For some, sitting down with a good book means cozying up by the fireplace, ready to let the characters take them into an imaginary world. For others, escape comes from the excitement of traveling back in time, a desire to learn from the stories of past generations. Another group of bookworms, however, are motivated by a different kind of curiosity. Writers such as Truman Capote and David Grann captured their attention with accounts of police investigations, cold cases, and wrongful convictions.
While true crime has captured audiences’ attention for decades, the genre has recently undergone a fascinating renaissance, with a slew of documentaries, docuseries, and podcasts. But what makes a particular story stand out from the noise? What’s the difference between a gripping documentary and a sensational piece of nonfiction?
The best true crime stories have more depth than compelling, watchable mysteries. If told correctly, these investigations can provide a complex understanding of those nightmarish moments that change the course of someone’s life, hold perpetrators accountable, advocate for justice, or shed a new light on a case we thought we knew. For all true crime fans and aspiring investigative podcasters out there, these books are perfect reads if you’re not ready to give up on the case just yet.
