Top 13 Crime Books
If you're in the mood for a thrilling read, then look no further than these top crime books. From gripping mysteries to edge-of-your-seat suspense, these stories will keep you guessing until the very end. Delve into the world of crime with the most notable authors in the genre, where every page turn brings a new twist and danger. Whether you're a seasoned crime book fan or new to the thriller scene, this roundup of crime books has something for everyone.
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1. The Writer's Complete Crime Reference Book
Immerse yourself in the realm of crime fiction with "The Writer's Ultimate Crime Companion" authored by Martin Roth. This all-encompassing tome is indispensable for the authors of mystery novels, suspenseful thrillers, heart-pounding adventures, fact-based true crime narratives, gripping police procedurals, romantic suspenseful tales, and psychological crime-filled narratives.
Whether you are forging a literary masterpiece or a film script, Roth's book serves as an irreplaceable resource, offering general guidelines and particular policies and procedures from multiple law enforcement departments. Unravel the mysteries behind crafting spellbinding crime stories with "The Writer's Ultimate Crime Companion".
- Authors: Martin Roth
- Publisher: Writer's Digest Books
- Published Date: April 12, 1993
- Page Count: 312
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
2. A Rage To Kill And Other True Cases:
Anne Rule's Crime Files, Vol. 6
In A Rage To Kill And Other True Cases: Anne Rule's Crime Files, Vol. 6, the world-renowned true-crime writer, Ann Rule, presents a chilling collection of the most shocking and unforgettable homicide cases caught within the all-too-familiar confines of everyday life.
Known for her "devastatingly accurate insight" (The New York Times Book Review) into the criminal mind, Rule carefully selects cases that reveal the dark impulses hiding beneath the surface of seemingly normal individuals. This riveting collection includes the notorious Seattle city bus ride massacre, where a seemingly ordinary man was compelled to commit a heinous act of violence.
Delving deeper into the human psyche, Rule expertly uncovers the unseen chain of events that led to the catastrophic tragedy that ensued, leaving readers with haunting questions about the nature of human behavior and the unpredictable forces that can propel us into unspeakable acts. A Rage To Kill also offers a captivating exploration of nine other extraordinary cases that shine a light on Rule's unique and authoritative perspective on the irrational violence that erupts from the killers among us.
In this volume of the Crime Files series, readers are invited to venture into the uncharted depths of human nature and the chilling realities that lurk within. Ann Rule's meticulous research and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth promise to leave an indelible mark on even the most seasoned crime enthusiast.
- Authors: Ann Rule
- Publisher: Simon and Schuster
- Published Date: January 18, 2001
- Page Count: 401
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
3. Less Crime for Bonnie
Less Crime for Bonnie, a gripping tale by James Arrington, follows the life of Bonnie Sue Raymond, a young farm girl from Frankfurt, Kentucky, with dreams of beauty school. After achieving her GED and moving to Indianapolis for training, Bonnie encounters the stark reality of urban crime and violence while working nights at a taxi company.
When her beloved friend is caught in a harrowing burglary, Bonnie receives an extraordinary gift - supernatural powers to reduce crime worldwide. As she vows to make the world a safer place, the FBI raises eyebrows over her vigilante actions.
Can Bonnie's crusade for justice elude their scrutiny? This unputdownable fiction novel takes readers on an exhilarating adventure, exploring the power of one woman determined to bring a brighter future through her extraordinary abilities.
- Authors: James Arrington
- Publisher: iUniverse
- Published Date: November 29, 2005
- Page Count: 102
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Fiction
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
4. The Crime Junkie's Guide to Criminal Law
From Law & Order to Laci Peterson
"The Crime Junkie's Guide to Criminal Law" is an engaging and informative read for any fan of crime dramas, from Law & Order to CSI and beyond. This one-of-a-kind book provides an indispensable guide to the intricacies of criminal law, using real-life trials, plots, and characters from popular TV shows to illustrate various legal issues and criminal procedures. Written by Jim Silver, the book is perfect for discerning crime enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of the complexities behind the scenes of their favorite crime dramas.
With a focus on topics like degrees of murder, the defense of intoxication, search warrants, insanity pleas, and the purposes of pretrial hearings, "The Crime Junkie's Guide to Criminal Law" offers a concise, informative, and entertaining exploration of criminal law that is both compelling and accessible to newcomers and seasoned fans alike.
- Authors: Jim Silver
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
- Published Date: December 30, 2007
- Page Count: 217
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Social Science
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
5. Axman Came from Hell and Other Southern
Delve into the chilling world of True Crime with "Axman Came from Hell and Other Southern" by Keven McQueen. This compelling book transports readers back in time to the 1800s, exploring dark mysteries that still haunt the southern United States.
Experience the terror of the infamous Axman, who terrorized Austin, Texas, in the 1880s, setting the stage for a pattern of serial killers that continued for generations. Unravel the shocking details of the Atlanta boardinghouse massacre in the 1890s, where one resident mercilessly ended the lives of several fellow boarders.
Throughout this gripping collection, McQueen takes readers on a journey through time, exploring true crime stories that took place in various regions across the South. Each tale captivates not only for its historical significance but for its ability to evoke curiosity and fascination without becoming overly depressing or lurid.
Brimming with in-depth research and meticulous storytelling, "Axman Came from Hell and Other Southern" offers a unique lens into the darker aspects of American history. Get ready to be spellbound by these gripping tales that will leave you questioning the shadows of the past.
- Authors: Keven McQueen
- Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.
- Published Date: August 17, 2011
- Page Count: 260
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
6. Comic Book Crime
Truth, Justice, and the American Way
Comic Book Crime: Unmasking Truth, Justice, and the American Way is a thought-provoking examination of crime and justice in modern American comic books. Writers Nickie D. Phillips and Staci Strobl dive into the legendary characters of Superman, Batman, Daredevil, and Wonder Woman, as well as numerous others, to dissect how these representations influence and mirror American cultural identity. Through the in-depth analysis of over 200 comic books sold between 2002 and 2010, the authors explore how concepts like apocalypse, utopia, retribution, and nationalism manifest within the post-9/11 context.
Furthermore, Comic Book Crime scrutinizes the intricate manner in which class, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation are employed to construct difference for both admirable protagonists and sinister antagonists. This captivating and enlightening work offers a fresh perspective on the underlying essence of truth, justice, and the American way.
- Authors: Nickie D. Phillips, Staci Strobl
- Publisher: NYU Press
- Published Date: July 15, 2013
- Page Count: 320
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Social Science
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
7. The Second Pulp Crime MEGAPACK
25 More Noir Mysteries
Get ready to dive into a thrilling world of "pulp crime" with this 25-story collection. Experience the gritty lives of private investigators, police officers, and ordinary people thrust into extraordinary situations. Each page brings you to a new location, from dingy bars to bustling city streets and quiet suburbs. Watch as the skilled writers from the 20th century weave tales of intrigue, mystery, and crime.
This "Second Pulp Crime MEGAPACK®" features stories like "Murder on Her Mind" by Rufus King, "Paper Caper" by James Holding, and "Mind Over Mayhem" by Mack Reynolds. With a total of 431 pages, this book packs a punch with its engaging plotlines and vivid character development.
If you're looking for more adventure, search for "Wildside Press Megapack" on your favorite ebook store. With over 300 volumes covering various genres, you'll never run out of exciting reads. Immerse yourself in this captivating, dark, and suspenseful world of crime.
- Authors: Mack Reynolds, Fletcher Flora, Will F. Jenkins, Rufus King, Talmage Powell
- Publisher: Wildside Press LLC
- Published Date: July 18, 2016
- Page Count: 431
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Fiction
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
8. American Gangsters
A True Crime Collection
American Gangsters is an adrenaline-fueled true crime collection that delves into the dark world of organized crime and corruption. Edgar Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author T. J. English brings to life three riveting tales of fear, ambition, and betrayal in this thrilling compilation.
In Whitey’s Payback, readers are introduced to the world of infamous Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger. Through sixteen captivating stories, English reveals the hidden world of crime and corruption that ruled Boston, with Bulger at the center, a man who slipped through the FBI's grasp for sixteen years. This chilling collection offers a fascinating glimpse into Bulger's life and the brutal world he ruled.
The Westies transports readers to the heart of New York City, exposing the ruthless Irish Mob that once ruled Hell's Kitchen. Led by cold-blooded Jimmy Coonan and his deadly gunman Mickey Featherstone, this gang of young, wild men rose to power through their brutal savagery. However, their violent reign soon led to betrayal and their ultimate downfall, making for a harrowing account of big-city crime and the last vestiges of the Irish Mob in New York.
Born to Kill is a shocking tale of the infamous Born to Kill gang, a group of young Vietnamese men raised in the aftermath of American warfare in their native country. Seeking a new life in New York's Chinatown, these men found only death and destruction, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed and chaos. Told from the perspective of one gang member who sought redemption, Born to Kill is a heartrending and unforgettable tale of the American Dream turned into a nightmarish disaster.
With in-depth reporting, unflinching honesty, and a masterful storytelling style, American Gangsters offers readers an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness, with each tale revealing the raw, brutal power behind the shadows of the criminal world.
- Authors: T. J. English
- Publisher: Open Road Media
- Published Date: February 13, 2018
- Page Count: 878
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
9. Tear Me Apart
A Novel
In the gripping new novel by New York Times bestselling author J. T. Ellison, Tear Me Apart masterfully weaves together the tales of two families bound by layers of secrets and betrayal.
As competitive skier Mindy Wright battles leukemia, the shocking truth that she's not her parents' biological child sends their lives spiraling into chaos. As the race to unravel the truth unfolds, a chilling discovery surfaces - someone will stop at nothing to protect the family's deeply-guarded darkness.
As the story unfolds with an intricately crafted plot, the characters' desperate battle to hide the darkness within creates a suspense-filled tale that is sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats. Don't miss It's One of Us, Ellison's next exhilarating thriller that explores the impact of deception and the lengths one will go to in the name of love and family.
- Authors: J.T. Ellison
- Publisher: MIRA
- Published Date: August 28, 2018
- Page Count: 520
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Fiction
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
10. Punishment Without Crime
How Our Massive Misdemeanor System Traps the Innocent and Makes America More Unequal
In Punishment Without Crime, legal scholar Alexandra Natapoff delves into the previously unexplored world of misdemeanors, revealing the troubling ways in which our criminal justice system punishes the innocent and perpetuates societal inequalities. The book sheds light on the alarmingly frequent misdemeanor cases in America, exposing a system that wrongly stigmatizes those accused and leaves behind a trail of devastating consequences for millions of people.
With extensive original research, Natapoff offers a compelling new perspective on the profound impact of misdemeanors on our criminal justice system and the ever-growing divide between economic and racial lines. Punishment Without Crime: How Our Massive Misdemeanor System Traps the Innocent and Makes America More Unequal provides readers with a riveting and thought-provoking journey through our country's overlooked yet crucial problem.
This Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018 will leave you questioning the very foundations of our justice system.
- Authors: Alexandra Natapoff
- Publisher: Basic Books
- Published Date: December 31, 2018
- Page Count: 320
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Law
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
11. Burned
A Story of Murder and the Crime That Wasn't
"Burned: A Story of Murder and the Crime That Wasn't" by Edward Humes is a gripping tale of justice and the fallibility of the forensic fire science. On a fateful April night in 1989, Jo Ann Parks miraculously survived a house fire that tragically claimed the lives of her three young children. Investigators swiftly concluded that Parks had purposely set the fire, with evidence supporting their claim. Convicted and sentenced without parole, Parks asserted her innocence.
However, a quarter century later, advancements in fire science threaten to overturn her conviction. Parks now stands a chance of exoneration, sparking concerns about a potential epidemic of overturned convictions. This enthralling narrative delves into the complexities of forensic fire investigation and showcases heartrending situations, as Jo Ann's last-ditch effort for freedom hangs in the balance. "Burned" sheds new light on the search for justice, questioning whether forensic evidence can always be trusted and ultimately leaving readers yearning for the truth.
- Authors: Edward Humes
- Publisher: Penguin
- Published Date: January 08, 2019
- Page Count: 322
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
12. The Crime Book
Big Ideas Simply Explained
"Crime Unveiled: A Journey Through Darkness" brings to life the most infamous and spine-chilling crimes from throughout history in a straightforward and gripping way. Join the exploration of 100 of the world's most notorious criminal acts, delving into the twisted minds of the perpetrators, their delusions or sheer opportunism, and how these cases were ultimately solved. Discover the truth behind events like the Great Train Robbery, the Lindbergh kidnapping, and the horrifying acts of serial killers like Jeffrey Dahmer.
"Crime Unveiled" is not just about notorious individuals but also about exploring the darker side of humanity. It sheds light on the cunning schemes of con artists, such as Victor Lustig who "sold" the Eiffel Tower to unsuspecting scrap dealers in 1925, the heart-pounding escapes of criminals, and the mind-bending exploits of pirates, kidnappers, and drug cartels. The book also delves into the shadowy world of cybercrime, unveiling malware, Ponzi schemes, and revealing the sinister ploys of mass murderers like Elizabeth Báthory or the chilling exploits of Rosemary and Fred West.
A key aspect of this book is the notion of crime as an ever-evolving force that adapts to changing circumstances throughout history. "Crime Unveiled" explores pivotal moments in history when the forces of law and order had to adapt to prevent new crimes, such as the smuggling of alcohol during the Prohibition era in America, or the innovations in forensics and justice that came with the advent of DNA testing by the Innocence Project, which helped to exonerate wrongly convicted individuals.
The book does not stop at unmasking the criminals but also examines the incredible ingenuity of the law enforcement officials who bring them to justice. It shares compelling stories of successful sting operations or the ultimate capture of serial killers like Ted Bundy and Bill Mason. With a foreword from bestselling crime author Cathy Scott, "Crime Unveiled" promises to be an insightful and highly engaging introduction to humanity's darker side.
Readers will be captivated by the engaging style and innovative graphics that illuminate complex subjects. "Crime Unveiled" is part of the esteemed "Big Ideas Simply Explained" series, praised for its ability to make complex topics accessible and provide concise, thought-provoking refreshers. This book provides the perfect blend of information and entertainment, appealing to students, families, or anyone with a passion for learning more about crime in a straightforward, engaging way.
- Authors: DK
- Publisher: Penguin
- Published Date: February 02, 2021
- Page Count: 354
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: True Crime
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
13. The Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators
Embark on an enlightening journey through the history of crime fiction with "The Life of Crime: Detecting the History of Mysteries and their Creators. " This comprehensive account, authored by acclaimed mystery critic Martin Edwards, spans from the 18th century to the present, offering fresh insights on the genre's evolution. With a page count of 736, this literary feat features interviews with distinguished crime writers, biographies of influential figures, and in-depth analyses, making it an indispensable read for any crime fiction enthusiast. Winner of four prestigious awards, including the Edgar, Anthony, Macavity, and H. R. F.
Keating Awards, this captivating book is certain to leave an enduring mark on the world of crime fiction.
- Authors: Martin Edwards
- Publisher: HarperCollins UK
- Published Date: May 26, 2022
- Page Count: 736
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Biography & Autobiography
- Maturity Rating: NOT\_MATURE
- Language: en
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