In December 2003, the arrest of registered nurse Charlie Cullen shocked the nation, as he was quickly labeled ‘The Angel of Death’ by the media. However, this moniker fails to capture the complexity of Cullen’s character. Rather than being a straightforward villain, Cullen was a beloved son, a devoted husband, a cherished father, and a respected caregiver who, tragically, became one of America’s most prolific serial killers. Accused of being responsible for the deaths of as many as 300 patients, Cullen’s dark legacy is both haunting and perplexing.

The story of Charlie Cullen is not merely one of madness and murder; it is also a narrative of compassion gone awry. Cullen’s career spanned 16 years and took place across nine hospitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His facade as a trustworthy nurse concealed a sinister reality; throughout his tenure, he manipulated the very trust that patients and their families placed in him. While he was known for providing care and comfort, beneath the surface lay a compulsion that would lead him down a path of destruction.

In March 2006, Cullen faced his final sentencing in an Allentown, Pennsylvania, courthouse. As he was led into a waiting police van, it seemed that the secrets of his life, career, and eventual capture would vanish with him. However, journalist Charles Graeber dedicated nearly a decade to uncovering the full scope of Cullen’s story. His investigative work draws on hundreds of pages of previously unseen police records, interviews, wire-tap recordings, and videotapes, as well as exclusive jailhouse conversations with Cullen himself. The result is The Good Nurse, a riveting account that weaves together the threads of murder, friendship, and betrayal.

Graeber’s portrayal of Cullen reveals a surprisingly intelligent and complicated individual, whose potential was overshadowed by a dark urge to kill. His shy demeanor cleverly masked a twisted inner life that remained hidden even from those closest to him. This complexity challenges the reader to reconsider the simplistic narratives often associated with serial killers.

The diligent efforts of two former Newark homicide detectives played a crucial role in unraveling Cullen’s professional past. Their relentless pursuit of the truth, combined with the bravery of a fellow nurse willing to risk everything—including her job and the safety of her children—was instrumental in preventing further tragedies. Their courage and determination illuminate the dark corners of Cullen’s story, shedding light on the systemic failures that allowed him to operate undetected for so long.

The Good Nurse transcends the genre of true crime literature, placing Cullen’s actions within a broader societal context. It raises critical questions about trust, ethics, and accountability in the medical profession. The book serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that those who are entrusted with our care can sometimes harbor the darkest of secrets.

In a narrative style reminiscent of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, Graeber masterfully chronicles Cullen’s deadly career and the frantic efforts to bring him to justice. The intricate details of the investigation, combined with the emotional weight of the victims’ stories, create a profound exploration of human nature, morality, and the capacity for both good and evil. As readers delve into the pages of The Good Nurse, they will find themselves grappling with the unsettling reality that the line between caregiver and killer can sometimes blur in the most unimaginable ways.

The gripping narrative of The Good Nurse invites readers to reflect on the complexities of morality and the human experience. It is a haunting reminder of the potential for darkness within the most trusted professions, and it challenges us to consider how we define goodness in the face of unspeakable evil.