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The Alienist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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Caleb Carr

The Alienist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

498

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1890s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Set in 1896 New York City, Caleb Carr's historical thriller The Alienist follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, as he leads a covert investigation into the brutal murders of commercially sexually exploited children. Assisted by New York Times reporter John Schuyler Moore, aspiring detective Sara Howard, and the forensic-minded Isaacson brothers, Kreizler builds a psychological profile of the killer amidst opposition from the city's powerful elite, supported clandestinely by Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt. The book includes graphic depictions of violence and discussions of the commercial sexual exploitation of children.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Gritty

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

185,102 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Caleb Carr's The Alienist garners praise for its gripping plot, rich historical detail, and well-developed characters. Critics appreciate its blend of psychological and crime thriller elements, though some find the pacing uneven and certain subplots underwhelming. Overall, it is lauded as a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and crime mysteries.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Alienist?

Readers who revel in historical mysteries with psychological depth will be captivated by Caleb Carr's The Alienist. Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series or Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City will appreciate its rich depiction of 1896 New York City and complex criminal investigations.

4.2

185,102 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Laszlo Kreizler

Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a forward-thinking alienist, leads a secret investigation to apprehend a serial killer, implementing groundbreaking psychological profiling techniques.

The narrator and Dr. Kreizler’s assistant in the investigation, Moore is a police reporter who learns about the practical applications of Kreizler’s psychological theories.

Appointed as the liaison to Kreizler’s investigation, Sara is a pioneering young woman aspiring to be a police detective, contributing significantly to understanding the killer’s profile.

The real-life New York City police commissioner who authorizes the clandestine investigation, embodying themes of reform and courageous action against police corruption.

A detective with modern investigative techniques, Lucius is one of the Isaacson brothers who adds forensic expertise to the investigation team.

The taller Isaacson brother who, like Lucius, brings crucial forensic skills to Kreizler’s team, aiding significantly in the novel's murder investigation.

The serial killer whose grim actions propel the narrative, eventually revealed to have a traumatic past that factors into Kreizler’s psychological profiling.

Kreizler’s trusted maid, whose past experiences typify the exploitation of vulnerable individuals within the story’s context.

Kreizler’s servant and bodyguard, whose backstory of childhood trauma underscores key thematic elements of suffering and exploitation.

A young servant in Kreizler’s household, whose street-smart skills assist in advancing the investigation.

A former tenacious detective implicated in representing police corruption and brutality within the novel.

A prominent gangster whose complex character reveals a thoughtful and strategic alignment with Kreizler’s investigation.

Book Details
Pages

498

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1890s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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