John E. Douglas Books

In this eagerly awaited new book by the international best-selling authors of Mindhunter and Journey into Darkness, master FBI profiler John Douglas delves into the minds of both hunters and the hunted. As the former head of the FBI's Investigative Support Unit, Douglas pioneered modern behavioral profiling of serial criminals. He previously tracked notorious killers, revealing the complexities of their motivations and the impact on victims. In this work, Douglas focuses on predatory crimes against women, examining the obsessions that lead to rape, stalking, and murder through notable cases such as Ronnie Shelton, Joseph Thompson, and the tragic story of Rebecca Schaeffer. He explores the minds of infamous killers like Ed Gein, Gary Heidnick, and Ted Bundy, who inspired the composite character of "Buffalo Bill" in The Silence of the Lambs. Douglas also reflects on his own obsession with hunting predators and highlights the dedication of those working to support victims, including a Virginia police department's victim's program and a lawyer's innovative school in Harlem. The poignant story of Gene and Peggy Schmidt, whose daughter was murdered, illustrates the empowerment of the victim's rights movement. In a compelling call to action, Douglas emphasizes the importance of understanding and insight to combat violent crime, urging readers to protect themselves and their loved ones. No one is better qualified to penetrate ob

There is only one John Douglas, who first captivated readers in Mindhunter with his remarkable career at the FBI until his retirement in 1995. Now, alongside coauthor Mark Olshaker, Douglas takes us deeper into the dark world of criminal profiling. We follow him on a journey that reveals how police identify unknown subjects behind violent crimes, including rapes, bombings, and murders. The narrative highlights the work of skilled agents like Jud Ray, who accurately described a killer's personality over the phone, Gregg McCrary, who confronted a murderer on national television, and Steve Marfigian, who devised a strategy to solve a series of heinous crimes and exonerate an innocent man. Additionally, Douglas provides a fresh perspective on the infamous murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, as if he were called to profile the perpetrator. His experiences have profoundly influenced his views on justice and punishment. The journey is perilous yet ultimately hopeful, showcasing how behavioral science serves as a powerful tool against the most sadistic criminals. Readers gain valuable insights on protecting themselves and their families, leaving the journey with a deeper understanding of the human condition that only Douglas can provide.

Now a Netflix original series Discover the classic, behind-the-scenes chronicle of John E. Douglas’ twenty-five-year career in the FBI Investigative Support Unit, where he used psychological profiling to delve into the minds of the country’s most notorious serial killers and criminals. In chilling detail, the legendary Mindhunter takes us behind the scenes of some of his most gruesome, fascinating, and challenging cases—and into the darkest recesses of our worst nightmares. During his twenty-five year career with the Investigative Support Unit, Special Agent John Douglas became a legendary figure in law enforcement, pursuing some of the most notorious and sadistic serial killers of our time: the man who hunted prostitutes for sport in the woods of Alaska, the Atlanta child murderer, and Seattle's Green River killer, the case that nearly cost Douglas his life. As the model for Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs, Douglas has confronted, interviewed, and studied scores of serial killers and assassins, including Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Ed Gein, who dressed himself in his victims' peeled skin. Using his uncanny ability to become both predator and prey, Douglas examines each crime scene, reliving both the killer's and the victim's actions in his mind, creating their profiles, describing their habits, and predicting their next moves.