“A renowned neuroscientist provides us with a fascinating account of his personal journey into the mind of the psychopath.” Robert D. Hare, Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia, author of Without Conscience
“….thank you for such an insightful book … your book has really sparked an interest in me, and has made me wonder about the possibility of having a research career “ M.H.
“A lucid and closely observed portrait of what psychopaths are actually like, with their chilling combination of moral apathy and charm, by one of the leading researchers and innovators in the field. A Fascinating and terrifying book, and a potential life saver.” John Seabrook, The New Yorker
“Highly engaging and personal perspective from a world leading scientist in the field of psychopathy research. What sets this book apart is the combination of an accessible overview of the cutting edge science and compelling and authentic portrayal of what individuals with psychopathy are really like.” Essi Viding, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology, University College London
“By primates standards, humans are intensely social, affiliative, and empathic. Thus, we are fascinated with the rare individuals who lack those traits, who have a reptilian indifference to what makes humans humane. Criminal psychopaths are the iconic example of such terrifyingly broken humans. In this superb book written by one of the pioneers in this field, Kent Kiehl explores what is different about the brains of psychopaths. This is a clear, accessible account of the science and, in addition, an appealing personal story of how Kiehl has gone about his unique science.” Robert Sapolsky, Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford
“An exhilarating exploration into the lives, minds and emotions of criminal psychopaths by one of the leading researchers in the field. This lively and engaging narrative not only educates the reader on the internal machinations of the psychopath, but also takes us through Kiehl’s own life journey of scientific discovery. It’s an irresistible read that is hard to put down. Even after decades of my own research I found myself learning new perspectives on the psychopath. Serious, witty, saddening and beguiling, The Psychopath Whisperer yells out as a “must read” for anyone interested in those without conscience.” Adrian Raine, Professor of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
“The fascinating story of how Kent Kiehl, a remarkably energetic and accomplished scientist, used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a mobile brain scanner to examine the brains of more psychopathic prisoners than anyone in the world and characterize their dysfunction. Filled with entertaining anecdotes of psychopaths in prison, research collaborations, and scientific discovery, the book discusses the ramifications of his finding to the criminal system and to the treatment of psychopathic juvenile delinquents. An eye-opening read!” Dr. Joseph Newman, Professor of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison
“A must read! Dr. Kiehl’s stories about psychopaths are as authentic as can be. I found Dr. Kiehl’s research formed the backbone of my work in analyzing the behavioral signature of a psychopath left behind at the crime scene. Whether you work in mental health, law enforcement, the judiciary or research, don’t trust your gut about this disorder– learn about it from one of the foremost experts in the field.” Mary Ellen O’Toole, Special Agent (retired), Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
A world-renowned researcher of psychopaths delves into the origins of their behavior, especially as it relates to the inner workings of the brain. Psychopaths are at once terrifying and magnetic. Marked by an absence of empathy or remorse and possessing a seemingly insatiable appetite for criminal activity, the “psycho” has long been a recurring subject in fictional and true-life media. But until recently, little was understood about what made these offenders tick. Kiehl (Neuroscience, Psychology, and Law/Univ. of New Mexico) spent decades investigating the psychological and neurochemical makeup of psychopaths. He was a pioneer in using MRI machines to scan the brains of imprisoned psychopaths and also worked with Dr. Robert Hare, the inventor of the Psychopathy Checklist, an important tool used in psychological diagnostics. By scanning and analyzing the brains of hundreds of people who met the psychological criteria for psychopathy, most of them prison inmates, the author discovered that a majority displayed a significant abnormality in the same exact region of the brain—a huge breakthrough. Kiehl writes about the cutting-edge science involved in his research using relatable language and visual data, and he weaves several fascinating case studies throughout the technical discussion, giving readers a close look at how locating different electrical impulses in the brain can provide a more nuanced understanding of psychopathic behaviors. He reveals that one in four inmates in maximum security prisons is a psychopath, a number that lends urgency to his research but that also raises complicated moral and legal questions. For example, if a teenager displaying troubling behavior patterns produces a brain scan that matches the abnormalities clinically associated with psychopaths, should any action be taken? Alternatively, if a psychopath is on trial for murder, should these abnormal brain scans be considered evidence. Kiehl navigates these issues and more with compassion and insight. Fast-paced and thrilling.” Kirkus Reviews
“I just finished reading your book, The Psychopath Whisperer, and I am blown away! It is exciting to find how far the study of the mind/brain has come.” C.C.
“Your book was hands down my favorite I’ve ever read throughout my college career, and your research and application of your findings is incredibly admirable.” S.S
” I am beyond fascinated and intrigued not only by your experience(s) but also with your openness to share those with the world. I applaud you and I thank you.” M.A.
“…it was an amazing read and I loved how informative it was whilst giving an insight into the interviews that you have conducted… What a brilliant mind and clever person you are! How amazing to have a brain like yours.” E.C.
” . . . fascinating, enjoyable, and very informative.” W.K.
“I just wanted to thank you for such an insightful book . . . thank you for writing the book that is probably the closest thing I have to pursuing my interests and coming closer to knowing what I wanted to do with my life.” L.K.
“Thank you for publishing this book as it has helped me fall even more in love with the field that I’ve already had such a passion for. I would love to read more of your work and look forward to doing so.” S.P.
