About

William H. Reid, MD, MPH, a forensic psychiatrist, has written or edited 18 fiction and nonfiction books and editions in psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and related fields, as well as hundreds of professional articles and book chapters. He received the 2013 Manfred Guttmacher Award for Developing a Forensic Practice (New York: Routledge/Taylor & Francis).

A Dark Night in Aurora: Inside James Holmes and the Colorado Mass Shootings (New York: Skyhorse, 2018), a true crime/psychology & crime account that arose from his intimate work with the case and perpetrator, is his latest general-readership book. Watch for his children's series, Corkins Kids, and his new novel, Augie & Frank, as well as The Best Medicine in the World, (with Gilbert Honigfeld, in progress).

Bill also composes and performs music, largely Americana, blues and children's songs, and has written one symphony. Four of his eight albums, those recorded with his Fewer Sorrows Band, have been on Grammy ballots in various categories. The latest album (2024) is The Blues This Time. Visit his music and literary website at www.FewerSorrowsMusic.com.

Featured Work

A Dark Night in Aurora: Inside James Holmes and the Colorado Theater Shootings

in press

The story of James Holmes and the 2012 Aurora, Colorado, theater massacre, by the only psychiatrist allowed to video his interviews of the perpetrator. The author is a forensic psychiatrist who worked with the case for over a year, reviewed 75,000 pages of material and hundreds of CDs and DVDs, interviewed dozens of witnesses and other sources, and spent over 23 hours interviewing Holmes himself on video (that was played in court in its entirety). The book covers Holmes's life, his planning and preparation for the massacre, post-shooting investigations, trial verdicts and follow-up. Illustrated. Published by Skyhorse July, 2018. Audiobook published by Brilliance and distributed by Audible, September, 2018. Dedicated to the victims and to Holmes's parents, who are victims themselves.

Other Works

  • Developing a Forensic Practice: Operations and Ethics for Experts

    2013

  • Handbook of Mental Health Administration and Management

    2003

  • Treating Adult and Juvenile Offenders with Special Needs

    2001

  • A Clinician's Guide to Legal Issues in Psychotherapy

    1999

  • The Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders, 3rd. ed. (coauthor)

    1997

  • DSM-IV Training Guide (coauthor)

    1995

  • Unmasking the Psychopath (co-editor)

    1986

  • Terrorism: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (co-editor)

    1983

  • Assaults Within Psychiatric Facilities (co-editor)

    1983

  • The Treatment of Antisocial Syndromes (editor)

    1981

  • Basic Intensive Psychotherapy

    1980

  • Psychiatry for the House Officer

    1979

  • The Psychopath: A comprehensive Study of Antisocial Disorders and Behaviors

    1978

Awards and Recognition

  • Manfred Guttmacher Award for publication in psychiatry and law; Seymour Pollack Award for "distinguished contribution to education in forensic psychiatry"; Ardis Cline Martin Award, Texas Depressive & Manic Depressive Association; Past President, American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law; Distinguished Alumnus, University of California Medical School, Davis; Fellow, American College of Psychiatrists; Fellow, Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh

Press and Media Mentions