A behind-the-scenes look at the creation and development of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit, written by the pioneering forensic nurse who transformed the way the FBI studies, profiles, and catches serial killers.

'I think you have something here' I said,
'This could lead to a whole new way of understanding criminal behaviour. As far as I know no one's ever tried to figure out why serial killers kill. The implications are profound.'

Haunting, heartfelt, and deeply human, Dr Ann Burgess's remarkable memoir combines a riveting personal narrative of fearless feminism and ambition, bone-chilling encounters with real-life monsters, and a revealing portrait of the ever-evolving US criminal justice system. A Killer By Design will inspire, terrify, and enlighten you in equal measure.

It forces us to confront the age-old question 'What drives someone to kill, and how can we stop them?'

'Of all the colleagues I've worked with, Ann is one of the sharpest – and one of the toughest ... She taught us how to harness the chaos of serial killers' minds and helped us decipher the undecipherable. I'd recommend that everyone read A Killer By Design; not only is it a great page-turner, but it's about time Ann's story was heard' - JOHN E. DOUGLAS, former FBI criminal profiler and bestselling author of Mindhunter.