OK, I’ll admit it, I am that person who will awkwardly bring up a super random true crime fact during a social event. This awkward and often embarassing social faux pas has one of two effects: it’ll leave people really stunned and they’ll slowly start to back away or will act like the pied piper flute and bring out fellow true crime murderinos from the social shadows (yes, I am also a huge fan of podcast My Favorite Murder….but I digress).

I’m not going to lie, I have a weird obsession with true crime, even though it scares the absolute bejesus out of me that people can commit such heinous crimes. Whether it’s a podcast, book or documentary – if it’s true crime you can bet I’m interested in it (and guaranteed that I’ll be watching a Disney movie afterwards because it’s all about balance, amirite?!).

Below I’ve put together a detailed list of true crime books I recommend whenever anyone asks me what true crime book they should read next. I’ve added in links to where you can purchase the audiobook, download an e-book or purchase a hardcopy online and get it delivered straight to your door. Let’s be honest, not everyone has time to settle in and read a book – we all have busy lives whether you’re a parent, a career go-getter or juggling more balls than a clown (I have listened to a few of these while doing yoga in the morning….don’t judge) so grab a copy that works best with your lifestyle.

1. Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry

The Tate-LaBianca murders were one of the most baffling and cold-blooded murders during the twentieth century. Seven innocent people were murdered over two nights in a quiet and affluent area of Los Angeles by a group of sadistic murderers known as the Manson Family. After the senseless and horrific violence we’re left with one question: why?

Summary

Prosecutor in the Manson Murder Trial, Vincent Bugliosi, provides a unique insight into the complex, bone chilling and harrowing multiple murder case of Charles Manson and four Manson family members. You’ll find yourself asking if Manson hadn’t of slipped through the cracks during this younger years could all of this had been avoided? What was his real influence over the family members? Be prepared to be exposed to the batshit crazy mind of Charles Manson and his followers.

Warning: you will need to cleanse the absolute shit out of yourself and your house after reading this book. It gave me the heeby-geebies.

Get a copy from: World of books, Audible, Dymocks, Apple Books, Google Books.

2. The Phantom Prince by Elizabeth Kendall and Molly Kendall

This book is so fascinating I finished it in under a week! Every moment I could get I would go to audible to start hearing from the woman who was romantically involved with Ted Bundy and get a very eerie inside look into the monster who brutally murdered at least 30 women and their six year relationship. You will find yourself mouthing “WTF” many, many times and wonder, like many, how such a monster appeared to be so goddamn normal.

Summary

Elizabeth Kendall details her six year relationship with Ted Bundy and the devastating impact he and his crimes had on her and her daughter Molly. There is a disclaimer at the beginning of the audiobook from Elizabeth Kendall warning listeners to keep in mind at the time of writing the book in the 80’s she was still deeply in love with Ted and that there are passages in the book that may be insensitive to readers. She provided an updated introduction and ending to the book since overcoming the spell she was under decades later.

Get a copy from: Apple Books, Google Books, Booktopia, Audible.

3. Restless Souls: the Sharon Tate family’s account of stardom, the Manson Murders and a crusade for justice by Alisa Statman and Brie Tate

Heartbreaking, personal and a book I couldn’t put down.

For decades Charles Manson and his family have stolen the spotlight from the victims of their callous crimes. I went in search for books about their victims, as their voices have long been silent over the decades. I came across this deeply personal account from Sharon Tate’s family and I must admit – it was extremely moving. Sharon Tate was 8 months pregnant when she was brutally murdered, along with her close friends Abigail Folger, Jay Sebring, Wojciech Frykowski and Steven Parent who was visiting his friend in the guesthouse.

Summary

Using interviews with the surviving Tate family, accounts from personal letters, tape recordings, home movies and private diaries, this true crime memoir is an extremely personal invitation for the reader to bear witness to the enduring brutality the Manson family crimes had on the family of victim Sharon Tate.

Get a copy from: Audible, Apple Books, Google Books, Dymocks (eBook).

4. Milat: Inside Australia’s biggest manhunt by Clive Small and Tom Gilling

If you’re Australian, the mention of the surname Milat is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. Ivan Milat is one of Australia’s most infamous serial killers, preying on young hitchhikers who he would torture and murder in Belanglo State Forest.

Summary

This book is about the horrible crimes and the police operation that led to the arrest of the man responsible for ruining many lives across the world. The book details the evidence uncovered by the police, the tireless efforts by police to bring Milat to justice and leaves open the questions that has haunted Australia: did he act alone? And how many more victims left undiscovered are there?

If you want an inside look into this complex and chilling case (and if you never want to feel comfortable camping in Aussie bush land again) then grab a copy of this book.

Get a copy from: Audible, Dymocks, Google Books, Apple Books.

If you have any true crime book recommendations, let me know in the comments below!

Until next time friends, please stay safe, take care of yourself and remember: we are all in this together.

Much love and light,
Lara X

Article photo by Ari Spada on Unsplash

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