Absolutely the best book I've read in years! Just finished reading it. I love thrillers (and love Shakespeare too, by the way!) and have been interested in psychology since university so this was THE PERFECT BOOK for me! I hope more will follow, although it will be very difficult to reach this high standard again.

Using a dizzying number of points of view and keeping the action taut, Rubenfeld leavens the intellectual heft with sly wit.

A thrilling, heart-in-the-mouth read… Once you start reading, it’s impossible to put down. Someone should snap up the film rights.

As a mother of two small boys, I spent three VERY valuable hours during the lunch break (letting my son sleep until five instead of three), so I could finish the book. Something I have not done in five years. Please write more! I have missed such reading sessions!!!!!

A spectacular story … Readers who give this cerebral concoction even the slightest chance will be captivated by its myriad intrigues, its dubious cast of heroes and villains and its palpable tension. The Interpretation of Murder proves once again that crime and literature need not be separate beasts. Grade: A.

Rubenfeld writes beautifully, his style skillfully evoking the period, as he weaves all these threads into an intriguing mystery with a fascinating glimpse into the early days of psychoanalysis.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though I am a 25 year old Australian, the descriptions and details of New York in 1909 made me feel like I had actually been there. I can't wait for the next book, whether it involves Younger or not. Thanks for a great read.

Rubenfeld knows how to keep readers turning pages. He keeps the story in history without waterlogging it, moving things along with well-crafted action scenes.

This is a bold page-turner that propels us from the star with with a driving plot and intriguing characters, but also with ideas—a whole history of ideas. It’s a richly motivated thriller that will make you reconsider the mysteries of Freud and Hamlet. Here is a novel that you'll only want to put down in order to think more about the book.

Fun and fantastic. You can look for the deeper meaning in Freud and Jung’s lovers’ quarrel, or you can just skip to the dirty parts.

Rubenfeld's brilliant conceit is to weave this real-life event into an accomplished thriller, with the glittering facade of New York concealing dark secrets... Rubenfeld takes the reader on a beguiling tour of the opium dens of Chinatown, the haunts of the rich at Gramercy Park, and even the subterranean construction site of the Manhattan bridge … a dazzling novel.

A compelling, expertly crafted murder mystery. . . . Carefully researched detail is just one reason Interpretation is shaping up to be this year’s Historian.

Absolutely brilliant!!! The research is fantastic as is the incredible writing. I certainly didn't think that the subject matter would appeal to me but I have been riveted to these pages....it truly is a bold page-turner!!!

Rubenfeld brings a fresh touch to the psychoanalytical novel, by dealing with the historical Freud in one of the most fascinating and perplexing moments of his career… broad and engrossing.

A spectacular debut… fiendishly clever… a fascinating recreation of a golden age in which much of the New York of today is recognizable.

This baroque tale of egos and ids run rampant will be a welcome treat to fans of Caleb Carr’s The Alienist and anyone who enjoys historical intrigue thrown into the whodunit mix. Find a couch and prepare for a page-turning session.

Dear Mr. Rubenfeld,

Thank you SO much for writing, and being capable of writing, THE INTERPRETATION OF MURDER.

I almost never read murder mysteries, but I do love philosophical as well as novels of myth and and magic, and I have put your book on my list of of those which have changed my life and thinking.

And, of course, I've told all my friends to run out and buy it forthwith and without any delay.

Lots of intellectual affection and admiration
from
A Fan

Dear Mr Rubenfeld,

I have only read the first 60 pages or so and have been impressed by the gripping narrative and authentic feel of early 20th century New York. However, one inauthentic note was struck when Ferenczi on page 17 seems to be incredulous that New York has a subway. The underground existed in Budapest long before this and Ferenczi would have pointed this out.

Kind regards,
Mr D.J. Howells

Dear Mr Rubenfeld,

Thank you for a fantastically enjoyable read!

As you graciously encourage readers to submit comments on any errors found, let me just mention one tiny spelling error in the name of the birthplace of Copernicus(p. 105, UK edition): it should be Toruń (acute accent on the "n" - making the sound soft), and not on the "u".

Best regards and please write another novel soon!

Sticking plasters in 1909?

Dear Mr Rubenfeld
I have just enjoyed your book and was fascinated by how much research must have been done into the historical detail.I was however immediately suspicious of the fact that Mrs Biggs put a plaster on George Banwell's head on page 470. When I looked up the history of the sticking plaster on the internet I found out that Earle Dickson invented the adhesive bandage as they called it in 1920. He was an employer of Johnson and Johnson in the US. I guess this developed into the Elastoplast. Do you realise this error? You do encourage readers to point out any possible mistakes!

As a mother of two small boys, I spent three VERY valuable hours during the lunch break (letting my son spleep unil five instead of three), so I could finish the book. Something I have not done in five years. Please write more! I have missed such reading sessions!!!!!

Sofie von Graevenitz
(Rome)

Dear Mr Rubenfeld,
Having a father and brother who are both Mathematicians, I was very brave to declare my interest to study Psychology at University. However, I grew distant from my studies and was somewhat lazy in my reading. Thank you for reigniting my interest in the subject with your book. I look forward to rediscovering Freud's works and the dark mind of Jung.
I do hope that you will write another novel using Littlemore and Dr Stratham Younger once again. They worked so well together. If so, I hope Littlemore gets a nicer suit, as he so deserves it! Many thanks for an easy page-turner!

Pat Freestone-Bayes

Hi
Thanks for an enjoyable read as it's a story you can really get immersed in.
You invite comment or suggestion to correct errors which is a nice touch so I will take the opportunity to offer 2 corrections.
As Malley is being murdered by being told to hold his breath while in the lift, 'Soon the pleura in Malley's lungs - the tiny sacs that hold the air - began to burst'...The tiny sacs are actually the alveoli as the pleura is just the tough inner lining of the chest cavity.
Also in the caisson, when Littlemore releases Younger's trapped foot,he uses a 5 foot length of lead pipe. Lead pipe is so soft and heavy that a 5 foot length would probably bend under its own weight and would be about as much use as a 5 foot banana -- why not a length of scaffolding or discarded crow bar? You never know, a reader may find themselves in a similar situation and find out too late that a lead pipe was not the best option.....

I read your novel in an English paperback edition, published by Headline Publishing Group. I enjoyed the novel, but sadly this edition has what I take to be quite a significant printing error. During Littlemore and Younger's elevator descent into the caisson, it seems that Littlemore tells Younger a story about his father; in this edition, however, the dialogue runs thus:
'That's about the most disgusting thing I ever heard,' said the detective.
'Well, I' [turn from page 381 to page 382] 'Katie bar the door.'
'All right.' My voice came out much louder than I intended...

At this point, I turned the pages back and forward several times, trying to open what I imagined at first were two pages stuck together, then trying to interpret the nonsequitur as an intentional device, which maybe signalled a change in narrative style. I gave up.

Surely a big chunk (perhaps a whole page?)of the narrative is missing. I've seen lots of smaller typos creeping into recently-published novels, but have never noticed such a careless piece of editing before. Can you tell me what I missed?

I continued reading the novel and I don't think my enjoyment or understanding of the characters or of the overall plot was significantly marred by the loss of this confidence between the two men, but presumably you wouldn't have written it if you didn't intend it to be read as part of the book. My husband is now reading 'The Interpretation of Murder' at my recommendation - it would be great if he could read it without the confusing gap between pages 381 and 382.

I look forward to reading your reply,
Marie-Clare

Firstly, can I say just how much I enjoyed the book - it's the best piece of 'faction' I've read for a great number of years. I very much look forward to Jed's next book, although he'll find it very hard to equal or surpass this piece of wonderfully structured piece of literary excellence.

However, there is only one very minor point which, as a retired engineer, didn't quite ring true. ie When Littlemore & Younger are in the Manhatten Bridge caisson and Littlemore help Younger free his foot from the outer hatch, he uses "...a five foot length of lead pipe ..". Lead pipe would never have the tensile or compressive strength to be used for such a purpose. Although lead pipe would have been used extentsively at that time, it would mainly have been used for carrying gas or fluids - it would never have been used for load bearing construction purposes. Steel pipe would have been used quite considerably and perhaps that would have been a more appropriate tool for the job. However, I stand to be corrected on this.

Other than this very, very minor point the book was as good as they come. Well done. More please. and as soon as possible.

I am Italian,
and just few days ago the book has been translated in my language, so I went and got it.
What I found really good about the book is the history of New York's architecture at that time and the mechanism of the society.
I have mostly enojed Freud and his companions and the shares of their ideas and theories. So intense!
The fiction is good, very well structured and fast to read and full of details.

Thank you for this very good novel. I had three great reading days.
Damiana
Rome, Italy

I really enjoyed the novel read it cover to cover between 2pm and 2 am. However, the "to be or not to be" argument and the argument about the photo did get a little convoluted.

Would love to read more of Younger as a character, and perhaps in his old age reminiscing over the fin de siecle, travelling to Berlin, London Zurich... perhaps in London when Freud arrived. It was great and the characterisation of 1909 New York was extreemly effective.

Enjoyed the book.

In the UK paperback edition you still have a note inviting corrections. I imagine these two have been pointed out many times before but, just in case, you have Jelliffe dialing the number of Dana's home. No telephone dials in those days, I believe. Also, I think there is a mention of "having sex" or something similar. Not, surely, an expression in use a century ago? But even Shakespeare suffered from anachronisms.

I enjoyed the book very much but felt I had to comment on your theory about art on page 105 - "In art, I concede nothing happened ..." and your dismissive views on poor Monet (not even given his name!)
What about the effects of Impressionism just before the end of the 19C which led to Cezanne and his Bathers at the beginning of the 20C? He is widely recognised as the father of Modern Art.
Surely the parallel between the intrinsic nature of art and psychology is clear? It is the abstract qualities of art, whether it is a painting by Titian or Pollock, such as marks, colour and form that give expression to a work and meaning to its observers. If you were to study Monet's earlier works you would see that the "Frenchman's water lilies" were an inevitable result of lifelong studies into the true nature of art. However, be careful if you do this research - Kandinsky saw one of Monet's Grainstack paintings and gave up a professorship in law to become an artist!
Thank you if you take the time to read this,
All the best,
Sally

i just finished to read the book in italian and i like it so much! I'm studying psychologie in italy, and my favourite parts of the book was all theories, that i study.thanks, it was a great experience!

I have never read a non fiction book for at least 5 years. After seeing The Interpretation of Murder for a very reasonable price I purchased it and thought it was brilliant. I am now eagerly awaiting the authors next novel.

Amazing storyline and great plot.

Thank you for such an exciting novel!! It takes a lot for me to really stick with a book, but i just couldn't put it down!! In fact i'm still mourning the fact i've now finished it!! It would make a superb film, and being an actress I would really appreciate you letting me know if that's going to happen! Hee Hee!

Thanks again,

natalie

I have just finished the book, and have only one regret - that I have now finished it, and no longer have that pleasure to look forward to: what’s done is done. However, I often reread books I enjoy numerous times, and this definitely falls into the reread category, so it will have a permanent spot on the ‘favourites’ shelf. Many thanks to Professor Rubenfeld for this.

I’ve also been fascinated by the comments left about the novel by other readers; and as I am sure the novel will soon be the subject of many ‘lit crit’ students’ research, followed by publications, (perhaps titled The Interpretation of The Interpretation of Murder?) also look forward to reading the readings, if you know what I mean.

Jed,

Being an avid reader I usually fly my way through books. Yours, however, I paced myself because I didn't want it to end!
What a Terrific read!
I'm eagerly waitng your next novel!

The book is great, story amazing.

I congratulate and salut from beautiful Polish.

Poland (Wroclaw)

I like the story and finished the book last weekend. Really genius writer!

On page 66, the third line counting backwards is "James Roosevelt Roosevelt married a prostitute." Is that a mistype as a double "Roosevelt"?

Dear Professor Rubenfeld,

I thouroughly enjoyed the book. It was hard to put down once I started to read it and it retained its hold until the end. A masterly work.

Just one small comment: I wonder whether Ferenczi would have been surprised to find out about train going below river. The Budapest metro was opened already in 1896 so surely he was familiar with the concept in 1909.

Wow! What can I say? I actually never put this book down and consumed it greedily in the space of two days. I am an English Lecturer in England and just in my 3rd year of teaching. I picked this book up on a whim as many mock that I do not read modern books and should get myself down to the book shop sharpish and pick a random book from the best sellers list (I am an avid Shakespeare and Shelley fan, and fear that I was beginning to form the opinion that English writers are the only ones who can truly do texts justice). I picked up yours and 'Restless' the no.2 and 3 books in the list at the time. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical as I am not a huge Freud fan, having written a dissertation on the interpretation of women in literature, linking to variuous psychoanalytic theories (of course including the good old Oedipus compex - ironic, don't you think, that a whole theory can be based on a work of fiction of myhthical propensities. But then, I guess that's what 'theory' is), anyway, I digress; I would like to say thank you for such a fantastic work of, shall we say, 'semi-fiction'? You remind me of the fantastic Ian McEwan (Of which my class are currently reading 'Enduring Love'). You use the same techniques; the crossing of genre, questioning the conscious and subconscious desires, the intertwining of fiction, non-fiction, etc. Yet, I have to say that this novel is even greater! I intend to get all my students (especially those who are also studying psychology) to read this text, as I feel it would be highly beneficial and help to make the learning process so much easier; it becomes almost a case-study in itself, don't you think? Please continue to write such texts as I think one day we may even see your name on the syllabus. Thank you once again for proving that modern novels can actually retain that educating yet entertaining factor that I thought had long eluded us ling ago in the 18th and 19th C! Brilliant! A true work of art.

Absolutely the best book I've read in years! Just finished reading it. I love thrillers (and love Shakespeare too, by the way!) and have been interested in psychology since university (majored in history, but took a lot of psych-classes as well) so this was THE PERFECT BOOK for me! I hope more will follow, although it will be very difficult to reach this high standard again.

Loved the book that I bought at a London airport by chance.
I used to love Freud and actually read all was it 21 volumns of the Jones translation....but that was 20odd years ago.
My question is I always judging by their writings found Freud rather stiff & cold, and Jung very accepting and happy....the complete opposite of your opinion? Mike

I loved the book and can't wait to see it as a movie. I thought that the way every detail was interpreted was fantastic I could imagine myself there!!! I couldn't put the book down.
Mr Rubenfeld when is your next novel out? I loved it thank you again for a wonderful time.

Much too artificial and self-consciously clever. When the secret passages came into the story, I inwardly gave up.

What an intricately written book!! The details were so finely tuned that I had to continuously remind myself it wasn't actually written by Dr. Younger himself and not all events were true. You obviously put A LOT into writing this book, I hope you left enough for more to follow. This book would make a superb movie!!! Oh..P.S. Thank you for not making Dr. Younger and Nora lovers!!!

Dear Jed Rubenfeld

Surely the 'nunnery' in Hamlet's famous command to Ophelia is a brothel (a not uncommon meaning in Elizabethan England), not a 'convent'? That's what I have always been led to believe.

Loved your book, though.

Sincerely

Ronnie Landau,
(London, UK)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though I am a 25 year old Australian, the descriptions and details of New York in 1909 made me feel like I had actually been there.
I can't wait for the next book, whether it involves Younger or not.
Thanks for a great read.
Clint.