Best True Crime Books

This gripping nonfiction book explores the brutal murder of a Kansas family and the subsequent investigation, trial, and execution of the killers. With meticulous detail and astounding empathy, Truman Capote reconstructs the events and personalities surrounding the crime, including the truly chilling young killers. In Cold Blood is a masterful example of literary journalism that will leave readers breathless.

This true crime book delves into the haunting story of the elusive serial rapist turned murderer who terrorized California during the 70s and 80s. Written by a gifted journalist who died tragically while investigating the case, I'll Be Gone in the Dark offers an atmospheric snapshot of a moment in American history and a chilling account of a criminal mastermind and the wreckage he left behind. A modern true crime classic hailed for its originality and compelling narrative.

Explore the shocking and disturbing case of Charles Manson and his followers in a book written by the prosecuting attorney of the trial. Discover what motivated Manson's cold-blooded selection of victims and his terrifying hold over his followers, particularly the young women who carried out his orders. This harrowing true crime story is accompanied by 50 pages of black and white photographs.

A haunting and urgent investigation into one of America's most notorious crimes, Columbine. The author, Dave Cullen, was one of the first reporters on the scene and spent ten years meticulously researching and debunking the myths surrounding the tragedy. Through interviews with leading forensic psychologists and the killers' own writings, Cullen paints raw and unforgettable portraits of the polar opposite killers and explores the false script that sparked a generation of "spectacle murders." A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the American psyche and the imperative to prevent future atrocities.

Discover a real-life murder mystery that unravels perhaps one of the most sinister conspiracies in American history. Learn about the Osage Indian Nation, the richest people per capita in the world during the 1920s, and how their newfound wealth through oil discovery led to the murder of their own people under mysterious circumstances. Follow the case as the newly-created FBI tries to solve the case, despite being notoriously corrupt at the time, and how a former Texas Ranger helps them uncover the truth. This non-fiction thriller showcases the dark side of the Wild West where oilmen like J. P. Getty made their fortunes and where desperadoes such as Al Spencer, “the Phantom Terror” roamed.

Explore the twisted mind of one of America's most notorious serial killers through the eyes of someone who knew him well. Written by a true crime writer and former Seattle police officer, this book tells the chilling story of Ted Bundy, a man who appeared to have it all but was hiding a demonic double life. This gripping page-turner takes you on a journey through Bundy's crimes, his magnetic charm, and his disturbing behavior. Recommended by true crime podcasters and perfect for fans of the Netflix documentary Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes.

Delve into the minds of some of the most notorious serial killers and assassins of our time with this captivating true crime book. Written by a retired Special Agent who interviewed the likes of Charles Manson, Richard Speck, and John Wayne Gacy, this book offers a landmark study on the motives of these individuals. Learn how John Douglas's work in behavioral science and criminal profiling ushered in a new era of law enforcement.

Discover the thrilling story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair in 'The Devil in the White City.' Author Erik Larson brings to life the extraordinary events surrounding the fair and the two men at its center: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect behind the construction of the "White City," and H.H. Holmes, a notorious serial killer who used the event to lure victims to his gruesome World's Fair Hotel. Larson's skilled storytelling interweaves the tales of these two men, showcasing the incredible successes and sinister secrets of 19th-century Chicago.

Explore the mystery and intrigue of Savannah, Georgia in this modern classic. When shots were fired in the city's grandest mansion on a misty morning in 1981, it set off a chain of events that would reverberate for years to come. John Berendt skillfully weaves together a fascinating first-person account of Savannah's unique culture with the twists and turns of a landmark murder case. Meet a colorful cast of characters, from Southern belles to drag queens to con artists, and discover the alliances, hostilities, and intrigues that thrive in a town where everyone knows everyone else.

The Fact of a Body is a gripping and thought-provoking book that explores the nature of crime and forgiveness. Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich is forced to confront her own past when working at a law firm defending a convicted murderer. The book delves into the complicated nuances of a single narrative and the power of personal histories. A heart-stopping work that will challenge your beliefs on the law and the truth.