Homicide

Abstract

This review critically analyzes the work *Homicide* (2019) by Wayne and Natasha Petherick, contextualizing its relevance against the backdrop of high homicide rates globally and, specifically, in Brazil. The book proposes a multifactorial approach to the phenomenon, exploring everything from sociological, biological, and psychological influences on aggressive behavior to the analysis of specific typologies. The categories covered include homicides committed by youths, serial and mass killings, domestic violence, sexual crimes, and ideologically motivated offenses. The analysis notes a caveat: given the authors' Australian background, their perspective may be grounded in so-called WEIRD studies (an acronym for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic), requiring caution when generalizing their conclusions to distinct cultural contexts. The work also addresses practical aspects, such as investigation and prevention strategies at various levels. The review concludes that the book is a highly useful resource for students and researchers in the fields of Psychology, Criminology, and Forensic Sciences interested in the causes and dynamics of lethal aggression.