Top 10 true crime audiobooks

True crime is among the most popular non-fiction book genres. Knowing something is based on a true story makes the narrative much more harrowing. If you’re a fan of true crime books, there are plenty of them to explore.

So how do you pick the best one to avoid wasting time? This article will show you some of the most compelling stories to make your skin crawl.

What is the true crime genre?

True crime books do precisely what the name implies—they take a deep dive into real crimes to shed light on every aspect of what happened. A well-done true crime piece recounts every little detail of the event, leaving no stone unturned.

Talented authors know how to draw the reader in and make them feel like they’re on the crime scene. They paint a vivid picture of everything that happened to turn the reader’s attention to the heinous crimes people are capable of committing. At the same time, they give voice to those who can’t tell their side of the story.

(Un)fortunately, there’s no shortage of true crime audiobooks, from independent titles to New York Times best-sellers and Pulitzer Prize winners. This article will list some of the most captivating ones that you can add to your list.

The best true crime audiobooks

1. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara, narrated by Gabra Zackman

This is the story of the Golden State Killer, a serial killer and rapist who destroyed many lives over 12 years and then disappeared into thin air. Three decades later, Michelle McNamara takes the case into her own hands and provides invaluable insights into it. The audiobook features a foreword from McNamara’s husband, Patton Oswalt, which contributes to its compelling narrative.

2. Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow, narrated by Ronan Farrow

How far can wealthy men go before someone puts an end to their abuse? This is the question that Farrow aims to answer with this book. He covers the many details of a prominent Hollywood producer’s predatory tendencies. Farrow must cut through the most potent resources money can buy to uncover the truth.

3. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, narrated by Scott Brick

In 1959, a Kansas family of four was murdered in what seemed to be a senseless crime. The Clutter family was by no means wealthy, nor did they have any known enemies. Capote dissects every detail of the case through extensive investigation and countless interviews to make sense of this gruesome crime.

4. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann, narrated by Will Patton, Ann Marie Lee, and Danny Campbell

In the 1920s, the Osage had it all. They were extremely wealthy due to massive oil reserves beneath their Oklahoma land. All of a sudden, they started dying off without explanation. Outsiders who tried investigating the case met a similar fate. It wasn’t until FBI director J. Edgar Hoover launched an investigation that one of the biggest conspiracies in American history unraveled the details behind the murders.

5. Mindhunter by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, narrated by Richard M. Davidson

This inspiration for the titular Netflix show, Mindhunter, gives readers a deep dive into the minds of the world’s most horrifying criminals, as told by a famous profiler. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about Ed Gein, Ted Bundy, or other serial rapists or murderers, this book will give you all the details you need.

6. The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James, narrated by Brittany Pressley, Kirsten Potter, Robert Petkoff

After two men get murdered, the MO seems too consistent for the killing to be random. Same gun, same strange notes. Fleeing one of the crime scenes is a wealthy 23-year-old, Beth Greer. Found not guilty, Greer retreats to her mansion. Shea Collins meets up four decades later with Greer for a revealing interview.

7. The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule, narrated by Lorelei King

For two years, Ann Rule built a friendship with a charming colleague. They chatted all the time, and Rule found the man quite magnetic. Little did she know the man was one of the most notorious killers in history—Ted Bundy. In her book, Rule shares a story about the killer from a new perspective.

8. Bad Blood by John Carreyrou, narrated by Will Damron

You might have heard the story about Elizabeth Holmes and her infamous biotech start-up, Theranos. If not, this audiobook is a must-listen. John Carreyrou will take you through a riveting tale of lies, manipulation, and marketing.

9. Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O’Neill and Dan Piepenbring, narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

The story of Charles Manson and his cult made history as one of the most bizarre series of shocking events. However, what enabled the Manson family to get away with their crimes hasn’t seen as much spotlight. To fix this, Tom O’Neill shares details on legal misconduct, police carelessness, and other contributors to Manson’s crimes.

10. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, narrated by Scott Brick

The details of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair are unknown to many. In this book, Erik Larson sheds light on Henry H. Holmes, a cunning killer who built his torture palace. The book will spare you no gory details, so you’ll get a deep insight into the killer’s mind.

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FAQ

What is the best true crime audiobook?

Many consider Mindhunter the best true crime audiobook, primarily because of its many stories.

What serial killer reads audiobooks?

Ed Kemper famously narrated over 500 books for the blind.

What is the best true crime story?

The Charles Manson story is easily among the most bizarre true crime stories.

What are the best true crime podcasts right now?

Some must-listens include Dr. Death, The Shrink Next Door, and The Teacher’s Pet.