The Killer of Little Shepherds
The Killer of Little Shepherds
Book Brief
336
Book • Nonfiction
France • Late 1800s
2010
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Killer of Little Shepherds: A True Crime Story and the Birth of Forensic Science by Douglas Starr chronicles the late-nineteenth-century crimes of Joseph Vacher, a French serial murderer, and the efforts of Prosecutor Emile Fourquet and criminologist Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne to capture him, leading to the development of modern forensic science. The book includes graphic descriptions of violence and murder.
Mysterious
Dark
Informative
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
5,567 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Killer of Little Shepherds by Douglas Starr meticulously intertwines the birth of modern forensic science with a gripping true crime story. Critics praise its detailed research and narrative drive. Some find the pacing uneven, but most agree it's a compelling read that effectively balances scientific insight with historical context.
Who Should Read The Killer of Little Shepherds?
Ideal for true crime enthusiasts and history buffs, readers of Douglas Starr's The Killer of Little Shepherds will appreciate its meticulous blend of forensic science and gripping narrative. Fans of Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City and Harold Schechter's Hell's Princess will find this book particularly compelling.
5,567 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Killer of Little Shepherds by Douglas Starr details the intersection of science and law in the late 19th century, highlighting the origins of modern forensic science.
The book delves into the life and career of Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne, a pioneering French criminologist who is often considered one of the founders of forensic science.
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The narrative explores the captivating story of Joseph Vacher, a notorious French serial killer, whose case became a landmark in the history of criminal profiling and forensic investigation.
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336
Book • Nonfiction
France • Late 1800s
2010
Adult
18+ years
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