Books Like...

'Depraved' by Harold Schechter is a historical true crime book that delves into the life and crimes of America's first official serial killer, H.H. Holmes. The book meticulously sifts through the claims surrounding Holmes, presenting a blend of true facts, debunked myths, and plausible scenarios. Schechter's writing style is described as engaging and immersive, bringing to life the chilling tale of Holmes' sociopathic and psychopathic crimes, including his targeting of women and children, as well as his gruesome methods of disposing of victims' bodies.

The narrative of 'Depraved' unfolds against the backdrop of the World's Fair in Chicago, providing context to Holmes' crimes within the era and setting. Readers are taken on a journey through Holmes' twisted mind as he builds his notorious murder castle and carries out his heinous acts. The book not only explores the crimes themselves but also delves into the investigations, court case, and the eventual capture and punishment of H.H. Holmes, offering a comprehensive and detailed account of one of the most diabolical serial killers in history.

Deranged: The Shocking True Story of America's Most Fiendish Killer by Harold Schechter delves into the chilling crimes of Albert Fish, a notorious serial killer from the 20th century. The author intricately weaves together historical context with the narrative of Fish's heinous acts, providing a detailed account of the depravity and brutality that characterized his crimes. Schechter's writing style is described as engaging and informative, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a truly deranged individual.

The book explores the life and crimes of Albert Fish, shedding light on the horrifying details of his murders and the impact they had on his victims and their families. Through meticulous research and vivid descriptions, Schechter paints a vivid picture of the disturbing events surrounding Fish's capture and trial, leaving readers both fascinated and horrified by the depths of human depravity.

'Jack the Ripper: The Final Solution' by Stephen Knight is a compelling exploration of the infamous Whitechapel murders. Knight delves into the politics of the era and presents a theory that challenges conventional beliefs about the identity of Jack the Ripper. The book not only details the murders themselves but also raises intriguing questions about how the killer could have committed the crimes and evaded capture in the bustling streets of London.

'The Serial Killer Files' by Harold Schechter is a comprehensive compendium of true crime serial killers, providing detailed accounts of both recent and ancient cases. The writing style is engaging and informative, delving into shocking details and lesser-known serial killers. However, some readers found the book to be needlessly repetitive, with frequent rehashing of information and a tabloid-like approach at times.

Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid is a deeply moving account of the tragic stories of Indigenous women who have disappeared along Highway 16 in British Columbia. The book captures the heartbreaking experiences of these women and the systemic failures that allowed their cases to go unaddressed for so long. Through thorough research and compassionate storytelling, McDiarmid highlights the ongoing issues of racism, indifference, and societal neglect, encouraging important discussions about justice for these victims.

Fatal Vision by Joe McGinniss is a true crime novel chronicling the criminal case of Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald, who was accused of murdering his wife and two young daughters in 1970. The book delves into the gruesome crime scene, the investigations that followed, and the long legal battle that eventually led to MacDonald's conviction. McGinniss's engaging writing style and attention to detail provide a captivating narrative that keeps the reader engrossed in the story.

American Predator is a terrifying read that delves into the story of Israel Keyes, a prolific, intelligent, psychopathic killer who managed to keep his existence a secret until Maureen Callahan uncovered the dirt. The book provides a chilling account of Keyes' sadistic and cunning murders, detailing how law enforcement's incompetence allowed him to evade capture for years, ultimately leading to his own suicide in jail.

Maureen Callahan's writing style in American Predator is well-written, insightful, and gripping. She meticulously researched Keyes' crimes, compiling information from interviews, documents, and classified FBI files to create an unputdownable narrative that sheds light on the dark and disturbing world of a meticulous serial killer.

'Columbine' by Dave Cullen is a thorough examination of the tragic Columbine shooting in 1999. Cullen debunks popular myths surrounding the event, discredits the initial media reports, and delves into the lives of the shooters, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. The narrative weaves together the events leading up to the shooting, the shooting itself, and the aftermath, shedding light on the psychology of the perpetrators and the mistakes made by the investigating authorities. Cullen's writing style is compelling, detailed, and respectful towards all those involved, providing a gripping and understandable account of the significant event in American history.

'I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer' by Michelle McNamara is a true crime book that delves into the author's relentless pursuit to catch the Golden State Killer, a notorious serial killer and rapist. Despite her sudden death, McNamara's meticulous research and dedication are evident throughout the book, as she weaves together details of the crimes, the investigation, and her own personal obsession with the case. The narrative provides a chilling account of the killer's actions, the impact on the victims, and the tireless efforts of those seeking justice.

The book is a blend of true crime storytelling and memoir, offering readers a glimpse into McNamara's journey to uncover the truth behind the Golden State Killer. Through her writing, McNamara humanizes the victims, sheds light on the investigative process, and showcases her unwavering determination to bring closure to a case that haunted California for decades. Despite the book being unfinished at the time of her death, the narrative captures the essence of McNamara's pursuit and the eventual arrest of the suspect, leaving readers both captivated and haunted by the story.

'The Stranger Beside Me: The Shocking Inside Story of Serial Killer Ted Bundy' by Ann Rule is a chilling nonfiction account of the strange case of Ted Bundy, told from the unique perspective of the author who knew him personally. Ann Rule's writing style grips readers with a detailed portrayal of Bundy's crimes, his relationship with her, and her gradual realization of his true nature, all while intertwining her personal experiences with the killer. delves into the complexities of Bundy's psychology, providing a fascinating insight into the mind of a charming yet monstrous serial killer.