Book Review: Criminal Psychology

Several times each month, we are pleased to republish a recent book review from the Canadian Law Library Review (CLLR). CLLR is the official journal of the Canadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL/ACBD), and its reviews cover both practice-oriented and academic publications related to the law.

Criminal Psychology. By David Rowlands & David Canter. 3rd ed. London, U.K.: Routledge, 2025. x, 365 p. Includes illustrations, bibliographic references, and index. ISBN 9780367773755 (hardcover) $170.00; ISBN 9780367773731 (softcover) $56.99; ISBN 9781003171065 (eBook) $51.29.

Reviewed by Leslie Taylor
Research and Instruction Librarian
Lederman Law Library
Queen’s University

Criminal Psychology, 3rd ed, by David Rowlands and David Canter, is the latest addition to Routledge’s Topics in Applied Psychology series. Both authors are leading academics in criminal psychology in the U.K., making them qualified to write this foundational textbook: Rowlands is a research fellow at the University of Leeds specializing in the policing of vulnerable populations, addiction, and offender rehabilitation, while Canter is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Liverpool who has researched and published significantly in the field of psychology and crime over several decades.

Examining the intersections between psychology and crime, criminal psychology plays a vital role in crime prevention and investigation, the creation of safer communities, and support for victims and witnesses of crime. As demand continues to grow for psychology expertise, this updated edition is particularly timely and relevant for contemporary students and practitioners within the criminal justice system.

This textbook provides a broad survey of the range of criminal psychology issues while also serving as a springboard for deeper exploration. It is organized into four main sections, each of which builds upon the preceding one to create a cohesive understanding of the field. Section 1 explores the foundations of criminality, examining the biological, psychological, and social explanations of crime. Section 2 analyzes specific criminal behaviors in more detail, including burglary, domestic violence, sexual offenses, homicide, serial killing, and organized crime, as well as terrorism. Section 3 addresses some of the evidentiary challenges faced by police and courts, particularly those about human memory limitations and deception. Section 4 outlines some practical applications of criminal psychology research in policing, court proceedings, and corrections, while also examining victim experiences and support. Finally, the closing chapter considers the more recent developments in our understanding of the nature of criminality and looks to directions in which the field may be headed.

While this text offers an authoritative overview of criminal psychology research and practice, its primary limitation is its focus on British and American contexts, with minimal Canadian content. Instructors at Canadian institutions will need to supplement this material with resources specific to Canadian law, including Canadian criminal justice systems and crime patterns. However, the theoretical frameworks and research methodologies presented remain valuable regardless of the book’s geographical context.

The book also excels in its pedagogical design. Each chapter opens with clearly defined learning outcomes and a summary to help focus reading. Visual aids, including tables, figures, and illustrations, are abundant, as are “focus boxes,” which contain practical examples, activities, and detailed explanations of certain principles. These elements all help the reader more effectively engage with the material and develop a deeper understanding of key concepts. Chapters conclude with reviews of key terms, suggestions for essay topics, and recommendations for further reading.

Criminal Psychology is a comprehensive reference text and would serve as an excellent primary text for college or university-level criminal psychology courses. Its broad coverage, pedagogical strengths, and authoritative perspective make it an ideal choice for introducing students to the field, and it would make a valuable addition to academic libraries supporting psychology, law, and other related programs.