The Sociopath Next Door: The Ruthless versus the Rest of Us by Stout, Martha (November 2, 2006) Paperback

I bought this book after suffering anti-social behaviour from an elderly pensioner. Most people are unable to believe that a grandad could be so wicked. Especially, when what they see is a smiling grandpa in a cardigan and slippers dunking biscuits in his tea. The old woman who wrecked havoc in her neighbourhood had many parallels.I couldn't understand the purpose or reason for the repeated attacks, on my property by the person, as we had never had any confrontation or dispute . After reading "The Sociopath Next Door", it became clear these people have no conscience, it is a game they are winning. Disrupting and causing chaos in normal people's lives feeds their ego and boosts their self esteem. They also like to make out you are the crazy one imagining everything. Of course normal people with a conscience can't believe anyone could behave in such a wicked way and do such things. My personal research has shown a problem with retired male pensioners with no hobbies or friends.

If you have ever wondered why you just don't like some people and have fallen foul of their manipulations this is the book to read.I recommend it to many of my patients who have a psychopath in their lives.Excellent, great case studies, could not put it down. I had a major problem with a psychopath at work this really helped me to understand that even therapists can be psychopaths.

Fantastic book although quite worrying to learn and realise who around you fits this description. But even more worrying is the bystander effect of the rest of society that is too scared to stand up to them

American based case studies on Sociopathic Disorder (total absence of moral conscience) and how such behaviour impacts on the everyday lives of ordinarily individuals whom they ruthlessly target for self gain or gratification. The format is easy to understand but its a hard read and not for the faint hearted as some of the Case Studies contain graphic detail of acts of cruelty against animals. Modern cultures obsession with competitiveness also encourages ruthlessness in business so many Sociopaths thrive and rise to positions of power where their natural traits serve them well as is illustrated in the book.

You probably came by this book due to personal encounters you've had.Please purchase this book if you are finding perspective to what has happened to you.

A must have for every decent person with a conscience and moral compass. The insight given in this book is compelling and masterful. The list of how to protect oneself from the sociopath will improve your life and may even save it in some cases. Highly recommended.

I wish this book was in every library, school, community centre and waiting room. It was helpful and informative that Stout went into the history of psychopathy and gave a very balanced view between those with a conscience and those without.

This book is excellent. The stories are fascinating and unlike any that I have read in other books. If you are interested in psychology and/or psychopaths/sociopaths you must read this. When you have finished I am sure you will never look at people the same way again hehehe. I was shocked at a few of the stories. I think it is very good to have as much knowledge as possible about different types of people and awareness of potential games being played.