The Alienist (TNT Tie-in Edition) Book Summary
A Novel
TL;DR
The Alienist by Caleb Carr is a historical thriller set in 1896 New York, following a psychologist and a journalist as they create a psychological profile to catch a serial killer.
What is The Alienist (TNT Tie-in Edition) about
The Alienist, written by Caleb Carr, merges historical fiction with psychological thriller elements. Set in 1896 New York, the story follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist (or 'alienist') and newspaper reporter John Schuyler Moore. They are called to investigate the gruesome murder of a young boy, which leads them to develop a revolutionary criminal profile. This book intricately details the early days of criminology while immersing the reader in the atmospheric backdrop of Gilded Age New York, complete with its socio-political complexities.
The Alienist (TNT Tie-in Edition) 6 Key Takeaways
The gruesome discovery
The story begins when Dr. Laszlo Kreizler and John Schuyler Moore are called to examine a mutilated boy's body on the Williamsburg Bridge. This incident sets off their quest to find the killer.
Forming the investigative team
Kreizler assembles a diverse team, including Theodore Roosevelt, Sara Howard, and detectives Lucius and Marcus Isaacson, to aid in the investigation. Each member brings unique skills to the table, making their approach unprecedented.
Creating the psychological profile
The team delves into early criminology by constructing a psychological profile of the killer, using the nature of the crimes to understand his background and motives. This approach is groundbreaking for the time.
Venturing into dangerous territories
Their investigation leads them through various strata of New York society, from opulent mansions to dangerous slums, exposing the city's dark underbelly and the risks of challenging societal norms.
The climax and capture
As they close in on the killer, the team's lives are put in grave danger. The tension culminates in a high-stakes confrontation that tests their resolve and brings long-sought answers.
The resolution
The story concludes with the resolution of the case, but not without leaving lasting impacts on the team members and their perspectives on justice and human nature.
Top The Alienist (TNT Tie-in Edition) Quotes
- 'There is no such thing as a monster, only human beings with monstrous behaviors.'
- 'The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.'
Who should read The Alienist (TNT Tie-in Edition)?
The Alienist is ideal for fans of historical fiction, psychological thrillers, and crime novels. Readers who appreciate detailed historical settings and complex character dynamics will find the book especially engaging. It offers both intellectual stimulation and atmospheric escapism.
The Alienist (TNT Tie-in Edition) Best Reviews
- 'A first-rate tale of crime and punishment that will keep readers guessing until the final pages.'—Entertainment Weekly
- 'The method of the hunt and the disparate team of hunters lift the tale beyond the level of a good thriller—way beyond. . . . A remarkable combination of historical novel and psychological thriller.'—The Buffalo News
- 'A high-spirited, charged-up and unfailingly smart thriller.'—Los Angeles Times
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The Alienist (TNT Tie-in Edition) FAQs
How many books are in The Alienist series?
The series includes four books: The Alienist, The Angel of Darkness, Surrender, New York, and the upcoming titles The Alienist at Armageddon and The Strange Case of Miss Sarah X.
Is The Alienist worth reading?
Highly recommended. The Alienist is well-written with richly developed characters, making it a compelling read for fans of historical and psychological thrillers.
Is The Alienist book based on a true story?
No, The Alienist is a work of fiction. Caleb Carr initially convinced his editor and agent that the story was true, but it is entirely fictional.