{"id":1596801,"date":"2025-11-01T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/observer.com\/?post_type=listicle&#038;p=1596801"},"modified":"2025-10-31T14:13:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T18:13:15","slug":"best-true-crime-books","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/","title":{"rendered":"Must-Read Follow-Ups to Your Favorite True-Crime Documentaries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>For some, sitting down with a good book means cozying up by the fireplace, ready for characters to whisk them away to an imaginary world. For others, the escape comes from the thrill of traveling back in time, eager to learn from the stories of generations past. However, another group of bookworms is motivated by an alternative curiosity. Authors such as Truman Capote and David Grann command their attention with narratives of police investigations, cold cases and wrongful convictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although true crime has captured audiences\u2019 attention for decades, the genre has recently experienced an obsessional revival, surfacing an overwhelming collection of documentaries, docuseries and podcasts. But what pulls a particular story out from the noise? What distinguishes a gripping documentary from sensationalized nonfiction?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best true crime stories pack a punch deeper than engaging, binge-worthy mysteries. If told right, these investigations offer a complex look into the nightmarish moments that altered the course of someone\u2019s life, holding perpetrators accountable, advocating for justice or offering a fresh angle on the cases we thought we knew. For all the true crime lovers and aspiring investigative podcasters alike, these books are the perfect read if you\u2019re not ready to let go of that one case just yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__container\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"h2 wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__title\">\n\t\t\tThe best true crime books and dark memoirs\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__list-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#what-is-a-girl-worth-by-rachael-denhollander\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Is a Girl Worth? by Rachael Denhollander\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#stolen-innocence-by-elissa-wall-with-lisa-pulitzer\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStolen Innocence by Elissa Wall with Lisa Pulitzer\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#im-glad-my-mom-died-by-jennette-mccurdy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI\u2019m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#unmasked-by-paul-holes\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnmasked by Paul Holes\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#bad-blood-by-john-carreyrou\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBad Blood by John Carreyrou\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#the-house-of-my-mother-by-shari-franke\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe House of My Mother by Shari Franke\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#uncultured-by-daniella-mestyanek-young\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#american-predator-by-maureen-callahan\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmerican Predator by Maureen Callahan\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"what-is-a-girl-worth-by-rachael-denhollander\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong><em>What Is a Girl Worth?<\/em> by Rachael Denhollander<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/#what-is-a-girl-worth-by-rachael-denhollander\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;What Is a Girl Worth?&lt;\/em&gt; by Rachael Denhollander&lt;\/strong&gt;' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Read after <em>Athlete A<\/em><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">For nearly 30 years, sports doctor Larry Nassar worked with America\u2019s most elite gymnasts. When his career finally came to a halt, he was left with over 100 sexual assault allegations from the female athletes who were told to trust him. As the first athlete to publicly accuse Nassar of sexual assault, Denhollander\u2019s account boldly calls into question what it takes to speak out in a society that isn\u2019t guaranteed to listen. <em>What Is a Girl Worth?<\/em> advocates for the vulnerable. Her story is a beautiful example of resistance loaded with the power to end overlooked cycles of abuse.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/what-is-a-girl-worth.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=900\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Is a Girl Worth? by Rachael Denhollander.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTyndale Momentum\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"stolen-innocence-by-elissa-wall-with-lisa-pulitzer\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong><em>Stolen Innocence<\/em> by Elissa Wall with Lisa Pulitzer<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/#stolen-innocence-by-elissa-wall-with-lisa-pulitzer\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Stolen Innocence&lt;\/em&gt; by Elissa Wall with Lisa Pulitzer&lt;\/strong&gt;' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Read After <em>Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey<\/em><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\"><em>Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey<\/em> is the kind of documentary that takes days to shake. Throughout four unsettling episodes, viewers are immersed in the polygamist group of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints led by self-professed prophet Warren Jeffs. But behind the horror of the docuseries are the courageous survivors who remain unafraid to share their stories. Elissa Wall is one of these survivors. <em>Stolen Innocence<\/em> lays bare the bravery Wall enlisted to escape a living nightmare and the resilience she finds to move forward each day.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/stolen-innocence-best-true-crime-books.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=907\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tStolen Innocence by Elissa Wall with Lisa Pulitzer. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWilliam Morrow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"im-glad-my-mom-died-by-jennette-mccurdy\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong><em>I\u2019m Glad My Mom Died<\/em> by Jennette McCurdy<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/#im-glad-my-mom-died-by-jennette-mccurdy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;I\u2019m Glad My Mom Died&lt;\/em&gt; by Jennette McCurdy&lt;\/strong&gt;' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Read after <em>Quiet on Set<\/em><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Jennette McCurdy first stole audiences\u2019 hearts while portraying teenage Sam Puckett on Nickelodeon\u2019s <em>iCarly<\/em> and <em>Sam &amp; Cat.<\/em> It was her mother\u2019s dream for McCurdy to be a star, and it was McCurdy\u2019s dream to make her mother happy. In her raw and honest memoir, McCurdy lays it all out on the table. From extreme restrictive eating to extensive at-home makeovers, McCurdy recounts the brutal realities of life as a child star. Told with a dark sense of humor that keeps the pages turning, McCurdy\u2019s story unpacks how the child star reclaimed her identity away from the pressures of the spotlight and her mother.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/im-glad-my-mom-died-9781982185824_hr.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tI\u2019m Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSimon &amp; Schuster\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"unmasked-by-paul-holes\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong><em>Unmasked<\/em> by Paul Holes<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/#unmasked-by-paul-holes\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Unmasked&lt;\/em&gt; by Paul Holes&lt;\/strong&gt;' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Read after <em>I\u2019ll Be Gone in the Dark<\/em><\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">As a retired cold case investigator, Holes\u2019s nights always seem to end the same\u2014drenched in sweat after being awoken by persistent nightmares of decaying corpses. But if you were to ask him if it was worth it, he would say it was never a choice. In his 27-year career, Holes helped to keep the most heinous killers off the streets. <em>Unmasked<\/em> tells the story of Holes\u2019s career in the midst of his 20-year hunt for the Golden State Killer. His thoughtful reflections reconcile the personal sacrifices he made in order to bring justice and closure to countless families and victims. Holes always promised to do his best to solve their cases, and he finds solace knowing it\u2019s a promise he can keep.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/91bnO91OcfL._SL1500_.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUnmasked by Paul Holes.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCeladon Books\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"bad-blood-by-john-carreyrou\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong><em>Bad Blood<\/em> by John Carreyrou<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/#bad-blood-by-john-carreyrou\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Bad Blood&lt;\/em&gt; by John Carreyrou&lt;\/strong&gt;' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Read after <em>The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley<\/em> <\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">How could a brilliant Stanford dropout trick an entire industry? How could a medical technology that didn\u2019t actually work earn Elizabeth Holmes\u2019s company, Theranos, an estimated $9 billion? When a whistleblower came forward with the tip needed to expose Holmes\u2019s lies, <em>Wall Street Journal<\/em> reporter John Carreyrou went digging for the answers. Unfazed by threats of lawsuits against himself and the <em>Journal<\/em>, Carreyrou\u2019s investigation persisted. <em>Bad Blood<\/em> is a thrilling page-turner that takes readers through his investigation in cinematic detail to unearth one of Silicon Valley\u2019s largest corporate frauds.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/bad-blood-best-true-stories-.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVintage\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"the-house-of-my-mother-by-shari-franke\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong><em>The House of My Mother<\/em> by Shari Franke<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/#the-house-of-my-mother-by-shari-franke\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The House of My Mother&lt;\/em&gt; by Shari Franke&lt;\/strong&gt;' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Read after <em>Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke<\/em> <\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Before the days of TikTok influencers and day-in-my-life videos, YouTube vloggers ruled the internet. For Shari Franke and her five siblings, this meant growing up under the watchful eye of 2.5 million subscribers. However, behind the scenes of the viral <em>8 Passengers<\/em> YouTube channel was their abusive mother, Ruby Franke, who enforced a tyrannical parenting style. Published almost two years after Ruby and her partner, Jodi, were convicted on charges of child abuse, <em>The House of My Mother<\/em> is a vulnerable firsthand account of Shari\u2019s fight for truth, survival and redemption under the cruel reign of her mother.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/the-house-of-my-mother-9781668065396_hr.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe House of my Mother by Shari Franke.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBlackstone Publishing, Inc.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"uncultured-by-daniella-mestyanek-young\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong><em>Uncultured<\/em> by Daniella Mestyanek Young<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/#uncultured-by-daniella-mestyanek-young\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Uncultured&lt;\/em&gt; by Daniella Mestyanek Young&lt;\/strong&gt;' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Read after <em>Shiny Happy People<\/em> <\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\"><em>Shiny Happy People<\/em> investigates a world where, behind the masks of welcoming church pastors, lurk hidden agendas and authoritarian leaders. The Children of God, now known as The Family International, is arguably one of the most infamous religious cults. Founded by David Berg, The Family emerged from the 1960s counterculture, promoting communal living and apocalyptic Christian teachings under Berg\u2019s prophetic leadership. Strict rules that forced sexual, emotional and physical abuse onto Mestyanek Young were all she knew. After escaping at 15, she believed she had finally found her home in the military. However, she soon discovered the men who surrounded her in Afghanistan struck a disturbing resemblance to the men she fought relentlessly to escape. <em>Uncultured<\/em> goes beyond that of a cult horror story. The memoir takes readers through the seemingly impossible challenge of belonging and the harrowing dangers of group mentality.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/uncultured.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGriffin\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"american-predator-by-maureen-callahan\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<strong><em>American Predator<\/em> by Maureen Callahan<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/#american-predator-by-maureen-callahan\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to '&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;American Predator&lt;\/em&gt; by Maureen Callahan&lt;\/strong&gt;' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Read after <em>Method of a Serial Killer<\/em> <\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">For any true crime lover, it\u2019s easy to get lost in the complexities of a case. But what happens when curiosity turns into obsession? Very few would likely go on to uncover answers in the thoroughly detailed fashion of journalist Maureen Callahan. Haunted by the monstrous crimes of serial killer Israel Keyes\u2014which went undetected for over a decade\u2014Callahan began a relentless pursuit for answers. <em>American Predator<\/em> brings together years of interviews with key figures in law enforcement, Keyes\u2019s life and research from classified FBI files to create a compelling recount of the FBI investigation that finally brought an end to the elusive killer.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/american-predator-maureen-callahan-best-true-crime-books.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=963\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAmerican Predator by Maureen Callahan.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPenguin Books\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These eight books are thrilling, heartbreaking and empowering all at once, offering an honest look into some of the most infamous cases.<\/p>\n <a class=\"moretag\" href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/\">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":177935309,"featured_media":1596826,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"post_tag":[],"company":[],"channel":[423868969,423806452],"location":[],"nyo_column":[],"person":[],"coauthor":[424003887],"class_list":{"0":"post-1596801","1":"listicle","2":"type-listicle","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"channel-culture","7":"channel-books"},"acf":{"homepage_position":"","homepage_title":"","homepage_excerpt":"","alternate_list_left_right":true},"apple_news_notices":[],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/best-true-crime-books\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":[],"rendered":"","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/observer.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle\/1596801","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/listicle"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/177935309"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle\/1596801\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1596874,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle\/1596801\/revisions\/1596874"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1596826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1596801"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_tag?post=1596801"},{"taxonomy":"observer_company","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/company?post=1596801"},{"taxonomy":"channel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/channel?post=1596801"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=1596801"},{"taxonomy":"nyo_column","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/nyo_column?post=1596801"},{"taxonomy":"nyo_person","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/person?post=1596801"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthor?post=1596801"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}