True crime stories are among the most gripping and captivating genres, inviting you to open the pages and follow the trail of an investigation which, many times, has led to justice for the victim. Readers have long been fascinated with the tragic events that took place in real-life cases, as told by the police and investigators, or from the perspectives of other people involved.
Here, we’ll take a look at the best true crime books to binge-read and discover why they remain so captivating. In no particular order, let’s take a look at some of the most gripping true crime stories that have changed the way we think and still hold our attention today.
- Wildest Dreams: True Stories of Adventure, Mystery, and Survival – by Christopher Sandford
Sandford’s Wildest Dreams is a captivating collection of tales which range from a daring rescue attempt on Mt. Everest, to the horrific attack on a young girl in East Africa.
The writing in these true crime stories is superb, and Sandford has expertly crafted these tales in a way that makes them both thrilling and compelling. It’s easy to get lost in the stories and the real-life settings of each narrative.
- Serial Killers: Incredibly Evil People Who Lived and Died – by Jennifer S. Brown
This book explores the psychology of the infamous serial killers from the past, such as Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy. Serial Killers provides a gripping look inside the minds of these sociopaths as it examines their heinous acts and tries to determine what made them commit such terrible crimes.
The author offers psychological insight into the killers’ childhood and upbringing to gain a better understanding of their twisted motivations. Such in-depth analysis of the subject make this book a must-read for any true crime fan.
- All That Remains: A Life in Death – by Simone Weil
The world of forensic anthropology is explored in Weil’s fascinating book, which takes us deep into the life and work of a prominent forensic anthropologist. The author takes us inside a world that most of us never even knew existed – the painstaking process of studying and analyzing human remains to help solve many complex criminal cases.
In addition to offering an in-depth look at the science behind forensic anthropology, the book also provides a detailed look at some of the high-profile cases that have been part of the author’s career.
- In Cold Blood – by Truman Capote
Capote’s classic nonfiction novel is widely considered to be the true crime genre’s breakthrough hit. In Cold Blood tells the story of two men who murdered an entire family in a small Kansas town in 1959.
The book chronicles the entire investigation, from the murder to the trial and its eventual resolution. Capote’s writing style makes it a page-turner, as he masterfully combines gripping storytelling with thoughtful social commentary.
- Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders – by Vincent Bugliosi
The infamous murders of actress Sharon Tate and her friends in 1969 shocked the nation and changed the public’s perception of crime. This book chronicles the crimes, investigations and trial of Charles Manson and those that perpetrated the heinous murders in the name of their “messiah”.
Bugliosi, the prosecuting attorney in the case, provides a unique insight into the events leading up to the murders, as well as an in-depth look at Manson and his “family”. Helter Skelter is considered a must-read for true crime fans due to its meticulous research and gripping narrative.
True crime books are an excellent way to stay entertained while learning about some of the more twisted minds of history, and investigating cases and incidents that still fascinate us today.
The five books mentioned here all offer great insight into the minds behind the crimes, as well as the complex details of how each case was unraveled. Whether you prefer to read narratives, psychological examinations of the criminals, or are looking for scientific breakdowns of cases, there’s something for every reader amongst these best true crime books to binge-read.
