True Crime, the gripping genre of non-fiction, has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. True stories of heinous crimes and the quest for justice have always captivated audiences, but now, there is an abundance of true crime books that cater to a vast range of interests. Whether you’re fascinated by cold cases, serial killers, or high-profile trials, there is a true crime book out there that will satisfy your curiosity. Let’s explore some compelling true crime books:
Helter Skelter (The True Story of the Manson Murders)
by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry
Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders is a chilling and unnerving true crime novel that takes readers into the inner workings of one of the most baffling and horrifying cases in history. As the prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial, Vincent Bugliosi provides a unique insider’s perspective on the cold-blooded Tate-LaBianca murders committed by Charles Manson and his followers.
This book delves deep into the minds of the perpetrators, exploring the motivations behind Manson’s selection of victims and the influence he had over his young, impressionable followers. With 50 pages of powerful black and white photographs, Helter Skelter grips readers from start to finish, unravelling the haunting and infamous crimes that shook the world.
Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit
by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker
Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit is a true crime novel that offers an intimate look into the mind of one of the most successful and renowned criminal profilers in history. Special Agent John Douglas has dedicated his life to hunting down and understanding some of the most notorious and sadistic criminals of our time, including the Atlanta Child murderer and the Trailside Killer in San Francisco.
For over 25 years, Douglas has confronted, interviewed, and researched dozens of serial killers and assassins, gaining insight into their motives and thought processes.
Killers of the Flower Moon
(The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI) by David Grann
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI is a true crime masterpiece that uncovers a dark and devastating chapter in American history. In the 1920s, the Osage Nation in Oklahoma became incredibly wealthy after discovering oil beneath their land.
However, their newfound prosperity was soon overshadowed by a series of mysterious murders targeting the Osage community. As the death toll rose, the FBI stepped in, with Director J. Edgar Hoover assigning former Texas Ranger Tom White to lead the investigation. Grann delves into the chilling conspiracy behind these murders, as White and his undercover team work tirelessly to expose the shocking truth.
Too Big for Jail (Inside HSBC, the Mexican Drug Cartels
and the Greatest Banking Scandal of the Century)
by Chris Blackhurst
Too Big for Jail: Inside HSBC, the Mexican Drug Cartels and the Greatest Banking Scandal of the Century exposes the shocking collusion between HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, and Mexican drug cartels. Journalist Chris Blackhurst delves into how HSBC facilitated massive money laundering schemes for drug kingpins and rogue nations, ultimately aiding in the growth of one of the deadliest drug empires in history.
Too Big for Jail takes readers on a captivating journey from Hong Kong to London, Washington, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico. It uncovers an incredible cast of characters, including politicians, bankers, drug dealers, FBI officers, and whistleblowers.
Talking with Psychopaths and Savages
(A Journey into the Evil Mind) by Christopher Berry-Dee
Talking with Psychopaths and Savages: A Journey into the Evil Mind offers a chilling exploration into the minds of some of the world’s most ruthless and dangerous individuals. As a criminologist who has conducted extensive interviews with imprisoned criminals, including notorious serial killers, Berry-Dee delves into the lack of remorse exhibited by these perpetrators, which is often more chilling than the crimes they committed.
Through these accounts, the book challenges conventional views of psychopaths and reveals that the horrors they perpetrate can be much closer to us than we realise. The book features interviews with notorious criminals such as JR Robinson, Kenneth Allen McDuff, Kenneth Bianchi, Melanie McGuire, and others.
In Cold Blood
by Truman Capote
In Cold Blood is a true crime masterpiece that details the horrific and senseless murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas in 1959. The four members of the family were brutally killed by shotgun blasts at close range, leaving the community shocked and searching for answers.
Capote delves into the investigation that ensued, following the steps that led to the apprehension, trial, and eventual execution of the killers. The book is a chilling recounting of the events, filled with suspense and gripping storytelling.
Wicked Beyond Belief
(The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper)
by Michael Bilton
Wicked Beyond Belief: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper presents a gripping account of the largest criminal manhunt in British history. For over two decades, the investigation into the Yorkshire Ripper case remained shrouded in secrecy, but Bilton’s book provides unprecedented access to the detectives, pathologist’s archives, and classified reports involved in the case.
This book is essential reading for true crime enthusiasts, offering new insights and perspectives on one of Britain’s most notorious crime sprees. It not only presents a detailed account of the investigation but also raises important questions about the extent of Sutcliffe’s crimes and the lasting impact on the communities affected by his reign of terror.
My Life with Murderers
by David Wilson
My Life with Murderers provides a unique and captivating perspective on the world of violent criminals and murder. Throughout his career, David Wilson has worked closely with individuals who have committed heinous acts, including murderers. At the age of twenty-nine, he became the youngest prison governor in the UK, overseeing a facility and engaging in interviews and interactions with violent offenders.
In this book, Wilson chronicles his journey from an idealistic prison governor to an esteemed criminologist and professor. He shares his experiences of sitting across from killers, conducting interviews, and even forming unexpected friendships with some of these individuals. The book offers a gripping narrative that captures the complexity of human nature, delving into the motivations and psychology of these individuals.
Last Call (A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in
Queer New York) by Elon Green
Last Call is a gripping true crime account that sheds light on the forgotten story of the Last Call Killer and the gay community he preyed upon in the 1980s and 1990s in New York City. The book transports readers to the Townhouse Bar in midtown Manhattan in July 1992, where the scene is set with a piano player and a diverse crowd of patrons. Amidst the lively atmosphere, a seemingly nondescript man stands with a Scotch and water. Little do people know that this unassuming man is a serial killer, whose sights are set on a grey-haired man that evening.
Elon Green’s true crime narrative not only investigates the actions of the Last Call Killer but also explores the decades-long pursuits to bring him to justice. Within this chilling account, the book also paints a vivid portrait of the victims and the resilience of the queer community faced with constant threats.
Savage Appetites
(Four True Stories of Women, Crime, and Obsession)
by Rachel Monroe
Savage Appetites: Four True Stories of Women, Crime, and Obsession is a thought-provoking exploration of the allure of true crime, examining the fascination with violence and obsession through four compelling narratives. The book features a wealthy heiress obsessed with recreating gruesome crime scenes, a woman who becomes entangled in the Manson family, an architect who falls in love with a convicted murderer, and a teenager who becomes heavily involved in the online fandom surrounding the Columbine Killers.
Through these four diverse stories, Rachel Monroe explores how women identify with and are drawn to particular archetypes within the realm of true crime.
There we have it! These compelling ten true crime books offer a journey through the world of crime, investigations and human psychology. Whether you are a seasoned true crime lover or just starting to dip your toes into the genre these books will satisfy your curiosity.
So, have you heard of any of the cases covered in these books before? What true crime cases interest you? Comment below and let us know!