True crime novels focus on exactly that true crimes. They are typically non-fiction. Truman Capote is credited to be the 1st author to take a true crime (murder of a family in Kansas) and turn it into a novel. I have always been fascinated with true crime podcasts and TV shows/movies. I recently read “In Cold Blood” by Truman and became fascinated with this genre.
These novels tend to focus on all aspects of the crime, typically murder or serial killers. I have even read ones like “The Library Book” which focused on the arson of a public California Library (although I cannot recommend this novel).
Some classic examples of True Crime would be:
“In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote
“The Stranger Beside Me” by Ann Rule
“Helter Skelter” by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry
“The Devil In the White City” by Erik Larson
“My Friend, Dahmer” by Derf – Graphic novel which was made into a movie
“Torso” by Brian Bendis- graphic novel
“Columbine” by Dave Cullen
The list goes on and on. There are so many True Crime novels and every year more and more get published. As you can see from above, they can be non-fiction or even non-fiction graphic novels.
*** I am currently reading “Conviction” by Denise Mina which is a fiction story about a true crime podcast. This novel is NOT a true crime novel. Although fiction, she tries to solve a crime after listening to a true crime podcast. You will see my review after I am completed with it. I want to express this again, this novel is not a true crime. I am recommending a fiction novel that is similar.***
If you have any of your favorite true crime novels, drop me a comment on here! I am new to this genre and would love suggestions on great novels to read!
Happy reading, Book Nerds!