10 True Crime Books That Demonstrate the Diversity of the Genre

In this modern American gothic tale of obsession, a series of mysterious fires set a remote rural community on edge. When a local mechanic confesses, it's just the start of a wildly fascinating and tragic story that proves once again that the truth is always stranger than fiction. With in-depth research and compelling writing, AMERICAN FIRE is a modern classic of investigative journalism.

For most of us, it's hard to distinguish between differently priced wines, but for the experts, their livelihood relies on their palates. So how did one young man from Indonesia manage to fool so many with his collection of fake wines? This is a breathtaking and colorful mystery filled with surprising twists and an impassioned cast of characters that you won't soon forget.

Three men in the 1970s travel the world, make money, and become fast friends. The only catch? Two are undercover agents and the third is one of the world's most notorious con men. A rollicking caper that reads like a novel with vibrant characters and bewildering twists and turns, this is an eye-opening look into the FBI's first wire-wearing mission.

A story of racism and the power of a mother's love, TRUEVINE follows two African-American brothers who were kidnapped in 1899 and forced to perform in a traveling circus. But their mother—a sharecropper in the Jim Crow South—never gave up searching for her sons or for justice. This is a haunting read with no easy answers.

Art theft may seem like something that only occurs in the movies, but in 1990, the largest art heist ever occurred in Boston—and it still hasn't been solved. A captivating and extraordinary whodunit that will change the way you look at the art in museums, THE GARDNER HEIST effortlessly delves into the darker side of the art world.

One of the most infamous news stories of the 1970s, the kidnapping and alleged brainwashing of heiress Patty Hearst is still a fascinating subject. From her terrifying abduction to the circus atmosphere of her trial, this spellbinding book explores every aspect of a truly unforgettable and wild story.

Queen Victoria may be one of the most famous of British monarchs, but did you know that during her lifetime, she survived several assassination attempts? Explore her influential reign through the lens of these attacks and how they, oddly enough, breathed new life into the British monarchy. Engrossing and lively, SHOOTING VICTORIA will take you on a fascinating journey to nineteenth-century Great Britain.

A fascinating depiction of how piracy, drug trafficking, and more came into the twenty-first century, AMERICAN KINGPIN follows the astonishing rise and fall of the Dark Web's Silk Road and its mysterious founder, the Dread Pirate Roberts. It explores how ambition and power, free Web advocacy and federal manhunts resulted in a stunning series of events that sound straight out of Hollywood.

As paranoia over identity theft and smart appliances spying on consumers increases, the breathtaking story of Kevin Mitnick—a talented hacker turned security consultant—is only increasing in relevancy. GHOST IN THE WIRES is his gripping and insightful portrayal of his time on the run from the FBI after accessing countless computer systems and networks throughout the country.

The effects of white-collar crime are often far-reaching, and in THE WIZARD OF LIES, you can discover the full catastrophic scope of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme. Based on meticulous research and exclusive interviews, this engrossing book is a raw and alarming look at the overwhelming power of greed.