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.
For that reason, I compiled a list of my favorite true crime memoirs and provided links for you to purchase them too. If you’re like me, recommendations are what I turn to. Enjoy and be on the lookout for my next compilation…podcasts!
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.
She and Ted volunteered at a crisis center taking suicidal calls and helping people with other serious problems. She was also a writer for a local periodical called True Detective and was assigned to write about this mysterious killer plaguing the Pacific Northwest all while she worked shoulder to shoulder to one they were looking for. This truly is the most accurate, thrilling, and well written account of Ted Bundy.
Get your copy HERE!
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.
Although she didn’t have a direct connection to him and it’s not necessarily a memoir, I had to add it to my list of favorites. The eery details of the victims and his prowling attacks are just-incredibly-scary.
Get your copy HERE!
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.
Nearly 30 years later, Chanel went through the same thing. She was drunk, raped, and as her rapist finished his dirty work, two men saw him causing him to runaway. I respect this book for the authenticity Chanel reveals of herself and the awareness it causes in regards to many of our own Violent sex crime biases. This is a must read!
Get your copy HERE!
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.
Your heart will pound and it will feel like you are with Sarah through every move. Her work is declared one of the best True Crime Memoirs ever written and I know why.
Get your copy HERE!
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.
What I love most is her ability to share the most haunting night of her life and share it with the world in order to heal.
Get your copy HERE!
I hope you enjoy these treasures written by brave, astounding women. Let me know what you think and we can share some mm’s and aww’s.
