Hearts of Darkness

Why Kids Are Becoming Mass Murderers and How We Can Stop It

By: Bill Birnes, John Liebert

Narrated by: Michael Louis Serafin-Wells

From Sandy Hook, Connecticut, to Aurora, Colorado, to Tucson, Arizona, this nation has been racked from coast to coast with mass shootings perpetrated by criminals with sick minds. Authors Dr. Liebert and Dr. Birnes believe the increase in violence is an epidemic and dig deep into the causes of mental illness to determine what exactly is going on with these individuals and society as a whole, and what action can be taken to slow this frightening trend toward mass violence.

Dr. Liebert and Dr. Birnes believe that many mass suicides are predictable and preventable. Dr. Liebert uses his extensive experience in psychopathology and criminal psychology to describe how clinicians can identify the behaviors of potential suicidal mass killers and possibly prevent their crimes if they read the warning signs when legal opportunities present themselves, such as when recurrent domestic violence or psychotic communications are reported to authorities.

The authors also discuss the influence of media - particularly violent video games - and how the evolution of American culture affects suicidal mental illness.

With startling statistics, fascinating case studies, and practical, no-nonsense solutions, the authors present a groundbreaking and compelling treatise on violence in America.

©2013 Bill Birnes and John Liebert (P)2014 Audible Inc.

"This was a rather in depth look at children who commit murder"

"I thought this book was good , going deep into the mind of these young offenders"

Prescriptive Review of Mass Murder

The "How We Can Stop It" part of the subtitle is definitely at play in this book. You may or may not agree with the recommendations. There is a lot in here about brain chemistry, medicine, medical protocols, etc.
The audio is problematic. The recording should be the last thing you are thinking about, but with this book, it is often the first thing. I wonder if it was being recorded as it was being written, because the amount of insertions into the narration of recordings that were performed at a different time/place was horribly distracting. Sometimes, a phrase was inserted into the middle of a sentence. Why not just re-record the whole sentence, paragraph, or chapter? The recording was grossly unprofessional.

Must be read by ALL

Some of the writings and analysis you will agree with, others you won’t. Birnes and Liebert give us a wake-up call to prevent tragedies and create healthy, productive, and law-abiding young people. To do this we must consider the lessons of Newtown, Blacksburg, Tucson, and Aurora. This will call for actions on our nations gun laws, mental health, and violence in the media. My hope is that you will be able that put your partisanship aside and be willing to consider moderate efforts that will both prevent these tragedies and respect the rights of others.