73 pages • 2 hours read
Caleb CarrThe Alienist
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Set in 1896 New York City, Caleb Carr's historical thriller The Alienist follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, as he leads a covert investigation into the brutal murders of commercially sexually exploited children. Assisted by New York Times reporter John Schuyler Moore, aspiring detective Sara Howard, and the forensic-minded Isaacson brothers, Kreizler builds a psychological profile of the killer amidst opposition from the city's powerful elite, supported clandestinely by Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt. The book includes graphic depictions of violence and discussions of the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Caleb Carr's The Alienist garners praise for its gripping plot, rich historical detail, and well-developed characters. Critics appreciate its blend of psychological and crime thriller elements, though some find the pacing uneven and certain subplots underwhelming. Overall, it is lauded as a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and crime mysteries.
Who Should Read The Alienist?
Readers who revel in historical mysteries with psychological depth will be captivated by Caleb Carr's The Alienist. Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series or Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City will appreciate its rich depiction of 1896 New York City and complex criminal investigations.