Minnesotans of a specific generation recall the disappearance of 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling on the evening of October 22, 1989. While biking with his brother and a friend near their home in St. Joseph, Minnesota, Jacob was abducted at gunpoint by an unknown man. Sadly, Jacob was not seen alive again until his killer confessed in 2016.
During our childhood adventures in the woods, my friends and I would always be on the lookout for Jacob. I vividly remember searching through the trees, hoping to stumble upon him and assist in his rescue. It was a time when the harsh reality of malevolence lurking in our midst became apparent.
Reflecting on Jacob’s abduction, I can’t help but wonder if it played a role in my enduring intrigue with true crime. There’s a compelling urge within me to unravel the motives behind heinous acts. Each book I craft is a small endeavor to shed light on this question. In a society captivated by the allure of true crime narratives (myself included), it’s crucial to remember that the victims are not mere pawns in someone else’s violent tale.
Even in death, the departed have narratives that deserve to be heard.
In my latest novel, “Dead Girls Talking,” the spotlight is on the victim and her daughter. The story follows 16-year-old Bettina, renowned for being the daughter of a mother slain by her father, for which she testified in court. As a series of copycat murders grips their town, Bettina joins forces with the undertaker’s daughter, an outcast in the community, to thwart the killer. I found immense satisfaction in portraying young women who unearth their strength and challenge the stereotype that women in true crime stories are merely beautiful victims.
Below are eight riveting true crime books that offer diverse perspectives within the genre:
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Truman Capote delves into the 1959 massacre of the Clutter family by Dick Hickock and Perry Smith in Holcomb, Kansas. Capote’s meticulous research and firsthand accounts culminate in a genre-defining masterpiece that blurs the lines between fiction and reality.
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
Jessica Knoll’s “Bright Young Women” challenges the glorification of infamous serial killer Ted Bundy by shifting the focus to the resilient women who survived his brutal assaults. This narrative shift provides a poignant tribute to the lives affected by such atrocities.
Sadie by Courtney Summers
Courtney Summers’ “Sadie” intricately weaves a tale of a young girl’s quest to avenge her sister’s murder, juxtaposed with a male podcaster’s retelling of her story. Through this narrative, Summers critiques the voyeuristic nature of true crime narratives and society’s exploitation of female suffering.
The Girls by Emma Cline
Emma Cline’s “The Girls” explores the allure of a cult through the eyes of Evie Boyd, a vulnerable teenager who becomes entangled in a charismatic cult leader’s web. Drawing inspiration from real-life events, Cline delves into the complexities of manipulation and vulnerability.
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
Thomas Harris’ “The Silence of the Lambs” introduces the iconic character Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant yet malevolent psychiatrist, who aids FBI trainee Clarice Starling in capturing a deranged serial killer. Harris skillfully blends elements of true crime with fiction, drawing parallels to notorious real-life cases.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” subverts traditional narratives of marital discord and disappearance by crafting a gripping tale of deceit and manipulation. Through the characters of Nick and Amy Dunne, Flynn challenges conventional perceptions of victimhood and villainy.
Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World’s Most Notorious Diaries by Rick Emerson
“Unmask Alice” by Rick Emerson delves into the realm of literary crime, unraveling the mystery behind a fabricated diary that captivated readers with its harrowing tale of addiction and tragedy. Emerson’s exploration sheds light on the blurred boundaries between reality and fiction in the true crime genre.
The Family Plot by Megan Collins
Megan Collins’ “The Family Plot” delves into the unsettling world of a family consumed by an obsession with true crime. As the adult children grapple with their father’s death and a long-buried family secret, Collins artfully references infamous true crime cases, adding layers of intrigue to this dark and twisted narrative.