Some best selling true crime novels include 'Mindhunter' by John Douglas. This book is based on his real - life experiences as an FBI profiler, dealing with some of the most heinous criminals. 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' by Michelle McNamara is also very popular. It focuses on the hunt for the Golden State Killer. These novels attract readers because they offer a peek into the dark and often mysterious world of crime and criminal investigation.
The case behind 'Helther Skelter' was highly publicized at the time. When the novel was written, it capitalized on this existing public interest. It delved deeper into the minds of the criminals, the victims, and the whole process of the crime. This in - depth exploration, along with the already - existing public awareness of the case, contributed to its best - selling status.
Best selling true crime novels often impact society in multiple ways. They can act as a form of education, teaching readers about different types of crimes and criminal behavior. They can also spark conversations about mental health, as many crimes are related to the mental state of the offender. Additionally, they can have an economic impact on the areas where the crimes took place. For example, if a novel brings a lot of attention to a particular murder case in a small town, it might increase tourism to that area as people become interested in seeing the location where the events occurred. However, they also need to be written with care to avoid glorifying the criminals and instead focus on the victims and the justice system.
The most sold crime novel of all time is often considered to be 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It captured the imagination of millions of readers worldwide.
It's not an easy question to answer definitively. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is another contender. But the title of the best-selling crime novel can be subjective and influenced by many factors like marketing and cultural context.
I also suggest 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson. It combines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the real - life serial killer H. H. Holmes. The book is engaging as it weaves together two different but related stories, and it's a best - selling true crime novel that can introduce beginners to the genre in an interesting way.
Another popular one is 'Helter Skelter' by Vincent Bugliosi. This book details the Manson Family murders. It's a gripping account that follows the investigation and trial. The details are so vivid that it makes readers feel like they are right there in the middle of the whole terrifying event.