Dr. Al Carlisle (1937- 2018), was a clinical psychologist who spent nearly fifty years interviewing and studying serial killers. He was arguably one of the first "mind hunters."

He spent 20 years working in the psychology department of the Utah State Prison where he worked with serial killers and sex offenders like Arthur Gary Bishop and Ted Bundy.

He passed away suddenly early on the morning of May 29, 2018, after spending Memorial Day with family. His laughter and insight is greatly missed.

His books are a result of his decades of research, and explore what life choices cause good people to do bad things. If you're interested in learning about the development of a serial killer, check out his books.

Now published by Carlisle Legacy Books, LLC.

What better way to spend a few days indoors than with a good book!


Watch "Violent Minds: Killers on Tape," a documentary serioes based on Dr. Carlisle and his more than 40 years of research on serial killers. Premiering April 2, 2023 on Oxygen and now on Peacock.


AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 15, 2024:

     "The Bundy Files: A 1976 Companion" with documentation from Ted Bundy's 90-day evaluation in the Utah State Prison

     "Happy Talk: Conversations with Keith Jesperson" from interviews Dr. Carlisle conducted in 2001.

Al Carlisle's books are available on Amazon and Audible from Carlisle Legacy Books, LLC

Comments About Al Carlisle’s Books




“Carlisle’s perspective is that of a clinical psychologist, so he penetrates deeper into the why”.

- Dr. Katherine Ramsland, Psychology Today

(About I’m Not Guilty)



“The book offers more than just an outline of a serial killer; its interest, in fact, resides more in the why than the how or the who.”

- Dr. Michael R. Collings

(About Mind of the Devil)



"Broken Samurai is Carlisle's best work out of a history of excellent writings!"

- Michaelbrent Collings, bestselling author of Strangers and Scavenger Hunt

(About Broken Samurai)



"A fascinating study of Bundy by one of the most knowledgeable experts on the subject. Highly recommended!"

- Michaelbrent Collings, best-selling author of  Strangers and Scavenger Hunt

(About The 1976 Psychological Assessment of Ted Bundy)



“Carlisle’s perspective is that of a clinical psychologist, so he penetrates deeper into the “why.”

-Dr. Katherine Ramsland Psychology Today, on "I'm Not Guilty"



The 1976 Psychological Assessment of Ted Bundy is a thought-provoking and insightful look at the circumstances that can give rise to a deranged individual and the manner in which people like Bundy strive to hide their true face from society.”

-Bev Vincent author of The Road to Darktower



“Anyone interested in the titillating details of the horrors of Bundy’s murders would be well-served to look elsewhere. But for a meticulous, step-by-step analysis of the process by which a cold, methodical killer was unmasked, Dr. Carlisle’s account is unbeatable.”

-Michael Collings on The 1976 Psychological Assessment of Ted Bundy



“Needless to say, Carlisle’s presentation was riveting.”

- Stephanie M. Wytovich on I’m Not Guilty