As one of the fastest-growing genres in publishing, true crime stories continue to captivate readers with gripping tales of real-life mysteries and criminal investigations.
You may have a true crime genre-loving friend or family member you’re shopping for this holiday season (or maybe you’re one of us too!). Well, CrimeDoor has you covered. Here are five of the latest true crime book releases in 2023, perfect for anyone who thinks truth is stranger than fiction.
Lay Them to Rest
Lay Them to Rest: On the Road with the Cold Case Investigators Who Identify the Nameless by Laurah Norton is a fascinating exploration of forensic science, focusing on the innovative techniques used to solve infamous cold cases. Laurah Norton, driven by a passion for forensic science and inspired by a mishandled 1990s cold case, created a podcast that brought attention and resources to the case. In her book, Norton offers a deep dive into forensic science’s history and its evolution, from ancient Rome’s death masks to today’s 3-D facial reconstruction technology. By examining the stories of real-life unidentified individuals, she uncovers how new identification methods have helped crack iconic cold cases. By following Laurah and forensic anthropologist Dr. Amy Michael while they try to solve the identity of Ina Jane Doe in real-time, readers gain an insight into the captivating world of forensic science and mysteries, knowing how far we have come in solving cases and recognizing the journey we still have ahead.
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While Idaho Slept
While Idaho Slept: The Hunt for Answers in the Murders of Four College Students by J. Reuben Appelman is a captivating examination of a shocking quadruple homicide that rocked the University of Idaho in 2022. The book explores not only the mind of the alleged perpetrator—a 28-year-old criminology Ph.D. student—but also the lives of the victims and the sociocultural environment of northern Idaho. By delving into the role of amateur investigators and the media in shaping public perception and investigation procedures, Appelman charts a new course for understanding and unpacking true crime narratives, shedding light on systemic overreach, the public obsession with murder stories, and our insatiable appetite for spectacle.
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The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA
In The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA, Liza Mundy offers a riveting account of the often under-recognized contributions of women in the CIA, spanning from World War II to modern times. Mundy skillfully highlights the resilience and determination of these extraordinary women who navigated a deeply entrenched sexist environment to play significant roles in U.S. intelligence efforts. These women broke barriers and defied stereotypes from their initial roles as clerks and secretaries to becoming key strategists and spymasters. The book offers an insightful journey through the evolving role of these women and the sacrifices they made for their country, proving to be an essential read for anyone interested in the history of the CIA and the remarkable women who helped shape it.
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Grim Paradise: The Cold Case Search for the Mackinac Island Killer
Grim Paradise: The Cold Case Search for the Mackinac Island Killer by Rod Sadler is a gripping true crime narrative that delves into the unsolved murder of Frances Lacey, a widow brutally killed in July 1960 on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Despite a massive manhunt, her murderer was never caught, and the case turned cold. However, the story continues as true crime author and former law enforcement officer Rod Sadler brings a modern-day perspective to the investigation, examining the evidence and suspects with fresh eyes. With advances in DNA technology and Sadler’s expertise, the author explores whether it’s finally possible to uncover the identity of the elusive and brutal killer more than six decades later. A must-read for true crime aficionados and cold case enthusiasts, “Grim Paradise” offers a thrilling and suspenseful journey into one of Michigan’s most enduring murder mysteries.
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Jack Ruby: The Many Faces of Oswald’s Assassin by Danny Fingeroth takes readers into the heart of one of the most controversial events of the 20th century – the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the subsequent killing of his alleged assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, by Jack Ruby.
In this thoroughly researched and in-depth account, Fingeroth paints a vivid picture of Ruby, revealing a man driven by conflicting motives and loyalties. The narrative portrays Ruby as a complex figure shaped by the grinding poverty of Chicago’s Jewish ghetto. Yet, it also presents him as someone capable of running numerous legal and illegal enterprises, seemingly a useful pawn for both the Mob and law enforcement agencies.
The book includes interviews with Ruby’s family members, associates, and Rabbi Hillel Silverman, who regularly visited Ruby in prison. Fingeroth presents two faces of Ruby – a bumbling, neurotic individual struggling to make a living and a capable operative of organized crime and law enforcement agencies.
Throughout the book, Fingeroth examines Ruby’s motives, aspirations, and the circumstances that led him to his place in history. By asking how Oswald’s assassin shaped the world we live in today, Fingeroth challenges readers to revisit a turbulent era and consider its lasting implications.
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Available for pre-order ahead of November 21, 2023 release.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up, here’s a quick tip for those shopping for a true crime enthusiast—focus on fresh material. Enthusiasts often have already extensively researched popular crimes. Nothing beats the thrill of diving into real, understudied events that truly happened. Happy shopping!
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