True Crime Novels

[hillisee]

Looking for books on true crime. Especially appreciate recommendations on books that include the use of behavioral science to determine the perpetrator. I am a very big fan of true crime TV shows and even Harlan Coben novels and would love to hear more about novels such as those. Thank you!!

[Linda Atnip]

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is the gold standard for the true Crime fan. It is a fascinating and penetrating look at how a serial killer is born.

[khaulah]

Three Minutes to Doomsday by Joe Navarro would be an interesting read.

[ngocarolyn]

Have you looked into reading any of John Douglas/Mark Olshaker books? Douglas is seen as one of the first criminal profilers in the FBI along with Robert Ressler. Maybe look into MindHunter as a start! I know they made a TV series on this, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book (granted, I read the book first!)

[Sumansona1344]

Behind her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough. This book is a psychological thriller and will make you scream at various parts. It will take you off-edge whenever you think you know what is going to happen.

[SenSen]

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler is a classic and I enjoyed it. It is fast-paced and rather short, perfect for an evening read.

[Disquisitive]

For true crime, i.e. a work of non-fiction, then I highly recommend Gone at Midnight by Jake Anderson. It is an investigation into the disappearance and death of Elisa Lam, who was found dead in the water tank of the hotel she was staying at (after hotel guests complained about a foul taste and odour to the water).

What I loved about it and think you will like too, was that it was both very readable and at the same time, a very thorough investigation. I found out toward the end of the book that author Jake Anderson trained as a documentary maker. In fact this book came out of a documentary he was making, and as a result he has high journalistic standards, explaining the thorough research. In the book, he examines the physical evidence and also some of what Elisa Lam might be thinking and feeling, told through her travel diary blog and via her relationships with others.

Author Jake Anderson makes several trips to the hotel to look first-hand at details of layout etc that have a bearing on the case. He investigates carefully any behaviour of hers and of others which might seem unusual or inexplicable that happened close to the date of her death. This is definitely a gripping read if you like true crime.

[Dominik_G]

If you're interested in criminal profiling, I'd definitely recommend Whoever Fights Monsters by Robert K. Ressler & Tom Shachtman. I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara is also quite chilling. And though I'd say it's more of a "true crime novel", The Road Out of Hell by Anthony Flacco & Jerry Clark is absolutely heart-rending and extraordinary!