Why They Kill. How the FBI Identifies Serial Killers

The legendary FBI profiler and the prototype of Jack Crawford from the famous "Silence of the Lambs" John Douglas investigates the root of all crimes: the motive of the killer.

Why does a criminal kill? What motives drive them? Resentment? Revenge? Lust? Thirst for recognition and fame? One of the pioneers of criminal profiling, renowned FBI special agent John Douglas believes that this question is key to understanding the personality of the killer – and, consequently, to capturing them. By answering the question "Why?", one can answer the question "Who?" – and solve the mystery.

Exploring different motives and methods of crimes, John Douglas discusses the most common types of serial and mass murderers. He highlights common elements in their biographies and shows how this knowledge can be applied to other types of crimes. Through captivating stories – the cases of Harvey Lee Oswald, the Unabomber, the murder of Gianni Versace, and many others – the legendary "Mind Hunter" immerses us into the minds of violent offenders, poisoners, terrorists, arsonists, and assassins. He clearly explains why people commit various crimes and teaches how to recognize potential killers before it’s too late...