Articles • Books
Profiles in Murder: An FBI Legend
Dissects Killers and Their Crimes
Author: Russell Vorpagel
This review written by
Bryan Nelson
Have you ever wanted to attend a seminar on profiling and learn about the
thought processes of a profiler while working a case? If you lack the funds to
do so (as I am very familiar), this book may be for you.
Become one of the students sitting in the last three days of Russell Vorpagel's
two-week class on homicide investigation. These three days discuss the "art" of
profiling, covering several cases, which allows the reader to learn about
profiling through Vorpagel's experiences while working the case.
In addition, go through simulated exercises created to give students practical
learning experiences. These exercises exemplify for the reader the importance of
using victimology, forensics and psychology in working a case and creating a
profile. Vorpagel also introduces several "puzzles" throughout the book to test
the students (and reader) using case materials. Using these puzzles, Vorpagel
asks the students to determine whether the crime was a "murder, suicide or
accident".
This is a fun, easily understood, yet informative book to read. It leaves the
reader wanting to learn more, and is a great starting point for those not
familiar with investigations or profiling. For those who have read other books
on the subject, I would still highly recommend that you pick up a copy of
Profiles in Murder and enjoy.
