A practical manual of self-defence against toxic relationships by a criminologist.

　　Relationships with narcissists follow a recurring script: seduction, devaluation, manipulation, gaslighting. The victim ends up doubting themselves, their memories, even their own sanity. But the body speaks, even when words deceive. Narcissists lie constantly, minimise, deny, shift blame – and lies leave traces: an avoidant gaze, hands that grip too tight, eyes that never smile. These are signs of deception, invisible cracks that elicit doubt. Recognising them will not make us immune, but will prevent us from getting lost in the fog of manipulation. In this practical manual, criminologist Anna Vagli – now a regular presence on television – teaches readers how to recognise toxic dynamics, offering concrete tools to break free: checklists, exercises, strategies and FAQs to unmask narcissists and start living again.

　　ANNA VAGLI is a criminologist, jurist, journalist and behavioural analyst, with a Harvard certification in Applied Cognitive Neuroscience, and currently specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Psychology. She works as a consultant for major television crime programmes and is a TEDx speaker, where she explores manipulative dynamics, body language and the psychology of toxic relationships.