Ever since Truman Capote gave us his startling non-fiction novel “In Cold Blood” in 1966, readers have been thirsty for more. Authors from all the over the world met this demand by releasing books that depict and recount some of the most horrifying real crimes. From Blood and Money to Helter Skelter, true crime novels’ fan following simply increases over the years. The gripping and chilling novels are improved with the extra component of reality.
Whether you are an avid reader or not, these true crime novels from the previous 50 years will undoubtedly have you hooked.
In Cold Blood (1966)
Author: Truman Capote
The start of all true crime novels, this masterpiece has earned the title of the first non-fiction novel. The story revolves round the terrifying of the murders in the Clutter Family in Holcomb, Kansas in 1959.
Helter Skelter (1974)
Author: Vincent Bugliosi with Curt Gentry
The influence and power of Manson over his followers in the summer of 1969 is recounted in the murder case by the prosecuting attorney.
Blood and Money (1976)
Author: Thomas Thompson
Joan Robinson Hill, the gorgeous socialite, who fell ill mysteriously and died shortly after was indeed murdered. Thompson won the Edgar Award for this book.
The Michigan Murders (1976)
Author: Edward Keyes
The serial killer next door, John Norman Collins, from Eastern Michigan University. The story of an all-American fraternity boy who terrorized the college town, Ypsilanti, in 1967 and murdered young women.
Closing Time (1977)
Author: Lacey Fosburgh
The “Goodbar” murder which later inspired a novel and movie by the same name is a true story. Looking into the death of a Catholic school teacher, Roseann Quinn, who was murdered in her Manhattan apartment, the grisly tale is one to read.
A Death in Canaan (1978)
Author: Joan Barthel
In 1973, Peter Reilly, an 18-year-old was accused of murdering Barbara Gibbons, his mother. The story takes us to his trial and the Canaan, Connecticut community that stood for him.
The Executioner’s Song (1979)
Author: Norman Mailer
In 1976, Gary Gilmore murdered and robbed two men. Once convicted he demanded an instant death by the firing squad in a system that ran on slow execution sentences. This Pulitzer winning book highlights Gilmore’s fight for death.
The Stranger Beside Me (1980)
Author: Ann Rule
The uncanny friendship with serial killer Ted Bundy is discovered in Ann Rule’s true crime novel prior and subsequent to his capture.
Fatal Vision (1983)
Author: Joe McGinniss
In 1970, Jeffrey McDonald was accused and convicted of murdering his wife and children. The bestselling 1983 novel drew plenty of criticism for supporting the conviction.
Evidence of Love (1984)
Author: John Bloom & Jim Atkinson
Betty Gore and Candy Montgomery were two desperate housewives in northern Dallas. Jealousy and secrets let them to eventual cold-blooded murder.
The Hillside Stranglers (1985)
Author: Darcy O’Brien
In the 1970s, Los Angeles was terrorized by the Hillside Stranglers, Kenny Bianchi and cousin Angelo Buono. Their relationship is highlighted in the book.
Zodiac (1986)
Author: Robert Graysmith
In 1969, an obsessed reported who wanted justice penned down a first-hand account of the 11-month reign of terror in San Francisco by the Zodiac killer.
Buried Dreams (1986)
Author: Tim Cahill
The Killer Clown, John Wayne Gacy, speaks about his 33 murders in suburban Chicago in detail in exclusive interviews with Cahill.
Bitter Blood (1988)
Author: Jerry Bledsoe
An unfortunate twist of events led nine people, all connected by jealousy and love, dead in between 1984 and 1985. In North Carolina, Bledsoe recount the horrifying details in his true crime novel.
Beyond Obsession (1992)
Author: Richard Hammer
Two teenagers take their love to a whole new level. Karin Aparo convinces Dennis, her boyfriend, to kill her own mother, Joyce.
Blood Echoes (1992)
Author: Thomas H. Cook
Three escaped convicts murder Jerry Alday and the rest of his family in 1973. Cook recounts the incidents in his chilling true crime book.
Innocent Victims (1993)
Author: Scott Whisnant
Tim Braggs was a soldier who was tried thrice and convicted at last for the murder of a mother along with both her daughters. The murder took place on Mother’s Day in 1985.
The Crime of the Century (1993)
Author: Dennis L. Breo and William J. Martin
In 1966, Richard Speck killed eight nurses altogether in a townhouse in Chicago. He left behind only one nurse alive. The book describes the crimes as well as Speck’s trial where the surviving nurse confronts him.
Above Suspicion (1994)
Author: Joe Sharkey
Mark Putnam, a rookie FBI agent, got involved with his informant. What he never fathomed was how this relationship could end in murder.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1994)
Author: John Berendt
The murder of Danny Hansford and the odd folks on Savannah, Georgia in the 1980s are recounted in the non-fiction novel by Berendt.
Fred & Rose (1995)
Author: Howard Sounes
Fred and Rose West, Britain’s most infamous killer couple, killed and tortured people in the boarding house they owned. Their children were among their victims, too.
Mother’s Day (1995)
Author: Dennis McDougal
Theresa Knorr, a mother, used the help of her sons to torture and eventually murder her own daughters.
The Night Stalker (1996)
Author: Philip Carlo
In the mid-1980s, Richard Ramirez, a Satanist, terrorized California and murdered 13 people. He avoided capture for a whole year before the police caught up with him. His horrifying crimes are documented in detail in this gripping read.
The Wrong Man (2001)
Author: James Neff
In 1954, Dr. Sam Sheppard was accused of murdering his wife. He was convicted and spent a decade in prison before a second trial ensued where he was acquitted.
The Devil in the White City (2003)
Author: Erik Larson
During the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, H. H. Holmes murdered multiple people in what he called his “murder house”.
Under the Banner of Heaven (2003)
Author: Jon Krakauer
Brothers Dan and Ron Lafferty, members of an isolated Mormon Fundamentalist community, were convinces that God chose them to murder a woman alongside her baby daughter.
The Monster of Florence (2006)
Author: Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi
Preston and investigative journalist, Spezi, teamed up to catch the infamous Monster of Florence. After capturing the suspected serial killer, they find themselves in hot waters.
For the Thrill of It (2008)
Author: Simon Baatz
In 1924 in Chicago, a child was murdered by two wealthy college students. The only motive they had was the thrill of it all.
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher (2008)
Author: Kate Summerscale
Three-year-old Saville Kent was murdered in 1860. The investigation documented has one suspect: a family member.
Columbine (2009)
Author: Dave Cullen
In 1999, the Columbine events took place leaving behind a scary template for school shooter for two decades. Cullen who was one of the first on the scene recounts the incidents of that day.
People Who Eat Darkness (2010)
Author: Richard Lloyd Parry
In 2000, Lucie Blackman disappeared in Tokyo. The incident was covered by Richard Lloyd Parry, an award-winning foreign correspondent. The search led to the capture of a man who earned the title of “extremely evil” by the judge.
Lost Girls (2013)
Author: Robert Kolker
The search for the Long Island serial killer who began his targeted killing in 2010 is documented by investigative reporter Kolker. He only kills escorts.
The Good Nurse (2013)
Author: Charles Graeber
Charlie Cullen also dubbed “The Angel of Death” is a killer nurse who is behind the death of 300 patients.
Mystery on the Isles of Shoals (2014)
Author: J. Dennis Robinson
Smuttynose, an isolated island, saw the murder of two women. Louis Wagner was tried and convicted but was he really the murderer?
Getting Life (2014)
Author: Michael Morton
A biography of a killer whose time was spent in prison after he murdered his wife in 1986. He battled his own case and freedom, triumphantly proving his innocence.
These gripping stories written by award winning authors are far better than any bedtime read you have laid eyes upon yet. From biographies of convicted killers to first-hand account of survivors of serial killers, this list of the best true crime novels in the past 50 years will ultimately hook you.