10 True Crime Books for a Truly Spine-Chilling Booktober 

It’s that time of year! Things are getting spooky, Hocus Pocus is on every channel (as it rightfully should be), and it’s finally cold enough for you to curl up with a book in front of the fireplace. So what better to do than try a new true crime read?

True crime has been one of my favourite genres for the last few years. In fact, it’s what got me back into reading for pleasure as an adult. For me, it’s not about the gore. I enjoy true crime for the psychological and investigative aspects.

I love when authors and their sources dig in more to find out why a crime happened, why investigators reached certain conclusions, what role the media played and what the public got wrong. For me, that’s why true crime is so fascinating – and why I never turn down a Criminal Minds marathon.

Below I’m sharing my top 10 true crime books. I know this genre isn’t for everyone, but hopefully you’ll find something interesting in this list. Happy Booktober!

Note that all of the below books should come with a heavy dose of trigger warnings for graphic and violent content. It’s also worth noting that most of the books are written by white, male authors. 

Mindhunter by John Douglas

This was one of the first true crime books I ever read and it’s still one of my favourites. You may be more familiar with the Netflix series Mindhunter but, as is often the case, the book is better.

John Douglas created the Behavioral Analysis Unit (what Criminal Minds is based on!) at the FBI and this book is a look at how that unit got started and the cases that influenced John and co to create the term “serial killer.”

Personally, I found this book fascinating. I know some struggle with John’s writing style, but I didn’t mind it in this book (other books of his I haven’t loved).

Columbine by Dave Cullen

Columbine is another favourite true crime book for me. As you may have guessed, this book is all about the Columbine school shooting in 1999. But it’s not just a recap of the horrific events.

Cullen dive deeps into the psychology reports, role of the media, interviews with staff, students and parents, and more to put together a very comprehensive and well-researched book. I love how analytical this book is and how much care is put into presenting the stories of the victims and perpetrators.

I’ve also read Dave Cullen’s other book, Parkland, about that school shooting. I enjoyed Columbine more, but still thought Parkland was a great book. It’s more inspirational and focused on the movement the survivors started to combat gun violence.

Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi

Any lawyers or readers interested in law should definitely pick up this book. Helter Skelter is the true story of the Charles Manson murder trials, as told by the prosecuting attorney.

This book is dense and there are a lot of characters in it. But it’s also super interesting to see how the trials unfolded and how the prosecution put together their case.

I read this book very slowly over almost over three years, but would suggest you read it at a slightly faster pace so you don’t keep saying, “Who’s that again?” when you forget all of the characters’ names.

The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guinn

If you’re a fan of cults, you’re going to want to grab this impressive tome all about Jim Jones, the Peoples Temple and Jonestown. To jog your memory, Jonestown is best known as the place where over 900 cult followers died in 1978 from cyanide poisoning. It’s often joked about now as “drinking the Kool-Aid.”

But there’s so much more to this story, which began with an aspiring pastor in the 1950’s who wanted to fight racial segregation. How did Jim Jones go from integrated church leader to cult murderer? This almost-500 page book will walk you through every detail!

Law and Disorder by John Douglas

John Douglas is back on my list of top true crime books with another book all about the criminal mind and justice system.

In this one, Douglas goes through some of the most infamous and controversial cases in history, from the Salem Witch Trials to Amanda Knox and the West Memphis Three, sharing where the justice system got it right and, more often, where it got it horribly wrong.

It was fascinating to read John’s expert take on these cases and watch him lay out his findings. Of course, the book is heavily biased from his personal opinion, but he is an expert.

American Predator by Maureen Callahan

I read American Predator at the end of 2019 and it quickly became one of my favourite books of the year. American Predator is the story of Israel Keyes, a prolific serial killer in the US who went undetected for over a decade.

Despite his horrific record, his name doesn’t have the same recognition as Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer. In this book, Callahan does a deep investigation into this case and tells the story in an incredibly well-researched and captivating way.

I was so engaged by her storytelling that I think I finished this book in just one day!

Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow

Another one for lovers of investigative journalism, Catch and Kill is the story of the big Hollywood takedown of Harvey Weinstein and fellow sex predators.

It’s told by Ronan Farrow (the son of Mia Farrow and Woody Allen) who works as a journalist and risked his job and, at points, more to tell this story. He documents his journey trying to uncover the truth, speak to subjects and publish his findings.

This book was very engaging and another one I couldn’t put down. Every few pages I would have to turn to Colin to share another shady fact I couldn’t believe was true.

American Prison by Shane Bauer

American Prison is the story of an undercover reporter who poses as a corrections officer at a private prison in Louisiana. Chapters alternate between Bauer’s undercover experience and the history of private prisons in the US. Of course, both are horrifying.

The history chapters weren’t as exciting to read as the undercover chapters, but both painted a very accurate and scary picture of the inhumane world of prisons. Definitely an important read, especially in this time.

Prophet’s Prey by Sam Brower

Prophet’s Prey is a deep dive into the world of the FLDS church and their leader, Warren Jeffs, by private investigator, Sam Brower. The FLDS is best known as being a polygamist cult where underage girls are married off and subsequently raped by much older men.

Like many books on this list, the crimes are incredibly horrible and tragic. I did find this book very engaging and appreciated Sam’s perspective not only as a private investigator but also as a Mormon.

As he explains, the Mormon church and the FLDS church have the same origin point, so Sam was able to relate to many cult members on the basis of religion.

The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett Graff

Last but not least is The Only Plane in the Sky, an oral history of 9/11. This book is told in such an interesting way and is unlike any other book I have ever read.

Of course we all know the main facts around the terrorist attacks on September 11. But there was so much more going on. From the personal stories to the political, from people in New York and Washington to those as far away as the Pacific Ocean and outer space, this book does a great job at giving so many people a voice. I cried through most of this one.

I’ve heard it’s even more powerful on audio, with different voices participating and actual recordings being used.

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Are you a true crime reader?

Which one of these true crime books would you want to read? 

 

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