This is a comprehensive reporting on the work of a dedicated forensic anthropologist in her effort to correct past misidentifications and give the right names to murder victims. There's never before been such a detailed rendering of the victimology of this 51-year-old case. It's a valuable contribution, although at times the author indulges in suggestion and speculation about Henley, the serial killer's accomplice, that supports her clear bias. She repeats ideas from older books or articles when current information was available to avoid some misstatements. Showing how this horrific crime was part of a larger sex trafficking operation and adding one more unknown victim to the toll shows how important it is to develop an informed lens on what might otherwise seem like irrelevant past history. It's unfortunate that there remain hindrances to completing this heartbreaking puzzle. Sharon Derrick deserves a place of honor among cold case investigators. Her work was heroic.

The Scientist and the Serial Killer by Lise Olsen is a true crime account of the serial killer Dean Corll, aka the "Candy Man". As a fan of true crime podcasts and other books I was hoping to love this one as much as other recent true crime accounts. But that wasn't the case. Don't get me wrong - this book is a wealth of information and was very detailed. But that might be the problem for me. The book started off with a beginning that pulled me in , but I soon found that the amount of information that was presented was overwhelming. There was so much about the detectives, the location, the families and the victims that I had to put it down a few times just to clear my mind. I think much of the information could have been condensed. The timeline also jumped around a lot, making it hard to follow at times. I really did appreciate the details given about how much Dr. Derrick did to identify the many boys and can appreciate how far DNA testing has improved since the 70s. It was heartbreaking to read about how some of the boys families didn't survive to see a conclusion in their loved ones case. The whole situation was fascinating and heartbreakign. If you are passionate about cold cases, true crime, police procedurals, or the science behind identifying victims, you will really enjoy The Scientist and the Serial Killer. This is one that did not glorify the killer, but really focused on the science and how hard Dr. Derrick worked to help identify the victims.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Lise Olsen’s The Scientist and the Serial Killer is a compelling yet sometimes disjointed exploration of the hunt for justice in the wake of Dean Corll’s horrific crimes. Blending investigative journalism and forensic science, the book highlights Dr. Sharon Derrick’s relentless efforts to identify Corll’s unknown victims and reunite them with their families. While Olsen’s compassionate storytelling and behind-the-scenes look at forensic anthropology will appeal to fans of true crime and the Scarpetta series, the book's organization can feel scattered, with shifting timelines, excessive details, and repetitive elements affecting readability. The inclusion of police archive photos and forensic history adds depth, but some sections may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with the case. Despite its structural flaws, this is an essential read for those interested in the intersection of science, justice, and the human stories behind crime.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Lise Olsen’s "The Scientist and the Serial Killer: The Search for Houston's Lost Boys" is a profoundly unsettling yet compelling exploration of the intersection between scientific inquiry, journalistic tenacity, and human depravity. A blend of true crime and investigative journalism, the book meticulously chronicles the horrifying crimes of Dean Corll a prolific serial killer, 17-year old Wayne Henley who killed Corll and Dr. Sharron Derrick, a forensic anthropologist who found boxes of unidentified remains from Dean Corll's victims and worked with her team to identify the 7 unidentified victims and to reunite them with their loved ones decades after the crime.

In 1973, Dean Corll's murder count was 27, with 7 of them being unidentified. Dr. Sharon Derrick, a forensic anthropologist was determined to bring their stories out of the shadows.

What makes Olsen’s narrative stand out is not just the grotesque reality of Corll's actions but the compassionate lens through which she examines their aftermath. The “lost boys” are not merely victims; they are human beings with families, histories, and potential, which Derrick—alongside Olsen—works to restore to them, posthumously. Olsen’s ability to balance the harrowing nature of the crimes with the dignity of these boys’ stories is a testament to her skill as both a writer and an investigator.

One of the book’s strongest features is its portrayal of Dr. Derrick, the titular “scientist.” Derrick’s tireless work as a forensic anthropologist reveals the often-overlooked field of identifying remains and reuniting them with grieving families. Her role as a quiet yet powerful crusader for justice contrasts sharply with the calculating and manipulative Corll, making their interplay an ethical and philosophical study of humanity’s capacity for good and evil.

Olsen’s writing is deeply empathetic yet unflinchingly honest, sparing no detail in her dissection of Houston’s flawed justice system. As the title suggests, this book is as much about the societal and institutional failures that allowed Corll to operate. Through Derrick’s eyes, readers are forced to grapple with the grim reality of how easily the vulnerable slip through the cracks.

The narrative pacing is deliberate, reflecting the painstaking nature of forensic work. While some readers may find the technical details of anthropology challenging, those who persist will be rewarded with a richer understanding of the discipline and its impact on the living and the dead.

For readers of true crime, "The Scientist and the Serial Killer" offers not only the dark thrill of unraveling a serial killer’s psyche but also a meaningful meditation on justice, memory, and the resilience of the human spirit. Olsen doesn’t merely recount a story; she places readers in the thick of it, forcing us to question how society can better protect its most vulnerable—and how science and determination can help right some of the wrongs when it fails.

In the end, this book serves as a haunting reminder of the delicate balance between progress and negligence, between science and humanity, and ultimately, between justice and injustice. It is not just a story; it is a call to action. A must-read for those brave enough to confront the shadows of human nature.

I thought this book sounded gripping and interesting. Unfortunately it did neither for me. I ended up not finishing the book. I felt like there was way too much information all at once and other times were there wasn’t any. There was no flow and felt too chaotic, not organized in any way. I was so looking forward to this book, sadly it wasn’t for me. Thank you NetGalley for this digital arc.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! The Scientist and the Serial Killer: The search for the Houston Lost Boys by Lise Olsen is well done. Lise Olsen is a well known investigative journalist who turned her findings into a book. This book centers around Dean Corll a prolific serial killer, 17 year old Wayne Henley who killed him and Dr. Sharron Derrick, a forensic anthropologist.

Decades after the murders took place, Dr. Sharron Derrick found boxes of unidentified remains from Dean Corll's victims and worked hard along herside her team to reunite them with their loved ones. In 1973, Dean Corll's murder count was 27, with 7 of them being unidentified.

Throughour the years Dr. Sharron Derrick was able to put names to 7 previously unidentified remains and reunite them with their families. From 2008 to 2014 she was able to identify Randell Lee Harvey, Joseph Allen Lyles, Michael baulch, Roy "ikie" Bunton, Steven ferdig-sickman, Donnie falcon and Willard k "rusty" branch jr.

I thought the book was really brought together with the inclusion of pictures, taken from police archives and records. It was also interesting to learn that the terms John Doe, Jane Doe and Baby Doe are no longer used as they are considered unprofessional and dehumanizing to the dead.

Thank you to Lise Olsen for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This book hits stores April 1st 2025

Really interesting story. I have actually watch some documentaries and listened to some podcasts on the Candyman case.
While anyone can know the ending of the story from a quick Google Search or if they follow true crime, the author wrote this in a way that still had suspense.

The author really did a great job of illustrating just how awful the case was, while balancing the human elements of this case.
I really enjoyed this one. I do hope that this book can bring light to an often overlooked case.


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

True story of a forensic scientist who finds the victims of a serial killer known as the Candy Man. Investigate journalist Lise Olsen studies the case, the teenagers to find out what happened to them.

Such an interesting non fiction read. You really get I sight into how science helped catch a killer.

The story is comprehensive, and the author balances all human, scientific, and procedural aspects, creating a vivid picture of the complexities that surrounded this 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.
The Scientist and the Serial Killer is an engaging book for anyone interested in true crime, forensic science, and the human stories behind major criminal investigations.

Unfortunately, I will be DNFing this at 50%. I am not saying this is a bad book or anything, but I really had trouble with the way it was written. It really jumped perspectives and timelines a lot, and I felt myself becoming confused with the constant backtracking, then jumping ahead again. I do feel interested in the cases and these stories, and I really loved the scientific aspect of discovering unidentified bodies. I have a lot of respect for the work of the Dr. and also this author for being so detailed in covering the cases. However, I think that if this was told in a more chronological timeline this would make a lot more sense to readers. I think the chapters need to be rearranged.

"The Scientist and the Serial Killer: The Search for Houston's Lost Boys" by Lise Olsen is a gripping true crime narrative set to be released on April 1, 2025. This meticulously researched book delves into the chilling case of Houston's lost boys and the relentless pursuit of justice that spanned decades. Olsen, an accomplished investigative reporter, brings her journalistic prowess to the forefront in this compelling work. The book chronicles the haunting story of a mass murder that has plagued Houston for years, focusing on the brave forensic investigator who finally brought closure to families long ignored by authorities.
The narrative is praised for its masterful storytelling, with Olsen's writing described as dramatic and engaging. Her ability to craft vivid character descriptions and maintain suspense throughout the book has been highly commended1. The author skillfully balances the grim realities of the case with a profound sense of empathy, creating an engrossing and thought-provoking read.
One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of the families' private investigations and perpetual grief. Olsen's portrayal of their struggles and the persistent efforts of the forensic investigator adds a deeply human element to the story, making it resonate long after the final page1.
While the subject matter is undoubtedly dark, Olsen's approach is both sensitive and thorough. She uncovers new information about the case, immersing readers in an astonishing story and revealing long-held secrets about these crimes. This fresh perspective on a decades-old case demonstrates Olsen's commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing it to light.
"The Scientist and the Serial Killer" is not just a recounting of events; it's a testament to the power of persistence in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Olsen's work serves as both a gripping mystery and a tribute to those who refused to let the lost boys of Houston be forgotten.
In conclusion, this book promises to be a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and those interested in the intricacies of forensic investigation. Olsen's skillful blend of rigorous reporting and compelling storytelling makes "The Scientist and the Serial Killer" a standout addition to the true crime genre.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

The writing style is great. Very thorough, well thought out and researched. But, did not finish due to not my type of book.

The Scientist and the Serial Killer by Lise Olsen is a fun, suspenseful true crime story that draws you into the gripping mystery and holds your attention until the very end. The book feels like a great Dateline episode but never caught me as much as something like I’ll Be Gone In The Dark.

As a lover of true crime I found this book to be meticulously detailed that deeply explores a chilling series of mass murderers during the 70’s in South Texas. This book dives deeply into the perspectives of detectives, the haunting locations where bodies were discovered, the anguish of the witnesses and 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 that surrounded this 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.
The Scientist and the Serial Killer is an engaging book for anyone interested in true crime, forensic science, and the human stories behind major criminal investigations.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Olsen and Random House Publishing for the ARC of this great book!

Dang. When I started The Scientist and the Serial Killer by Lise Olsen, I immediately had the sneaking suspicion this would be a book which had great information but would end up overstuffed. The first chapter, for instance, is immediately engaging, but oddly, there were a lot of very long sentences trying to cram as much story into them as possible. I hoped it was just beginning jitters, but unfortunately the problem expanded.

The book looks at the serial killer Dean Corll and two of his accomplices. It also follows Dr. Sharon Derrick who in the almost present day is still working to positively identify some of the victims decades later. There is also a few chapters on near victims who barely escaped Corll's grasp. Oh, there is also some allusions to horrible police work and maybe a pedophile ring. Do you see the issue?

On top of this, chapters will jump back and forth between the time of certain killings or the work of Derrick. I could see how Olsen was trying to organize the book but ultimately it was too many people, too many timelines, and stories which could end up half-baked.

It's truly a shame because Olsen does some great work at times. She is clearly trying to bring dignity back to many victims who were shoved to the side. This is not a true crime book which is just peddling in horror and some aspects of it are truly engrossing. Unfortunately, there is just too much of some things and not enough of others.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Random House.)

I enjoy true crime novels. This book tells the story of Houstons Lost Boys, their serial killer and the scientist who helped to ID many of the victims. This book was written in a format that is more dense and scientific so if you are looking for an easier true crime read, this is not for you. It gets more in-depth and at times the story of the victims seemed to get a bit lost. It is sad that not all of the victims have been identified

So many books about this scumbag serial killer have come out lately. But this one is at least different enough to justify existing.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Random House for the copy of The Scientist and the Serial Killer The Search for Houston's Lost Boy by Lise Olsen. I found this book difficult to get into even though it opened with a bang. I couldn’t keep track of or get to know the victims or the killer even though there was a lot of description. In some ways it’s unfair for me to rate this book because as a teen I read and loved Ann Rule books so I’m used to her approach of making the victims relatable. I found it hard to follow because it seemed to jump around a lot. I enjoyed some sections that seemed to be linear, but would then run into a part that once again jumped around and didn’t flow seamlessly. I appreciate how much Dr. Sharon Derrick did to identify the victims and how far DNA testing has improved in the past decades. My main takeaway was how sorry I was for those boys and their families, some who didn’t survive to get resolution. If you are interested in a depraved serial killer that many have never heard of, you might love this book! 3 stars