Dangerous Instincts: How Gut Feelings Betray Us

Though O'Toole's background as an FBI agent and profiler gives her plenty of insights and concrete examples with which to fill this well-organized and thorough book, readers may shy away from its hard-line approach to safety. Much as we'd prefer to believe the opposite, O'Toole argues that our instincts and intuition let us down all the time, with people often describing unfortunate events only to add%E2%80%94"I never saw that one coming." To prove her theory that instincts are dangerous, O'Toole offers tests throughout so that readers can assess their responses and reaction to risk. She also references cases she worked during her years with the FBI, and cites anecdotes about well-known criminals, including serial killer Ted Bundy, and white-collar criminals Bernie Madoff and Rob Blagojevich. O'Toole even shares secret profiler tricks%E2%80%94readers can learn what an Armani suit, a neat and tidy living room, or a book collection might reveal about them. (Oct.)