THE SCIENTIST AND THE SERIAL KILLER:
THE SEARCH FOR HOUSTON’S LOST BOYS
By Lise Olsen
True Crime / History
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 464 Publication Date: April 1, 2025
SYNOPSIS
The Scientist and the Serial Killer is the gripping, upside-down detective story of a Texas forensic anthropologist named Sharon Derrick who, determined to close the cases of the notorious 1970s Houston-area serial killer Dean Corll, painstakingly deploys the latest science to identify victims who had become known as the Lost Boys of Houston. This is an unforgettable narrative of forensic science,
missing persons, and unsolved crimes by award-winning investigative journalist Lise Olsen.
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JENNIE READS REVIEW
This nonfiction book is both a compelling and harrowing read. The subject matter—serial killings and the tragic fates of young victims—is undeniably difficult, yet the author’s skillful storytelling makes for a smooth and engaging narrative. By weaving in cultural context, historical details, and even musical references, the book provides a vivid sense of time and place. The author also takes great care in recounting the lives of the teenage victims, giving them a voice and face beyond the headlines.
What sets this book apart is its thorough examination of those working to identify Corll’s ‘Lost Boys.’ From law enforcement to forensic teams and medical examiners, the layers of investigation are laid out in a well-rounded and deeply researched account.
As a reader, I couldn’t help but feel frustration at how these missing teens were initially dismissed as runaways despite the alarming number of disappearances within a small area. The mishandling of identifications only compounded the suffering of their families, adding to the heartbreak of an already devastating case.
The author approaches these horrific events with a clear intent to uncover as many facts as possible, resulting in a meticulously researched and emotionally powerful read.
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Jennie Reads 
Nice review and I agree that this is a terrific book. I enjoyed it all from the science to the personal stories that let me know so much about the boys and their lives.
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phenomenal! Analysis: Understanding the Historical Context of [Current Conflict] 2025 enthralling
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