Popular Forensic Psychology: Top 10 Best Books

Forensic psychology bridges the fascinating gap between psychology and the criminal justice system. Understanding the minds of criminals, the way justice is served, and how psychological evaluations play a crucial role in courtrooms can be intriguing. In this list, we explore the top 10 best books in Popular Forensic Psychology—whether you’re a student of psychology, a true-crime enthusiast, or someone simply curious about criminal minds, these books will provide a rich dive into the world of forensic psychology.


Author: Dr. Michael Rivers

Dr. Michael Rivers is a forensic psychologist and lecturer with over 20 years of experience in the field. He specializes in criminal behavior and has consulted on various high-profile cases.


Explore Popular Forensic Psychology with These Must-Read Books

In the growing field of Popular Forensic Psychology, readers are exposed to real-life cases, criminal profiling, and deep psychological analyses. This top 10 list provides insight into some of the best books on the market, offering readers the chance to explore complex subjects in an accessible way.


10. RedHanded: An Exploration of Criminals, Cannibals, Cults, and What Makes a Killer Tick

Author: Suruthi Bala
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.7/5 stars from 852 reviews)

RedHanded: An Exploration of Criminals, Cannibals, Cults, and What Makes a Killer Tick

Why We Choose It
“RedHanded” provides an in-depth look into the twisted minds of some of the most notorious killers in history. Suruthi Bala, co-host of the hit true-crime podcast “RedHanded,” dives deep into the psychology of these criminals, making it a perfect entry point into Popular Forensic Psychology.

Fun Fact
The book is based on one of the most popular crime podcasts in the UK, bringing real cases to life in a fascinating and digestible way.

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy RedHanded here!


9. Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

Author: Robert D. Hare
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.6/5 stars from 2,885 reviews)

Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

Why You’ll Love It
Robert Hare is a leading expert in psychopathy. In “Without Conscience,” he introduces readers to the world of psychopaths, helping us understand how their minds work and how they affect those around them. It’s a cornerstone of Popular Forensic Psychology for anyone wanting to explore this topic.

Fun Fact
Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist is still one of the most widely used tools in diagnosing psychopathy in criminals.

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy Without Conscience here!


8. Hearts of Darkness: Serial Killers, the Behavioral Science Unit, and My Life as a Woman in the FBI

Author: Jana Monroe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.3/5 stars from 270 reviews)

Hearts of Darkness: Serial Killers, the Behavioral Science Unit, and My Life as a Woman in the FBI

Why We Choose It
Jana Monroe’s story offers a rare inside look into the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit and her encounters with some of the world’s most infamous serial killers. As one of the first women in the BSU, this is an incredible narrative on Popular Forensic Psychology and the real-world application of profiling.

Fun Fact
Jana Monroe worked closely with many famous figures in law enforcement, including those featured in shows like “Mindhunter.”

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy Hearts of Darkness here!


7. Unfair: The New Science of Criminal Injustice

Author: Adam Benforado
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5 stars from 355 reviews)

Unfair: The New Science of Criminal Injustice

Why You’ll Love It
This book challenges the fairness of the criminal justice system from a psychological perspective. Benforado explores how the system may sometimes be biased against defendants based on their psychology, making it a relevant piece in Popular Forensic Psychology.

Fun Fact
Benforado is both a lawyer and a psychology expert, combining the two fields to make compelling arguments for systemic change.

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy Unfair here!


6. Trigger Points: Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings in America

Author: Mark Follman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.6/5 stars from 161 reviews)

Trigger Points: Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings in America

Why We Choose It
Mark Follman takes readers inside the efforts of law enforcement to predict and prevent mass shootings. This is an eye-opening read for those interested in Popular Forensic Psychology, as it dives into the minds of potential shooters and the preventive measures taken.

Fun Fact
The book is based on Follman’s investigative reporting on mass shootings for “Mother Jones,” one of the first publications to analyze mass shootings in America systematically.

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy Trigger Points here!


5. Inside the Criminal Mind (Newly Revised Edition)

Author: Stanton Samenow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.6/5 stars from 1,465 reviews)

Inside the Criminal Mind (Newly Revised Edition)

Why We Choose It
Samenow’s work focuses on understanding the thought processes that drive criminal behavior. A staple in Popular Forensic Psychology, this revised edition brings new insights into how criminals rationalize their actions.

Fun Fact
Samenow has consulted for various law enforcement agencies, using his work to profile and understand criminals.

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy Inside the Criminal Mind here!


4. A Deadly Game: The Untold Story of the Scott Peterson Investigation

Author: Catherine Crier
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.2/5 stars from 1,163 reviews)

A Deadly Game: The Untold Story of the Scott Peterson Investigation

Why We Choose It
Catherine Crier offers a thrilling investigation into the high-profile Scott Peterson case. This book provides an insider’s look at the forensic psychology used to unravel one of the most famous murder trials in recent history.

Fun Fact
Crier is a former judge and award-winning journalist who covered the Peterson trial extensively.

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy A Deadly Game here!


3. The Devil You Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry

Author: Gwen Adshead
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5 stars from 1,642 reviews)

The Devil You Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry

Why We Choose It
Gwen Adshead’s book is an exploration of her work as a forensic psychiatrist. Adshead delves into the lives of criminals she’s worked with, giving readers an intimate look at the psychology behind criminal minds.

Fun Fact
Adshead has worked with some of the UK’s most dangerous criminals, including those featured in documentaries and TV shows.

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy The Devil You Know here!


2. Decoding Madness: A Forensic Psychologist Explores the Criminal Mind

Author: Richard Lettieri
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.6/5 stars from 37 reviews)

Decoding Madness: A Forensic Psychologist Explores the Criminal Mind

Why You’ll Love It
Lettieri takes a fascinating approach to unraveling the criminal mind, drawing on his years as a forensic psychologist. This book is essential for those interested in Popular Forensic Psychology.

Fun Fact
Lettieri has over 30 years of experience in forensic psychology, making this book rich with firsthand knowledge and case studies.

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy Decoding Madness here!


1. Inside the Criminal Mind (Newly Revised Edition)

Author: Stanton Samenow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.6/5 stars from 1,465 reviews)

Inside the Criminal Mind (Newly Revised Edition)

Why We Choose It
Samenow’s profound work on understanding criminals’ thought patterns makes this a definitive read in Popular Forensic Psychology. It tops our list for its thorough examination of criminal cognition.

Fun Fact
This revised edition brings in fresh cases and perspectives, making it more relevant than ever for forensic psychology enthusiasts.

Category: Popular Forensic Psychology
Buy Inside the Criminal Mind here!


Explore More Books

Check out some more Top10 categories at www.top10books.org