TRUE CRIME

Some readers find the True Crime genre very fascinating.  What makes someone commit a heinous crime?  Is there something genetically wrong with the brains of violent criminals, or did something happen in their childhood to make them the way they are?

True Crime books are very popular and cover a wide range of crimes throughout history.  Here are some interesting choices:

"Did she kill him? : a torrid true story of adultery, arsenic, and murder in Victorian England" by Kate Colquhoun.

This is the story of a young American woman who meets and marries an older wealthy merchant from Liverpool.  Their fortunes change as both of them have gambling debts and lovers.  Find out what happens when the wife is accused of murder.  Colquhoun presents a good overview of Victorian society, the legal system and medical practices during that time.    

"If I can't have you : Susan Powell, her mysterious disappearance, and the murder of her children" by Gregg Olsen and Rebecca Morris.

 

Gregg Olsen is well-know for his true crime books.  Josh Powell goes camping in the dead of winter in Utah with his two small sons.  When he returns, his wife is missing, and he claims to not know anything about her disappearance.  His behavior becomes more and more bizarre, but he will not admit knowing anything.  The evidence points to him and his father, but without a body, the evidence is circumstantial.

 

 

"Lying in Wait and Other True Cases" by Ann Rule.

 

Anne Rule is the queen of true crime writing.  She probably had a lot to do with making this a popular genre with her book about the serial killer, Ted Bundy, "The Stranger Beside Me." She actually knew Bundy.

In her latest book, "Lying in Wait and Other True Cases," she presents a collection of case files in Volume 17 of this series. 

 

Find these and other true crime books in the 364.1523 section or come to the Reference Desk for more suggestions.

 

Thanks for reading.