When I was younger, I wanted to be a profiler for the FBI. There are a number of reasons I chose to not go down that path, but I have remained fascinated by profilers and serial killers, so Mindhunter was a natural read for me.

John Douglas’ memoir, Mindhunter, recounts profiling at the FBI from its infancy to the Behavioral Analysis Unit (and basis of the TV show Criminal Minds) that it is today.

I listened to the audiobook, and while compelling, it is a disturbing book and certainly not for everyone. Douglas recounts some of the most famous cases worked by the Behavioral Science Unit (as it was originally known) and the tales are not pretty. While not gratuitously graphic, Douglas does share ugly details of the cases, and that gets intense.

As would be expected, the language and style of the book is straightforward and direct; nothing flowery here. Douglas starts with some of his early life, and how he, in a way, sort of fell into the FBI. But after listening to the book, it seems like Douglas may have been destined for it. I liked seeing the glimpses into his earlier life. He wasn’t always a straight arrow, and that was entertaining, because he clearly grew from his experiences.

And there’s a corresponding Netflix series- I loved it and binge-watched it, but it does diverge from the book mostly minor ways.

So, heavy, difficult, sad subject matter.  But if you’re a true crime/psychological thriller fan, you’ll enjoy Mindhunter – even though I thought after the first part of the opening that it might be a little much for even me to handle.  I’m glad to say it wasn’t.