As long as stories have been told, people have been morbidly curious about the inner workings of a devious mind. This is why true crime has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences through books, podcasts, television shows, and documentaries.
We consume true crime because we want to know what happens when humans behave inhumanely. Could we catch a killer? What are the red flags? Could we escape?
Here’s the kicker: There’s nothing more fear-inducing than reality.
In the following list, we’ve found books based on notorious true crime cases. If you’re curious, a link to information about the real life cases are noted in the parentheses at the end of the description.
An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
Drawing on a notorious murder case from 1910 in which the impoverished son of street preachers commits an act of terrible violence, and is surround by political corruptions and social hypocrisies throughout his trial, this vision of the dark side of American life looks at the failings of the American dream through the story of Clyde Griffiths, a man who sacrifices everything in his quest for success. (Murder of Grace Brown)
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
When two women vanish without a trace in the summer of 1978, Tina Cannon believes they are targets of the All-American Sex Killer. When she learns about the massacre at a Florida State University sorority, she heads to the Sunshine State where she is on a collision course with one last impending tragedy. (Chi Omega Sorority Murders)
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
In 1829 Iceland, Agnes, charged with the brutal murder of her former master, is sent to an isolated farm to await execution. Horrified at the prospect of housing a convicted murderer, the family at first avoids Agnes. But as Agnes’s death looms, the farmer’s wife and their daughters learn there is another side to the sensational story they’ve heard. (Execution of Agnes Magnúsdóttir)
The Girls by Emma Cline
Mesmerized by a band of girls in the park she perceives as enjoying a life of free careless abandon, Evie Boyd becomes obsessed with gaining acceptance in their circle, only to find herself drawn into a cult and seduced by its charismatic leader. (The Manson Family)
Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger
Investigating the grisly murders of Ria Ruiz and Adriana Marques on Long Island, FBI agent Nell Flynn is horrified to discover that the primary suspect in her own recently deceased father, a former homicide detective. Plagued by doubts about her own mother’s murder – and her own role exonerating her father – Nell can’t help by ask questions. (Gilgo Beach Murders)
Little Deaths by Emma Flint
Ruth Malone, a single mother who works as a cocktail waitress, wakes to discover her two small children have gone missing. Later that day, one body is found in a derelict lot a half mile from her home. Ten days later, the other child’s decomposing body is found. Immediately, all fingers point to Ruth. (Murder of Eddie and Missy Crimmins)
The Perfect Nanny by Leila Slimani
When Myriam decides to return to work as a lawyer after having children, she and her husband look for the perfect nanny for their son and daughter. They never dreamed they would find Louise: a quiet, polite, devoted woman. But as the couple and the nanny become more dependent on one another, jealousy, resentment, and suspicions mount, shattering the idyllic tableau. (Murder of Lucia and Leo Krim)
What Happened to Nina by Dervia McTiernan
Nina and Simon are the perfect couple: young, fund, and deeply in love. They leave for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Vermont, and only Simon comes home. Simon’s explanation about what happened in their last hours together doesn’t add up; Nina’s parents push the police for answers and Simon’s parents rush to protect him. Nina’s family is under siege, but they never lose sight of the only thing that really matters: finding their daughter. (Murder of Gabby Petito)