Dr Otnow Lewis' book is overated at 4.5 stars (the rating at the time of this review.) While I find her thesis compelling I find her style of writing to be mundane. In addition to this, she cannot seem to continue a single line of thought; she constantly begins anecdotes and then switches tracks without finishing. I have continually found myself wondering, "I wonder what the point of that sentence/paragraph is about?" How is a book like this even publishable? I can't believe that the editors let this thing go to the presses. At the same time, the glint of some very important research shines through. I know there are those who will immediately accuse her of "caring more for the murderers than their victims", but that is far from the truth. Remarkably, she devotes a large part of the book to trying to dispelling this notion (perhaps she should have just realised this and after saying it once moved on knowing that she would be attacked by the 'law and order' segment of society.) She, and her collegue, are investigating the reason for these criminals' behaviour. The questions raised are important and go beyond the traditional approach of good vs. evil as applied by the church or even the modern justice system. My bet is that society would do well to listen and respond to these issues raised by this book.

Dr. Lewis has made a significant contribution to the forensic arena of literature. Her strengths, so it seems, developed over years of direct interaction with snumerous violently inclined individuals, and, perhaps, most importantly her willingness to both admit and learn from her earlier mistakes. Her partnership with Jonathan Pincus, as she so aptly describes it at different points, clearly illustrates the old saying; "Two heads are better than one." This is a book which ought to be required reading for anyone seriously interested in the field of forensic psychiatry/psychology. The book The Violent Dangerous Criminal (written by Lonnie Athens) ought to be read in conjunction with this text, because of the outstanding manner that they both deal with so many topics of the same complex nature. Reviewer is the author of the book Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: One Man's Recovery.

Anyone concerned with issues of violence, child abuse, legal defense and prosecution should read this compelling narrative. The vivid scenes, rendering of character, and fascinating dialogue make the reader read on in a process accessible to the layperson. As Dr. Lewis learned and refined her diagnostic skills, the reader learns with her in a truly pioneering work. The book makes the reader consider many critical issues in the fields of law, public policy, psychiatry, and family dynamics. Never are these problems dry or academic; they are gripping, troubling, and vitally important.