Discover books similar to "The Alienist"

Caleb Carr

The Alienist

4.06

"The Alienist" by Caleb Carr is a psychological thriller set in the late 19th century New York City. The novel follows the story of a criminal psychologist, or "alienist," Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, who is called upon to help the New York Police Department track down a serial killer who is preying on boy prostitutes. Kreizler, along with a team of unlikely allies, including a newspaper illustrator and a police department secretary, uses the latest forensic techniques and psychological profiling to try and catch the killer. Carr's writing is rich in historical detail, bringing to life the gritty, crime-ridden streets of New York City during the Gilded Age. The novel also explores the societal issues of the time, including the rampant corruption in the police department, the plight of the city's immigrant population, and the growing field of forensic psychology. The Alienist is a gripping and suspenseful novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Kreizler and his team on their hunt for the killer. The novel also offers a unique and fascinating look into the early days of criminal profiling and the development of modern forensic science. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and atmospheric setting, The Alienist is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and psychological thrillers. It's worth noting that the book was a bestseller and it was also adapted into a successful TV series by TNT in 2018. The novel is the first book of a series, followed by "The Angel of Darkness" and "Surrender, New York" which continues the story of Dr. Kreizler and his team...

List of books similar to "The Alienist":

Matthew Pearl

The Dante Club

If you enjoyed the historical setting and the literary references in 'The Alienist', you might like 'The Dante Club'. This novel is set in the aftermath of the American Civil War and follows a group of writers as they try to solve a series of murders based on the works of Dante. The book combines historical figures, such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Oliver Wendell Holmes, with a thrilling murder mystery.

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Deborah Blum

The Poisoner's Handbook

For readers who were fascinated by the forensic science in 'The Alienist', 'The Poisoner's Handbook' is a great choice. This non-fiction book tells the story of the early days of forensic toxicology in New York City during the 1920s and 1930s. Blum uses real cases to illustrate how scientists were able to use chemistry to solve murders and bring killers to justice.

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Erik Larson

The Devil in the White City

If you're interested in the historical setting of 'The Alienist', you might enjoy 'The Devil in the White City'. This book tells the story of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and the serial killer H.H. Holmes, who used the fair to lure his victims. Larson weaves together the stories of the fair's architects, politicians, and criminals to create a gripping narrative.

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Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient

Fans of psychological thrillers like 'The Alienist' might enjoy 'The Silent Patient'. This novel tells the story of a woman who refuses to speak after being accused of murdering her husband. A criminal psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth and must confront his own demons in the process.

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A.J. Finn

The Woman in the Window

Another psychological thriller that might appeal to readers of 'The Alienist' is 'The Woman in the Window'. This novel tells the story of an agoraphobic woman who believes she has witnessed a crime in her neighbor's house. As she becomes more and more involved in the investigation, she begins to question her own sanity.

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Donna Tartt

The Secret History

If you enjoyed the psychological depth of 'The Alienist', you might like 'The Secret History'. This novel tells the story of a group of classics students at a small college in Vermont who become obsessed with the occult. When one of their members dies, the others must confront the dark secrets they've been keeping from each other.

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Donna Tartt

The Goldfinch

For readers who appreciated the richly detailed setting and character development in 'The Alienist', 'The Goldfinch' is a great choice. This novel tells the story of a young boy who survives a terrorist attack at an art museum and becomes obsessed with a painting that reminds him of his mother. As he grows up, he must confront the choices he's made and the consequences they've had on his life.

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Sarah Perry

The Essex Serpent

If you enjoyed the gothic atmosphere and historical setting of 'The Alienist', you might like 'The Essex Serpent'. This novel tells the story of a widow who moves to a small village in Essex and becomes obsessed with the legend of a sea serpent that is said to inhabit the local waters. As she investigates the myth, she becomes embroiled in a mystery that challenges her scientific beliefs and her personal relationships.

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China Miéville

The City & the City

For readers who appreciated the intricate plotting and atmospheric setting of 'The Alienist', 'The City & The City' is a great choice. This

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