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I have always been fascinated by weird stories, but it was only during the lockdown a few years ago that I really got into true crime.
Essentially, it was a documentary series that pulled me in, and it wasn’t long before I started reading true crime books.
In the past, I posted about the best true crime books I had ever read, but this time around, I wanted to do something different.
Most of the books in that earlier post were written by people who may not have been directly involved in the crimes.
There’s really something about that personal touch that makes everything all the more interesting.
So, in this post, I’ve compiled the best true crime books written by people who actually lived through the situations.
And I promise, they’re just as amazing as your favorite thriller books.
I Am Not Your Slave by Tupa Tjipombo
This book tells the real story of a brave young girl named Tupa, who was kidnapped from her home in Africa and forced into human trafficking.
Her journey takes her through terrifying places and shows the darkest parts of the world that most people never even hear about.
She meets dangerous people but somehow finds the courage to keep fighting for her freedom.
This is one of the most powerful true crime memoirs because it opens our eyes to how real and heartbreaking modern slavery still is.
Tupa’s strength and bravery are unforgettable, and her story truly sticks with you.
True Crime Addict by James Renner
James Renner loved true crime even as a kid.
His book is about how his passion for solving mysteries grew into a lifelong obsession.
When he started investigating the disappearance of Maura Murray, he found himself getting deeper and deeper into a case that was as confusing as it was sad.
I think this memoir is so good because it shows how getting lost in dark stories can change a person’s life.
This one is about how mysteries can pull you in until you don’t even realize how far you’ve gone.
It’s real, raw, and fascinating.
A Light in the Dark by Kathy Kleiner Rubin
Kathy’s story is truly one of survival.
She was attacked by the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy but miraculously lived to tell the story.
But her fight didn’t stop there – she battled illness and cancer later in life too.
What makes this book so touching is that Kathy doesn’t just tell us about the scary parts; she shows us how she kept choosing life and hope, again and again.
I love this memoir because it reminds us that even after the worst things happen, we can find happiness and light.
It’s an inspiring and beautifully honest story.
The Babysitter by Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan
Liza grew up thinking her babysitter was just a nice man who took her on little adventures.
But years later, she found out he was actually a serial killer.
This true story is haunting because it shows how evil can hide in the most unexpected places.
I think this memoir is so unforgettable because it’s told from a child’s perspective – innocent and trusting – and it really makes you think about the people you let into your life.
It’s chilling but also really well-told, and you can feel Liza’s heart on every page as she tries to make sense of it all.
Dancing with the Octopus by Debora Harding
Debora was kidnapped as a teenager, and while that was terrible, her story reveals that sometimes the deepest wounds come from what happens after.
She takes us through her healing journey with honesty, sadness, and even humor.
I loved how real and human this memoir felt.
It’s one of the best true crime memoirs because it reminds us that healing is messy but also beautiful and full of hope.
I Cried to Dream Again by Sara Kruzan
Sara’s memoir is heartbreaking but also incredibly powerful.
She was groomed and abused as a child, and when she finally fought back, she was treated like a criminal instead of a victim.
This book really touched my heart because Sara shows so much strength and honesty in telling her story.
It also made me so angry about how young survivors are often failed by the system.
But more than anything, Sara’s courage shines through.
This one is a story about how she fought for freedom, for justice, and for a better future.
Con/Artist by Tony Tetro
This memoir is a wild, fun, unbelievable ride through the art world.
Tony Tetro was one of the best art forgers ever, tricking everyone from billionaires to royalty.
What I enjoyed the most about this book is how Tony makes you laugh and shake your head at the craziness of it all, while also showing how the art world is not nearly as perfect and honest as it pretends to be.
It’s like getting a backstage pass to a secret world.
Even though it’s not a violent crime story, it’s still true crime and it’s just so much fun to read.
The Best Minds by Jonathan Rosen
This memoir is heartbreaking and thoughtful.
Jonathan writes about his best friend Michael, who was brilliant but struggled with severe mental illness.
Even though Michael seemed to have everything going for him, his mind betrayed him in the worst way, which leads to a terrible tragedy.
Jonathan doesn’t just tell Michael’s story – he tries to understand it, with so much love and sadness.
It’s one of the best true crime memoirs because it reminds us that sometimes the worst stories aren’t about evil, but about pain and loss.
Sex Cult Nun by Faith Jones
This memoir is honestly jaw-dropping but also so inspiring.
Faith Jones grew up in a religious cult called the Children of God, where terrible abuse was hidden behind a mask of faith.
Her story of escaping that world is so powerful.
True crime memoirs like this show how strong people can be, even when everything around them tries to break them.
It’s shocking, yes, but also so full of hope and courage. I couldn’t stop rooting for her.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
This book is so important and so beautifully written that I still think about it all the time.
Chanel Miller was known only as Emily Doe during the Brock Turner trial, but here, she takes back her voice and her story.
I love how honest and brave Chanel is about what it feels like to be a victim fighting against a broken system.
Her words are so powerful, they’ll stay with you forever.
This memoir isn’t just about crime – it’s about survival, reclaiming your identity, and finding beauty even after deep pain.
It’s one of the best true crime memoirs ever written, truly.
These books are so amazing! Let me know which ones you’re planning to check out.
And if you want to read even more true crime books, remember that I’ve written another post about the very best ones you definitely don’t want to miss.
