The Alienist (Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, #1)
by Caleb Carr
The Alienist by Caleb Carr holds a highly rated rating of 4.05 out of 5, based on 97K reader ratings. First published in 1994. The book spans 498 pages.
About The Alienist
When The Alienist was first published in 1994, it was a major phenomenon, spending six months on the New York Times bestseller list, receiving critical acclaim, and selling millions of copies. This modern classic continues to be a touchstone of historical suspense fiction for readers everywhere.The year is 1896. The city is New York. Newspaper reporter John Schuyler Moore is summoned by his friend Dr. Laszlo Kreizler—a psychologist, or “alienist”—to view the horribly mutilated body of an adolescent boy abandoned on the unfinished Williamsburg Bridge. From there the two embark on a revolutionary effort in criminology: creating a psychological profile of the perpetrator based on the details of his crimes. Their dangerous quest takes them into the tortured past and twisted mind of a murderer who will kill again before their hunt is over.Fast-paced and riveting, infused with historical detail, The Alienist conjures up Gilded Age New York, with its tenements and mansions, corrupt cops and flamboyant gangsters, shining opera houses and seamy gin mills. It is an age in which questioning society’s belief that all killers are born, not made, could have unexpected and fatal consequences.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Caleb Carr |
| Published | 1994 |
| Pages | 498 |
| Genres | Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Mystery & Thriller |
| Average Rating | 4.05 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 96,981 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
How It Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Alienist?
The Alienist is categorized as Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Fiction, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Mystery & Thriller.
Is The Alienist worth reading?
Based on 97K reader ratings, The Alienist has an average score of 4.05 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is The Alienist?
The Alienist has 498 pages.
Who wrote The Alienist?
The Alienist was written by Caleb Carr. It was first published in 1994.
What is the ISBN for The Alienist?
The ISBN-13 for The Alienist is 9780812976140.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
