Follow the Clues to Read Like a Detective

Do you analyze clues and create theories while reading accounts of true crimes? Are you able to solve the puzzle in murder mysteries before reaching the last page? Maybe you've pondered the perfect crime, too. Not to worry, amateur sleuth, we have some reading suggestions to keep your mind sharp and your hunger for investigation sated.  

Read about a group of seasoned detectives and forensic experts, the Vidocq Society, that meet regularly in Philadelphia to work on unsolved murders in Michael Cappuzo's The Murder Room, which Kirkus has called, "Terrifying, engrossing, inspirational and surprisingly funny."

Want to delve deeper into the science of forensics? Val McDermid, who researched forensics for her crime novels, presents a history of the science and a great overview of the techniques in the fascinating and informative Forensics. For another historical look at the birth of forensics medicine in Jazz Age New York, check out Deborah Blum's absorbing The Poisoner's Handbook.

For a breezy, fun, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach, check out The Crime Book, a compendium that includes overviews of more than a hundred crimes throughout history, of all types, from across the globe. This one has something for everyone.

Investigating crime can be consuming, as evidenced by Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark about her obsessive quest to uncover the identity of the Golden State Killer, which Entertainment Weekly noted is "a singular, fascinating read." For more works of memoir and true crime, check out our If You Liked I'll Be Gone in the Dark booklist.