The fascination with true crime is not a new phenomenon. From homemade monuments to guided tours of murder locations, the macabre is all around us. The United States, which produces the most serial killers in the world, has a particular obsession with all things dark and twisted.
For those looking to satisfy their true crime fix in a different way, consider picking up some books from your local independent bookstore or library. With a plethora of great true crime books available, readers can scratch that dark and twisty itch in the back of their minds without relying solely on podcasts and documentary series.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a true crime novel that reads like fiction. The book is set in Savannah, Georgia and revolves around the death of a sex worker, an eccentric antiques dealer, drag queens, and hoodoo.
The author, John Berendt, claims that the only fictional character in the book is the narrator, himself. He also notes that the book is 99 percent true and 1 percent exaggeration. The book is a must-read for those who enjoy dramatic true crime stories.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
In 2015, Chanel Miller was sexually assaulted behind a dumpster while walking home from a party at Stanford, an event that shook the Palo Alto community to its core. Despite the city’s reputation for being safe, the assault brought to light the reality of sexual violence and the trauma it inflicts.
In her book, Know My Name, Miller recounts the events leading up to the assault and the aftermath, including the grueling legal battle that followed. With bravery and honesty, Miller sheds light on the impact of sexual assault and the importance of speaking up and being heard. This book is a powerful reminder of the need for change and the strength of survivors.
Witness for the Defense: The Accused, the Eyewitness, and the Expert Who Challenges Memory
Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, a well-known psychologist at the University of California, Irvine, has been both praised and criticized for her work as an expert witness in high-profile trials. In her book Witness for the Defense, co-authored with Katherine Ketcham, she recounts her experience testifying for the defense in the trials of notorious criminals like Ted Bundy and Ivan the Terrible.
Loftus’s expertise in human memory has also been instrumental in reducing the number of wrongful convictions. Her research on the fallibility of eyewitness accounts has led to her serving as an expert witness or consultant in many cases, including the Rodney King beating trials, litigation involving celebrities like Michael Jackson and Martha Stewart, and the McMartin preschool molestation case.
In Witness for the Defense, Loftus provides insight into her journey as a researcher and expert witness, shedding light on the complexities of memory and the challenges of presenting scientific evidence in the courtroom. Her work has had a significant impact on the criminal justice system, highlighting the need for caution when relying on eyewitness testimony and the importance of considering the fallibility of memory in legal proceedings.
Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer
In his book, Under the Banner of Heaven, Jon Krakauer delves into the world of Fundamentalist Mormon communities, where around 40,000 individuals still practice polygamy despite the established practices and modern-day norms of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Krakauer provides readers with a glimpse into the Church’s history and the Fundamentalist Mormon beliefs that drove brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty to commit a double murder in 1984, believing that God had commanded them to do so.
Krakauer’s account of the Lafferty brothers’ story is a gripping and insightful read, shedding light on the fastest-growing religious group in the world. However, the LDS Church disagrees with many of Krakauer’s takes. Following inquiries from book reviewers, religious writers, and reporters about the book’s accuracy, the Church released a statement calling Krakauer’s account “a full-frontal assault on the veracity of the modern Church.”
Party Monster a.k.a. Disco Bloodbath by James St. James
Party Monster, also known as Disco Bloodbath, is a memoir written by James St. James that delves into the Manhattan club scene during the 1990s. Originally published in 1999, the book recounts the events leading up to the murder of a club kid and drug dealer who was a close friend of St. James. The book portrays the wild, drug-fueled lifestyle of the club kids and the murder that shook the scene.
The book was later adapted into a movie titled Party Monster, featuring Macaulay Culkin, Seth Green, and Chloë Sevigny. The movie follows the events depicted in the book and provides a visual representation of the club scene during that era.
Unmask Alice by Rich Emerson
Go Ask Alice was a best-selling book that captured the attention of teenagers and adults alike. The book was marketed as a true story, but it was later discovered to be a work of fiction.
Unmask Alice delves into the events that led to this literary hoax and explores the sensationalism that surrounded the book’s publication. The book’s cliffhanger ending kept readers on the edge of their seats, and its popularity continued to grow even after its true nature was revealed.
Columbine by Dave Cullen
Columbine is a book that explores the psychology of the two teenage killers who committed the Columbine high school shooting. The author, Dave Cullen, uses insights from forensic psychologists as well as the killers’ own words to delve into their psyches.
Although it can be difficult to read, this book provides a fascinating examination of how these teens turned into mass murderers. The Columbine shooting was so unprecedented that it shocked the nation and unfortunately, school shootings have become almost commonplace in the United States.
The Poisoner’s Handbook by Deborah Blum
“The Poisoner’s Handbook” by Deborah Blum is a non-fiction book that explores the birth of forensic medicine in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the work of Charles Norris, New York City’s first chief medical examiner, and his toxicologist, Alexander Gettler.
The book covers the rise of poison as a popular means of murder in the early 1900s and the difficulties faced by forensic scientists in identifying the poisons used. It also delves into the development of new forensic techniques, such as the use of spectroscopy to identify poisons in tissue samples.
Blum’s writing style is engaging and informative, making the book an easy and enjoyable read. The book also includes historical photographs and illustrations, adding to the overall experience.
Savage Appetites by Rachel Monroe
In “Savage Appetites,” Rachel Monroe explores the societal fascination with true crime through the lens of four archetypical roles: detective, victim, attorney, and killer. By analyzing the genre’s formulaic approach with a sociological perspective, Monroe provides readers with a fresh outlook on true crime.
This book is a must-read for those with an insatiable hunger for true crime stories. The featured image includes the book covers of various publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Vintage, Twelve, Flatiron Press, Harper, Random House, Penguin Books, Little Brown & Co., and The Mary Sue.
The Five by Hallie Rubenhold
Hallie Rubenhold’s book, The Five, sheds light on the lives of five women who were brutally murdered by Jack the Ripper. The book aims to humanize these women who were often portrayed as prostitutes by the media.
The victims were Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Mary-Jane, hailing from Fleet Street, Knightsbridge, Wolverhampton, Sweden, and Wales, respectively. The book challenges the common notion that the women were somehow responsible for their own murders. By providing a detailed account of their lives, Rubenhold seeks to give them the dignity and respect they deserve.
Tinseltown: Murder, Morphine, and Madness at the Dawn of Hollywood by William J. Mann
In the 1920s, Hollywood was rocked by a series of scandals involving celebrities, including the unsolved murder of William Desmond Taylor, then-president of the Motion Picture Directors Association. The threat of government censorship loomed over the film industry, endangering its rise to prominence. William J. Mann’s book, Tinseltown, uses never-before-released FBI files to reconstruct the events surrounding Taylor’s murder and the people involved.
Mann’s book frames the murder as a way to tell the story of the establishment of the Hollywood studio system and the creation of the American Hays Office, which aimed to establish a moral code for films and counteract the threat of government censorship. Tinseltown won the 2015 Edgar Award for Best Fact True Crime.
Bad Blood by John Carreyrou
John Carreyrou’s Bad Blood tells the story of Elizabeth Holmes, the CEO of Theranos, a blood-testing startup that was once valued at $9 billion. The book reveals how Holmes and her team deceived investors and the public by presenting a technology that didn’t work as a revolutionary breakthrough in blood testing.
Carreyrou, a journalist who investigated Theranos, presents the story in a captivating and detailed manner, providing insight into the company’s inner workings and the personalities of those involved.
Bad Blood exposes the lies and manipulation that allowed Theranos to keep up the facade of success for so long. The book is a testament to the power of investigative journalism and the importance of transparency in business.
It highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of putting profits before people. Overall, Bad Blood is a must-read for anyone interested in the tech industry, business ethics, and the consequences of deception.
The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow
David Crow’s book, The Pale-Faced Lie, is a unique true crime memoir that delves into the author’s upbringing. Raised by his father, who was an ex-con with a long history of criminal activity, Crow’s story focuses on what it was like to grow up with a murderer as a father. Instead of detailing his father’s crimes, the book explores how Crow managed to escape his father’s grasp and build a life of his own. The book offers a rare glimpse into the effects of a criminal upbringing and the struggle to break free from it.
Selena’s Secret by María Celeste Arrarás
María Celeste Arrarás, a renowned journalist, delves into the murder of Selena Quintanilla, an icon for the Mexican-American community. Yolanda Saldívar, Selena’s friend and the president of her fan club, was responsible for the tragic death of the Tejano singer on March 31, 1995. In her 1997 book, Selena’s Secret, Arrarás recounts the events leading up to Selena’s murder.
However, despite the title, there is no actual “secret” revealed in the book. Nonetheless, the book does provide a detailed account of the tragedy that shook the Latin American community in the mid-’90s.
The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont by Shawn Levy
The Château Marmont, funded by Mabel Walker Willebrandt, has been a safe haven for Hollywood stars since its opening in 1927. The hotel has been a backdrop for generations of Hollywood gossip and folklore, attracting celebrities looking for a hideout away from the paparazzi’s watchful eye.
The hotel’s policy of “what happens in the Château stays at the Château” has made it a popular destination for stars to engage in debauchery.
The Château Marmont has a history of hosting both scandalous and legendary events. It’s where Rebel Without a Cause director Nicholas Ray slept with his 16-year-old star Natalie Wood, where Jim Morrison famously swung from balconies, and where John Belushi suffered his fatal overdose.
The hotel has also served as a comfortable home for gay celebrities and a hideout for celebrities looking to escape an ex. Many Method actors have called the Château Marmont their first LA-based home.
The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson
Lizzie Borden’s infamous murder case has captivated society for over a century. The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson delves into the legal transcripts, lawyers’ journals, unpublished local reports, and Lizzie’s letters to provide a gripping and authentic account of the events surrounding the murder.
The book offers a unique perspective on the trial and the societal impact that Lizzie’s case had. Robertson’s writing style is clear and neutral, allowing readers to form their own opinions on the case. The combination of different sources provides a comprehensive overview of the case, making it a must-read for anyone interested in true crime.
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
Erik Larson’s book, The Devil in the White City, is a true crime novel that tells the story of two men during a tumultuous period in Chicago’s history. The book focuses on the lives of Daniel H. Burnham, a brilliant architect, and H. H. Holmes, a doctor who became a notorious serial killer.
The novel’s compelling narrative combines the story of these two men, as they navigate the challenges of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Larson’s writing is so engaging that he has since written several other true crime books. For readers who enjoy this genre, The Devil in the White City is just the beginning.
The Red Parts by Maggie Nelson
The Red Parts is a memoir written by Maggie Nelson that tells the story of her aunt’s tragic death. The book delves into the unsolved murder of Nelson’s aunt, who was found shot, stabbed and abandoned by the gates of a cemetery in 1969.
The book is a unique blend of social commentary, true crime retelling of events, and exploration of Nelson’s personal connection to the tragedy. It also examines America’s cultural fascination with dead white women.
Nelson’s personal connection to the murder of her aunt inspired her to create multiple works that attempt to process the impact of the tragedy on her family. As a result, The Red Parts feels more personal than the average true crime novel.
Through her writing, Nelson provides a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the cultural obsession with violence against women and the impact of such tragedies on the families left behind.
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
In the 1920s, the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma struck oil, making them the richest Native Americans at the time. However, when members of the tribe began to be murdered, suspicion of corruption arose.
David Grann’s book, Killers of the Flower Moon, delves into this dark period of American history, where greed and power led to the deaths of innocent people. The book sheds light on a little-known aspect of the FBI’s early days, as they worked to solve what became known as the “Reign of Terror.” Grann’s writing provides a fascinating and informative look into this tragic chapter of American history.
Summary
The best true crime books offer a captivating and engaging look into some of the most heinous crimes in history. These books provide a detailed account of the crimes, the victims, and the perpetrators, while also exploring the social and cultural context in which they occurred. With a mix of investigative journalism and compelling storytelling, these books offer a unique insight into the criminal mind and the justice system. Some of the top true crime books include “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote, “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson, and “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” by Michelle McNamara.