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Best Serial Killer Books

Topic List53 books curated21 recommendations total

Serial Killer books, including titles recommended by Sophie Bakalar, Anna Khachiyan and Ben Shapiro. Most recommended here: In Cold Blood, The Devil in the White City and American Psycho.

Curated list content

Where to start: Serial Killer Books recommended most often

Recommended books, ranked by how many of the 16 people behind this list recommended each one.

  1. 1In Cold Blood7 recommendations · recommended by Tom Hanks, Dave Weigel and Ben Shapiro
  2. 2The Devil in the White City7 recommendations · recommended by Sophie Bakalar, Raychelle Burks and Sriram Krishnan
  3. 3American Psycho3 recommendations · recommended by Anna Khachiyan, Christina Warren and Book Recommendations (43 Books)
  4. 4And Then There Were None2 recommendations · recommended by Stephen King and Rian Johnson
  5. 5My Sister, the Serial Killer1 recommendation · recommended by Meena Kandasamy
1
Book cover for “In Cold Blood”
7 recommendations

Recommended by Tom Hanks, Dave Weigel, Ben Shapiro and 1 other

Description

On November 15, 1959, in the small town of Holcomb, Kansas, four members of the Clutter family were savagely murdered by blasts from a shotgun held a few inches from their faces. There was no apparent motive for the crime, and there were almost no clues.

2
Book cover for “The Devil in the White City”
The Devil in the White City

Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America

7 recommendations

Recommended by Sophie Bakalar, Raychelle Burks, Sriram Krishnan and 3 others

Description

Author Erik Larson imbues the incredible events surrounding the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with such drama that readers may find themselves checking the book's categorization to be sure that 'The Devil in the White City' is not, in fact, a highly imaginative novel.

4
Book cover for “And Then There Were None”
2 recommendations

Recommended by Stephen King and Rian Johnson

Book Summary

Starts like a social parlor game that hardens into a sealed-island murder puzzle: ten strangers, an accusing recorded message, and a steady body count keep momentum tight. Main value is the hair-splitting plotting and the intellectual pleasure of spotting and checking clues against the solution. Main limitation is thinly sketched characters and a schematic moral tone, so emotional depth is secondary to clever mechanics—readers who want soulful characterization will find the cast functional rather than lived-in.

5
Book cover for “My Sister, the Serial Killer”
1 recommendation

Recommended by Meena Kandasamy

Description

My Sister, the Serial Killer is a blackly comic novel about how blood is thicker and more difficult to get out of the carpet than water...When Korede's dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what's expected of her: bleach, rubber…

6
Book cover for “The Alienist”
The Alienist

Kreizler, Book 1

1 recommendation

Recommended by Sophie Bakalar

Description

When The Alienist was first published in 1994, it was a major phenomenon, spending six months on the New York Times bestseller list, receiving critical acclaim, and selling millions of copies.

7
No coverAfraid
Description

WELCOME TO SAFE HAVEN, POPULATION 907...Nestled in the woods of Wisconsin, Safe Haven is miles from everything. With one road in and out, this is a town so peaceful it has never needed a fulltime police force.

8
No coverAngel of Darkness
Angel of Darkness

The True Story of Randy Kraft and the Most Heinous Murder Spree

Description

Randy Kraft was highly intelligent, politically active, loyal to his friends, committed to his workand the killer of 67 peoplemore than any other serial killer known. This book offers a glimpse into the dark mind of a living monster.

9
No coverDarkly Dreaming Dexter
Description

Meet Dexter Morgan, a polite wolf in sheep's clothing. He's handsome and charming, but something in his past has made him abide by a different set of rules. He's a serial killer whose one golden rule makes him immensely likeable: he only kills bad people.

10
No coverDeviant
Deviant

The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original Psycho

Description

Murder Was the Least of His Crimes_x0085_The truth behind the twisted crimes that inspired the films Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs_x0085_ From Harold Schechter, _x0093_America's principle chronicler of its greatest psychopathic killers_x0094_…

11
No coverDracula Killer
Dracula Killer

Dracula Killer

Description

It began with a random killing. Then came the murder on Tioga Way, where a dark trail of blood led from the front door to the victim's bedroom. For this killer, death was only the first step.

12
No coverFemale Serial Killers
Female Serial Killers

How and Why Women Become Monsters

Description

The first book of its kindphotographs included. Mothers, daughters, sisters and grandmothersfiendish killers all. Society is conditioned to think of murderers and predators as men, but in this fascinating book, Peter Vronsky exposes and investigates the phenomenon of women who…

Show 41 more books with a single recommendation
13
No coverKiller Clown
Killer Clown

The John Wayne Gacy Murders

Description

The Real Story Of John Wayne Gacy By The Man Who Helped Catch HimHe was a model citizen. A hospital volunteer. And one of the most sadistic serial killers of all time.

14
No coverMy Friend Dahmer
Description

You only think you know this story. In 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer _x0097_ the most notorious serial killer since Jack the Ripper _x0097_ seared himself into the American consciousness. To the public, Dahmer was a monster who committed unthinkable atrocities.

15
No coverSt. Albans Poisoner
St. Albans Poisoner

Life and Crimes of Graham Young

Description

This book reveals the true story of Graham Young, whose ambition was to become the world's most famous poisoner. By the age of 13 he had enough poison in his bedroom to kill 300 people, and he was to go on to poison his family and eight others.

16
Book cover for “When She Was Bad”
Description

The author of "TwentySeven Bones" and "The Girls He Adored" delivers another nailbiting thriller featuring former FBI agent E. L. Pender.

17
Book cover for “Blind Eye”
Blind Eye

The Terrifying Story Of A Doctor Who Got Away With Murder

Description

A medical thriller from Pulitzer Prizewinning author James B. Stewart about serial killer doctor Michael Swango and the medical community that chose to turn a blind eye on his criminal activities.No one could believe that the handsome young doctor might be a serial killer.

18
Book cover for “Butcher, Baker”
Butcher, Baker

The True Account of an Alaskan Serial Killer

Description

The horrific true story of serial kidnapper, rapist, and killer Robert Hansen's reign of terror As oilboom money poured into Anchorage, Alaska the city quickly became a prime destination for the seedier elements of society: prostitutes, pimps, con men, and criminals of all…

19
No coverChasing the Devil
Chasing the Devil

My TwentyYear Quest to Capture the Green River Killer

Description

Chasing the Devil is the gripping firsthand account of Sheriff David Reichert's relentless pursuit of the Green River Killer a 21year odyssey full of nearmisses and startling revelations.

20
No coverHome Sweet Murder
Description

Two truecrime thrillers as seen on Discovery's Murder is Forever TV series premiering January 2018HOME SWEET MURDER. Lawyer Leo Fisher and his wife Sue are a sixtyoneyearold couple enjoying a quiet Sunday dinner at home.

21
Book cover for “The Killer Inside Me”
Description

Everyone in the small town of Central City, Texas loves Lou Ford. A deputy sheriff, Lou's known to the smalltime criminals, the realestate entrepreneurs, and all of his coworkers the lowlifes, the bigtimers, and everyone inbetween as the nicest guy around.

22
Book cover for “The Killing League”
The Killing League

A Wallace Mack Thriller (Wallace Mack Thrillers) (Volume 1)

Description

YOU WIN. OR YOU DIE. Wallace Mack is a retired FBI profiler. When he is contacted by an old friend whose daughter is missing, he agrees to try to find her. Soon, he uncovers THE KILLING LEAGUE, a competition among active serial killers.

23
Book cover for “The Last Victim”
The Last Victim

A TrueLife Journey into the Mind of the Serial Killer

Description

The twisted, but fascinating, mind of a serial killer is revealed with terrifying consequences in this astonishing and shocking exploration. with 20 b&w photos.

24
Book cover for “The Monster of Florence”
Description

BY THE AUTHOR OF THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER THE LOST CITY OF THE MONKEY GOD In the nonfiction tradition of John Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City, Douglas Preston presents a gripping account of crime and…

25
No coverWisdom of Psychopaths
Description

In this engrossing journey into the lives of psychopaths and their infamously crafty behaviors, the renowned psychologist Kevin Dutton reveals that there is a scale of _x0093_madness_x0094_ along which we all sit.

26
Book cover for “The Deadly Dozen”
The Deadly Dozen

America's 12 Worst Serial Killers (American Serial Killers) (Volume 1)

Description

The Shocking True Crime Stories of the 12 Worst Serial Killers in American History David Berkowitz: Known as the _x0093_Son of Sam,_x0094_ Berkowitz was a deeply disturbed young man who prowled the streets of New York dispensing death with his .44 caliber revolver.William Bonin:…

27
Book cover for “Nobody's Women”
Nobody's Women

The Crimes and Victims of Anthony Sowell, the Cleveland Serial Killer

Description

On a Thursday evening in late October 2009, Cleveland Police detectives arrived at the home of Anthony Sowell_x0097_an exMarine and a registered sex offender_x0097_to arrest him on weekold rape charges.

29
Book cover for “The Bayou Strangler”
The Bayou Strangler

Louisiana_x0092_s Most Gruesome Serial Killer

Description

The true story of Louisiana serial killer Ronald Dominique's tenyear murder spree, the men he slayed, and the detectives who hunted him down. In 1997, the bodies of young African American men began turning up in the cane fields of the quiet suburbs of New Orleans.

30
No coverSerial Killer Trivia
Serial Killer Trivia

Fascinating Facts and Disturbing Details That Will Freak You the Fck Out

Description

Discover chilling and mindblowing facts in this ultimate collection of serial killer trivia for true crime fanatics.This bloody and completely true trivia collection will horrify and intrigue readers, with answers to questions like _x0093_What was John Wayne Gacy_x0092_s last…

31
Book cover for “Gosnell”
Gosnell

The Untold Story of America's Most Prolific Serial Killer

Description

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE OPENING IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE _x0093_This book is a public service._x0094_ _x0097_ MICHELLE MALKIN, founder of Twitchy and author of Culture of Corruption_x0093_Every American needs to read Gosnell._x0094_ _x0097_ DAVID DALEIDEN, the Center for…

32
No coverSerpentine
Description

With compelling style and suspense this truecrime book reconstructs the bizarre, bloody journey of a mesmerizing but sinister young man named Charles Sobhraj.

33
No coverThe Bone Collector
The Bone Collector

Lincoln Rhyme, Book 1

Description

Lincoln Rhyme was once a brilliant criminologist, a genius in the field of forensics until an accident left him physically and emotionally shattered. But now a diabolical killer is challenging Rhyme to a terrifying and ingenious duel of wits.

34
No coverThe Encyclopedia of Serial Killers
Description

A comprehensive reference to serial killings offers case studies of notorious murderers and articles discussing the psychology of serial murder, law enforcement techniques used to catch serial killers, and famous unsolved cases.

35
Book cover for “The Poet”
The Poet

Jack McEvoy, Book 1

Description

Denver crimebeat reporter Jack McEvoy specializes in violent death. So when his homicide detective brother kills himself, McEvoy copes in the only way he knows howhe decides to write the story.

36
Book cover for “The Silence of the Lambs”
The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lecter, Book 2

Description

Hannibal Lecter. The ultimate villain of modern fiction. Read the fivemillioncopy bestseller that scared the world silent. The Silence of the Lambs. A young FBI trainee. An evil genius locked away for unspeakable crimes.

37
No coverMessiah
Description

A stunning, shocking, wonderfully well written debut reminiscent of James Patterson and one that will catapault Boris Starling to the front rank of thriller writers.London is in the grip of a heatwave: airless days, strange steamy nights and a killer stalking the streets.

38
No coverMindhunter
Mindhunter

Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit

Description

He has hunted some of the most notorious and sadistic criminals of our time: The Trailside Killer in San Francisco, the Atlanta Child murderer.

39
No coverPsycho
Psycho

A Novel

Description

It was a dark and stormy night when Mary Crane glimpsed the unlit neon sign announcing the vacancy at the Bates motel. Exhausted, lost, and at the end of her rope, she was eager for a hot shower and a bed for the night. Her room was musty but clean and the plumbing worked.

40
Book cover for “Rules of Prey”
Rules of Prey

Prey, Book 1

Description

Please Read Notes: Brand New, International Softcover Edition, Printed in black and white pages, minor self wear on the cover or pages, Sale restriction may be printed on the book, but Book name, contents, and author are exactly same as Hardcover Edition.

41
Book cover for “The Serial Killer Files”
The Serial Killer Files

The Who, What, Where, How, and Why of the World's Most Terrifying Murderers

Description

THE DEFINITIVE DOSSIER ON HISTORY_x0092_S MOST HEINOUS!Hollywood_x0092_s makebelieve maniacs like Jason, Freddy, and Hannibal Lecter can_x0092_t hold a candle to real life monsters like John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and scores of others who have terrorized,…

42
No coverThe Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
Description

IN BOSTON, THERE'S A KILLER ON THE LOOSE...A killer who targets lone women, who breaks into their apartments and performs terrifying ritualistic acts of torture on them before finishing them off.

43
Book cover for “Ashes to Ashes”
Ashes to Ashes

Kovac and Liska, Book 1

Description

Best of the Best. Kate Conlan has dealt with her share of frightened people after leaving an FBI desk job to become a witness advocate in the D.A.'s office. But 16yearold Angie DiMarco has witnessed a most heinous crime.

44
Book cover for “Fred and Rose”
Description

The true crime bestseller about Fred and Rose West a couple virtually unique in British criminal history who loved and killed together as husband and wife.During their long relationship the Wests murdered a series of young women, burying the remains of nine victims under their…

45
No coverFrom Cradle to Grave
From Cradle to Grave

The Short Lives and Strange Deaths of Marybeth Tinning's Nine Children

Description

She drove a school bus in Schenectady, New York. She even worked as a nurse's aide in a pediatric ward. But this seemingly normal woman killed her ninth child by smothering it and is suspected of doing the same to her other eight childrenwhile escaping suspicion for more than a…

46
No coverHelter Skelter
Helter Skelter

The True Story of the Manson Murders

Description

Prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial, Vincent Bugliosi held a unique insider's position in one of the most baffling and horrifying cases of the twentieth century: the coldblooded TateLaBianca murders carried out by Charles Manson and four of his followers.

47
No coverI Hunt Killers
Description

What if the world's worst serial killer...was your dadJasper "Jazz" Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.But he's also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was yearround.

48
Book cover for “The Butterfly Garden”
Description

Near an isolated mansion lies a beautiful garden.In this garden grow luscious flowers, shady trees_x0085_and a collection of precious _x0093_butterflies_x0094__x0097_young women who have been kidnapped and intricately tattooed to resemble their namesakes.

49
No coverThe Hillside Stranglers
The Hillside Stranglers

The Inside Story of the Killing Spree That Terrorized Los Angeles

Description

"A deeply disturbing bookcool, ironical, and ferocious." Thomas Flanagan, author of The Year of the French For several weeks in the fall of 1977, Los Angeles was held hostage by fear as the body count of sexually violated, brutally murdered young women escalated.

50
No coverThe Perfect Husband Hardcover _x0096_ 1998
Description

What would you do if the man of your dreams hides the soul of a killer Jim Beckett was everything she'd ever dreamed of...But two years after Tess married the decorated cop and bore his child, she helped put him behind bars for savagely murdering ten women.

51
Book cover for “The Shadow of Death”
The Shadow of Death

The Hunt for a Serial Killer

Description

The Shadow of Death is the unforgettable true story of the search for the man who, since 1984, has killed at least six women and young girls in the Connecticut River Valley area of New Hampshire and Vermont.

52
Book cover for “TONY HILL AND CAROL JORDAN”
Description

In this special 20th anniversary edition, Lee Child introduces the Gold Dagger awardwinning serial killer thriller that began the Number One bestselling crime series featuring clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill, hero of TV_x0092_s muchloved Wire in the Blood.You always remember…

53
No coverZodiac
Zodiac

The Shocking True Story of the Hunt for the Nation's Most Elusive Serial Killer

Recommended Serial Killer Books by Sophie Bakalar

Sophie Bakalar recommends 2 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Sophie Bakalar

Recommended Serial Killer Books by Anna Khachiyan

Anna Khachiyan recommends 1 book on this list. See all book recommendations by Anna Khachiyan

Recommended Serial Killer Books by Ben Shapiro

Ben Shapiro recommends 1 book on this list. See all book recommendations by Ben Shapiro

Serial Killer Books: common questions

What are the most recommended serial killer books?
In Cold Blood, The Devil in the White City and American Psycho are the most recommended serial killer books on BookMentions, ranked by how many people recommended them.
Who recommends serial killer books?
Sophie Bakalar, Anna Khachiyan, Ben Shapiro and Book Recommendations (43 Books) are among the people who recommend books on this list. Each name links to their full set of book recommendations.
Which of these serial killer books should I read first?
In Cold Blood is the most recommended here with 7 recommendations, which makes it the safest place to start.

Built from recommendation data, category signals, and source-backed book records. Use this list as a starting point; open any book to see proof, context, and Amazon options where available.

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About this list

This list aggregates books that appear in public recommendation sources, reader-interest signals, and category data. Books are ranked by their position from the source list; recommendation counts and ratings are shown where available. Open any book to see source-backed recommendation proof, editorial context, and Amazon options — the per-book detail page is where the trust signals live.

Recommended books by person: who recommends serial killer books

Books recommended by the people below. Open a profile to see everything they recommend, with the source behind each pick.