical evidence to understanding the principles of crime scene investigation, this book provides a detailed overview of the techniques and technologies used in the field. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the real-life science behind solving criminal cases.

Evaluation of Criminal Responsibility by Ira K. Packer provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex issue of criminal responsibility. Through case studies and in-depth examination of legal and psychological principles, the book explores how mental illness, substance abuse, and other factors can impact an individual's ability to understand and control their actions. It offers valuable insights for legal professionals, mental health experts, and anyone interested in the intersection of law and psychology.

For Laci is a heartfelt memoir by Sharon Rocha, the mother of Laci Peterson. In this book, Rocha shares her memories of Laci as a daughter, as well as the devastating loss and the subsequent trial of Laci's husband, Scott Peterson. It is a poignant tribute to a life cut short and a mother's unwavering love for her daughter.

Grace Will Lead Us Home by Jennifer Berry Hawes is a powerful and deeply moving book that delves into the aftermath of the 2015 Charleston church shooting. Through extensive interviews and research, the author explores the resilience and forgiveness of the victims' families, the racial tensions in the community, and the healing process. It is a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers insight into a tragic event and its impact on the lives of those affected.

Never Suck A Dead Man's Hand by Dana Kollmann is a fascinating and often humorous look at the real world of crime scene investigation. Through a series of true stories and insider insights, Kollmann takes us behind the yellow tape and reveals the gritty and sometimes bizarre aspects of forensic work. From maggots to murder weapons, this book is a captivating read for anyone interested in the science of solving crimes.

Stigma by Erving Goffman is a thought-provoking exploration of how society labels and treats individuals who are perceived as different. Goffman delves into the concept of stigma and its profound impact on people's lives, shedding light on the social and psychological mechanisms behind it. Through compelling real-life examples, the book challenges readers to reconsider their own attitudes towards those who are stigmatized.

The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen is a gripping historical mystery that intertwines two compelling storylines. Set in both present-day Boston and 1830s New England, the novel follows medical examiner Maura Isles and young medical student Norris Marshall as they uncover a series of gruesome murders and a dark secret buried in the past. With its richly detailed settings and complex characters, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Casebook of Forensic Detection by Colin Evans delves into the world of forensic science and the groundbreaking techniques used to solve some of history's most baffling crimes. From fingerprint analysis to DNA testing, this book explores the evolution of forensic detection and the pivotal role it plays in the criminal justice system. With real-life case studies and gripping storytelling, Evans sheds light on the fascinating intersection of science and crime investigation.

The Killer of Little Shepherds by Douglas Starr delves into the true story of a notorious serial killer in 19th century France. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, the book uncovers the investigation and eventual capture of the killer, shedding light on the early developments in forensic science and criminal profiling.

The Silent Dead by Claire McGowan is a gripping crime thriller that delves into the dark secrets of a small Irish town. When a body is discovered in a bog, forensic psychologist Paula Maguire is called in to help solve the mystery. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of lies and long-buried secrets that someone is willing to kill to protect. With a compelling plot and well-developed characters, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.