For some, sitting down with a good book means cozying up by the fireplace, ready for characters to whisk them away to an imaginary world. For others, the escape comes from the thrill of traveling back in time, eager to learn from the stories of generations past. However, another group of bookworms is motivated by an alternative curiosity. Authors such as Truman Capote and David Grann command their attention with narratives of police investigations, cold cases and wrongful convictions.
Although true crime has captured audiences’ attention for decades, the genre has recently experienced an obsessional revival, surfacing an overwhelming collection of documentaries, docuseries and podcasts. But what pulls a particular story out from the noise? What distinguishes a gripping documentary from sensationalized nonfiction?
The best true crime stories pack a punch deeper than engaging, binge-worthy mysteries. If told right, these investigations offer a complex look into the nightmarish moments that altered the course of someone’s life, holding perpetrators accountable, advocating for justice or offering a fresh angle on the cases we thought we knew. For all the true crime lovers and aspiring investigative podcasters alike, these books are the perfect read if you’re not ready to let go of that one case just yet.
About the Author
