The Alienist

The internationally celebrated historical thriller, now brought to life as a major Netflix series with stars like Luke Evans, Dakota Fanning, and Daniel Brühl. In the bustling streets of New York City in 1896, the air is thick with hypocrisy among the social elite, and police corruption is rampant. Amidst this, a vicious killer is preying on young male prostitutes, spreading fear throughout the city. The challenge is immense for Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt. At this time, the science of psychological profiling is emerging but still struggles against societal biases that push both the criminals and those who study them into obscurity. As the death toll increases, Roosevelt decides to rely on the expertise of the renowned alienist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler. Kreizler is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the horrific crimes, taking him deep into the sinister world of the criminal mind, and inching ever closer to danger himself. Praised as 'ingenious' by the Independent, this thriller offers a gripping and atmospheric narrative that is both smart and engaging, as highlighted by USA Today. The New York Times notes the book's rich atmospheric quality, capturing an immersive sense of fear that permeates throughout the story.