Looking for some good true crime book recommendations? Check out the 20 best true crime books of all time.
The best selling true crime books listed below are available in a variety of formats that include hardcover, paperback, kindle, and audio.
A physical copy of a book can sometimes offer the reader a more immersive and tactile experience. On the other hand, digital copies take up less space and are easier to store and transport.
Whatever way you enjoy consuming true crime, we’re sure you’ll find a highly-rated book below to enjoy.
Table of contents
- If You Tell
- Just Mercy
- Spilled Milk
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- Talking to Strangers
- I’ll Be Gone in the Dark
- The Pale-Faced Lie
- The Devil in the White City
- In Cold Blood
- Mindhunter
- Finding Me
- Chaos
- Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
- The Five
- The Big Book of Serial Killers
- Catch and Kill
- A Stolen Life
- Under the Banner of Heaven
- The Last Book On The Left
- Zodiac
1. If You Tell
A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood
- Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Reviews: 65,350
- Author: Gregg Olsen
- Pages: 429
- First Published: December 1st, 2019
- Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Mom is a word that, even after decades have passed, brings a wave of negative memories and nightmares from a more sinister childhood that sisters Nikki, Sami, and Tori Knotek experinced. Memories that were kept secret until now.
For years the three sisters were held against their will behind the closed doors of the family’s farmhouse in Raymond, Washington, by their sadistic mother, Shelly.
Shelly subjected the girls to years of unimaginable abuse, torture, degradation, and psychic terrors. However, through it, all the girls, Tori, Nikki, and Sami, developed a bond stronger than ever that made them less vulnerable than Shelly imagined.
Together the sisters found the strength and courage to escape the nightmare of their mother’s dark and wicked web that ended in multiple murders.
If You Tell is a story about the unimaginable sadistic trauma the three girls experienced at the hands of their own mother. A mother who was also a murderer.
It highlights how the girls were able to stay together and how their unbreakable bond and togetherness made them so much stronger.
And that’s why we think If You Tell is one of the best books about true crime.
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2. Just Mercy
A Story of Justice and Redemption
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Reviews: 23,328
- Author: Bryan Stevenson
- Pages: 368
- First Published: August 18th, 2015
- Publisher: One World
If you were moved by the 2019 legal drama film Just Mercy, then you need to read the book it was based on!
The 368-page true crime memoir written by Bryan Stevenson takes you on a journey with him in the pursuit of defending the poor, the incarcerated, and the wrongly condemned. Especially those unfairly sentenced to death for crimes they didn’t commit.
In 1989, Bryan teamed up with Eva Ansley, another young lawyer for the south, to form the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit law office in Alabama.
Bryan then visits a state prison to meet with prisoners on death row. This is where he meets Walter McMillian, a young black man convicted for a 1986 murder of a young white woman.
The evidence and testimony that was used to convict him were flimsy at best.
The case, just one of many, illustrates a system so broken that it treats the rich and guilty better than the poor and innocent.
Just Mercy highlights the mass incarnation and high execution rates in America and calls for a change.
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3. Spilled Milk
Based on a true story
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Reviews: 23,080
- Author: K.L Randis
- Pages: 386
- First Published: June 7th, 2013
- Publisher: Self-published
When Brooke Nolan was eating dinner at her boyfriend’s house and a glass of milk was spilled, his father did not become enraged or violent.
This was the moment when Brooke realized her family was not normal, forcing her to speak up about the cruelty she had been hiding at the hands of her father.
Brooke’s father had been abusing her both physically and sexually for years. Something she allowed to protect her siblings from the same fate.
In her pursuit of safety for her and her younger siblings, Brooke battles a broken system that allows her father to stay in the home.
However, when she risks losing the support of her family during her fight, she comes to the realization that some people simply do not want to be saved.
Author K.L Randis has a degree in psychology and has worked in the mental health field for more than four years. Through the book Spilled Milk, she aims to raise awareness of the challenges children face in court when bringing charges of abuse, especially when abused by a parent.
Spilled Milk is one of those addictive true crime novels about a young girl’s shocking fight against a broken system.
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4. Killers of the Flower Moon
The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Reviews: 22,364
- Author: David Grann
- Pages: 400
- First Published: April 3rd, 2018
- Publisher: Vintage
Killers of the Flower Moon is a true crime mystery about one of the most monstrous crimes in American history and the beginning of the FBI.
In the 1920s, after oil was discovered on their land, the richest people in the world were the members of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma. They rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and their children were sent away to study in Europe.
But then, one by one, they began to be murdered. One of the women, Mollie Burkhart, was even forced to watch as her family was murdered. Her mother slowly poisoned. Her sister shot. And that was just the beginning.
More and more Osage began to die. The death toll rose to over twenty-four victims. Even scarier is that the people who tried to investigate the crimes were also murdered.
In Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann explores the 1920s murders that targeted the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma.
He explains how the newly created FBI botched the case but then got together with the Osage Nation to investigate the crimes for what was the organization’s first major homicide investigation.
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5. Talking to Strangers
What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Reviews: 15,763
- Author: Malcolm Gladwell
- Pages: 400
- First Published: September 10th, 2019
- Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
How did Fidel Castro fool the CIA for a generation? Why are campus sexual assaults on the rise? Why did Neville Chamberlain think he could trust Adolf Hitler?
These are the questions author Malcolm Gladwell tries to answer in one of the best true crime books of all time.
While also offering an intriguing examination of our interactions with strangers and why they often go wrong.
Talking to Strangers studies miscommunication, interactions, and assumptions people make when interacting with those that they do not know.
To portray his point, Malcolm covers a variety of events and issues, including British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s interactions with Adolf Hitler, the arrest and death of Sandra Bland, the sex abuse scandal of Larry Nassar, and the Brock Turner rape case to name a few.
In Talking to Strangers, Malcolm argues that there is something wrong with the tools and strategies we use to make sense of the people we don’t know.
He states that because we don’t know how to talk to strangers, we invite conflict and misunderstanding in ways that profoundly affect our lives and our world.
For additional insight, the audiobook includes interviews with scientists, criminologists, and military psychologists. Along with audio of many other players in these real-life tragedies, including the Sandra Bland arrest.
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6. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark
One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Reviews: 14,625
- Author: Michelle McNamara
- Pages: 352
- First Published: February 27th, 2018
- Publisher: Harper
Michelle McNamara tragically passed away suddenly while pursuing the story of the infamous Golden State Killer, a serial rapist, and murderer who wreaked havoc in California for over a decade during the late 1970s.
Her husband and a team of investigators completed the book, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which chronicles the true crime story of this elusive criminal who was responsible for 12 murders, 45 rapes, and 120 burglaries before disappearing in 1986.
It wasn’t until 2018 that DNA evidence finally linked someone to all the assaults attributed to him.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is a thrilling true crime account of a criminal mastermind and the destruction he left behind. Additionally, it is an illustration of a woman’s preoccupation with her own imaginings and her relentless search for “the truth.”
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is not just a gripping true crime book; it is also a testament to one woman’s unwavering commitment to justice despite all odds stacked against her.
From its chilling accounts of horrific violence against women and children across California to its vivid depiction of Michelle McNamara’s tireless pursuit for answers until her death in 2016.
This book will leave you both horrified and inspired by its powerful story of redemption through true detective work despite incredible adversity along the way.
Whether you’re already familiar with this case or just want an engrossing read about one woman’s quest for justice against an unspeakable evil, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is sure not to disappoint!
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7. The Pale-Faced Lie
A True Story
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Reviews: 11,595
- Author: David Crow
- Pages: 352
- First Published: May 7th, 2019
- Publisher: Sandra Jonas Publishing House
The Pale-Faced Lie is a truly inspirational true crime story about the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit.
It follows the life of David Crow, a son who idolized his dad, Thurston Crow.
But as time passed, his father’s true colors began to show, and David discovered the other side of Thurston Crow, an ex-con who justified cruelty, violence, lies, and even murder.
His father often bragged that his three years in prison were relatively easy and also forced his son David into doing his criminal bidding by intimidation and beatings.
Unfortunately, David’s mother was too ill to protect David from the years of abuse he suffered at the hands of his own father.
Despite years of abuse, David got into college and achieved professional success.
In The Pale-Faced Lie, David summons the courage to refuse his father’s criminal demands and reveals Thurston Crow’s deadly secrets. Along with the crimes he was forced to commit.
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8. The Devil in the White City
Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
- Rating: 4.4 out of 5
- Reviews: 11,363
- Author: Erik Larson
- Pages: 447
- First Published: February 11th, 2003
- Publisher: Crown
The Devil in the White City is written by author Erick Larson and set in the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. One of the main characters is an architect. The other is a serial killer.
Not only does Erick Larson do a fantastic job of recounting the intriguing true tale of the rich technological and cultural movement that was the 1893 World Fair in this well-crafted work of non-fiction. But he also recounts a serial killer that was on the loose and how he had set up a fake hotel next to the fair used to lure unsuspecting victims. He then tortured them, often murdering them in gruesome ways.
Be warned this is one of the most disturbing true crime books out there.
The story behind the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair is one that continues to fascinate people today, especially when it comes to Dr. Henry H. Holmes and his chilling murders.
While much remains unknown about this infamous serial killer and his motives, what we do know is enough to send chills down your spine!
The Devil in the White City is an engaging mix of true history with thrilling suspense.
If you like history mixed with true crime, then this enthralling and suspenseful read is for you.
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9. In Cold Blood
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Reviews: 11,215
- Author: Truman Capote
- Pages: 416
- First Published: February 19th, 2013
- Publisher: Modern Library
On November 15, 1959, four Clutter family members were savagely shot to death in their own home in the small farming community of Holcomb, Kansas.
We find out later that the shotgun used to kill the Clutters was held just inches from their faces.
There was no apparent motive for the crime and almost no clues.
Author Truman Capote began working on the novel before the killers were even caught.
He traveled to Kansas upon hearing of the quadruple murder and began interviewing residents and investigators, ultimately taking six years to construct his masterpiece.
In Cold Blood weaves together these interviews and stories of the murderers and the investigators who hunted them.
In Cold Blood should be a staple on the bookshelves of true crime enthusiasts.
Truman has done a fantastic job of generating both mesmerizing suspense and astonishing empathy as he reconstructs the murder and investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers.
In Cold Blood also yields touching insights into the nature of American violence.
If you are a fan of non fiction true crime books, then you’ll love this read.
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10. Mindhunter
Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Reviews: 10,249
- Author: John E. Douglas
- Pages: 384
- First Published: October 31st, 1995
- Publisher: Scribner
Ever wondered what makes a serial killer tick? Mindhunter aims to reveal just that in some of the most famous serial killer cases known to man, including Ted Bundy and Charles Manson.
Author John Douglas spent 25 years working with the Investigative Support Unit as Special Agent John Douglas.
During his career, he became a legendary figure within law enforcement, pursuing some of the most notorious and vicious serial killers of our time, including the Atlanta child murderer, the man who hunted prostitutes for sport in the woods of Alaska, and Seattle’s Green River Killer. The infamous case that nearly cost John Douglas his life.
One of the most popular serial killer books, Mindhunter dives into some of the most fascinating and challenging serial killer cases that John worked on in chilling detail.
As John examines each crime scene, he dives deep into the twisted minds of each serial killer.
He reveals both the killers and victims’ actions, describing their habits, creates their profiles, and predicts their next moves.
This book pairs nicely with the true crime Netflix series Mindhunter.
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11. Finding Me
A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed: A Memoir of the Cleveland Kidnappings
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Reviews: 7,458
- Author: Michelle Knight
- Pages: 280
- First Published: March 10th, 2015
- Publisher: Hachette Books
Finding Me is a New York Times bestseller by Michelle Knight, who tells her gripping survival story that is full of inspiration and hope.
It’s truly one of the best true crime books of this century.
Michelle Knight was just 21 years old when she was kidnapped and taken away from her family and friends. She spent 11 years in captivity, living in darkness with no hope for freedom or escape.
But somehow, through unimaginable suffering, Michelle found the courage to fight for her freedom.
In “Finding Me,” Michelle recounts her harrowing journey with raw emotion and vivid detail that truly brings her experience to life on every page.
From her kidnapping to her liberation and all the struggles along the way, this book provides an enlightening account of what it means to survive against all odds.
Michelle is an inspiring example of how one person can overcome significant adversity with inner strength and resilience.
This book is even more remarkable because it comes straight from Michelle herself. No other writer or narrator needed!
With each page turn, you feel as if you are right there alongside Michelle as she faces some of the darkest moments imaginable while struggling to keep hope alive.
Her story is a testament to never giving up despite immense pain and suffering, and it serves as a reminder that brighter days are always possible, no matter how bad things may seem in the present moment.
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12. Chaos
Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Reviews: 7,453
- Author: Tom O’Neill
- Pages: 528
- First Published: June 25th, 2019
- Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Charles Manson is one of the most notorious criminals in history, yet he is often forgotten or overlooked when discussing the sixties.
Manson rose to infamy after leading his cult-like family on a killing spree that left seven people dead.
He was convicted in 1971 for his part in these murders, which included actress Sharon Tate.
His story is both tragic and fascinating because it serves as an important reminder to us all about how dangerous unchecked ambition can be.
In “Chaos,” Tom O’Neill dives deep into what he calls “the dark side of the ’60s revolution”. Uncovering secrets that have remained hidden for decades.
Drawing on more than 2000 interviews spanning over 20 years, O’Neill reveals how Manson’s strange charisma attracted some of Hollywood’s most famous stars to his cult and how he ordered his teenage followers to commit seven brutal murders.
Chaos brings shocking revelations about what really happened on that fateful day in 1969.
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13. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
A Savannah Story
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Reviews: 7,246
- Author: John Berendt
- Pages: 388
- First Published: January 13th, 1994
- Publisher: Random House
Two shots rang out in the early morning of May 2, 1981. Was it murder or self-defense?
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil tells the story of Jim Williams, an antique dealer accused of murdering his assistant Danny Hansford.
It follows Williams’ trial as well as explores Savannah’s unique culture and characters.
Berendt spent four years researching for his book, interviewing locals, and immersing himself in Savannah’s culture.
As he wrote it over two years at his home outside New York City, he slowly realized that this was more than just a book. It was an exploration of what makes Savannah so special.
Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil is an unforgettable true crime tale about one town’s dark secrets and hidden treasures that continue to captivate readers today, over 25 years after its initial release!
This beloved classic offers readers an immersive glimpse into life during 1980s Savannah through John Berendt’s skillful storytelling and vivid imagery.
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14. The Five
The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Reviews: 7,036
- Author: Hallie Rubenhold
- Pages: 352
- First Published: April 9th, 2019
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
In 1888, a series of gruesome murders terrorized the East End of London.
These five murders, attributed to the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper and have gone down in history as some of the most notorious unsolved cases ever.
But what is often overlooked in other true crime non fiction books is that these five victims were more than just statistics.
Rubenhold’s book begins by providing readers with an in-depth exploration of the five victims’ lives prior to their gruesome murders. This part of the book is particularly heartbreaking as the reader is able to understand the victims’ struggles, fears, and dreams.
It is an excellent reminder that the victims were real people with real lives that were tragically cut short.
The Five is a gripping true story dedicated to these five women, Polly, Annie, Elisabeth, Catherine, and Mary Jane, giving them the backstory they deserve.
It also explores the social, economic, and political circumstances that may have contributed to their vulnerability and ultimate deaths.
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15. The Big Book of Serial Killers
An Encyclopedia of Serial Killers
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Reviews: 7,014
- Author: Jack Rosewood, Rebecca Lo
- Pages: 442
- First Published: June 19th, 2017
- Publisher: Self-published
Serial killers have captivated and horrified us for centuries. What could be more terrifying than someone who hunts humans as prey?
They are monsters walking among us. But how much do we actually know about them?
The Big Book of Serial Killers is an A-Z encyclopedia of 150 serial killers that include the Zodiac Killer, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Richard Ramirez.
It helps uncover the truth behind some of history’s most infamous mass murderers and is the perfect true crime gift for any diehard fan.
Written by Jack Rosewood and Rebecca Lo, the book is a comprehensive exploration of these notorious criminals and the crimes they committed.
The book contains comprehensive accounts of each killer, including the time and manner in which they killed their victims, the backgrounds of each killer, and suspects involved in unsolved cases.
For some, there are even chilling quotes and trivia about the killers themselves.
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16. Catch and Kill
Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Reviews: 6,893
- Author: Ronan Farrow
- Pages: 464
- First Published: October 15th, 2019
- Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Catch and Kill is a tale of lies, secrets, and spies.
In this New York Times bestseller, author Ronan Farrow recounts his experience uncovering a conspiracy to protect some of Hollywood’s most powerful predators, including Harvey Weinstein.
Farrow explains in detail how he was met with threats, intimidation tactics, and lies from those who were determined to keep these predators safe from justice.
He also reveals how powerful figures tried to buy his silence.
But despite their efforts, Farrow never gave up, and he eventually won himself a Pulitzer Prize for his work in exposing these individuals for their misdeeds.
By bringing these predators to light, Farrow has helped to open up conversations about sexual assault and abuse that have been long overdue in many circles.
In addition, his work encourages other victims to come forward with their stories.
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17. A Stolen Life
A Memoir
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Reviews: 6,226
- Author: Jaycee Dugard
- Pages: 288
- First Published: July 12th, 2011
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
A Stolen Life is the personal account of Jaycee Dugard’s kidnapping in 1991 when she was just 11 years old.
Jaycee was taken from South Lake Tahoe, California while walking to her school bus stop and held hostage in a backyard compound created by her abductors, Phillip and Nancy Garrido.
For 18 years, she suffered through unimaginable abuse as her captors tried to break her spirit.
But despite their attempts to control her every move, she found ways to remain strong and survive the unimaginable trauma she had endured for almost two decades.
Through it all, Jaycee kept hope alive that she would be freed from captivity one day.
A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard is one of those top true crime books you need to read because it will move and astound you.
This non-fiction book tells the true story of one woman’s courage and resilience through her ordeal of being kidnapped as a child and held captive for 18 years.
It is an inspiring and empowering read that will stay with you long after you close the cover.
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18. Under the Banner of Heaven
A Story of Violent Faith
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Reviews: 6,092
- Author: Jon Krakauer
- Pages: 372
- First Published: July 15th, 2003
- Publisher: Doubleday
Under The Banner Of Heaven is another one of our highly recommended true crime books to read.
It follows Ron and Dan Lafferty, two brothers who were members of an extreme Mormon group.
After receiving a “divine revelation” from God telling them to kill their brother’s wife, Brenda, and infant daughter Erica, they brutally murdered both victims in July 1984.
Ron was sentenced to life in prison without parole, while Dan received the death penalty (which was later commuted to life imprisonment).
The author Jon Krakauer dives deep into this horrific crime and its aftermath, exploring why these men committed such a heinous act in God’s name.
He examines their lives before and after the murders, from their childhoods to their trials in court.
The book also contains the history of Mormonism and its extreme offshoots, which have been shrouded in mystery for centuries.
He paints a vivid picture of what it means to be part of an extremist religious group willing to go to any lengths to pursue its beliefs.
He interviews family members, former cult members, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys involved with the case, and experts on religion and cults.
His research uncovers some surprising revelations about what happened in 1984 and shines a light on some disturbing aspects of faith that many people would instead not think about.
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19. The Last Book On The Left
Stories of Murder and Mayhem from History’s Most Notorious Serial Killers
- Rating: 4.9 out of 5
- Reviews: 6,012
- Authors: Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski
- Pages: 304
- First Published: April 7th, 2020
- Publisher: Dey Street Books
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the minds and stories of history’s most notorious serial killers?
If so, The Last Book On The Left is the perfect read for you.
This book is written by popular true crime podcast members Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski from The Last Podcast on the Left.
It explores the gruesome stories and horrifying details behind some of history’s most famous serial killers.
From Jack the Ripper to Jeffrey Dahmer, each chapter probes into the psyche of these individuals to understand what made them tick, as well as how they were able to avoid capture for so long.
What makes The Last Book on the Left so unique is that it covers in detail the psychology behind each killer’s heinous acts.
Rather than simply providing a list of facts about each murderer, this book looks at each killer as an individual. What made them tick? What motivated them to commit such horrific acts?
The Last Book on the Left also closely examines how the victims were affected. While most true crime books tend to focus primarily on the perpetrators themselves, this book does not forget about those who were impacted by these monstrous acts, the victims, and their families.
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20. Zodiac
The Shocking True Story of the Hunt for the Nation’s Most Elusive Serial Killer
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Reviews: 2,331
- Author: Robert Graysmith
- Pages: 384
- First Published: January 1st, 1986
- Publisher: St Martins Pr
The Shocking True Story of the Hunt for the Nation’s Most Elusive Serial Killer is an intriguing book that details the decades-long pursuit of the infamous Zodiac Killer.
Written by true crime author Robert Graysmith, the book provides readers with an in-depth exploration of the Zodiac Killer and the attempts to catch him.
The book begins by introducing readers to the background of the Zodiac Killer and the string of murders he committed in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
It then goes on to discuss the various investigations and theories that were put forward by law enforcement in an attempt to capture the criminal.
Robert does an excellent job of exploring the various leads and false trails that detectives followed as they searched for the elusive killer.
The second part of the book is focused on the various suspects who were linked to the case over the years.
Robert goes into great detail about each suspect and provides readers with an in-depth look at the evidence that was presented against them.
He also examines the motivations of the Zodiac Killer and how he was able to evade capture for so long.
Overall, The Shocking True Story of the Hunt for the Nation’s Most Elusive Serial Killer is a gripping must-read that rounds off our best true crime novels list.
