Top True Crime Reads for 2024: Must-Reads for Crime Enthusiasts

Hello, friends and true crime readers. I am trying my hand at short-form book reviews. My goal is to provide enough information for you to decide if any of these books fit your true crime reading enjoyment. Please let me know if you think I hit the mark and reached my goal and if you find the reviews helpful. Enjoy this article, and I hope you enjoy one, two, or even all five of these books in 20204.

True crime books have been a popular genre for decades, with readers drawn to the thrilling and often shocking stories of real-life crimes. As we enter 2024, the true crime book market shows no signs of slowing down, with new releases hitting the shelves monthly. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or just looking for a gripping read, there’s no shortage of options.

When selecting the top true crime books for 2024, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, the book must be well-researched and accurate, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged. Additionally, the book should offer a unique perspective or shed new light on a well-known case. Finally, we will be looking for books that explore a variety of crimes, from the most notorious serial killers to lesser-known cases that deserve more attention.

With these criteria in mind, I have compiled a list of the top true crime books for 2024. From chilling tales of murder to gripping accounts of white-collar crime, these books are sure to satisfy any true crime fan’s appetite for the macabre. So enjoy this article and prepare to be transported into the world true crime.

5 True Crime Books for 2024

As an avid reader and true crime enthusiast, I have scoured the pages of Amazon to bring you our top picks for the best true crime books of 2024. From chilling accounts of serial killers to gripping tales of unsolved mysteries, these books will have you on the edge of your seat and questioning everything you thought you knew. So, without further ado, here are my top recommendations for the best true crime books to add to your reading list this year.

If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood

If you’re looking for a gripping true crime book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, consider If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood.

Pros

The book is well-written and engaging, drawing readers in from the first page.

The story is incredibly compelling, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing.

The author does an excellent job of balancing the more gruesome details of the story with the emotional impact on the victims and their families.

Cons

The subject matter is quite heavy, and some readers may find the graphic descriptions of abuse and violence challenging to read.

The book is quite long, and some readers may find it drags in places.

While the author does an excellent job of telling the story from the perspective of the victims, some readers may wish for more insight into the perpetrator’s mind.

If You Tell tells the true story of the Knotek family, a seemingly ordinary family hiding a dark secret. The mother, Shelly, was a sadistic abuser who terrorized her daughters and other young girls in her community. The book follows the sisters as they try to escape their mother’s abuse and eventually bring her to justice.

I highly recommend If You Tell to anyone who enjoys true crime books. While it’s not for the faint of heart, it’s a well-written and engaging book that will keep you turning the pages.

True Crime: A dark and twisty crime thriller to keep you up all night in 2024!

If you’re looking for a gripping true crime book to keep you on the edge of your seat, True Crime: A Dark and Twisty Crime thriller is worth checking out.

Pros

The book is well-written and keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to get invested in the story.

The Kindle feature of sticky notes is a great way to keep track of essential details and make notes for future reference.

Cons

Some readers may find the plot predictable.

The book is quite long, which may be a turn-off for some readers.

The lack of X-Ray may disappoint those who enjoy this feature in their Kindle books.

In True Crime, Grace Harper’s daughter disappears without a trace, and Grace spends the next ten years of her life searching for her. The book follows Grace’s journey to uncover the truth about her daughter’s disappearance.

The writing is engaging and well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.

One of the standout features of this book is the Kindle feature of sticky notes. This is a great way to keep track of essential details and make notes for future reference, which can be especially helpful when reading a true crime book with many characters and plot points to keep track of.

Overall, True Crime is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a gripping true crime book. While some readers may find the plot predictable, the well-written characters and engaging writing make it a worthwhile read.

The Most Bizarre True Crime Stories Ever Told

If you’re a true crime enthusiast looking for something unique and twisted, The Most Bizarre True Crime Stories Ever Told might be your book.

Pros

Unforgettable and unusual true crime cases

Quick and easy read

It keeps you engaged with gruesome details

Cons

Not for the faint of heart

Some stories may be too disturbing for some readers

Lacks in-depth analysis and context

This book features 20 bizarre true crime cases that will leave you questioning the depths of human depravity. From a man who ate his victim’s brains to a mother who killed her children in a ritualistic manner, each story is more shocking than the last. The writing style is straightforward, making it a quick read for those wanting to indulge in gruesome details.

However, this book is only for some. The stories are disturbing and may be too much for some readers. Additionally, the lack of in-depth analysis and context may leave some unsatisfied. Overall, if you’re a true crime fan who can handle the gore and want something different, The Most Bizarre True Crime Stories Ever Told is worth checking out.

Twenty Years Later: A Riveting New Thriller

Twenty Years Later is worth considering if you’re looking for a gripping thriller with plenty of twists and turns.

Pros

The storyline is well-crafted and keeps you guessing until the end.

The use of sailing adds an extra layer of excitement to the plot.

The book is easy to read and makes for a quick page-turner.

Cons

Some of the medical and police procedural jargon can be overwhelming.

The writer tends to repeat certain events or details multiple times.

The pacing can be slow at times, which may make it challenging to stay engaged.

In Twenty Years Later, Avery Mason hosts American Events and knows what topics will grab a TV audience’s attention. When a young woman is found dead on a boat, Avery decides to investigate the case for her show. However, as she delves deeper into the mystery, she realizes that the truth may be much more complicated than initially thought.

Overall, we recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller. The plot is well-crafted, and the sailing aspect adds an extra layer of excitement to the story. However, some medical and police procedural jargon can be overwhelming, and the pacing can sometimes be slow. Twenty Years Later is worth checking out if you’re looking for a quick and engaging read.

The Quarry Girls: A Thriller

I highly recommend purchasing The Quarry Girls: A Thriller for its well-developed characters and gripping plot.

Pros

The book is well-written and engaging, making it difficult to put down.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, immersing the reader in their journey.

The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge.

Cons

The ending may be anticlimactic for some readers.

The subject matter may be triggering for some readers.

The book may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to violence.

The Quarry Girls: A Thriller is a captivating read exploring humanity’s dark side. The story follows a group of teenage girls who discover a quarry filled with human bones, leading them on a journey to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths.

The book is well-written and engaging, with a plot of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making readers invested in their journey and empathetic to their struggles.

However, the ending may be considered anticlimactic for some readers, and the subject matter may be triggering for those who are sensitive to violence. Despite this, we highly recommend The Quarry Girls: A Thriller for its captivating plot and well-developed characters.

My True Crime Book Buying Guide

When choosing the best true crime book to read in 2024, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some features to look for to ensure you get the most out of your reading experience.

Genre

True crime books come in many genres, from memoirs to investigative journalism to historical accounts. Consider what type of true crime book you are interested in reading and choose accordingly.

Author

Do your research. The author’s credentials and reputation are important factors when choosing a true crime book. Look for authors with a journalism, law enforcement, or criminology background. Additionally, check reviews and ratings to see what other readers say about the author’s writing style and accuracy.

Content

The content of the book should be engaging and informative. Look for well-researched books that provide a unique perspective on the crime or criminal being discussed. Additionally, consider if the book covers a topic you are interested in or know about.

Format

The format of the book can also impact your reading experience. Consider if you prefer a physical book or an e-book, as well as the length and layout of the book. Some true crime books may include photographs or documents that enhance the reading experience.

Considering these factors, you can choose a true crime book that will provide an engaging and informative reading experience.

Dear friends and readers, wish to purchase any of these true crime books mentioned in this article? (Please note that this are affiliate links in this article. If you make a purchase I will receive a small commission at no additional expense to you).