“I’d learned, though, that life isn’t a movie. Though it’s nice to believe in white-hatted heroes and black-hatted villains, people are a lot more complex than that.”
True crime books captivate readers with their shocking cases, gripping narratives, and real-life mysteries. Whether you’re a hardened fan or just starting out, there’s a true crime book for every type of reader. Love psychological thrillers? Try a chilling account of a manipulative criminal. Prefer mystery novels? There are true crime books that unfold like classic whodunnits. History buffs can delve into historical crimes, while those fascinated by scams and con artists will find plenty to explore. From bestselling true crime books to underrated gems, join us at What We Reading as we curate a range of gripping stories that suit every interest. Whether you’re looking for a true crime book that reads like fiction or a deeply investigative deep dive, we’ve got the recommendations for you. Let’s dive into the best options for thriller lovers, first-time readers, and everyone in between!
The Suspicions Of Mr. Whicher: Murder And The Undoing Of A Great Victorian Detective – Kate Summerscale
First up on our list of the best true crime books for every reader is Kate Summerscale’s bestseller, The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher. The story follows the infamous 1860 murder of three-year-old Saville Kent at the Road Hill House in rural England. This real-life horror gripped the nation and became a defining case in British criminal history. Summerscale follows the investigation headed by Detective Inspector Jonathan Whicher, one of the first detectives to work at Scotland Yard. Driven by instinct, Whicher suspects foul play within the Kent household, but the case is shrouded in mystery and secrecy, filled with personal and social tensions.
Summerscale’s narrative is not only a chronicle of the crime, but also a fascinating exploration of the early days of criminal investigation and the social context of the time. She examines how the case influenced detective fiction with real-life events influencing the development of literary figures such as Sherlock Holmes. Blending true crime with social history and the psychology of the people involved, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher is a read for anyone interested in historical crimes and the origins of modern detective work.
Bad Blood: Secrets And Lies In A Silicon Valley Startup – John Carreyrou
Bad Blood by John Carreyrou charts the rise and fall of Theranos, the biotech startup that promised to revolutionise blood testing but was ultimately exposed as a massive fraud. The book focuses on the company’s charismatic founder, Elizabeth Holmes, who convinced investors, doctors, and the public that her technology could provide rapid, cheap blood tests using just a few droplets of blood. As Theranos’ value soared, so too did the pressures to deliver on these lofty promises, leading to a web of deceit, manipulation and cover-ups.
Carreyrou, a Wall Street Journal investigative journalist, dives deep into the inner workings of Theranos, intertwining whistleblowers and revealing the lengths Holmes and her associates went to preserve the illusion of success. Bad Blood is a gripping true crime tale of corporate greed, ambition and the dark side of Silicon Valley, offering a sobering look at the consequences of deception in the world of tech startups.
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Say Nothing: A True Story Of Murder And Memory In Northern Ireland – Patrick Radden Keefe
Patrick Radden Keefe’s Say Nothing is a powerful exploration of the Troubles, the violent conflict that ravaged Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998. At the centre of the book is the 1972 abduction and murder of Jean McConville, a mother of ten, whose killing became the embodiment of the brutal tactics used by both sides during the conflict. Keefe weaves a gripping narrative around McConville’s murder, immersing readers in the secrecy, betrayal, and political tensions that defined this era.
Through meticulous research and extensive interviews, Keefe uncovers the stories of key figures, including former IRA members and those involved in the military and political struggles of the time. The book not only unravels the mystery of McConville’s death but also paints the impact of the Troubles on the people of Northern Ireland. Say Nothing is both a chilling true crime story and an in-depth historical account, making it one of the best true crime books for anyone interested in the complex, turbulent history of Northern Ireland.
The Black Dahlia Avenger: The True Story – Steve Hodel
The Black Dahlia Avenger by Steve Hodel presents a compelling and controversial theory about the infamous unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, dubbed the ‘Black Dahlia’, whose brutal death shocked Los Angeles back in 1947. In this book, Hodel, a former LAPD detective, claims that his own father, George Hodel, was the killer. Drawing on his father’s criminal background and a series of unsettling discoveries, Hodel presents evidence that points to his father being responsible for the Black Dahlia murder, as well as a number of other unsolved crimes.
Through impeccable research, personal investigations and examinations of police records, Hodel explores the possibility that his father, an eminent doctor with ties to the LA elite, was a serial killer. The book examines the complex relationships within the Hodel family and the implications of his father’s secret life. While Hodel’s theory has ignited fierce debates, the book remains one of the most gripping true crime reads, offering fresh and provocative angles on one of history’s most notorious unsolved crimes.
The Last Victim: A True-Life Journey Into The Mind Of The Serial Killer – Jason Moss
Jason Moss’ The Last Victim offers readers a chilling exploration into the psychology of notorious serial killers, based on the author’s own personal correspondence with several of them. Moss, a criminology student, interacted with infamous criminals ranging from Richard Ramirez, John Wayne Gacy, and Jeffrey Dahmer, in an effort to understand what drove them to commit their heinous crimes. The book takes readers inside the minds of these killers, providing raw insights into their twisted motivations and personalities.
Moss’ journey into the world of serial killers is both disturbing and fascinating, as he reflects on how these killers manipulated him through their letters, and what he discovered about himself along the way. The Last Victim is a thought-provoking blend of true crime and psychological exploration, shedding light on the dark, disturbed minds behind some of the most infamous crimes in history.
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The Family: The Story Of Charles Manson’s Dune Buggy Attack Battalion – Ed Sanders
The Family by Ed Sanders provides another chilling and detailed true crime account of the notorious Manson Family and their involvement in the infamous murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others in 1969. Sanders, a journalist and investigator, explores the psychological manipulation and disturbing dynamics that Charles Manson used to coerce his followers, known as ‘The Family’. The book delves into Manson’s charismatic yet deranged personality and his ability to influence vulnerable individuals, leading to them committing brutal acts of violence.
Through in-depth interviews, research and a close examination of the events leading up to the murders, Sanders sheds light on the inner workings of the Manson Family and the horrors they unleashed.The Family is an engrossing true crime narrative that examines the intersection of cults, mind control, and murder, offering readers a truly unsettling look at one of the most infamous figures in criminal history.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
