BOOK CORNER
By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
“Decoding Madness: A Forensic Psychologist Explores the Criminal Mind,” by Richard Lettieri, is a new true crime book that offers a behind-the-scenes look at forensic psychology through the exploration of case studies from the author’s years of experience
It was inspired by the author’s interest in human behavior.
“I always had an interest in people’s behavior, especially in how others, including myself, make moral decisions,” Lettieri said. “My experience as a forensic neuropsychologist provides a full-bore entry into extreme behavior and the imperfect human nature of everyone as revealed by defendants and justice professionals as we operate within the system and the struggle to manage complex legal and moral decisions.”
It was important for Lettieri to create a book that sheds light on how the criminal justice system works.
“It’s a venue that reveals not only how mental disturbances drive crime, but also serves to expose deep psychological truths about us all,” said the author. “I introduce the idea of the ‘daimonic’ as a basic force of human nature that is the source of our constructive and destructive capacities.”
“Decoding Madness” is presented in a narrative fashion where the author addresses serious offenses committed such as sexual perversion, insanity, issues related to psychopathic behavior and more while also offering readers insight into case studies conducted through his years of experience completing psychological evaluations of such defendants.
“Decoding Madness” is intended for the general public and will no doubt peak the interests of fans of true crime, forensic psychology, neuroscience, contemporary mental health issues and those interested in an understanding of the roots of abnormal behavior (violence, psychosis, brain injury, psychopathy, etc.).
“I hope readers gain a greater appreciation of the psychological complexity of forensic psychological evaluations and the causes and motivations of overtly irrational behavior,” Lettieri said. “In addition, I hope this work clarifies common misconceptions regarding forensic psychology, such as the nature of the insanity defense.”
In addition to being an author, Lettieri is a practicing psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience. He lives in Orange County. For more information about the author and his work, visit crimepsychologist.com.
“Decoding Madness: A Forensic Psychologist Explores the Criminal Mind” is available for $19.95 via online booksellers and stores such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, Booktopia, Second Sale, BAM!, Indie Bound, and more.