Predators

February 17, 2003
Salter, known for such novels as White Lies, offers a direct and startling look at the alarming problem of sexual predators in the U.S. Drawing on her experience counseling victims and offenders, she creates a daunting picture for the readers. "This is not a book with complete and comfortable answers. It will not finish with a checklist for identifying a sex offender.... But if I do my job right, reading this book will make it harder for sex offenders to get access to you or your children," she says in her introduction. Despite some much publicized media cases, Salter believes there are many misunderstandings about sexual predators. Most of the crimes are premeditated and carefully planned, and fewer than 5% of sexual predators are caught. With anecdotes and case histories, Salter examines such various predators as rapists and child molesters. Then, she goes on to offer some specific strategies to avoid high-risk situations. These tactics consist of monitoring children, even teens, on the Internet; carrying a cell phone; using home security systems, etc. The descriptions of violent attacks and victims' experience will undoubtedly unnerve readers. However, the subject matter is likely to appeal more to police or psychology professionals. The strategies the author offers for readers are usually fairly obvious. While sexual crimes may be on the increase, readers may see this book as necessary only after they've been victimized rather than as a preventive guide.

March 1, 2003
A world-renowned expert on sex offenders, Salter (Treating Child Sex Offenders and Victims) here provides an in-depth look at how sexual predators think, how they behave, how they trick their victims, and how they escape the law. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this book is that Salter dismisses many of the myths related to sex offenders and shows us how to protect our families and ourselves. She shares insights gained from countless hours of interviews with sexual predators, often quoting from these interviews. Among the myths that Salter dispels are that most sexual crimes are not premeditated, that most sexual predators are eventually caught (in fact, fewer that five percent face justice), and that educated people are smart enough to steer clear of predators. Other recent books on the subject include Stephen Holmes's Sex Crimes: Patterns and Behavior and Sexual Deviance: Issues and Controversies, edited by Tony Ward. This current volume is particularly well suited to parents and educators; recommended for large public libraries.-Tim Delaney, Canisius Coll., Buffalo, NY

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2003
Salter, a psychologist, draws on 20 years of studying sex offenders to provide a disturbing and absorbing look at how and why sex abusers generally get away with their abuse. Sex offenders are usually not the monsters most expect them to be; instead, they are charming, likable people who count on those traits to hide their true intentions and activities. Using interviews with sex offenders, Salter offers chilling portraits of a variety of people, including priests, teachers, coaches, and others who come in daily contact with children, who take advantage of their positions and the trust of children and their parents to commit heinous acts. Salter profiles child molesters, rapists, sadists, and psychopaths, including their general techniques for deception. Her final chapter, focused on helping parents to protect their children, emphasizes deflecting sex offenders--because detecting them is nearly impossible--with practical suggestions for vigilantly monitoring children's activities and who coaches or counsels them. Despite some chilling profiles, this is an insightful look at a subject that concerns all parents.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)