Ep 152, 153 & 155! Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber and the Invention of Criminal Profiling by Michael Cannell

 

BUY INCENDIARY: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling by Michael Cannell on Amazon!

BUY other fabulous Michael Cannell books!

Unsolved Wall Street Bombing of 1920 (FBI)

Unsolved Wall Street Bombing 1920 (FBI)

Penn Station 1950s- Target.(Wikipedia)

Oyster Bar, Grand Central Station, 1950s- Target.(Wikipedia)

NYC Public Library-1950s- Target. (Wikipedia)

Buy Dr. Brussels' book on AMAZON! 

The Mad Bomber- Captured!
George Metesky

Crime Scene- Murder of Mary Nerich, 1957

Another Dr. Brussel profile cracks the case, the murder of Mary Nerich, 1957.

Killer of Mary Nerich murders again, 1981.

Another Dr. Brussel profile case- The Boston Strangler

1962-1964

Survivor of the Boston Strangler, 1964

Albert DeSalvo was arrested for sexual assault in Boston in 1964.

SOURCES

40-Year old man convicted of killing a woman, UPI.com (Archives), 1981.

A Year to Remember- 1945- Dancing the Jitterbug, YouTube.com, Jan 2026.

California Jubilee in "Let's Twist Again"- Chubby Checker, YouTube.com, 2014.

Eric Rudolph, History, FBI.gov, 2026. 

Gerold Frank, The Boston Strangler, Open Road Media, 1967.

James A. Brussel, Casebook of a Crime Psychiatrist, Bernard Geis Associates, 1968.

James A. George, Offender Profiling and Expert Testimony: Scientifically Valid or Glorified Results, Vanderbilt Law Review, 2008.

Jenna, New York Cheese Cake with Strawberry Sauce, Butternut Bakery.com, 2026.

Kirk Yeager Ph.D, Understanding Bombers' Motivation: A Historical Study, Featured Articles, FBI.gov, March 9, 2022.

Dr Yeager's diagram from his research - See who is an example- George Metesky!

Mark Safarik, Katherine Ramsland, Spree Killers: Practical Classifications for Law Enforcement and Criminology, CRC Press, Oct. 18, 2018.

Michael Cannell, Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling, Minotaur Books, April 25, 2017.

Michael Cannell, Unmasking the Mad Bomber, Smithstonian.com, April 2017.

Michael Greenburg, The Mad Bomber of New York: The Extraordinary True Story of the Manhunt That Paralyzed a City, Union Square Press, NYC, April 5, 2011.

Richard Gonzales et al, Austin Bomber suspect, Mark Anthony Conditt, left a 'confession' before standoff, Capradio, March 20, 2018.

The Mad Bomber- Getty Images, Jan. 2026.

The Mad Bomber Strikes In NY, History.com, May 28, 2025.

The Unabomber, History, FBI.gov, 2026.

Wall Street Bombing of 1920, HISTORY-Famous cases and Criminals, FBI.org, Jan 2026.

Walter C. Langer, A Psychological Analysis of Adolph Hitler: His life and legend, CIA.gov, 2025.

Feb 2026 Deadly Route by Karen DeVanie and Anne Varner - A Review by Jill of the Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast

BUY DEADLY ROUTE BY Varner & DeVanie on Amazon!

    The incredible dynamic duo is back with their second book in the 'Say My Name Series', titled Deadly Route. Do not overlook that first sentence; the key phrase is “say my name.” Karen DeVanie and Anne Varner are dedicated to honoring the victims of crimes that occurred in their hometown of Franklin, Virginia, which has profoundly shaped the sisters' personalities and love of true crime. 

    In this novel, the authors present the story from the perspectives of characters Georgia, Olive, and Toby. Through their gripping internal monologues, readers are drawn into themes of optimism, intervention, and the menacing figure known as ‘The Savage.’ With exquisite foreshadowing, we realize that The Savage will eventually intersect with someone or something, creating a growing tension that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what will happen next as the characters go about their daily lives, unaware of the devastation barreling toward them. 

    Georgia stood on the brink of her hopes and dreams, the eternal optimist who joyfully embraced the milestones of young adulthood: love, marriage, and career. The loyal friend, Olive, who takes on a protective role, remaining devoted, despite not always understanding the choices made. Toby, often misunderstood and struggling with even the smallest social interactions, navigated the tumultuous waters of life, experiencing fluctuating periods of isolation and anger. 

 I became so engrossed in the story that I finished Deadly Route in under 4 hours; I couldn't put it down! I felt as if I was part of the unfolding scenes, seeing through the characters’ eyes and weighing their reactions and responses. At the end of this poignant book, we discover the true story that inspired the novel: the callous murder of Theresa Yvonne “Terry” Brickey Brantley, a beloved local who tragically lost her life at the age of 24. 

 The authors' passion for justice is evidenced by the attention to detail that characterizes the Say My Name Series. The authors and hosts of the Sugar-Coated Murder podcast also share an uplifting chocolate cake recipe that will impress. As warmer weather approaches, I highly recommend bringing "Deadly Route" to the beach, pool, or patio chair. It is a guaranteed winner that you will want to discuss with friends and family. Add this one to your murder shelf.

PPst! I featured their 1st book, Click, Click, Click- Ep 77-79!