Best Crime & Criminal Biographies Books of 2026

The Art of War is a classic book on military strategy written by Sun Tzu. This edition, approved by the Holden-Crowther Organisation for Asian Studies, is a decent version of the book, although the chapters are intentionally not in order. The authorship of Sun Tzu is still a mystery, but his timeless tactics and strategies remain relevant. The book falls under the category of success and self-help books and is published by CreateSpace Classics. Overall, The Art of War is a must-read for anyone interested in military strategy and leadership.

The Traitor is an eye-opening and ambitious work of Anabel Hernández that sheds light on the inner workings of the Sinaloa Cartel and the man behind it all, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. Based on the secret diary of Mayo's son, Vicentillo, who collaborated with the US government, the author exposes the violence, drug trafficking, and corruption that permeate the criminal organization. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in organized crime true accounts and the war on drugs. Hernández's writing is engaging and informative, and the book is a testament to her investigative skills.

Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice is a captivating, real-life tale of Bill Browder's journey from a Wall Street maverick to an accidental activist who exposed corruption in Russia. The book reads like a classic thriller, with an everyman hero alone and in danger in a hostile foreign city. It's a part John Grisham-like thriller, part business and political memoir that sheds light on the corruption and murder in Vladimir Putin's Russia. This book is a must-read for those interested in political leader biographies and international affairs.

The Delphi Murders is a gripping true crime book that explores the tragic murder of two Indiana teenagers, Abigail Williams and Liberty German. The book provides a detailed account of the investigation, including the extensive list of potential suspects and the eventual arrest of Richard Allen. Nic Edwards and Brian Whitney deliver an impressively researched and passionate narrative that gives unique insight into the minds of the killer and those who worked tirelessly to bring him to justice. Overall, the book is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of solving a heinous crime.

Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs is a well-researched and superbly written account of the shocking murder of Betty Gore in her utility room by her friend Candy Montgomery in 1980. The book is based on exclusive interviews with the families of both women and offers social and psychological insights into the tragedy. The author, John Bloom, tells the story with just enough suspense to keep the reader engaged. This middle-American true crime drama is a must-read for those fascinated by the genre.

The Art of War by Sun-tzu, translated by Ralph D. Sawyer, is a timeless classic of military strategy that has influenced some of the most legendary military operations. This book is not only useful on the battlefield but also in various competitive situations and is now required reading for executives of companies worldwide. Sawyer's translation is uniquely accurate and accessible, placing the treatise in its proper historical context and offering chapters of historical analysis touching on its relevance to today's corporate environment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient warfare and strategy.

Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York’s Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist is a captivating biography of a self-made millionaire who was a celebrity in her era. The book narrates the story of Madame Restell, a woman who provided birth control, abortions, and medical assistance to thousands of women, rich and poor alike, in pre-Gilded Age New York. The book is thought-provoking, character-driven, and feminist as hell. It is a must-read for anyone who believes in women's rights and wants to learn about one of the boldest women in American history.

Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit is a classic, behind-the-scenes chronicle of John E. Douglas’ twenty-five-year career in the FBI Investigative Support Unit. The book takes readers into the minds of some of the country’s most notorious serial killers and criminals, using psychological profiling to solve their cases. As the model for Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs, Douglas has confronted, interviewed, and studied scores of serial killers and assassins, including Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Ed Gein. This book is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in the psychology behind criminal behavior.

Pimp: The Story of My Life by Iceberg Slim is a groundbreaking autobiographical novel that provides an authentic and brutal account of the sex trade during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s in Chicago. The book is an immersive experience that takes readers on a journey into the secret inner world of the pimp. With millions of copies sold, Pimp has become a timeless piece of American literature and a must-read for anyone interested in the genre. Overall, the book is a fascinating and eye-opening read that showcases the life of a pimp in a way that has never been done before.

Assata An Autobiography is a captivating memoir that chronicles the life of Black Panther Assata Shakur, who was incarcerated for four years before being convicted on flimsy evidence. With wit and candor, Shakur shares the experiences that led her to a life of activism and portrays the strengths, weaknesses, and eventual demise of Black and White revolutionary groups. The book is a signal contribution to the literature about growing up Black in America, and is a must-read for those interested in the 'revolutionaries' of the 1960s. Overall, this book is a sobering and powerful recollection of the impact of white racism on a sensitive and powerful young black woman."