The Alienist, written by Caleb Carr, is a historical science fiction novel set in 19th-century New York City. The story follows a team of investigators, including a psychologist, a newspaper illustrator, and a police secretary, as they hunt down a serial killer. As they delve into the twisted mind of the murderer, they encounter strange phenomena and unexplained occurrences that hint at the involvement of extraterrestrial forces. This atmospheric and suspenseful novel offers a unique blend of alien abduction themes within a historical context.