True crime stories have always captivated audiences with their portrayal of the struggle between good and evil, and the promise of justice being served in the end. True crime books offer a unique perspective on actual crimes that have taken place, unlike crime fiction which can make up details to suit the story. While crime fiction often includes series of novels about detectives, true crime stories are typically one-off events or part of a single spree. However, some top true crime authors like Ann Rule have written numerous books in the genre, based on critical acclaim and general interest in the crimes.
The list of top true crime books includes a wide range of stories, from first-person accounts of murder to scholarly deep dives into the psychology behind the crime. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson tells the story of America’s first serial killer operating during the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, while In Cold Blood by Truman Capote details the killing of the Clutter family in 1959. If You Tell by Gregg Olsen explores parental abuse, and Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann examines the mysterious deaths of wealthy Osage family members in the 1920s.
Other notable true crime books include No Place Safe by Kim Reid, which follows the daughter of a cop investigating a serial killer in 1979 Atlanta, and Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule, which details the story of young mother Diane Downs who claimed a stranger had shot her three children. Wes Moore’s The Other Wes Moore explores the parallel lives of two men with the same name, while Blood on Their Hands by Mandy Matney and Carolyn Murnick delves into the fall of the Murdaugh dynasty in South Carolina.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt offers a portrait of the Deep South alongside a murder mystery, while Beneath the Tamarind Tree by Isha Sesay follows the story of the lost schoolgirls of Boko Haram in Nigeria. Midnight in Mexico by Alfredo Corchado exposes the power of cartels in Mexico, and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara details the hunt for the Golden State Killer. The Poisoner’s Handbook by Deborah Blum explores the birth of forensic medicine in 1918 NYC, while The Complete History of Jack the Ripper by Philip Sugden offers a comprehensive overview of the infamous unsolved murders.
Overall, true crime books offer a compelling look at humanity in the face of tragedy, showcasing the strength of individuals in the fight against evil. These books not only answer the question of “who did it?” but also delve into the why and how things could be different in the future. Each of these books is well-written and will draw readers in with their captivating narratives, providing insight into the world of crime and justice.
