What do you think?
Rate this book
What Lies Buried: A forensic psychologist's true stories of madness, the bad and the misunderstood
Kerry Daynes, leading forensic psychologist, opens up the case files of some of her most perplexing clients to uncover what lies buried behind some of the most extreme and disturbing behaviour.
For twenty-five years, Kerry has worked on the frontline of violent crime, from working with the police on complex cases and acting as an expert witness in court, to advising the government on how to handle high-risk individuals.
Whether she is dealing with a young murderer who says he has heard voices telling him to kill, a teacher who daubs children in red paint and threatens to abduct them, or an aspiring serial killer who faints at the sight of blood, Kerry's quest is to delve beyond the classic question asked of her profession: 'Are they mad or are they bad?'
In her new book, Kerry provides an unflinching, enlightening and provocative insight into the minds of her clients, shedding light on the root causes of their behaviour and challenging our notions about who, and what, is dangerous.
For twenty-five years, Kerry has worked on the frontline of violent crime, from working with the police on complex cases and acting as an expert witness in court, to advising the government on how to handle high-risk individuals.
Whether she is dealing with a young murderer who says he has heard voices telling him to kill, a teacher who daubs children in red paint and threatens to abduct them, or an aspiring serial killer who faints at the sight of blood, Kerry's quest is to delve beyond the classic question asked of her profession: 'Are they mad or are they bad?'
In her new book, Kerry provides an unflinching, enlightening and provocative insight into the minds of her clients, shedding light on the root causes of their behaviour and challenging our notions about who, and what, is dangerous.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2021
171 people are currently reading
2035 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
October 7, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. Kerry Daynes is a natural storyteller, she brings her clients, patients to life. She tells you enough that you can identify with them and what they have done or are doing, and sometimes the victim's side too. But doesn't stand for any shit. She does not feel that having a mental illness is any excuse for bad behaviour. There are illnesses where the person really is out of control, but then there are those who will say that their illness caused their criminal activities but they knew what they were doing, and went ahead anyway.
Munchausen's by Proxy she thinks is not a mental illness but a behaviour that the perpetrator, usually a woman, usually the mother of the "sick" child, uses to get the attention, (and sometimes from money in benefits, gofundme, or grant-a-wish etc). My sister-in-law had this, her children are grown now. Her middle child really does have IBS, but her youngest was terminally lazy and indulged and happily went along with her mother to endless hospital visits for non-existent complaints.
The last one she did was when her daughter was 17. She wanted her to have a gastric bypass because she was so fat. She was fat because she wouldn't even walk the dog to the shops unless she was given a family-sized bar of chocolate as a bribe. She was fat because, one night when we came in from visiting my mother at the hospice, and thought she had prepared three Vienna schnizels and fries for the three of us - my brother, sister-in-law and me, she said that was her dinner and we should order pizza.
But she wasn't fat enough. So her mother stuffed her full of anything to get her over the limit. She got her bypass, and she got C.diff as well which may or may not have pleased the mother, we were not in touch any more by then. But who could watch a child suffer for the best part of a year knowing they had caused it? Only someone who enjoyed talking to the doctors knowing all the medical terms and felt powerful and special for it.
The author doesn't have much good to say about Borderline Personality Disorder either. Her thoughts seem to run along the lines of narcissitic, bad-attitude, spoiled, manipulative and if they don't get what they want when they want they are quite prepared to be the originator of all hell breaking loose. I'm not sure about that. I've read several books on it, including one on recovery from it. But maybe the recovery was learning to modify her behaviour to accept that they weren't the centre of the world, that they didn't deserve any more of anything than anyone else and that the best way to win friends and influence people was to be pleasant and kind, rather than nasty and entitled? Still not sure on this one.
Some of the stories she tells are tragic. The elderly lady with learning difficulties, a virgin, who was raped by an intruder who told her he was sorry. Not sorry he raped her, but sorry he couldn't cum. She didn't really understand it, but all trust for people had gone from her forever.
Then the poor woman arrested for calling the little neighbourhood girls to come to her all the while shouting 'I must see blood' and daubing them with blood. Her neighbours were appalled, the police called and she was off to a mental hospital yet again. Her story was she had been raped by neighbours, three of them from a very young age. Her mother's reaction on being told after some years was to slap her and basically tell her if this got out she would bring dishonour on the family and she would not be respected. (She was not from a Western culture, but married in the US) and so the rapes went on until she was 12 when she began her periods and they stopped. The men wouldn't have wanted to get her pregnant - it would go badly for them, and not for her then. They had kept her silent by saying if she told they would rape her younger sister. It isn't told in the book if they did that after they abandoned her.
Years later in a childless but happy marriage, going through an early menopause she lost it. She was diagnosed with various schizophrenic-type illnesses but her story never came out until she became Kerry Daynes' patient. She was daubing the children with blood to keep them safe, only her period had kept her safe, menopause was the end of that, the end of safety.
Really an interesting and enjoyable book. Kerry Daynes is a really excellent writer and her epilogue, her summing up of what she had learned and how we should consider people who were mad and/or bad is a five-star section all on its own.
Reading notes I seem to be on a death kick. Mortuaries, funerals, pathologists, medicine. All about the dead dead dead. It's giving me intimations of my own mortality.... So a little change, but I'm sure there will be a murderer or dead person in the book anyway.
Munchausen's by Proxy she thinks is not a mental illness but a behaviour that the perpetrator, usually a woman, usually the mother of the "sick" child, uses to get the attention, (and sometimes from money in benefits, gofundme, or grant-a-wish etc). My sister-in-law had this, her children are grown now. Her middle child really does have IBS, but her youngest was terminally lazy and indulged and happily went along with her mother to endless hospital visits for non-existent complaints.
The last one she did was when her daughter was 17. She wanted her to have a gastric bypass because she was so fat. She was fat because she wouldn't even walk the dog to the shops unless she was given a family-sized bar of chocolate as a bribe. She was fat because, one night when we came in from visiting my mother at the hospice, and thought she had prepared three Vienna schnizels and fries for the three of us - my brother, sister-in-law and me, she said that was her dinner and we should order pizza.
But she wasn't fat enough. So her mother stuffed her full of anything to get her over the limit. She got her bypass, and she got C.diff as well which may or may not have pleased the mother, we were not in touch any more by then. But who could watch a child suffer for the best part of a year knowing they had caused it? Only someone who enjoyed talking to the doctors knowing all the medical terms and felt powerful and special for it.
The author doesn't have much good to say about Borderline Personality Disorder either. Her thoughts seem to run along the lines of narcissitic, bad-attitude, spoiled, manipulative and if they don't get what they want when they want they are quite prepared to be the originator of all hell breaking loose. I'm not sure about that. I've read several books on it, including one on recovery from it. But maybe the recovery was learning to modify her behaviour to accept that they weren't the centre of the world, that they didn't deserve any more of anything than anyone else and that the best way to win friends and influence people was to be pleasant and kind, rather than nasty and entitled? Still not sure on this one.
Some of the stories she tells are tragic. The elderly lady with learning difficulties, a virgin, who was raped by an intruder who told her he was sorry. Not sorry he raped her, but sorry he couldn't cum. She didn't really understand it, but all trust for people had gone from her forever.
Then the poor woman arrested for calling the little neighbourhood girls to come to her all the while shouting 'I must see blood' and daubing them with blood. Her neighbours were appalled, the police called and she was off to a mental hospital yet again. Her story was she had been raped by neighbours, three of them from a very young age. Her mother's reaction on being told after some years was to slap her and basically tell her if this got out she would bring dishonour on the family and she would not be respected. (She was not from a Western culture, but married in the US) and so the rapes went on until she was 12 when she began her periods and they stopped. The men wouldn't have wanted to get her pregnant - it would go badly for them, and not for her then. They had kept her silent by saying if she told they would rape her younger sister. It isn't told in the book if they did that after they abandoned her.
Years later in a childless but happy marriage, going through an early menopause she lost it. She was diagnosed with various schizophrenic-type illnesses but her story never came out until she became Kerry Daynes' patient. She was daubing the children with blood to keep them safe, only her period had kept her safe, menopause was the end of that, the end of safety.
Really an interesting and enjoyable book. Kerry Daynes is a really excellent writer and her epilogue, her summing up of what she had learned and how we should consider people who were mad and/or bad is a five-star section all on its own.
Reading notes I seem to be on a death kick. Mortuaries, funerals, pathologists, medicine. All about the dead dead dead. It's giving me intimations of my own mortality.... So a little change, but I'm sure there will be a murderer or dead person in the book anyway.
August 21, 2021
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this second book by acclaimed forensic Psychologist Kerry Daynes, and it didn’t disappoint!
More brilliantly fascinating stories of people she has dealt with in her career, some shocking and some sad, but always with an element of humour somehow thrown in.
4+⭐️’s
More brilliantly fascinating stories of people she has dealt with in her career, some shocking and some sad, but always with an element of humour somehow thrown in.
4+⭐️’s
February 24, 2022
What Lies Buried: A forensic psychologist's true stories of madness, the bad and the misunderstood by Kerry Daynes
Synopsis /
Kerry Daynes, leading forensic psychologist, opens up the case files of some of her most perplexing clients to uncover what lies buried behind some of the most extreme and disturbing behaviour. For twenty-five years, Kerry has worked on the frontline of violent crime, from working with the police on complex cases and acting as an expert witness in court, to advising the government on how to handle high-risk individuals. Whether she is dealing with a young murderer who says he has heard voices telling him to kill, a teacher who daubs children in red paint, or an aspiring serial killer who faints at the sight of blood, Kerry's quest is to delve beyond the classic question asked of her profession: 'Are they mad or are they bad?' In her new book, Kerry provides an unflinching, enlightening and provocative insight into the minds of her clients, shedding light on the root causes of their behaviour and challenging our notions about who, and what, is dangerous.
My Thoughts /
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has the following blurb on its website —
As forensic psychologists we use our legal and psychological knowledge to help individuals, government employees and organisations navigate the legal and criminal justice systems.
In legal proceedings, we use scientifically based principles to assess a client, collect evidence that relates to the psychology of the person, and table a report. The report is then used in evidence.
So, if that is the definition of a "Forensic Psychologist", what then is "Forensic Psychology"?
Broadly speaking, Forensic psychology is the interaction of the practice of psychology and the law, or more simply put, it involves applying psychology to the field of criminal investigation and the law. Psychologists interested in this line of applied work may be found working in prisons, jails, rehabilitation centres, police departments, law firms, schools, government agencies, or in private practice. They may work directly with attorneys, defendants, offenders, victims, pupils, families, or with patients within the state's prisons or rehabilitation centres.
Clear as mud? Yeah, well for me too, but as you read on in this book you quickly come to realise how important the role is that they play.
What Lies Buried is Daynes’ second book, and essentially focuses on nine case studies, with each chapter discussing one patient and the circumstances of their meeting. This paves the way to understanding that there is always more than meets the eye, and there are always two sides to every story.
This is not a work of fiction. What you get when you read this book is Daynes' true account of events as they happened. In each of the case studies recounted, Daynes' 'clients' have been classed as ‘mentally disordered criminal offenders’ whose psychological problems have contributed to them breaking the law. As early as the Prologue we read about her being stabbed with a kebab skewer while at work. Describing the incident in the book as 'kebabgate'. Far from becoming inflamed with anger, the first thing she did was to reassure the man who stabbed her. I think you should go to your room now, please. she said with an air of calm authority, on autopilot and with instinct kicking in. She has been trained not to panic.
The writing flowed beautifully from chapter to chapter and the tone — argh! the tone! Ms Daynes' remained both respectful and calm in what could be viewed as a sea of total chaos. While I have no doubt the author is highly intelligent and keenly perceptive, she has written this book in a way that is, for this reader at least, easy to understand and comprehend. Every point written or argument stated is explained well and without the use of confusing language. It's as if she is sitting down having a conversation with me over tea and biscuits.
What stands out by far, is Kerry Daynes love for her job and chosen profession. It's easy to see that she genuinely wants to help the people she calls 'clients'. There is a part in the book where it's discussed, ‘are they mad or are they bad’? Daynes discounts this as ridiculous, because, it’s never that simple. There are always two sides to one coin.
One of my favourite lines in the book reads — Perhaps if we listen more and judge less then we'll see that there may be a little bit of their story in all of us.
Synopsis /
Kerry Daynes, leading forensic psychologist, opens up the case files of some of her most perplexing clients to uncover what lies buried behind some of the most extreme and disturbing behaviour. For twenty-five years, Kerry has worked on the frontline of violent crime, from working with the police on complex cases and acting as an expert witness in court, to advising the government on how to handle high-risk individuals. Whether she is dealing with a young murderer who says he has heard voices telling him to kill, a teacher who daubs children in red paint, or an aspiring serial killer who faints at the sight of blood, Kerry's quest is to delve beyond the classic question asked of her profession: 'Are they mad or are they bad?' In her new book, Kerry provides an unflinching, enlightening and provocative insight into the minds of her clients, shedding light on the root causes of their behaviour and challenging our notions about who, and what, is dangerous.
My Thoughts /
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has the following blurb on its website —
As forensic psychologists we use our legal and psychological knowledge to help individuals, government employees and organisations navigate the legal and criminal justice systems.
In legal proceedings, we use scientifically based principles to assess a client, collect evidence that relates to the psychology of the person, and table a report. The report is then used in evidence.
So, if that is the definition of a "Forensic Psychologist", what then is "Forensic Psychology"?
Broadly speaking, Forensic psychology is the interaction of the practice of psychology and the law, or more simply put, it involves applying psychology to the field of criminal investigation and the law. Psychologists interested in this line of applied work may be found working in prisons, jails, rehabilitation centres, police departments, law firms, schools, government agencies, or in private practice. They may work directly with attorneys, defendants, offenders, victims, pupils, families, or with patients within the state's prisons or rehabilitation centres.
Clear as mud? Yeah, well for me too, but as you read on in this book you quickly come to realise how important the role is that they play.
What Lies Buried is Daynes’ second book, and essentially focuses on nine case studies, with each chapter discussing one patient and the circumstances of their meeting. This paves the way to understanding that there is always more than meets the eye, and there are always two sides to every story.
This is not a work of fiction. What you get when you read this book is Daynes' true account of events as they happened. In each of the case studies recounted, Daynes' 'clients' have been classed as ‘mentally disordered criminal offenders’ whose psychological problems have contributed to them breaking the law. As early as the Prologue we read about her being stabbed with a kebab skewer while at work. Describing the incident in the book as 'kebabgate'. Far from becoming inflamed with anger, the first thing she did was to reassure the man who stabbed her. I think you should go to your room now, please. she said with an air of calm authority, on autopilot and with instinct kicking in. She has been trained not to panic.
The writing flowed beautifully from chapter to chapter and the tone — argh! the tone! Ms Daynes' remained both respectful and calm in what could be viewed as a sea of total chaos. While I have no doubt the author is highly intelligent and keenly perceptive, she has written this book in a way that is, for this reader at least, easy to understand and comprehend. Every point written or argument stated is explained well and without the use of confusing language. It's as if she is sitting down having a conversation with me over tea and biscuits.
What stands out by far, is Kerry Daynes love for her job and chosen profession. It's easy to see that she genuinely wants to help the people she calls 'clients'. There is a part in the book where it's discussed, ‘are they mad or are they bad’? Daynes discounts this as ridiculous, because, it’s never that simple. There are always two sides to one coin.
One of my favourite lines in the book reads — Perhaps if we listen more and judge less then we'll see that there may be a little bit of their story in all of us.
January 14, 2022
Forensic Psychologist, Kerry Daynes, is brilliant in her professional field, as well as being an outstanding writer! The book: "What Lies Buried: A forensic psychologist's true stories of madness, the bad and the misunderstood", contains interesting case accounts of individuals she was assigned to interview and assess that had committed crimes. It was at times a dangerous assignment, for at one point, she became a stabbing victim of a patient.
I was captivated by her warmth, even temperament, empathy, wit and profound wisdom, when she interviewed a person. She sought the greatest good for the individual without prejudice and/or being swayed by the more popular opinion. In the prologue, Daynes says that she wanted to write this book in order to "give some compassion and humanity back to those who are often denied both." No doubt, some of the cases are quite shocking, some sad, but always she seems to have the ability to relate to the person so as to gently dissect their history to insightfully ascertain their present or future mindful state.
A treasure chest of interesting case histories, interesting people, and thought-provoking dialogue, I'm pleased to highly recommend this publication, especially those who are interested in true crime or psychology.
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My profound thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Kerry Daynes for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
I was captivated by her warmth, even temperament, empathy, wit and profound wisdom, when she interviewed a person. She sought the greatest good for the individual without prejudice and/or being swayed by the more popular opinion. In the prologue, Daynes says that she wanted to write this book in order to "give some compassion and humanity back to those who are often denied both." No doubt, some of the cases are quite shocking, some sad, but always she seems to have the ability to relate to the person so as to gently dissect their history to insightfully ascertain their present or future mindful state.
A treasure chest of interesting case histories, interesting people, and thought-provoking dialogue, I'm pleased to highly recommend this publication, especially those who are interested in true crime or psychology.
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My profound thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Kerry Daynes for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2023
A fascinating look into human nature and the reasoning behind what we do and what we think from one of the UK's most prominent forensic psychologists working today. She opens up some of her most extreme and peculiar case files and with humour and clarity discusses the conditions that often underlie some of the most infamous criminal cases in history. A pacy, compulsively readable book which focuses on the intersectionality of psychology and crime.
June 11, 2023
Bem, este é o seguimento do livro “O Lado Negro da Mente”, onde mostra o dia a dia da autora, Kerry Daynes, com os pacientes que se cruza ao longo dos anos como psicóloga forense. No entanto, em comparação com o primeiro livro, achei menos apelativo o conteúdo ou talvez seja por não haver muitos pacientes que destaca-se ao seu encontro, no sentido de ser visto como um pessoa fora de série ou que tivesse uma espécie de “cocktail” de comportamento explosivos / surtos psíquicos graves.
A autora mostra em 10 capítulos, onde cada capítulo , releva um paciente distinto para mostrar a diversidade comportamental do ser humano e como a saúde mental pode ser frágil, perigosa e algo incompreensível pelos olhos dos profissionais de saúde e sociedade.
Saúde mental nos dias de hoje, em Inglaterra, já está avançado, existe unidades para se irem tratar, hospitais psiquiátricos e prisões com alas psiquiatria bem desenvolvida e prontas para receber todo tipo de pacientes, independente das circunstâncias ou da natureza do crime .
Para quem gosta de psicologia, crime (forense), saúde mental, comportamento humano, recomendo então lerem o “O Lado Negro da Mente” e este, “Causas Ocultas” da psicóloga forense, Kerry Daynes.
Fãs da série da Netflix “MindHunter”, estes respetivos livros são para vocês !
4 ⭐️
A autora mostra em 10 capítulos, onde cada capítulo , releva um paciente distinto para mostrar a diversidade comportamental do ser humano e como a saúde mental pode ser frágil, perigosa e algo incompreensível pelos olhos dos profissionais de saúde e sociedade.
Saúde mental nos dias de hoje, em Inglaterra, já está avançado, existe unidades para se irem tratar, hospitais psiquiátricos e prisões com alas psiquiatria bem desenvolvida e prontas para receber todo tipo de pacientes, independente das circunstâncias ou da natureza do crime .
Para quem gosta de psicologia, crime (forense), saúde mental, comportamento humano, recomendo então lerem o “O Lado Negro da Mente” e este, “Causas Ocultas” da psicóloga forense, Kerry Daynes.
Fãs da série da Netflix “MindHunter”, estes respetivos livros são para vocês !
4 ⭐️
November 10, 2021
I love this woman, she speaks with unrelenting empathy, she really makes a difference. She also has a terrific sense of humour! Mental health services are still in crisis, and getting even worse. Kerry's books are a brilliant read.
April 13, 2024
“I’ve never considered myself the maternal type- if I ever told my friend I was eating for two, they’d think I’ve got a tapeworm”
This is the first book I have managed to finish in a while and I read this very fast. This is Kerry Daynes’ second book to her first book, “the dark side of the mind”.
This was insightful with both funny and sad moments - I found myself becoming attached to some of her patients and clients and I wanted to learn more of how they are doing now as their stories inspired hope.
I certainly wasn’t expecting the funny moments! But some of these made me laugh out loud (particularly the quote above as I can relate to that).
As someone who studied forensic psychology as an undergraduate years ago- this does make me want to focus into that field again and inspired me. Can’t wait for another book (if Kerry Daynes publishes another one) as this was so good!!
This is the first book I have managed to finish in a while and I read this very fast. This is Kerry Daynes’ second book to her first book, “the dark side of the mind”.
This was insightful with both funny and sad moments - I found myself becoming attached to some of her patients and clients and I wanted to learn more of how they are doing now as their stories inspired hope.
I certainly wasn’t expecting the funny moments! But some of these made me laugh out loud (particularly the quote above as I can relate to that).
As someone who studied forensic psychology as an undergraduate years ago- this does make me want to focus into that field again and inspired me. Can’t wait for another book (if Kerry Daynes publishes another one) as this was so good!!
March 23, 2024
Viskas, kas pirmoje autorės knygoje šiek tiek kliuvo, šioje buvo "ištaisyta", patobulinta. Visos darbo ir klientų istorijos puikiai suredaguotos, išgrynintos, papasakotos empatiškai, su humoru. Prisirišau prie visų istorijos dalyvių, pamačiau visapusiškai atskleistas asmenybes. Taip pat aiškiai ir su pavyzdžiais aptarti darbo metodai, apie kuriuos net neįsivaizdavau. Labai puikus balansas buvo tarp visko ir tikrai rekomenduoju. Net nemanau, kad reikia būti perskaičius pirmąją autorės knygą, nes skaitosi kaip atskiras kūrinys.
January 15, 2022
Another great read…
It may sound strange but whilst reading about the experiences and stories of the patients Dayne’s has encountered throughout her career, I couldn’t feel anything but empathy and sorrow for these people.
I do truly believe that our early life experiences and the ways in which we are or are not given the basic love and care we need are true testaments to who we may or may not become in the future.
I hope the people/patients in every one of Dayne’s experiences within this book…go on to feel more whole in this disjointed world in which we live.
It may sound strange but whilst reading about the experiences and stories of the patients Dayne’s has encountered throughout her career, I couldn’t feel anything but empathy and sorrow for these people.
I do truly believe that our early life experiences and the ways in which we are or are not given the basic love and care we need are true testaments to who we may or may not become in the future.
I hope the people/patients in every one of Dayne’s experiences within this book…go on to feel more whole in this disjointed world in which we live.
September 30, 2021
I enjoyed this just as much as the first, if not more. Hope she will write more in the future…
August 23, 2023
A bout of insomnia kept me up most of the night so I finished this one.
A brilliant second book from Kerry Daynes discussing her work with some truly disturbed individuals. The stories mentioned here are shocking, appalling, disturbing, saddening, galling.
As I thought after her previous book, I have great respect for anyone who can work with the clinically incarcerated; it takes a lot of neutrality and objectivity to be able to try and understand and want to help sex offenders, child molesters, rapists, murderers, abusers. I can see why she has decided to stick with female only units from now on.
Succinct, naturally flowing writing with a smattering of (much needed) humour thrown in to offset the difficult topic.
A great read.
A brilliant second book from Kerry Daynes discussing her work with some truly disturbed individuals. The stories mentioned here are shocking, appalling, disturbing, saddening, galling.
As I thought after her previous book, I have great respect for anyone who can work with the clinically incarcerated; it takes a lot of neutrality and objectivity to be able to try and understand and want to help sex offenders, child molesters, rapists, murderers, abusers. I can see why she has decided to stick with female only units from now on.
Succinct, naturally flowing writing with a smattering of (much needed) humour thrown in to offset the difficult topic.
A great read.
March 6, 2022
I absolutely loved Kerry Daynes’s first book, so when I was given the chance by NetGalley to read and review this book I knew that I was in for a treat.
Kerry Daynes gives us an insight into the world of forensic psychology and the different settings that she has worked in, from hospitals to her own private practice to a mother-and-baby unit. Her job is so varied and she talks about a wide range of characters that she has met throughout her career.
Kerry Daynes doesn’t pretend to be a robot and is the first to admit that sometimes her prejudice or feelings do appear during sessions with some of her patients. She says the most important thing is to realise this and to try to put them to one side at that moment in time. I have always been interested in psychology and it is the career I want to go into in the near future, and this book has ignited that passion even further but also put some of my doubts to bed.
I really did enjoy this book, and while I know that statistics and studies are important to back up facts in the book, I did feel that at some points the references and statistics were a bit too heavy, especially if you are not someone who likes to go away and read up on them afterwards. While they didn’t bother me too much, I did sometimes find I was skimming over them a little, so I wonder what people who don’t have any experience of psychology would think of these parts.
Overall, I really did enjoy the book and I enjoyed reading about the patients that Kerry Daynes included and felt satisfied when we found out what happened to them afterwards.
Kerry Daynes gives us an insight into the world of forensic psychology and the different settings that she has worked in, from hospitals to her own private practice to a mother-and-baby unit. Her job is so varied and she talks about a wide range of characters that she has met throughout her career.
Kerry Daynes doesn’t pretend to be a robot and is the first to admit that sometimes her prejudice or feelings do appear during sessions with some of her patients. She says the most important thing is to realise this and to try to put them to one side at that moment in time. I have always been interested in psychology and it is the career I want to go into in the near future, and this book has ignited that passion even further but also put some of my doubts to bed.
I really did enjoy this book, and while I know that statistics and studies are important to back up facts in the book, I did feel that at some points the references and statistics were a bit too heavy, especially if you are not someone who likes to go away and read up on them afterwards. While they didn’t bother me too much, I did sometimes find I was skimming over them a little, so I wonder what people who don’t have any experience of psychology would think of these parts.
Overall, I really did enjoy the book and I enjoyed reading about the patients that Kerry Daynes included and felt satisfied when we found out what happened to them afterwards.
March 17, 2022
Kerry Daynes is by far one of my favourite authors! I thoroughly enjoyed her first book and this one was also brilliant. The stories within her book are shocking, scary and saddening and really make you as a reader think about how you view; the media, establishments such as prisons or step down centres, criminals themselves and victims- survivors or as Kerry reveals warriors.
In this book Kerry Daynes primarily focuses on the concept of ‘mad’ or ‘bad’ and how not only the public but also professionals (including those in court, such as lawyers) wish for confirmation whether individuals are one or the other, regardless of explain actions behind this, Daynes shows that long 80 plus page reports written are often ignored and only evidence used to say an individual is ‘mad’ or they are not making them ‘bad’.
Her stories are chilling and very upsetting, but are very informative of the reality of forensic psychology. I strongly strongly recommend this book, but if you do decide to read it please check the trigger warnings before hand and it does graphically describe certain distressing topics; indeed: death, sexual, physical and verbal abuse, as well as descriptions of murder.
In this book Kerry Daynes primarily focuses on the concept of ‘mad’ or ‘bad’ and how not only the public but also professionals (including those in court, such as lawyers) wish for confirmation whether individuals are one or the other, regardless of explain actions behind this, Daynes shows that long 80 plus page reports written are often ignored and only evidence used to say an individual is ‘mad’ or they are not making them ‘bad’.
Her stories are chilling and very upsetting, but are very informative of the reality of forensic psychology. I strongly strongly recommend this book, but if you do decide to read it please check the trigger warnings before hand and it does graphically describe certain distressing topics; indeed: death, sexual, physical and verbal abuse, as well as descriptions of murder.
August 20, 2023
Another book trying to dispel the mad v bad debate (well, that's how I read it anyway!). People can do bad things but why? Is it really just because they're evil or is there another explanation? It doesn't excuse their awful behaviour but might just help give a partial explanation. Kerry has been a clinical forensic psychologist and tells us about some of the people she's come into contact with and how, exploring the person, sometimes helps explain how they've ended up where they are.
January 2, 2022
This books is fantastic! I finished reading it in just over a week. The stories Kerry shares are interesting and thought provoking and really teach you to look beyond a person, that you never truly know a full persons story. She challenges societal views and highlights changes that need to be made to make a better and supportive future for all. The statistics, history and facts that she includes are really interesting and at times very shocking and gives you a lot of learning to take away from this book. This is the second book I have read by this author and can honestly say they are some of my favourites and I have given them both five stars. Kerry’s writing is easy to follow yet gripping at the same time. 🤞🏻🤞🏻 hopeful that there will be a third book in the future.
May 1, 2023
A great sequel! Had some very interesting case studies that really make you think about the challenges in peoples lives. Shows that you really don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life and makes you realise how someone can turn to crime because of what they’ve gone through.
November 12, 2021
Once again Kerry Daynes has given us a book full of warmth, wit and wisdom as she details several cases that she has been involved with in her many years as a forensic psychologist.
Each case serves to challenge our misconceptions and to a certain extent also that of mental health or judicial services that these individuals, and others like them, encounter. These are the people society and the mainstream
media easily brand as freaks, weirdos and nutters, or just plain badly behaved and deserving of no sympathy. Yet Kerry demonstrates that by digging further into the underlying motivations and past experiences of the people in these cases, can come an understanding of why their behaviour is the way it is and a possible way of helping them forward.
Each chapter is surprising and you find yourself realising how judgemental you are too, because it evolves in ways you really don't expect it too. By the chapter end there is hope, there is the ability of humans to understand and help each other by seeing beyond the cover of the book, by seeing the person behind the sometimes flawed diagnosis.
It's less autobiographical than Kerry's last book, which showed more of her career progression and background. I also felt there was a more mature tone, although it's difficult to put my finger on why that is other than the few years that have passed since she wrote The Dark Side Of The Mind. If you enjoyed that one, then you're really going to love this. If you have read neither, then as a human being surrounded by other human beings, you absolutely should.
Each case serves to challenge our misconceptions and to a certain extent also that of mental health or judicial services that these individuals, and others like them, encounter. These are the people society and the mainstream
media easily brand as freaks, weirdos and nutters, or just plain badly behaved and deserving of no sympathy. Yet Kerry demonstrates that by digging further into the underlying motivations and past experiences of the people in these cases, can come an understanding of why their behaviour is the way it is and a possible way of helping them forward.
Each chapter is surprising and you find yourself realising how judgemental you are too, because it evolves in ways you really don't expect it too. By the chapter end there is hope, there is the ability of humans to understand and help each other by seeing beyond the cover of the book, by seeing the person behind the sometimes flawed diagnosis.
It's less autobiographical than Kerry's last book, which showed more of her career progression and background. I also felt there was a more mature tone, although it's difficult to put my finger on why that is other than the few years that have passed since she wrote The Dark Side Of The Mind. If you enjoyed that one, then you're really going to love this. If you have read neither, then as a human being surrounded by other human beings, you absolutely should.
Read
August 22, 2022A área da Psicologia sempre me fascinou, tanto que um aspecto que me atrai nos thrillers é a justificação por detrás do comportamento dos personagens. Por esse motivo sou aficionada pelos livros do Chris Carter (entre outros autores do género), visto ele se debruçar muito sobre esse assunto e construir personagens completas e complexas.
Normalmente no que se refere a livros sobre casos reais costumo ficar um pouco reticente mas, tendo em conta que neste nos era especificamente prometido desvendar o motivo por detrás de determinados comportamentos, decidi embarcar nesta viagem.
Gostei imenso desta leitura, na medida em que me é permitido gostar de um livro sobre relatos reais de assassinos/criminosos reais. Agradou-me especialmente o facto de os casos não serem relatados através de simples regurgitação de dados, nem expostos de forma clínica e fria. "Causas ocultas" fala-nos sobre pessoas.
Agradou-me a escrita da autora e, em particular, o seu sentido de humor. A forma como relatou cada caso permitiu com que me abstraísse do facto de me estar a apresentar pessoas que cometeram crimes. Cheguei a me comover com alguns relatos de sofrimento humano.... «São loucos ou são maus?» (Cf. Sinopse).
Após este primeiro contacto tão positivo com Kerry Danes, tenho muita curiosidade em ler o seu primeiro livro: "O Lado Negro da Mente".
Agosto 2022
Normalmente no que se refere a livros sobre casos reais costumo ficar um pouco reticente mas, tendo em conta que neste nos era especificamente prometido desvendar o motivo por detrás de determinados comportamentos, decidi embarcar nesta viagem.
Gostei imenso desta leitura, na medida em que me é permitido gostar de um livro sobre relatos reais de assassinos/criminosos reais. Agradou-me especialmente o facto de os casos não serem relatados através de simples regurgitação de dados, nem expostos de forma clínica e fria. "Causas ocultas" fala-nos sobre pessoas.
Agradou-me a escrita da autora e, em particular, o seu sentido de humor. A forma como relatou cada caso permitiu com que me abstraísse do facto de me estar a apresentar pessoas que cometeram crimes. Cheguei a me comover com alguns relatos de sofrimento humano.... «São loucos ou são maus?» (Cf. Sinopse).
Após este primeiro contacto tão positivo com Kerry Danes, tenho muita curiosidade em ler o seu primeiro livro: "O Lado Negro da Mente".
Agosto 2022
April 23, 2025
Excellent book! Fascinating read - through her real life case examples. Really challenges the awful preconceptions people have regarding mental health and crime.
Those interested in true crime and psychology will love this book.
April’s book recommendation… a Forensic Psychology book this time. Aligning with discussions of the law of Insanity/Diminished Responsibility, Criminology and Psychology.
A multidisciplinary book.
I have learnt SO MUCH from this book. Daynes concludes her book, noting the importance we, as a society, need to have a little more compassion for a person’s mental health. Having compassion does not remove accountability for the crime(s) they have committed but it does consider an explanation for the behaviour and a need for support.
This book provides accounts from real ‘cases’ or reviews Kerry Daynes has completed during her years within the forensic psychologist role.
Without wanting to give to many spoilers, below I will list a few of the important and interesting points raised.
- The outdated and unsupported use of electroconvulsive therapy, which can lead to memory loss within patients.
- The undeniable presence of sexism which arises around particular mental health conditions
- As explored within my teaching already, the importance of the provisions under PACE1984 to support those classified as “vulnerable” with an appropriate adult
- There is the PEACE interviewing model used by the police
- Thomas Corlett who raised the original defence of provocation was sentenced to only 3 months for manslaughter of his wife… as she put the mustard on the wrong side of the of kitchen table…. you can see why this law needed changing!
- The reality that the killing of women and girls by men is a global epidemic
- Unconscious and conscious bias, discriminating against the BAME community is still a concern which needs tackling.
- The genocide of Burao in Somalia under the Siad Barre regime, known as the forgotten genocide. (I’d never even heard of this!)
- The term heartsink patients coined by GPs
- The importance of not using outdated, societal perceptions about mental health.
Those interested in true crime and psychology will love this book.
April’s book recommendation… a Forensic Psychology book this time. Aligning with discussions of the law of Insanity/Diminished Responsibility, Criminology and Psychology.
A multidisciplinary book.
I have learnt SO MUCH from this book. Daynes concludes her book, noting the importance we, as a society, need to have a little more compassion for a person’s mental health. Having compassion does not remove accountability for the crime(s) they have committed but it does consider an explanation for the behaviour and a need for support.
This book provides accounts from real ‘cases’ or reviews Kerry Daynes has completed during her years within the forensic psychologist role.
Without wanting to give to many spoilers, below I will list a few of the important and interesting points raised.
- The outdated and unsupported use of electroconvulsive therapy, which can lead to memory loss within patients.
- The undeniable presence of sexism which arises around particular mental health conditions
- As explored within my teaching already, the importance of the provisions under PACE1984 to support those classified as “vulnerable” with an appropriate adult
- There is the PEACE interviewing model used by the police
- Thomas Corlett who raised the original defence of provocation was sentenced to only 3 months for manslaughter of his wife… as she put the mustard on the wrong side of the of kitchen table…. you can see why this law needed changing!
- The reality that the killing of women and girls by men is a global epidemic
- Unconscious and conscious bias, discriminating against the BAME community is still a concern which needs tackling.
- The genocide of Burao in Somalia under the Siad Barre regime, known as the forgotten genocide. (I’d never even heard of this!)
- The term heartsink patients coined by GPs
- The importance of not using outdated, societal perceptions about mental health.
January 29, 2022
Another fantastic book by Kerry Daynes.
This book provides an absolutely fascinating insight into the life of a forensic psychologist.
I enjoyed how each chapter was based on one specific case, covering a wide array of the clients and work Kerry deals with on a routine basis in her job.
This book does a great job of breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions people have of forensic psychology especially the mad vs bad debate, something which I was already aware of having studied forensic psychology at university.
The writing was incredibly easy to read. Psychology concepts were explained with ease.
I really like Kerry's sense of humour. At no point during this book was I bored or uninterested.
Kerry has had such an interesting career. I believe people have a lot to learn from the work Kerry does and the lessons she has learnt in her long spanning career.
I highly recommend this book and previous book, dark side of the mind. I can't wait for her next one.
This book provides an absolutely fascinating insight into the life of a forensic psychologist.
I enjoyed how each chapter was based on one specific case, covering a wide array of the clients and work Kerry deals with on a routine basis in her job.
This book does a great job of breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions people have of forensic psychology especially the mad vs bad debate, something which I was already aware of having studied forensic psychology at university.
The writing was incredibly easy to read. Psychology concepts were explained with ease.
I really like Kerry's sense of humour. At no point during this book was I bored or uninterested.
Kerry has had such an interesting career. I believe people have a lot to learn from the work Kerry does and the lessons she has learnt in her long spanning career.
I highly recommend this book and previous book, dark side of the mind. I can't wait for her next one.
February 13, 2023
“Aceitar a complexidade das pessoas - o reconhecimento de que somos modulados pelo passado, acontecimentos da nossa vida, relacionamentos e circunstâncias, padrões sociais e culturais a que se espera que correspondamos, e a medida em que estamos expostos a abuso, adversidade e desigualdade – não altera o que está certo ou errado… No entanto, quando vemos as pessoas no conjunto do seu contexto, descobrimos que muitas formas de comportamento perturbador e perturbado se tornam pelo menos compreensíveis. E percebemos que, quando um indivíduo «funciona ma», isso não se deve a estar «avariado» ou «doente». Trata-se geralmente de um indicador de um problema muito mais vasto, ou problemas, nos nossos sistemas sociais que precisamos de identificar e começar a resolver”
É tao isto.
É tao isto.
December 12, 2024
I'd enjoyed the previous book by Kerry Daynes which I had read, and this was similarly insightful, educational and readable. Though obviously the author chose to select specific cases to discuss in her experience as a forensic psychologist (and hence perhaps risked coming across more omniscient than is actually the case), in doing so she did provide a window into the her field of work and the challenges faced, and a number of very good points about legal and clinical practice were made. I also found Daynes' writing style very agreeable - straightforward, self-effacing, honest and not without dark humour - which made a potentially difficult read a surprisingly approachable one.
March 20, 2023
Tears protruded from my eye sacks. Whether it was purely relief or absolute misery. Only Trump knows.I gotta mention that this book only has 9 chapters. it is a 300 page book. Pain was felt. physical and mental. loved it tho cuz ya know love my psych teacher. (help me she gave me 2 MORE FUCKING BOOKS xoxo)
June 19, 2023
I loved both of Kerry’s books! Forensic psychology has always been a huge interest of mine. So much so that I actually did study it for a while at university (doing so was inspired by the first one of these books). If you’re a fan of criminal minds you will love this book without a doubt
February 18, 2025
This second instalment is good, but it is very similar to her first book.
September 25, 2023
Loved this book! The stories were pretty interesting and loved learning more about forensic psychology
June 2, 2022
Enjoyed this as much as her first book. Not too heavy but doesn't gloss over the inherent failings in our justice & mental health systems
January 11, 2023
I loved this book for many different reasons. I feel like it was really well written and very ballsy. Kerry wasn’t afraid to be honest and open and her humour throughout kept it very interesting and real. This book shows you should never judge someone because you just never know what a person has experienced or been through in their lifetime. Life is never black and white. We are all human and all deal with things in different manners. We all need to be a little kinder to each other
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews