The book progresses by first introducing the core elements of ransom note analysis, then delving into specific, high-profile cases. Each case study details the crime's background, the ransom note's content, and the investigative techniques used. The investigation emphasizes how psychological factors contribute to the errors found in ransom notes, exploring cognitive biases and emotional pressures.
This approach provides a unique and insightful perspective on criminal behavior, valuable to those interested in true crime, forensic science, and the history of criminal investigation.