I'd also say 'The Stranger Beside Me' about Ted Bundy. Since Bundy was such a well - known and infamous serial killer, this book which was written by someone who knew him is very captivating. It gives an inside look at the life of a serial killer from the perspective of someone who was close to him at one point.
Definitely 'In Cold Blood'. It's a classic. It was ground - breaking in the true - crime genre as it combined detailed reporting with a narrative style that made it a page - turner.
Another well - known book is 'The Stranger Beside Me' by Ann Rule. This is based on her relationship with Ted Bundy. She knew Bundy before his true nature as a serial killer was revealed, and the book chronicles that journey. It's really interesting as it shows how someone can be so close to a killer without realizing it. There's also 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It was revolutionary in the true - crime genre as it was one of the first to really get into the minds of the killers and the victims in a non - fictional way.
Some murder books are indeed based on true stories. Authors might be attracted to real - life murder cases because of their complexity and the human drama they involve. By writing about these true events, they can explore themes like justice, morality, and the darker side of human nature. For instance, Ann Rule, a true - crime writer, has written many books based on real murder cases she was personally involved in as a former police officer. Her books not only tell the story of the crime but also often provide psychological analysis of the perpetrators.
One of the most popular is 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot. It's about Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge and became a crucial part of medical research. People like it because it combines science, ethics, and a real - life story in a very engaging way.
One great book is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a non - fictional novel that details the real - life murders of a Kansas family. Capote spent years researching and interviewing people involved. Another is 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson, which weaves together the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and a serial killer who preyed on victims during that time. Also, 'Helter Skelter' by Vincent Bugliosi is a chilling account of the Manson Family murders.
Bapsi Sidhwa's 'Cracking India' is a well - known book. It is based on the partition of India in 1947, a real - life and very significant event in Indian history. It tells the story of a young girl and how the partition affects her and those around her.
Definitely 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil'. It has been so popular that it was made into a movie. The book's blend of true crime and the rich culture of Savannah is captivating. 'Lost Girls' is also well - liked as it shines a light on the often - overlooked cases of sex workers. It makes people think about the social inequalities and the importance of proper investigations in such cases.
A very popular one is 'The Amityville Horror'. People are drawn to it because it seems like a normal family moves into a house and then all these crazy, unexplainable things start to happen. It has been made into movies too which shows its popularity. 'Helter Skelter' is also extremely popular. The Manson Family murders were so shocking that the book about it became a best - seller. It gives an in - depth look at the motives and actions of the killers.
Well, 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane is quite popular. It's set during the American Civil War and delves into the psyche of a young soldier. It shows his internal conflict between cowardice and courage, which is a very relatable aspect for many readers.
The book 'Trainspotting' by Irvine Welsh is very popular. It's based on real - life experiences in the Edinburgh drug scene. The story is both gritty and dark, showing the impact of drugs like heroin on a group of friends.