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
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 - Historical Crime
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 - True Crime
Tales of murder and mayhem for armchair sleuths. Intriguing courtroom dramas, miraculous escapes, and inspiring stories of survival.
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.
Featured
Selector Picks - True Crime - January 2021
New and on order stories of true crime, criminals and those who caught them.
On this day: The Parker-Hulme murder
It was 65 years ago when Christchurch was shocked by Honora Rieper (Parker)'s brutal death at Victoria Park on 22 June 1954.
New Titles: Selector Picks - Crime and Punishment - October
New and on order stories of true crime, criminals and those who caught them.
The Severed Hand of Taylor's Mistake
A man disappears and a severed hand is found washed up in Taylor's Mistake. Is it foul play or only meant to look that way?
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Find non-fiction on your favourite topic
Whatever kind of non-fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.
