True crime enthusiasts who have read Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood may be on the hunt for similar books that explore the dark side of humanity. These books, often referred to as “true crime” or “narrative nonfiction,” offer gripping accounts of real-life crimes and the people involved.
While some may argue that true crime glorifies violence or exploits victims, others see it as a way to understand the motivations behind heinous acts and to learn from them. Regardless of one’s stance, there’s no denying the popularity of the genre.
When searching for books like In Cold Blood, readers should pay attention to the author’s writing style and the level of detail provided. Some true crime books read like dry police reports, while others are written in a more narrative style that draws the reader in. Additionally, readers may want to consider the type of crime being explored – some may be more interested in serial killers, while others prefer stories of white-collar crime or political corruption.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of true crime books that are similar to In Cold Blood in terms of their gripping storytelling and attention to detail. We’ve chosen books that cover a range of crimes and criminals, from notorious serial killers to lesser-known cases of fraud and deception. Whether you’re a seasoned true crime reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, there’s something here for everyone.
Best Books Like In Cold Blood
Below is our carefully curated list of the best books that are similar to In Cold Blood. These books are filled with suspense, mystery, and true crime that will leave you on the edge of your seat. We have scoured the internet and read countless reviews to bring you the most captivating books that will satisfy your thirst for true crime. Without further ado, here are our top picks.
In Cold Blood
If you’re looking for a true crime novel that reads like fiction, In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is a must-read.
Pros
- Capote’s writing style is engaging and keeps you hooked until the end.
- The book provides a detailed account of the murders and the investigation that followed.
- In Cold Blood raises important questions about the criminal justice system and the death penalty.
Cons
- The graphic nature of the murders may be disturbing for some readers.
- The book is quite lengthy and may feel slow-paced at times.
- Capote’s use of creative liberties and composite characters has been criticized by some readers.
In Cold Blood tells the story of the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Kansas in 1959. Capote’s writing style is captivating, and he manages to make the reader feel like they are right there in the small town of Holcomb during the investigation.
The book also raises important questions about the criminal justice system and the death penalty. Capote’s portrayal of the two murderers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickock, is complex and thought-provoking.
While the book is a classic in the true crime genre, some readers may find the graphic details of the murders disturbing. Additionally, the book is quite lengthy and may feel slow-paced at times.
Overall, if you’re a fan of true crime and enjoy a well-written narrative, In Cold Blood is definitely worth a read.
In Cold Storage: Sex and Murder on the Plains
If you’re looking for a gripping true crime story, In Cold Storage: Sex and Murder on the Plains is a great option.
Pros
- Well-written and full of detail
- Provides an in-depth look at a baffling murder case
- Offers insight into a small town community’s reaction to a shocking crime
Cons
- May not appeal to readers who prefer more action-packed true crime stories
- Some readers may find the book repetitive at times
- Doesn’t offer a definitive answer to the case’s mysteries
In Cold Storage: Sex and Murder on the Plains tells the story of the murders of six people in rural Nebraska in 1958. Author James W. Hewitt, a former prosecutor, presents the evidence in a logical and compelling way, making it easy for readers to follow along and form their own opinions about the case.
The book offers a fascinating glimpse into small town life in the 1950s and the impact a shocking crime can have on a community. It also raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of justice and the limits of the legal system.
Overall, if you’re a fan of true crime and are looking for a well-written and thought-provoking book, In Cold Storage: Sex and Murder on the Plains is definitely worth a read.
In Cold Blood: DI Amy Winter, Book 5
We recommend purchasing this audiobook for fans of In Cold Blood looking for a new crime thriller.
Pros
- Narrator Kim Bretton brings the story to life with her engaging performance.
- Author Caroline Mitchell expertly weaves together a gripping plot with complex characters.
- The audiobook is a reasonable length at 7 hours and 1 minute.
Cons
- Some readers may find the plot predictable.
- The book is part of a series, so readers may need to read the previous books to fully understand the characters and their relationships.
- The audiobook may not be suitable for those who prefer to read physical books.
In Cold Blood: DI Amy Winter, Book 5 is a crime thriller audiobook narrated by Kim Bretton. The story follows Detective Inspector Amy Winter as she investigates a series of murders that lead her to question her own past.
The audiobook is expertly narrated by Kim Bretton, who brings the characters to life with her engaging performance. Author Caroline Mitchell weaves together a gripping plot with complex characters, making for an enjoyable listen.
While some readers may find the plot predictable, the book is still a great choice for fans of crime thrillers. However, readers may need to read the previous books in the series to fully understand the characters and their relationships. Additionally, those who prefer physical books may not enjoy the audiobook format.
Overall, we recommend In Cold Blood: DI Amy Winter, Book 5 for fans of crime thrillers looking for a new audiobook to enjoy.
A Kitchen Painted in Blood
If you’re a fan of true crime and unsolved mysteries, this book is worth considering.
Pros
- Well-researched and detailed account of the mysterious disappearance of Joan Risch
- Provides background information on the case and the town where it happened
- Analytical and emotional writing style
Cons
- Some readers may find the book to be slow-paced
- The author’s theory on who could have committed the crime may not be convincing to everyone
- Lack of X-Ray feature
In “A Kitchen Painted in Blood,” Stephen H. Ahern delivers a compelling and detailed account of the mysterious disappearance of Joan Risch from her home in Lincoln, Massachusetts in 1961. The book is well-researched and provides readers with a lot of background information on the case, the murder scene, and the town where it happened. The author’s writing style is both analytical and emotional, making for an engaging read.
However, some readers may find the book to be slow-paced, as the author takes his time in building up the story. Additionally, while the author provides a theory on who could have committed the crime, some may not find it convincing. Lastly, the lack of X-Ray feature may be a downside for some readers who prefer to have more information at their fingertips.
Overall, “A Kitchen Painted in Blood” is a well-written and detailed account of a fascinating and unsolved true crime case. If you’re a fan of the genre, it’s definitely worth checking out.
The Devil in the White City
If you’re looking for a thrilling true crime novel, then The Devil in the White City might be for you.
Pros
- Engaging storytelling
- Fascinating historical context
- Gripping narration by Scott Brick
Cons
- Some readers may find the subject matter disturbing
- The book is quite long
- The focus on architecture and city planning may not appeal to all readers
Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City is a gripping account of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the serial killer who preyed on its visitors. Larson weaves together the stories of architect Daniel Burnham, who oversaw the construction of the fair, and H.H. Holmes, a notorious murderer who lured victims to his “Murder Castle” nearby.
The book is filled with fascinating historical details about the fair and the city of Chicago at the time. Larson’s writing is engaging and suspenseful, making for a page-turning read. Narrator Scott Brick’s performance on the audiobook version is particularly noteworthy, adding to the tension and drama of the story.
However, some readers may find the subject matter disturbing, as the book delves into the gruesome details of Holmes’ crimes. Additionally, the book is quite long and can be slow-paced at times. Finally, while the focus on architecture and city planning is interesting, it may not appeal to all readers.
Overall, if you’re a fan of true crime or historical nonfiction, The Devil in the White City is definitely worth checking out.
Written in Blood: A True Story of Murder and a Deadly 16-Year-Old Secret that Tore a Family Apart (St. Martin’s True Crime Library)
If you’re looking for a thrilling true crime story, you should consider purchasing “Written in Blood: A True Story of Murder and a Deadly 16-Year-Old Secret that Tore a Family Apart.”
Pros
- Well-researched and organized
- Suspenseful storytelling
- Provides more detail than the documentary
Cons
- May not provide a completely unbiased interpretation
- Some information may have been omitted or missed out from the documentary
- Bound to divide opinion with its many twists and turns
This book tells the story of the Peterson case, which was the subject of a documentary on both Netflix and HBO. It provides a lot of detail that was not presented in the documentary and offers a more unbiased interpretation of the case.
The author does an excellent job of telling the story in a suspenseful manner, making it a page-turner that you won’t be able to put down. However, just like the documentary, the book is bound to divide opinion with its many twists and turns.
Overall, if you’re a fan of true crime stories and want to dive deeper into the Peterson case, “Written in Blood: A True Story of Murder and a Deadly 16-Year-Old Secret that Tore a Family Apart” is definitely worth considering.
Cold Vengeance
If you’re a fan of suspenseful audiobooks, we recommend checking out Cold Vengeance by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.
Pros
- Gripping plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat
- Well-developed characters that are easy to root for
- High-quality audio production with excellent narration
Cons
- Some plot points may be predictable for seasoned mystery readers
- Some listeners may find the violence and gore to be too intense
- The audiobook is almost 12 hours long, which may be too lengthy for some listeners
In Cold Vengeance, FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast is on a mission to avenge his wife’s murder. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a sinister conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
The authors do an excellent job of building tension and keeping the listener engaged throughout the story. The characters are well-developed, and it’s easy to become emotionally invested in their fates. The audiobook production is also top-notch, with clear audio quality and excellent narration by Rene Auberjonois.
However, some listeners may find the plot to be somewhat predictable, particularly if they’re seasoned mystery readers. Additionally, the book contains some graphic violence and gore that may be too intense for some listeners. Finally, at almost 12 hours long, the audiobook may be too lengthy for those who prefer shorter listens.
Overall, if you’re a fan of suspenseful audiobooks with well-developed characters and high-quality production, we think you’ll enjoy Cold Vengeance by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.
Linda Fairstein Boxed Set
If you are looking for a thrilling set of books to read, then you might want to consider the Linda Fairstein Boxed Set.
Pros
- Contains three books in one set
- Engaging and suspenseful storyline
- Well-developed characters
Cons
- Some readers may find the plot to be too predictable
- The books might not be suitable for all readers due to the mature themes
- The writing style may not appeal to all readers
The Linda Fairstein Boxed Set is a collection of three books that follow the story of Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cooper as she investigates various crimes in New York City. The books are Final Jeopardy, Likely to Die, and Cold Hit. Each book is well-written and has an engaging storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The characters in the books are well-developed and have their own unique personalities that make them stand out. You will find yourself rooting for Alexandra Cooper and her team as they try to solve the crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.
However, some readers may find the plot to be too predictable, and the mature themes in the books may not be suitable for all readers. Additionally, the writing style may not appeal to everyone.
Overall, if you are a fan of crime thrillers and are looking for a set of books to read, then the Linda Fairstein Boxed Set is definitely worth considering.
Camp Half Blood Hoodie
If you’re a book lover and a fan of Percy Jackson, then you should definitely consider purchasing this hoodie.
Pros
- Made of 100% cotton.
- Comes in different sizes and colors.
- Machine washable.
Cons
- The design print may appear smaller on larger sizes.
- The orange fluff inside might shed.
- The hoodie may run big.
This hoodie is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson who want to dress up like their favorite character or just show off their love for the book series. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The hoodie is made of 100% cotton, making it soft and breathable. It’s also machine washable, making it easy to clean and maintain.
One downside to this hoodie is that the design print may appear smaller on larger sizes. Additionally, the orange fluff inside the hoodie might shed, which can be annoying. Finally, the hoodie may run big, so make sure to check the sizing chart before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re a fan of Percy Jackson and looking for a comfortable, stylish hoodie to show off your love for the book series, then the Camp Half Blood Hoodie is definitely worth considering.
Vampire in Charge (Family Blood Ties Book 10)
We recommend Vampire in Charge for readers who enjoy suspenseful paranormal stories.
Pros
- Gripping story
- Strong characters
- Kindle features like Page Flip and Word Wise
Cons
- Typos and grammar errors
- Repetitive in some parts
- Unsatisfying ending for some readers
Vampire in Charge is the tenth and final book in the Family Blood Ties series by Dale Mayer. The story follows Tessa and Cody, a vampire-human couple, as they face a dangerous enemy who threatens their family and their love. The book is a fast-paced and suspenseful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
One of the strengths of Vampire in Charge is its well-developed characters. Tessa and Cody are likable and relatable protagonists, and the supporting cast adds depth and complexity to the story. The book also includes Kindle features like Page Flip and Word Wise, which enhance the reading experience.
However, some readers have noted that the book could benefit from better editing, as it contains typos and grammar errors. Additionally, some parts of the story can be repetitive, and the ending may not be satisfying for all readers.
Overall, Vampire in Charge is a recommended read for fans of paranormal romance and suspense.
Buying Guide
When looking for books similar to “In Cold Blood,” there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best product:
Genre
One important factor to consider is the genre of the book. “In Cold Blood” is a true crime book, so if you enjoyed that aspect of the book, you may want to look for other true crime books. However, if you enjoyed the writing style or the way the story was told, you may want to look for books in a similar style, such as narrative nonfiction.
Author
Another thing to consider is the author of the book. If you enjoyed Truman Capote’s writing style, you may want to look for other books by him. Alternatively, you may want to look for books by other authors who write in a similar style.
Reviews
Reading reviews from other readers can also be helpful when choosing a book. Look for books with high ratings and positive reviews, but be sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded understanding of the book.
Format
Consider what format you prefer to read in. Do you prefer physical books or e-books? Do you prefer audiobooks? Make sure the book you choose is available in your preferred format.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the book. While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option, keep in mind that a higher price may indicate a higher quality book. Look for books that fit within your budget, but don’t be afraid to invest a little more for a better reading experience.