The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder

Charles Graeber

Non-Fiction Audiobook Biography Mystery History

Quick Take

After his December 2003 arrest, registered nurse Charlie Cullen was quickly dubbed "The Angel of Death" by the media. But Cullen was no mercy killer, nor was he a simple monster. He was a favorite son, husband, beloved father, best friend, and celebrated caregiver. Implicated in the deaths of as many as 300 patients, he was also perhaps the most prolific serial killer in American history.Cullen's murderous career in the world's most trusted profession spanned sixteen years and nine hospitals across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. When, in March of 2006, Charles Cullen was marched from his final sentencing in an Allentown, Pennsylvania, courthouse into a waiting police van, it seemed certain that the chilling secrets of his life, career, and capture would disappear with him. Now, in a riveting piece of investigative journalism nearly ten years in the making, journalist Charles Graeber presents the whole story for the first time. Based on hundreds of pages of previously unseen police records, interviews, wire-tap recordings and videotapes, as well as exclusive jailhouse conversations with Cullen himself and the confidential informant who helped bring him down, THE GOOD NURSE weaves an urgent, terrifying tale of murder, friendship, and betrayal.Graeber's portrait of Cullen depicts a surprisingly intelligent and complicated young man whose promising career was overwhelmed by his compulsion to kill, and whose shy demeanor masked a twisted interior life hidden even to his family and friends. Were it not for the hardboiled, unrelenting work of two former Newark homicide detectives racing to put together the pieces of Cullen's professional past, and a fellow nurse willing to put everything at risk, including her job and the safety of her children, there's no telling how many more lives could have been lost.In the tradition of In Cold Blood, THE GOOD NURSE does more than chronicle Cullen's deadly career and the breathless efforts to stop him; it paints an incredibly vivid portrait of madness and offers a penetrating look inside America's medical system. Harrowing and irresistibly paced, this book will make you look at medicine, hospitals, and the people who work in them, in an entirely different way.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder

Introduction

"The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder" by Charles Graeber is a riveting and disturbing book that delves into the true story of a registered nurse named Charlie Cullen, who was dubbed "The Angel of Death" after being arrested in 2003. Cullen's career spanned sixteen years and nine hospitals across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where he was implicated in the deaths of as many as 300 patients. This book provides a chilling account of Cullen's life, career, and capture, shedding light on the dark side of the medical profession.

About Charles Graeber

Charles Graeber, the author of "The Good Nurse," is an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author. He has written extensively on various topics, including medicine, science, and crime. Graeber's previous works include "The Breakthrough," which was shortlisted for the British Medical Association book of the year. With his extensive experience in journalism and his ability to delve into complex subjects, Graeber brings a unique perspective to "The Good Nurse."

Analysis of Views

Shocking and Interesting: Many readers found the story of Charlie Cullen to be shocking and intriguing. They were fascinated by the fact that someone who was supposed to care for and heal people could commit such heinous acts. The book's exploration of the medical profession and the system's flaws added an extra layer of interest.
Well-Researched: Readers praised Charles Graeber for his thorough research and attention to detail. They appreciated the depth of information provided about Cullen's life, career, and the investigation that led to his capture. The book's accuracy and comprehensive coverage were highly regarded by readers.
Engaging Narrative: The book's narrative style was commended by many readers. They found it engaging, fast-paced, and difficult to put down. The author's ability to weave together different elements of the story, including Cullen's personal life, his crimes, and the investigation, was praised for its effectiveness.
Unsettling Themes: Some readers found the book unsettling due to its exploration of themes related to madness, medicine, and murder. They appreciated the author's ability to delve into these dark aspects of human nature but acknowledged that it could be challenging to read at times.
Relevant Social Commentary: Readers appreciated the book's relevance to current discussions about healthcare systems and their flaws. They saw "The Good Nurse" as a cautionary tale that highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency within the medical profession. The book's exploration of the role of money in healthcare and its potential impact on patient safety was seen as particularly relevant.

Reasons for Recommendation

Shocking and Thought-Provoking: Readers who enjoy true crime stories and are interested in exploring the darker side of medicine will find "The Good Nurse" highly recommended. The book offers a shocking and thought-provoking examination of a serial killer's life and the systemic issues that allowed him to thrive for so long.
Well-Researched and Accurate: Charles Graeber's extensive research and attention to detail make "The Good Nurse" a reliable source of information about Charlie Cullen's crimes and the investigation that brought him to justice. Readers appreciate the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the book's content.
Engaging Narrative: The book's engaging narrative style keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The author's ability to weave together different elements of the story creates a compelling reading experience that keeps readers invested in the outcome.
Relevant Social Commentary: The book's exploration of relevant social issues, such as healthcare systems, accountability, and transparency, makes it a valuable addition to any reader's library. It encourages reflection on these important topics and adds depth to our understanding of the medical profession.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Graphic Content: Some readers found the graphic nature of Charlie Cullen's crimes disturbing and difficult to read. They felt that the book went into too much detail about the specific methods used by Cullen to kill his patients, which made it challenging to stomach at times.
Limited Character Development: Some readers felt that Charlie Cullen's character was not fully developed in the book. They wanted more insight into his motivations and thought processes, which would have added depth to the story. While some readers appreciated the exploration of Cullen's mental health, others felt it was not enough to fully understand his actions.

Conclusion

"The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder" by Charles Graeber is a gripping and thought-provoking book that delves into the life and crimes of Charlie Cullen, a registered nurse who became known as "The Angel of Death." Through meticulous research and an engaging narrative style, Graeber presents a chilling account of Cullen's life, career, and capture. The book explores relevant social issues related to healthcare systems and accountability while providing a cautionary tale about the consequences of systemic flaws within the medical profession. While some readers found the graphic content challenging and limited character development frustrating, overall, "The Good Nurse" is recommended for those interested in true crime stories and seeking a deeper understanding of the darker side of medicine.