Really enjoyed this - will definitely be recommending and looking forward to the next one by this author!

Insightful look into the world of a prison psychiatrist and the various people she comes into contact with on a daily basis. Gwen gives detailed information on what it takes to learn how people do what they do and ultimately how they manage to deal with themselves and the actions they take. and how she supports them on the emotional journey along the way.
Very interesting and different book, thoroughly enjoyed

I found this book incredibly sad but so interesting. I was fascinated at the work that these ladies do.
Thank you to both NetGalley and the publishers for gifting me this book

Spectator review linked below: ‘ A lesson in understanding serial killers and child molesters
The forensic psychotherapist Gwen Adshead shows remarkable compassion when treating some of Britain’s most reviled criminals’

A very interesting, shocking read. Would 100% recommend to those into true crime and the human psyche.

Dr Gwen Adshead in this book gives eleven naratives from her years of work in forensic psychiatry and psychotherapy.
For anyone interested in this subject this book is a very interesting read.
The subject matter is not for everyone and these tales tell of terrible crimes and the therapy those who perpetrate those crimes undergo.
This is a well written book told with compassion and care.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley in allowing me to read in return for a review.

I read true crime quite often and I have to say The Devil You Know has to be one of the most revelatory and fascinating books on the subject. I would actually hesitate to even call it true crime as it’s really more of an often harrowing yet determinedly compassionate journey into the psychology behind violence and the far reaching consequences of trauma and psychosis. Each chapter focuses on a different patient of Dr Adshead and they vary massively in terms of personality and criminality but every single one is so incredibly illuminating. This is not an easy read at times – some the people in this book have done horrific and difficult to read about things but, if you can, I seriously recommend persevering because I genuinely think it will be well worth your time. Adshead is direct yet full of empathy and understanding. She in no way makes excuses for the crimes committed or negates the importance of the victim experience but the book is really about trying to understand the why instead of the how of violence and crime. Nothing in life is ever truly totally black and white. There is almost always nuance to be found, even in the darkest of minds and The Devil You Know is an utterly compelling journey into psychology that leaves the reader with a great deal to think upon. Highly recommended.

An interesting, read with stories highlighting the work that forensic psychiatrists do and an insight into the complex nature of the human brain!

Overall, an intriguing read and definitely different to many of the other books out there.

Dr Gwen Adshead is a forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist. During her 30 years of experience in the job she has experienced a wide variety of presentations from individuals. She dives into these experiences through 11 case studies which illustrate the key issues that have impacted the people that she supports.

The 11 case studies are extremely wide ranging, thought provoking and at times, challenging to read. I don't want to highlight any of the details of each case study as I think you really need to read the in-depth details of them yourself to help you understand the complexities of these experiences.

At a time like this where there are deep cuts in mental health care and extreme social schisms, I feel as though this book is extremely important for teaching compassion and empathy towards these individuals. This is a very insightful and powerful book that I cannot recommend enough.

Thank you to Faber and Faber for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!

The Devil You Know is a fascinating book by Dr Gwen Adshead, a forensic psychiatrist who has spent her career working with Britain’s most dangerous criminals. This insight into the therapy she provides inside high security prisons reveals the people behind the crimes and the factors that drove them to commit them.
The book is written in a non judgmental way, either of her patients or the criminal justice system, but does highlight the impact of serious mental health conditions on society as a whole, and how sufficient early help is sadly lacking.

I seriously loved this book, what a fantastic insight into the kinds of those who commit the worst crimes known to man, its easy to think they are monsters and this book shows they are too just human like us, a gripping and thoughtful read.

This is a remarkably humane book about those who commit terrible acts and the need for radical empathy. Yes, it’s fascinating for those of us interested in true crime but this book is so much more than that. It isn’t prurient or graphic in its detail; rather, it’s a reminder than the people who commit dreadful acts are human.

This book was sent me to as an ARC on NetGalley. However, all opinions are of my own.
I really wanted to enjoy this book but unfortunately I DNF’d at around 8%.
I usually love stories relating to law or mental health but I couldn’t enjoy this one and wasn’t able to gel with any of the writing!

I found this book very interesting, the way it delved into the minds of serial killers. I have never read anything like it before, and I found it hard going at times, but I assume that was what the authors had intended.

Many thanks to netgalley and Gwen Adshead and Eileen Horne for the advanced copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book. The author uses case studies from her work to explain different aspects of human behaviour and the consequences of these. She writes in a very honest and open way and the case studies have enough detail that you feel there is closure for each. There is a wide range of different case studies both from her work at Broadmoor and also her clinical work, the cases cover murder, sex crimes, arson to name but a few. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone interested in true crime and forensic psychology and I would be keen to read more from this author.

An interesting, thought provoking read with lots of different stories that highlights the work forensic psychiatrists do and the complex nature of the human brain!

I found that some chapters/ sections were much more interesting than others. Some I found my attention wandering a little as they were very long.

Overall, an intriguing read and definitely different to many of the other books out there.

This book gives a raw insight into the work of the author with offenders.

The psychotherapy aspect interested me. What influenced these people to commit a crime and can they be rehabilitated?

I liked the structure of the book, which considered her work with each individual offender

It was an interesting read, but I didn't find it ''gripping' as it was described.

Thanks indeed to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me for this arc!

This read was very eye opening to say the least, no one really knows what going on. I feel like a lot of factors are involved in what makes a person become a criminal and at times it’s so easy to be straight and think you know why they’ve acted in such a way when you don’t.

I believe there are two sides to everyone and although that in no way excuses what they have done, it can begin to explain why they may have done what they did.

My thanks to #Netgalley and #Faber&Faber publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
A fascinating insight into the mindset of what makes people commit atrocities that warrant sentencing admission to a secure hospital.
Dr Gwen Adshead has produced a highly readable book that gives you a glimpse of the stories behind the headlines.
A compelling read that I would highly recommend.

I loved this so much I bought the hardback as soon as it was published - an amazing, thought provoking read . Loved it .