Fabulous Reads: SA’s serial killer expert returns with second novel
Book review - The Profiler Diaries 2: From Crime Scene to Courtroom by Gerard Labuschagne.
The Profiler Diaries 2: From Crime Scene to Courtroom, Gerard Labuschagne, Penguin Random House, ISBN: 9781776390359
AS a lover of true crime and crime-thrillers, I was over the moon when I received a copy to review, even though this is the second publication by Gerard Labuschagne, one of South Africa’s most esteemed criminal profilers.
As can be imagined, the book tackles some morbid and gruesome topics, however, Labuschagne managed to weave some humor into the chapters – this includes a number of self-depreciating jokes that break the tension.
It was also moving to see how Labuschagne remained not only respectful and empathetic to the victims, but neutral towards the perpetrators, many of whom had done some horrific things. There was never any judgement from his writings.
After working on a number of murder and rape cases in his fourteen-and-a half-years in the police force, one might expect some desensitisation, however, it was reassuring to see him maintain a sense of humanity.
Labuschagne also makes an effort to make the content understandable to all by breaking things down into layman’s terms.
While the previous book focused a lot more on serial killers and what makes them tick, this book, for me, at least, focused a lot more on the conviction and court phases following a crime – something as a former journalist, I know many people are unfamiliar with.
I also loved that the booked delved into a mix-match of various types of crime.
This book is definitely worth reading, even if you don’t have an interest in true crime. It really helps one understand the complexities of the justice system. It’s not as simple as just making an arrest, getting a confession, a sentence and throwing away the key.
While there were some slight grammatical issues, I managed to devour the volume in no time, and I truly hope that there will be similar books released by Labuschagne in the future. – Mariclair Smit 3/5 stars
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