FOREIGN RIGHTS AUTUMN 2013 - Hanser Literaturverlage

P O L I T I C S A N D S O C I E T Y
Joachim Käppner looks behind the
scenes to examine the myth of the
criminal profiler. With particular focus on
the infamous NSU murders, he gives us
insights into the real world of operational
case analysts, showing just how complex
and controversial crime detection can be.
Ever since The Silence of the Lambs, fascination with the work of criminal profilers has
continued unabated. There’s been a glut of movies and detective novels portraying the
psychological duel between the twisted genius of the serial killer and his equally inspired
nemesis. The reality is completely different – yet no less exciting. Joachim Käppner outlines
the work of Germany’s operational case analysts. He tells us how they were initially
met with ridicule which soon turned to admiration as they became invaluable in solving
sex murders and serial killings. Over the years Käppner has accompanied profilers across
the country in the course of their work, with particular emphasis on the Munich case analyst
director Alexander Horn and his team, who had the neo-Nazi NSU murderers down
as the crimes of extremists or an insane individual perpetrator as early as 2006. At that
time no one believed them, and the police investigators carried on searching for a shady
underground organised crime syndicate. Käppner’s description of the background and
the complex reappraisal of investigative slip-ups reads like a thriller itself.
»Painstakingly researched, beautifully written and engaging to the end. A whole century
perfectly encapsulated.« Die Zeit on Berthold Beitz. Die Biographie
Joachim Käppner
Profiler
Auf der Spur von
Serientätern und Terroristen
Profilers – on the trail of
serial killers and terrorists
336 pages with illustrations.
Hardcover
Publication date:
August 2013
Joachim Käppner
is a journalist and editor for
the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
His most recent publications
are Die Familie der
Generäle. Eine deutsche
Geschichte (2007) and
the Spiegel bestseller
Berthold Beitz. Die Biographie
(2010), which won him
the 2011 German Business
Book Award and the Quandt
Media Prize.
»Anyone who wants to learn more about German military history should read this fascinating
and instructive book.« Spiegel Special on Die Familie der Generäle. Eine deutsche Geschichte
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F O R E I G N R I G H T S HANSER