Best Criminology Books of 2025

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption is a powerful memoir by Bryan Stevenson that sheds light on the broken system of justice in America. Through the story of Walter McMillian, a young man wrongly sentenced to death for a murder he didn't commit, Stevenson showcases the corruption, political machinations, and legal brinksmanship that plague the criminal justice system. The book is not only an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice but also an unforgettable account of an idealistic young lawyer's coming of age. Overall, Just Mercy is a must-read for anyone interested in social justice and human rights.

There Will Be Fire by Rory Carroll is a thrilling account of the IRA's attempt to assassinate Margaret Thatcher in 1984. The book provides a detailed narrative of the events leading up to the bombing and the manhunt that followed. Carroll's journalistic nonfiction reads like a thriller, keeping the reader engaged with a countdown to detonation. The book sheds light on the complex history of England and Ireland, exploring themes of warfare, vengeance, and the enduring dream of a united Ireland. Overall, There Will Be Fire is a well-researched and compelling read for anyone interested in organized crime true accounts.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is a true crime novel that reconstructs the horrific murder of the Clutter family in 1959 in the small town of Holcomb, Kansas. Capote's writing style blends journalism and literature to create a mesmerizing work that not only details the crime and investigation but also delves into the nature of American violence. The book is a masterpiece of creative nonfiction that continues to captivate readers with its vivid imagery and haunting portrayal of the killers. In Cold Blood is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime and the art of storytelling.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: A Savannah Story by John Berendt is a true-crime book that reads like a novel. In this book, Berendt tells the story of a landmark murder case that took place in Savannah, Georgia. He skillfully interweaves the unpredictable twists and turns of the murder case with a hugely entertaining first-person account of life in Savannah, revealing the alliances, hostilities, and intrigues that thrive in a town where everyone knows everyone else. This book is a sublime and seductive reading experience, and it has become a modern classic in the true-crime genre.

Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert M. Sapolsky is a fascinating and groundbreaking examination of human behavior. The author explores the neurobiological, environmental, and genetic factors that shape our actions, both good and bad. Sapolsky's storytelling approach is captivating and makes complex scientific concepts accessible. The book has received high praise and was named a Best Book of the Year by The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of human behavior.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness is a groundbreaking work that argues that the US criminal justice system functions as a new form of racial control, perpetuating the same racial caste system that existed during the Jim Crow era. The book has been hailed as one of the most significant non-fiction works of the 21st century, winning numerous awards and inspiring a generation of criminal justice reform activists. Michelle Alexander's work is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the systemic racism that continues to shape American society today.

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.

"Life Sentence: The Brief and Tragic Career of Baltimore’s Deadliest Gang Leader" by Mark Bowden is an eye-opening true account of the inner workings of one of Baltimore's deadliest gangs, "Trained to Go." Bowden offers exclusive access to FBI files and unprecedented insight into the notorious leader of TTG, Montana Barronette, who was sentenced to life in prison. The author uses various sources to create an in-depth account of the gang's rise and fall, and the impact it had on the community. Overall, Bowden's book is a must-read for anyone interested in organized crime and the impact it has on society."

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.

The Gulag Archipelago Volume 1: An Experiment in Literary Investigation is a chilling report of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's arrest and interrogation, which exposed the vast bureaucracy of secret police that haunted Soviet society. The book has been hailed as the greatest single indictment of a political regime ever leveled in modern times and has had a profound impact on political and moral consciousness. The writing style is gripping and the content is powerful, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history and literature.