The Good Nurse: A Haunting Dive into Medicine, Madness, and Murder

by Charles Graeber

Book read and reviewed by Karen Brits for BluJeans Books. Read more about the book here.

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The Good Nurse

The Good Nurse: A Haunting Dive into Medicine, Madness, and Murder
by Charles Graeber

When you think of hospitals, trust and care are probably the first words that come to mind. But after reading The Good Nurse by Charles Graeber, you’ll look at the world of medicine through a very different lens.

This true-crime thriller tells the chilling story of Charlie Cullen, a registered nurse who, over sixteen years, quietly became one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. Known as “The Angel of Death,” Cullen was eventually linked to the deaths of up to 300 patients across nine hospitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. But what’s even more disturbing is how he managed to continue his deadly spree for so long, largely unchecked.

In two parts, Graeber weaves together a powerful narrative. Book 1 dives into Cullen’s life: a beloved caregiver, father, and friend, whose facade masked a horrifying compulsion to kill. It paints a vivid picture of a man who, at first glance, seemed like any other trusted professional in the world’s most respected field—medicine. The book highlights Cullen’s complexity, showing us that monsters don’t always fit our expectations. His quiet, unassuming demeanor allowed him to hide in plain sight, even from those closest to him.

The second half of the book, Book 2, takes us deep into the investigative efforts to stop him. Led by two relentless detectives and a courageous fellow nurse who risked her career and safety, the story evolves into a race against time to gather enough evidence to expose Cullen’s deadly acts. What’s even more shocking is how the hospital system itself seemed to protect him at times, prioritizing its reputation over patient safety. Somerset Hospital, where Cullen last worked, was particularly closed off, keeping critical information from the detectives who were trying to stop the killer in their midst.

Graeber’s portrayal of the healthcare system is a wake-up call. Hospitals, places we associate with safety and healing, became settings for Cullen’s horrific crimes. In the aftermath of his capture, some good came from this horrifying chapter: the adoption of new legislation in the USA, aimed at making it harder for such atrocities to happen again.

For fans of true crime, The Good Nurse is an absolute must-read. Graeber doesn’t sensationalize the story with unnecessary gore; instead, he sticks to the facts, providing an insightful and detailed account of how Cullen’s murderous career unfolded—and how it was finally brought to an end.

This book offers not just a gripping true crime story but also a sobering lesson about trust in the medical system. If you’re not a frequent hospital visitor, this book might give you pause the next time you are. And if you are? Well, it might have you questioning a lot more than just your doctor’s advice.

Come grab your copy at BluJeans Books and dive into this harrowing tale. Learn more than you ever expected about hospitals, nurses, and the real-life horror that unfolded within.


Interesting Factoids

  1. Charles Cullen confessed to killing as many as 40 people, but experts believe the true number could be closer to 300, making him one of America’s deadliest serial killers.
  2. Cullen used his position in hospitals to administer lethal doses of drugs like insulin and digoxin to his victims.
  3. His crimes led to changes in hospital policies and drug-tracking systems, helping prevent similar incidents in the future.
  4. The nurse who helped bring Cullen to justice risked everything, including her job and her children’s safety, to stop him.