A world-renowned expert provides a psychological profile of serial sex offenders--how they think, how they deceive their victims, and how they elude the law. Psychologist Anna Salter has been studying sexual offenders and their victims for more than twenty years. What she has learned in countless hours of interviews with sexual predators--from respected community leaders to clergymen and trusted family friends--will shock and outrage readers. What motivates sexual abusers? Why are so few caught? Drawing on the stories of abusers, told in their own words, Salter shows that sexual predators use sophisticated deception techniques and deliberately rely on misconceptions surrounding them to evade discovery. A man who raped more than ninety people tells how he fooled authorities by inserting elements of truth into his story. As recent reports of abuse by priests have shown, abusers often lead double lives in their communities. Two girls repeatedly raped in front of each other told Salter that their assaulter was "still moderator of the town meetings." Arguing that even the most knowledgeable among us can be fooled, Salter dispels the myths surrounding sexual predators and gives us the tools to protect our families and ourselves.

The problem -- Deception -- Techniques of deception -- Child molesters -- Rapists -- Sadists -- Psychopaths : fooling people for the thrill of it -- Staff seductions -- Rose colored glasses and trauma -- Detecting deception -- Protecting our children and ourselves : deflecting sex offenders.