Fans of true crime probably often wonder if they are a few degrees of separation from a real life serial killer. I grew up in Chicago, a large metropolitan area, and I know that two female acquaintances were semi-adjacent to serial predators: John Wayne Gacy, the “Killer Clown” (she worked at the same pharmacy where the last of Gacy’s 34 victims also was employed) and the Tylenol Killer (she was the assistant manager at one of the drugstores where that still unknown murderer planted tainted capsules). Now I live in Salt Lake City, less than a tenth the size of Chicago, and I volunteer at the University of Utah where Ted Bundy was a law student while killing 4 women. Brrrrrrr….

This book is the true story of the Houston Mass Murders victims of Dean Corll, known as “The Candy Man”, who murdered and tortured at least 28 young men between 1970 and 1973. Corll stopped only because an accomplice/potential victim finally shot him. Like with Gacy (who was arrested a few years later), so many of Corll’s initial victims were young outcasts and unidentifiable when their bodies were found (5 of Gacy’s are still unknown).

Dr. Sharon Derrick is a real life “Bones,” a forensic anthropologist who tried to restore the identities of the Houston “Lost Boys” and give some closure to the families of missing people when she started at the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office in 2006, 33 years after Corll died. She was mystified as to why these teenage boys (who would have been her contemporaries in high school) had never been claimed. Her work on the backlog of unidentified dead helped identify all but one of Corll’s.

Olsen’s book delves into the original investigation and the discovery of bodies at multiple grave sites. The Houston Mass Murders reaped international attention based on the quantities of victims discovered, which at the time seemed unthinkable (Corll’s victims were the highest discovered count at that time in the US; Gacy, Sam Little, and Gary Ridgway surpassed the Candy Man).

Olsen describes the meticulous procedure that Dr. Derrick takes as she tries to identify the victims one by one and seeks out some background on how these lost boys could have encountered Corll and his accomplices. The history of the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office is also detailed as well as the incorporation of the Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services, FACES, in order to construct modern 3-D portraits and the usage of familial DNA profiles, all significant advancements since the 1970s. Olsen also examines the hostile Texan attitudes towards homosexuality in the 70s, which often dismissed Corll’s victims as “lesser” since they may have been vulnerable gay teens.

This is a fascinating book for a true crime fan. It is, in parts, gory and horrifying, but it also gives meaning to the lives of the victims once Dr. Derrick and her team identified them. 4 stars.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

In 1973, the cops were called to investigate the murder of a man named Dean Corll in Pasadena, Texas. Once they arrived, however, they realized the case was much more complicated than a single murder. The murdered, Elmer Wayne Henley, immediately confessed to killing Corll but also informed cops that there were dozens of Corll's murder victims buried beneath the ground of an outdoor shed. 27 bodies were eventually recovered across multiple burial locations, all males in their late teens and early twenties, who had been victims of brutal rape, torture, and murder. Unfortunately, many of the bodies were badly decomposed and couldn't be identified. This book takes a look at the decades-long investigation and pursuit to identify the victims and give closure to their families.

This book was very interesting in its premise. I did not know much about this case going into it. Unfortunately, I felt the book was loaded with too many people, facts and timelines. The author jumped back and forth between past and present narratives, often repeating herself in order to remind us what was introduced in an earlier section. She also included a lot of history of forensics that was barely pertinent to this case and listed many other missing persons who ended up being ruled as not connected to Corll, so the inclusion of their names just got confused in the story about the 27 victims. I felt there was also too much focus on the litany of investigators involved in the case. This might prove interesting to readers more versed in forensics, but for me, this book didn't flow well.


*** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ***

While the premise of exploring the intersection between forensic science and criminal psychology is compelling, this book ultimately falls flat. The narrative often feels disjointed, jumping between scientific details and case studies without a cohesive flow. The author’s attempts to humanize the professionals involved in these investigations sometimes feel forced, and the clinical tone can be dry and hard to engage with. While there’s some fascinating content regarding the criminal mind and forensic breakthroughs, the lack of a strong, compelling narrative or in-depth character exploration makes it difficult to fully connect with the material. Fans of true crime or forensic science may find some interest, but it doesn’t deliver the gripping experience one might expect from the topic.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I found it to be a meticulously detailed narrative that deeply explores a chilling series of events of one of the first identified mass murderers in the U.S. The book delves deeply into the perspectives of detectives, the haunting locations where bodies were discovered, the anguish of the victims' families, and the scientists who painstakingly pieced together identities from skeletal remains.
The story is comprehensive, and the author balances all human, scientific, and procedural aspects, creating a vivid picture of the complexities surrounding the case. The inclusion of insights from the justice system of that era adds a fascinating layer of context, revealing both the strengths and shortcomings of legal and investigative practices at the time. I found the accompanying photographs helpful, but the descriptions were somewhat underwhelming. Better descriptions could have further enriched the reader’s understanding of the evidence and its importance to the investigation. Overall, *The Scientist and the Serial Killer* is an engaging read for anyone interested in true crime, forensic science, and the human stories behind major criminal investigations.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review. Thank you!

I have not dabbled in reading true crime since mandatory college reading, but I felt that this book was very well-written and gave a great recollection of events pertaining to The Lost Boys. The author did an amazing job putting together the work of Derrick and having a mixture of engaging storytelling and nonfictional writing styles. I learned a LOT in this book and actually had not been familiar with The Lost Boys previous to reading. I feel that those who have followed this story would be most inclined to read this book with the amount of detail given.

My only concern is that there was a large amount of repetition, but this might just be the way many true crime books are written. I just felt that it could cut down the length of the book with repeated details dwindled down.

#thelostboys #netgalley #thescientistandtheserialkiller

I am a huge fan of true crime books, I grew up loving true crime as my family has ties with John Wayne Gacey ( he tried to ‘employ’ my uncle for his construction company) and ever since I was little I always enjoyed learning about new crimes and serial killers. With that being said, this was a very hard book to read. It felt like it was more dense than it needed to be.

I liked how this book showed more of the science and forensic part of these types of cases, I just wish there would have been more of it in the book. I also liked how the author goes into the mind of the serial killer.

This is a very educational read and if you are into Unsolved Mysteries, CSI, and Criminal Minds, I think you would enjoy reading this, just be armed that it is very dense…..at least it was for me

Dark, but inspiring. As a scientist and someone heavily interested in forensics and true crime, this book was great. It reminded me of Barbara Rae Venter’s or Paul Hole’s recent books, where the story of the researcher is interwoven with the stories of crime. I also appreciated Sharon’s dedication to identifying these boys, and not letting time forget about them. It’s very heavy, and I had to take breaks because it is a lot to read, especially as a mom! However, it was still an incredible read.

I received a free copy of, The Scientist and the Serial Killer, by Lisa Olsen, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. In the early 1970's twenty- seven boys, disappeared in Texas. This was such a sad read, but a really good read. Families ripped apart by the "Candyman" what a horrible man. This book has a lot of information, on a brutal time in Texas, and pictures.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

Wow, I have never read a book like this. I’ve read books about serial killers and other true crime before, but this book just had SO much information — about the killer, about the detectives, about the justice system, about the location, about the families, and about the victims. I think it all probably could have been condensed some, but I also don’t think any of the information presented was uninteresting or completely irrelevant (though I found a lot of it to be unnecessary). The timeline was very difficult to follow, too, as it sort of jumped all over the place. I believe there were just a few technical grammatical inconsistencies throughout, such as using acronyms for organizations only sometimes, and switching between referring to individuals by only their first OR last name. In addition, I thought it was (perhaps unintentionally) unsettling that the author repeatedly referred to the victims of Corll as “beautiful” or “handsome” boys out of context of direct quotes. Finally, I thought the photograph captions could have better specified who was who in pictures with more than one person, and the last photograph lacked a caption at all.
Overall, though, a good insight into what the justice system was like in the late 20th-early 21st centuries in regards to social issues, mass murderers and kidnappings, and the process of identifying victims over time. I definitely learned a whole bunch from this book, which was the goal :) If you’re a fan of highly detailed historical true crime, then this book is for you!

Lise Olsen’s The Scientist and the Serial Killer is a gripping true-crime narrative that masterfully blends investigative journalism with the complexities of the human psyche. In this meticulously researched account, Olsen explores the chilling intersection of science, justice, and unimaginable cruelty.

The book centers on the shocking case of Dr. Anthony Pignataro, a plastic surgeon whose life spirals from a successful career into a chilling web of malpractice, manipulation, and murder. Olsen chronicles his rise and fall with precision, weaving interviews, court records, and investigative insights into a riveting tapestry of crime and consequence.

One of the book's strengths lies in its unflinching examination of how power, arrogance, and a broken justice system enabled Pignataro's heinous actions for far too long. Olsen doesn’t just recount events; she probes the societal structures that allowed them to occur, raising critical questions about accountability in both the medical and legal professions.

What sets The Scientist and the Serial Killer apart from many true-crime narratives is Olsen’s ability to humanize the victims and their families. Through her empathetic storytelling, she brings their voices to the forefront, ensuring their stories aren’t overshadowed by the sensationalism often associated with the genre.

Olsen’s writing is sharp, vivid, and thoroughly engaging, balancing the technical details of the investigation with the psychological depth of its players. The book moves at a brisk pace, maintaining a sense of urgency while giving readers the space to reflect on its deeper implications.

The Scientist and the Serial Killer is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the dark side of humanity and the flaws in the systems meant to protect us. Lise Olsen delivers a true-crime masterpiece that is as educational as it is unsettling—a must-read for fans of the genre.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This is a true crime story, but leans heavily toward the science behind identifying the boys who fell prey to Dean Corll, the Candy Man. From 1971 to 1973, more than 23 teenaged boys disappeared from one Houston neighborhood. It’s estimated that a few more murders, of non-locals, may be attributable to him. Family and friends reported most of the disappearances, which for the most part were viewed as voluntary. Corll was killed by an accomplice, who was able to lead investigators to some of the victims’ burial sites, holding badly decomposed and skeletal remains. Without DNA, identification was next to impossible.

In 2006, Sharon Derrick was working at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. She came upon the boxes holding the unidentified Lost Boys’ remains and personal effects. Thus began her journey to identify all the Lost Boys and put them to final rest. She worked tirelessly reviewing case files, searching for family members to assist in DNA testing, dealing with the aftermath of misidentifications and uncovering other possible and likely crimes such as pornography and sex trafficking.

The book was a bit of a struggle to get through as it isn’t written in a linear timeline. The constant shifts made it hard to follow, especially as there are are a lot of names, yet it was still engaging and an interesting look behind the scenes of investigations.

This was advertised very good true crime account. The amount of details and inside facts were amazing and well structured.

I wish there had been more of a focus on the science though. We get one long explanation of bone measurements but not much else. Honestly, I think it was Derrick's determination that led to the remains being identified, science had little to nothing to do with it.

I also didn't like that the one body was identified based on grudging agreement. The DNA was inconclusive and the evidence circumstantial. Given the other missidentification issues, I thought this could have been a risky decision. But, I'm not a scientist either, so what do I know.

Hmm, this was not a bad book, but it was not an easy read. This book was intense, and it was dense. There was so much information in this book, and that wasn’t a bad thing. However, it did make for a different type of reading experience for me. Normally I binge books, I devour them in one sitting, usually over the course of a few hours on an afternoon. No, not this book though. This book only worked for me in pieces. Small pieces over the course of a week. This book delved into the behind-the-scenes information of a crime scene while also providing insight into the mind of the perpetrator. It was chilling at times and gave me the creeps. One thing I appreciate about true crime is when I feel that the book does the victims justice. It’s an important part of the true crime reading experience for me, and if not done well, then I can’t enjoy the book. This book was exceptional in that regard. I also very much enjoyed the addition of the photographs throughout the pages, but they are not for the faint of heart.

If you’re looking for a true crime that will stay with you a while, then look no further.

This book is a dense and heavy read. I mean this complementary. It’s so well researched and full of information. It’s not a quick read, and the subject matter, being a true crime case (and a mishandled one at that) is heavy in more ways than one.

If true crime is your thing, I can not recommend this book enough. I found myself so invested. These lost boys felt like they were mine, now, too. Each correct identification after so long, too long, actually felt bittersweet. These young souls cut off so brutally and so young, but finally given back their names, their families given some closure at last.

🏷️ Book Review 🏷️

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinions.

Publication: April 1, 2025

Rating: It was okay!

I don’t usually pick nonfiction reads and this one was a bit of an accident. I was hoping it would fall into the vein of historical/true crime fiction. A story that was based on true events but when I looked again, it was labeled “biography/nonfiction”.

I definitely would have loved it more if it was in audio format for me. Overall, not a bad read; I just personally struggled.

For fans of:
🏷️ Third person POV
🔪 1970’s Texas
🏷️ Mixed media (photos, excerpts of interviews, etc.)
🔪 True crime
🏷️ Non-fiction

The Scientist and the Serial Killer by Lise Olsen is a fascinating true-crime narrative that explores the groundbreaking collaboration between a forensic scientist and law enforcement in solving a decades-old mystery. The book centers around Dr. Walter McCrone, a forensic expert, and his role in helping to catch one of America’s most notorious serial killers. Olsen's writing is both detailed and accessible, offering a gripping look at the intersection of science, justice, and criminal investigation. The book delves into the science behind forensic analysis, while also providing chilling insights into the mind of a serial killer. A compelling and educational read, The Scientist and the Serial Killer will captivate readers interested in true crime, forensic science, and unsolved mysteries.

**Review of *The Scientist and the Serial Killer: The Search for Houston's Lost Boys* by Lise Olsen**

Lise Olsen’s *The Scientist and the Serial Killer* is a haunting yet compelling exploration of one of Houston's darkest chapters in history. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant 1970s, this meticulously researched narrative sheds light on the tragic story of the Lost Boys—teenage victims who were overlooked by a society too quick to dismiss them as runaways.

Olsen skillfully intertwines the lives of these young men with the chilling tale of Dean Corll, the so-called “Candy Man,” whose heinous crimes were hidden in plain sight. The author’s ability to humanize the victims, bringing their stories and identities to the forefront, is particularly poignant. By recounting the personal histories and dreams of these boys, Olsen ensures that they are remembered not just as statistics but as individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.

The narrative also highlights the tireless efforts of forensic anthropologist Sharon Derrick, who, decades later, unearthed a box of remains linked to these unsolved murders. Her determination to identify the victims and restore their dignity is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Olsen captures the intricacies of this investigation, showcasing the blend of scientific innovation and human compassion that played a crucial role in giving these boys their names back.

What makes this book particularly impactful is its exploration of the societal neglect that allowed these crimes to occur. Olsen examines the cultural context of the 1970s, including attitudes toward youth and crime, which adds depth to the narrative and raises important questions about how society perceives marginalized individuals.

Overall, *The Scientist and the Serial Killer* is an engrossing and thought-provoking read that balances the grim realities of the case with a profound sense of empathy for its victims. Lise Olsen has crafted a powerful tribute to the Lost Boys and a crucial reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing the stories of those often forgotten. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, social justice, and the enduring impact of unsolved tragedies.

Most true crime fans will be familiar with Dean Corll, the "Candy Man" serial.killer who was eventually killed by his teenage accomplice. This book does a great job of discussing his crimes without sensationalizing them (sadly rare in coverage of Dean Corll as his crimes were almost too horrifying to be believed, and some coverage seems to salivate over the shocking details) and the science that went into identifying the victims. A worthy addition to any true crime library.

Lise Olsen used this true crime element perfectly and was engaged with learning about this case. It was written respectfully and I was hooked with the facts and how everything worked.