Snow primarily relied on published material for reference, but also includes quotes from witnesses and experts.

Snow discusses how individuals are led to conform to the "rules" of the groups, and a chapter of the book includes advice on how to avoid joining them.

In the book's nine chapters, Snow presents case studies of controversial groups and movements and outlines how individuals are led to follow the "rules" of these organizations.

[1] David Pitt wrote favorably of the book in a review in Booklist, and described it as an "insightful look at cults and their charismatic leaders".

[3] A review in Reference & Research Book News commented that Snow: "does not bother with groups that are demonized as cults merely because they diverge from someone else's idea of truth or proper deportment, but focuses on those that are responsible for major crimes such as murder and torture".