Did You See My Top 5 Favorite True Crime Memoirs?

True Crime dominates the charts across all streams of media so I thought I’d compile my personal favorites. I mean, what better way to read True Crime than through memoir?

I have to tell you that I’m infatuated with real-life stories, especially True Crime and, so is most of America. Actually, I get emails from all over the world including; London, Australia, Canada, India, and more who watched Shattered (Season 1, Episode 2) and are inspired and emotionally charged by the haunting details of the victims and the heartfelt memories of those survived.

1. The Stranger Beside Me is my favorite True Crime book ever! It’s a first hand account of the string of Bundy’s murders told by Ann Rule, the Queen of True Crime. Many books, podcasts, and television series have been made about Ted Bundy, one of history’s most horrific serial killers but Ann knew him personally, they became friends.
2. Oh my goodness, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark shook me to my core! I know better to read at night and I did it anyway. It had me checking all of my windows, doors, and ensuring my alarm system was set. Michelle McNamara did a sensational job at capturing and transcribing her findings of her life long quest searching for who the Golden State Killer was. Sadly, she passed away before finishing it and to absorb the satisfaction of his identification and apprehension.
3. Know My Name, written by Chanel Miller depicts what rape bias looks like and how she was not only a victim of rape but also shame. Do you remember the 1988 drama, The Accused starring Jodi Foster? She was a victim of gang rape in a local dive bar and during prosecution, her reputation was scrutinized and trampled on.
4. After the Eclipse inspired me quite a bit while writing my own story. She was a young girl and in the dark, cold night, she hears her mother being murdered! Sarah Perry pulls us in to her fear, grief, and quest to go back to Maine and uncover all the dirty secrets she didn’t know.
5. The Other Side, written by Lacy Johnson is a hero for women, victims, collegiates, and writers. She was kidnapped, raped, and held hostage by a former boyfriend and despite the chances of getting caught, she courageously broke free. This book starts with a heavy rattle to the bone and precisely takes you through each step. She is told to be poetic not in a fluffy way, but that her word choice is insanely perfect. You cannot get through the book quickly enough and you are left wanting to know her personally.

If you’re like me, recommendations are what I turn to. Enjoy and be on the lookout for my next compilation…podcasts!