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Making a Psychopath

My Journey into Seven Dangerous Minds

Mark Freestone

St. Martin's Press

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ISBN10: 1250277973
ISBN13: 9781250277978

Hardcover

304 Pages

$28.99

CA$38.99

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Dr. Mark Freestone has worked on some of the most interesting, infamous and disturbing cases of psychopathology in recent years. His expertise has led to a consultant role on several TV series, helping them accurately portray their fictional villains. Now, he shares his phenomenal insight into the minds of some of the world's most violent real-life criminals.

Angela "the Remorseless", a rare female psychopath, casually confessed to murder on national television without a hint of regret. Danny "the Borderline" switched from grandiosity to rage to despair within minutes and killed his defenseless friend without explanation. Tony "the Conman" preferred charm, intimidation and sexual abuse over physical violence and once tried to dupe someone into buying the Eiffel Tower. Jason "the Liar" had a fantasy life that led to vicious murders around Europe and preyed on those who see the good in people. Case by fascinating case, get to know seven of the most dangerous minds that Dr. Freestone has encountered over the last 15 years. These are up-close accounts of some of the most psychopathic criminals, and of what can happen if you fall victim to their supreme powers of manipulation.

Exploring the many factors that make a psychopath, the complexities and contradictions of their emotions and behavior, as well as an examination of how the lives of psychopaths develop inside and outside the institutions that are supposed to contain them, Making a Psychopath opens up a window into the world of those who operate in a void of human emotion—and what can be done to control them.

Reviews

Praise for Making a Psychopath

"The psychiatrist who created Killing Eve's anti-heroine."—The Telegraph

"Freestone engagingly describes seven distinctly different dicey characters . . . Putting these subjects in motion in situations and relationships effectively brings them alive. It's not hard to envision people we may know who are like them."—Psychology Today

“Mark Freestone, an invaluable consultant for Seasons 1 & 2 of Killing Eve, presents his fascinating insights into the complex term 'psychopath'. A gripping, informative and nuanced read.”—Chrissie Broadway, production executive, Killing Eve

"Brisk . . . a fine introduction to the workings of psychopathy."—Publishers Weekly

Reviews from Goodreads

BOOK EXCERPTS

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INTRODUCTION

Does the world need another book on psychopaths?1 After all, it seems we have heard or read just about everything there is to say about this most misunderstood of characters. Are they evil from birth? Are they created...

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About the author

Mark Freestone

Mark Freestone, PhD is Associate Professor in Mental Health, Queen Mary University of London. He has worked in prisons and forensic mental health services for over 15 years as a researcher and clinician. He is a consultant for several TV shows including BBC America's Killing Eve, an editor of the Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology and advises the government on services for people with a diagnosis of personality disorder. Making a Psychopath is his first book.

Queen Mary University of London