10 Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

Bestellers, Book Suggestions

Josh

Serial killers have always been part of our imagination. They are fantasy stuff but true crime lovers know serial killers are real people living among us. If you haven’t yet ready any true crime book, you are definitely missing a lot. This article lists 10 Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers. These are true stories which unveils evil nature of humans.

1. Ted Bundy: Conversations with a Killer

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

336 pages

Publication date : April 1, 2000

Ted Bundy is one of the most notorious sex killers in United States history.This book is transcribed form of Ted’s last interview with journalists Stephen G. Michaud and Hugh Aynesworth. This fascinating account reveals horrible details about Ted. The authors call him a monster and a master manipulator who hacked 30 young women to death.

2. Zodiac: The Shocking True Story of America’s Most Elusive Serial Killer

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

400 pages

Publication date : January 2, 2007

Zodiac was a sexual sadist who took pleasure in pain and murdering people. He first followed and killed a teen couple. He shot them dead mercilessly. He then challenged authorities by writing them notes for future murders. He killed up to fifty people. The author was a reporter for San Francisco chronicle when the murderer killed his first victims. In this truly remarkable book, the author reveals details unknown before.

 3. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer.

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

368 pages

Publication date : February 26, 2019

One of the most famous true crime classics, this utterly original and compelling account is testimony of woman journalist’s quest for truth. Michelle McNamara, a true crime journalist, sets on a journey to unmask a ruthless murderer who had killed more than 60 people in northern California. He had  so far succeeded in deceiving police and detectives. This book amazingly describes the mind of a master killer who was a sadist and ruthless in all aspects. 

 4. The Serial Killers: A Study in the Psychology of Violence

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

400 pages

Publication date : November 8, 2007

What motivates serial killers? Why do people become serial killers? What is going on in their minds? These are the major questions that rise in our minds whenever we hear about a serial killer. Having access to National Centre of analysis of violent crime, authors explore the psychology of serial killers to answer important questions.

 5. The Search for the Green River Killer: The True Story of America’s Most Prolific Serial Killer 

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

512 pages

Publication date : March 5, 1991

What makes this book unique, is that it’s written by Seattle times reporter covering the killings.This monstrous murderer killed 50 women in Seattle. This accounts describes the nauseating details of murders and deomposition of dead bodies. The gruesomeness of these murders and police’s inability to trace the murderer is discussed in details. The authors also go on to details of how media meddling has impacted the course of investigation.

 6. CASE CLOSED: Serial Killers Captured

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

137 pages

Publication date : January 12, 2013

An all in one book for true crime lovers.This book discusses some of the most notorious serial killers in history. The way they committed murders and how they were captured are discussed in details. The author describes in a very simple way about John Wayne Gacy,Gary Leon Ridgway,Jeffrey Dahmer of Milwaukee and many other notorious serial killers. It’s a compact, comprehensive and interesting reading for true crime fans.

7. The Night Stalker by Philip Carlo

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

464 pages

Publication date : August 30, 2016

This is a bizarre and spellbinding account of an exceptional murderer. Richard Ramirez made headlines when he killed 13 people in Los Angeles in 1980’s. This book is based on extensive research and interviews that reveal the brutal nature of murders committed by Richard. His life story is also extraordinary because he saw his cousin commit a murder at the age of eleven. After the publication of this book thousands of women contacted Philip and shared their stories which are included in the revised edition.

 8.The Big Book of Serial Killers (An Encyclopedia of Serial Killers)

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

442 pages

Publication date : June 19, 2017

This is A-Z encyclopedia of serial killers that contains more than 150 profiles on not only men but women.This book tells everything you need to know about serial killers. They are not any fictional or movie characters but real humans living among us. The profile of every serial killer contains details of their killings, their background, and how they were captured. It is written in a simple and compelling style which is easy to follow.

9. Killer Clown by Terry Sullivan with Peter T. Maiken

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

345 pages

Publication date : April 1, 1983

It is story of John Wayne Gacy, one of the most notorious serial killers of United States. He was called the killer clown because he lure most of his victims at parties where he dressed as a clown. He is one of the reasons why people still fear clowns. His story is told by Assistant state’s attorney who spearheaded investigation. He is person with most murders in American history and this book is a wonderful account of his crimes and investigation.

10. American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century 

Must-read non-fiction books about serial killers

304 pages

Publication date : June 9, 2020

This book tells us about a relatively less known Israel Keyes, one of the most ambitious and terrifying serial killers in modern history.He has been termed as “force of pure evil”.He was a predator who committed murders across different location in United States.He was so fast and smart. He would travel thousands of miles to kill his victims and travel back to his home in Alaska and continue his life as a construction worker. Journalist Maureen Callahan describes how a serial killer of that magnitude managed to escape law enforcement authorities for a decade.

I hope you liked the list. Read here best non-fiction books to understand human trafficking

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