7 True Crime Books That Inspired Hit TV Shows & Movies

Explore the gripping true crime narratives that have captivated audiences everywhere, inspiring both acclaimed television series and films. Just be prepared to not get any sleep for a while…

Mindhunter by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker

Now a Netflix original series

Mindhunter dives deep into the classic behind-the-scenes account of John E. Douglas’s remarkable twenty-five-year career with the FBI Investigative Support Unit. Douglas's groundbreaking work in psychological profiling brought him face-to-face with some of America’s most notorious serial killers. The book recounts chilling details from notorious cases, including those of the Atlanta child murderer and the Green River Killer.

Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe

Now an FX original series

Author Patrick Radden Keefe recounts the tragic story of Jean McConville, who was abducted by masked intruders during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The book meticulously chronicles the history and implications of the conflicts that devastated lives and communities for decades, intertwined with gripping personal tragedies and moral ambiguity. This deeply insightful tome invites readers into a world rife with emotional and political intricacies.

The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule

Streaming on Netflix

Ann Rule presents a chilling tale of familiarity and deception. The book recounts her experiences with Ted Bundy, a charming coworker who turned out to be one of America's most notorious serial killers. Rule's compelling writing merges her journalistic prowess with personal reflections, creating a compelling narrative that showcases Bundy’s duality.

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

Streaming on Hulu

Renowned author Jon Krakauer investigates the intersection of faith and violence in America’s isolated Mormon Fundamentalist communities. This provocative text centers on the Lafferty brothers who, claiming to receive divine instructions, committed an appalling double murder. Blending thorough research with striking narrative style, Krakauer opens a window into a world of faith that has gone horribly wrong, exploring ecstatic belief and lingering violence.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Available to Stream on Amazon Prime

Truman Capote’s iconic work is celebrated as a seminal piece of American literature and investigative journalism. This masterful narrative recounts the real-life murder of the Clutter family in Kansas and the subsequent capture of their killers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickock. Capote skillfully intertwines the lives of the victims and the culpable, invoking empathy and horror within his audience.

We Own This City by Justin Fenton

Streaming on Max

Award-winning journalist Justin Fenton meticulously evaluates the catastrophic events that led to widespread criminal activities within Baltimore’s Gun Trace Task Force, from drug thefts to planting false evidence. The book offers a profound reflection on modern policing and American society. Explore this captivating narrative on ThriftBooks.

The House of Gucci by Sara Gay Forden

Digital Rental on Apple TV or Amazon Prime

Journalist Sara Gay Forden unveils the high-stakes drama woven through the glorious yet troubled fabric of the Gucci dynasty. Following the shocking murder of Maurizio Gucci, the heir of the Gucci empire, the narrative weaves a rich tapestry of ambition, power struggles, and personal tragedy that embodies the true meaning of betrayal and intrigue. This thrilling book has garnered acclaim due to its recent adaptation starring Lady Gaga.

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