New books do not emerge frequently in the field of what has come to be known as forensic mental health. I approached this one with some uncertainty in the light of its seemingly rather expansive subtitle. I need not have worried. Indeed, I should have known better given the editors and contributors (the foreword is by Baroness Helena Kennedy). Do not be taken in. The content is much wider and the book is both fresh and refreshing. It needs to be explored actively, otherwise one might miss something.

Reviews that simply list content can be dull. However, in this case it is important to do just that to describe at least some of the range of material covered. The book has six sections: Violence and Dangerousness, Forensic Psychotherapy, The Law, Ethics, Social Policy and International Perspectives. The content is strong throughout, particularly in relation to social, cultural and gender issues in the first section, introduced through a discussion of the medical model, anti-psychiatry and psychiatry as an institution. Someone with little or no knowledge of, or prior exposure to, the field could start right here. The same is true of the chapters on forensic psychotherapy and ethics, while retaining the sophistication that one would expect considering their authors.

I would venture to suggest also that anyone contemplating research into violence, even on a modest scale, should read at least the two chapters on criminological approaches to violence and its relationship with mental disorder. The section on the law is succinct and avoids the tendency to just catalogue sections of the relevant Acts. It gives clear guidance to those coming newly to the courts as well as offering insights to the more experienced. Again, the social policy chapters, centred on the development, in its widest sense, and delivery of services, describe, and perhaps more importantly reflect upon, the ever-changing landscape. Even the international perspectives, which can, when included, seem to be an afterthought, here are relevant, helpful and interesting to read. The concept of the ‘sliding scale’ of responsibility, or rather lack of it, and its origins, which may be considered in any case before the Dutch courts is fascinating. All chapters have stated aims, learning objectives and conclusions, and are well referenced so they meet the requirements of modern-day learners.

This is a book for Masters-level students or postgraduate trainees. It will also be of immense value to established practitioners. For interested undergraduates from all the allied disciplines it will only serve to fuel their enthusiasm.