10 Best True Crime Books That Will Keep You Up at Night (2026)
Explore the most gripping true crime books covering infamous cases, cold cases, and investigative journalism. From serial killers to unsolved mysteries, these are the essential reads for true crime enthusiasts.
Books & Affiliate Links
| # | Title | Best For | Price | ISBN/ASIN | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In Cold Blood by Truman Capote | Literary true crime fans | $16 | 0679745580 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara | Golden State Killer case | $17 | 0062319795 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi | Manson Family history | $18 | 039308700X | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson | Historical true crime | $16 | 0375725601 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | Mindhunter by John E. Douglas | FBI profiling insights | $18 | 1501191969 | Buy on Amazon |
| 6 | The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule | Ted Bundy biography | $17 | 1982112352 | Buy on Amazon |
| 7 | American Predator by Maureen Callahan | Israel Keyes case | $17 | 0525428283 | Buy on Amazon |
| 8 | If You Tell by Gregg Olsen | Family abuse survivor story | $16 | 1542005221 | Buy on Amazon |
| 9 | Lost Girls by Robert Kolker | Long Island serial killer | $17 | 0062183656 | Buy on Amazon |
| 10 | Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann | Osage murders investigation | $18 | 0307742482 | Buy on Amazon |
Book Details
1. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
- Best For: Literary true crime fans
- Price: $16
- ISBN/ASIN:
0679745580 - Amazon: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
2. I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
- Best For: Golden State Killer case
- Price: $17
- ISBN/ASIN:
0062319795 - Amazon: I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
3. Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi
- Best For: Manson Family history
- Price: $18
- ISBN/ASIN:
039308700X - Amazon: Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi
4. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Best For: Historical true crime
- Price: $16
- ISBN/ASIN:
0375725601 - Amazon: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
5. Mindhunter by John E. Douglas
- Best For: FBI profiling insights
- Price: $18
- ISBN/ASIN:
1501191969 - Amazon: Mindhunter by John E. Douglas
6. The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
- Best For: Ted Bundy biography
- Price: $17
- ISBN/ASIN:
1982112352 - Amazon: The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
7. American Predator by Maureen Callahan
- Best For: Israel Keyes case
- Price: $17
- ISBN/ASIN:
0525428283 - Amazon: American Predator by Maureen Callahan
8. If You Tell by Gregg Olsen
- Best For: Family abuse survivor story
- Price: $16
- ISBN/ASIN:
1542005221 - Amazon: If You Tell by Gregg Olsen
9. Lost Girls by Robert Kolker
- Best For: Long Island serial killer
- Price: $17
- ISBN/ASIN:
0062183656 - Amazon: Lost Girls by Robert Kolker
10. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
- Best For: Osage murders investigation
- Price: $18
- ISBN/ASIN:
0307742482 - Amazon: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
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