I was greatly anticipating the delivery of this book as it had been labeled the "DSM of Violent crimes". Although I wouldn't apply the same label, for the DSM approaches mental illness in a drastically different way than the CCM approaches criminal investigation, this book is a great way to understand the ways in which the crimes can be differentiated based upon the evidence observed.

Complete with case studies for each crime, this is one manual you can read from cover to cover.

Whilst written primarily for the American law enforcement community this book is an excellent read and will provide a highly useful guide to police officers, criminal lawyers and criminologists the world over. John Douglas proves again that he is one of the leaders in the field of behavioral science providing a character type for each of the main crime classes. I recommend that anyone embarking on a degree with emphasis on criminal law or the sociology of crime should read this book.

The primary objective of the work is to allow US police departments to classify serious crimes for analysis purposes. Thus, if you are expecting a "profiling" guide, you will be disappointed. If on the other hand you are content with some insights into patterns of offending and potential distinguishing features, the manual is of value. It contains operational advice to police which I am less competent to judge, although the information on interview methods is limited. Finally don't buy it as a book to plough through - it is definitely for referring rather than reading, and as such should certainly be in all police libraries.