"The Alienist" ~ Caleb Carr

Picture:Wikipedia

First of all I want to warn you : do not eat before reading this book. You may not take this advice seriously, you may find it even ridiculous, but trust me the described images are not for every stomach.
At the very dawn of criminal investigation (fingerprints are just an idea) and psychology investigation a brutal murderer is on the loose.
The main character, Dr. Kriezler, uses as an investigation method the idea of context behind which stands the theory that behavior is determined in the childhood.
Mr Moore is a crime reporter for the New York Times and one would assume that he would be more likely to be in the role of Watson. Actually his good knowledge of New York's underworld helps immensely the investigation.
Ms Sara Howard assists as the connection between the team and the police (mainly with captain Theodore Roosevelt, that's right the future president of America). She brings of course the usual romantic side-story we see in every story.
Dr. Kriezler and his team face up something not very familiar to 18th century police: a brutal serial killer. And not just that, he targets kids, also known as boy-whores.
The way he kills them and displaces their bodies... You wouldn't expect that even from Stephen King.
If I have to be completely honest, I didn't find any of the characters very charismatic or well-developed, even the killer's background was a little watery presented, but the mere fact that he was identified almost only by analyzing his life and digging deep down in his mind was remarkable. Of course the help from the two forensic brothers Markus and Lucius Issacson was of great assistance, plus their presence added some good mood to the whole party.
The whole story is really dark and unusual, but that's why I believe you would enjoy it. It is something relatively new, exciting and a little scary. Almost only with the help of observation, analysis and knowledge on human nature, an unlikely team of people is able yo stop a troubled person and his evil self.

There is a 2-Season series made on this book and its sequel. The whole project is very well made. The cast and the represenatation of the times back then are (for the very first timeon my life) just as I imagined them in the book(s).