True crime reading guide
True stories of murder, gangsters, investigations and the wrongfully imprisoned.
The truth can be stranger than fiction, and just as gripping.
Join the chase as investigators hunt down black widows and blood-thirsty killers, fraudsters and mobsters. Learn about forensics and the psychology of the criminal mind, or gain a greater understanding of fundamentalists and extremism. Play Sherlock and try to solve an historical "cold case" or pick apart the evidence in a miscarriage of justice.
Real life stories of crime and punishment await.
Want fictional crime stories? Try our Mystery fiction reading guide.
True crime reading lists
True crime reading lists
Non-fiction - Espionage
Explore the history of espionage, enjoy its great stories and understand the role it plays in the world today.
Non-Fiction - Australian True Crime
Read of vice, corruption, drugs, and family secrets and uncover Australia’s criminal underworld and folk legends.
Illustrated Biographies - War and Conflict
If you enjoy true stories about people's lives during war or political and social upheaval, you may enjoy one of these graphic biographies.
Non-Fiction - Injustice and Wrongful Conviction
A staggering number of innocent people are incarcerated yearly. Read moving, thrilling and ultimately inspiring tales of resilience and hope
Non-Fiction - Crime over time
These historical mysteries will inform, entertain, and best of all, keep you guessing right to the heart-stopping end.
Extremism, Crimes in Warfare, Genocide, Hate Crimes, & Sects
Delve into the world of extremism and the charismatic leaders that draw people to sects, the fringes of religion, and terrorism.
Non-Fiction - Gangsters, Fraudsters, the Criminal Underworld
Brazen tales of hustles, hoaxes and heists. Find out how they pulled it off (though some are still unsolved to this day). Can you solve it?
Non-Fiction - Forensics and Criminal Motivation
Explore DNA analysis, toxicology, fingerprinting, post mortems and criminal profiling and the history of forensics and criminal psychology.
Non-fiction - New Zealand True Crime
Famous robberies, crimes of passion, criminal trials, wicked murders, heists, fraud, gangs, and survivor stories... all involving Kiwi crims
Non-Fiction - True Crime books adapted for film and TV
Tales of murder so notorious they've been portrayed in television programmes, documentaries and movies - slow burners to page turners.
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The circumstances of this crime are unusual...
These were the words of the Crown Prosecutor, Mr A W Brown, during the opening of Christchurch's most notorious murder trial.
Crimes of the 19th century: Canterbury Police Gazette
Glenn delves into the quaint and unusual crimes and misdemeanours reported to Christchurch police, 1863-1877.
A Life in Forensics: Thomas Coyle & Ruben Miller: WORD Chch
Sep 5th | 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most accomplished forensic investigators come together for a fascinating glimpse into working on crime scenes.
New For You - True Crime - June 2026
The top new additions to the Christchurch City Libraries collection for espionage, crime, murder, and everything in between.
The circumstances of this crime are unusual...
These were the words of the Crown Prosecutor, Mr A W Brown, during the opening of Christchurch's most notorious murder trial.
Crimes of the 19th century: Canterbury Police Gazette
Glenn delves into the quaint and unusual crimes and misdemeanours reported to Christchurch police, 1863-1877.
A Life in Forensics: Thomas Coyle & Ruben Miller: WORD Chch
Sep 5th | 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most accomplished forensic investigators come together for a fascinating glimpse into working on crime scenes.
New For You - True Crime - June 2026
The top new additions to the Christchurch City Libraries collection for espionage, crime, murder, and everything in between.
Find great reads:
Award-winning Crime titles
More mystery and true crime
Find true crime in the catalogue
Find non-fiction on your favourite topic
Whatever kind of non-fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.