Best White Collar Crime True Accounts Books of 2026

Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud by Ben McKenzie and Jacob Silverman is a witty and entertaining take on the world of cryptocurrency. McKenzie, an actor, delves into the world of blockchain and Bitcoin, only to realize that the entire industry is a scam. With the help of journalist Silverman, he exposes the frauds and true believers in a world that's potentially more devastating than Bernie Madoff. The book is an on-the-ground look at the perfect storm of 2008 Housing Bubble-level irresponsibility and criminal fraud. McKenzie's personal quest to expose the crypto charlatans is a fascinating read, and the book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of cryptocurrency.

Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe is a gripping and devastating portrait of the Sackler family, known for their philanthropy, whose immense fortune was built on Valium and OxyContin. Keefe's masterful work of narrative reportage delves into the baroque personal lives, glittering art collections, and Machiavellian courtroom maneuvers of the Sacklers, while also exposing their calculated role in the opioid crisis. The book is a ferociously compelling portrait of America's second Gilded Age and a study of impunity among the super-elite. Overall, Empire of Pain is a must-read for anyone interested in the dark side of wealth and power.

The Caesars Palace Coup is a gripping true story of the 2015 bankruptcy of Caesars Entertainment, one of the most brutal corporate restructurings in Wall Street history. The book details the intense power struggle between private equity firms and distressed debt hedge funds over the famous casino giant. Through a $27 billion leveraged buyout and a dizzying string of financial engineering transactions, Apollo and TPG seemingly snatched every prime asset of the company from creditors, with the exception of Caesars Palace. This book delves deep into the tactics of distressed debt mavens and their fight-to-the-death mentality that has come to dominate the scene in Corporate America. Financial journalists Max Frumes and Sujeet Indap have done an excellent job of bringing this story to life.

Fool Me Once is a fascinating true account book that explores the world of financial crimes and the people behind them. Author Kelly Richmond Pope, a renowned forensic accounting expert and documentarian, delves into the minds of the perpetrators, victims, and whistleblowers of various financial frauds, from Bernie Madoff to Enron. Through insightful analysis and captivating stories, Pope encourages readers to question their beliefs about fraud and understand the phenomenon that costs trillions of dollars to individuals and corporations each year. Fool Me Once is a must-read for anyone interested in white-collar crime and its impact on society.

Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World is a gripping true story of how a young man from Malaysia named Jho Low pulled off one of the largest heists in history with the aid of Goldman Sachs. Low siphoned billions of dollars from an investment fund and used the money to finance elections, purchase luxury real estate, and even fund Hollywood films like The Wolf of Wall Street. This book is an epic tale of white-collar crime on a global scale that exposes the next great threat to the global financial system. Overall, this book is a classic harrowing parable of hubris and greed in the financial world that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks is a collection of twelve fascinating stories of crime and corruption, secrets and lies, and the power of denial. Patrick Radden Keefe, a decorated journalist, brings together his most celebrated articles from The New Yorker, showcasing his exceptional work on the many ways people behave badly. Keefe's writing reflects a deep human portrait of criminals and rascals, as well as those who stand up against them. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intricacies of the dark side of human behavior.

Tangled Vines by John Glatt is a gripping true crime account of the Murdaugh family, a highly influential and wealthy legal dynasty in South Carolina. The book delves into the shocking double murder of Alex Murdaugh's wife and son, and the subsequent investigation that unearthed dark secrets about the family. Glatt's writing is detailed and well-researched, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the case. The book offers a unique insight into the power dynamics of the Southern elite and how privilege can be used to protect one's own. Overall, Tangled Vines is a compelling and thought-provoking read for true crime fans.

Bad City: Peril and Power in the City of Angels is a gripping nonfiction thriller that sheds light on the corruption and betrayal rampant in one of Los Angeles' most powerful institutions. Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, Paul Pringle, takes readers on a roller-coaster ride as he investigates the shocking events and helps bring justice in the face of formidable odds. Packed with never-before-disclosed details, this book is a masterclass in investigative journalism that reads like L.A. noir. Overall, a must-read for fans of Spotlight and Catch and Kill, and anyone interested in the power dynamics of institutions and the role of journalism in holding them accountable.

The Smartest Guys in the Room by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind is a riveting account of the rise and fall of Enron, one of the most admired companies of the 1990s. The book offers a comprehensive and well-researched narrative of the scandal that brought down the company and the key players involved. The new chapter in the tenth-anniversary edition adds value by analyzing why Enron still matters. The authors' writing style is engaging and powerful, making the book a page-turner. Overall, The Smartest Guys in the Room is a must-read for anyone interested in white-collar crime true accounts.

Den of Thieves is an enthralling read that tells the complete story of Wall Street's insider-trading scandal that almost brought the financial market to its knees. James B. Stewart, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, uncovers how four of the most prominent names on Wall Street during the 80s - Michael Milken, Ivan Boesky, Martin Siegel, and Dennis Levine - created the most significant insider-trading ring in financial history. The book is based on secret grand jury transcripts, interviews, and actual trading records, and it contains explosive new revelations about the key players. This book is a must-read for anyone trying to make sense of the greed decade and the consequences of unchecked ambition.