Touched By The Devil: Inside The Mind Of The Australian Psychopath - Andy Shea & John Clarke

"Touched By The Devil: Inside The Mind Of The Australian Psychopath" by Andy Shea and John Clarke explores the mind of one of Australia's most notorious serial killers, David Birnie. Birnie and his partner, Catherine Birnie, were responsible for the murders of four young women in Western Australia in 1986.

The book provides a detailed account of the crimes committed by Birnie and his partner, as well as the police investigation that ultimately led to their capture. However, the focus of the book is on the psychology of David Birnie and the factors that may have contributed to his violent and sadistic behaviour.

Through interviews with psychologists and psychiatrists who have studied Birnie's case, as well as with individuals who knew him personally, Shea and Clarke attempt to provide insight into the mind of a psychopath. They explore the role of childhood trauma and abuse, as well as the impact of Birnie's obsession with pornography and violent fantasies.

The writing in "Touched By The Devil" is clear and engaging, and the authors provide a wealth of detail about the case and the individuals involved. However, the book is not for the faint of heart, as it includes graphic descriptions of the crimes committed by Birnie and his partner.