Hello, hi, how’s it going? I love true crime. And true crime stories. Like it’s really become a problem in my life. I recently moved and while I packed and unpacked I consumed nothing but
true crime podcasts. So much so that I started to have dreams I was stuck in certain terrifying situations.
Which was clearly a sign that I needed to take a break.
But once I felt like that break was long enough (ya know, a few days, maybe a week tops) I jumped right back in to my obsession.
Here are my book choices to scratch that true crime itch. Plus they’re a bit more of a “positive ending” than we are used to with most true crime books (a Win-Win!).
A Serial Killer’s Daughter by Kerri Rawson
Obviously, this is topping the true crime book list. I mean, this book could BE the list. This book, written by the daughter of the notorious BTK killer tells her nightmarish story of his discovery and her long journey of faith and healing.
Imagine opening your door to an FBI agent and having them tell you your beloved father was, in fact, one of America’s most notorious serial killers. Yikes.
Not only does this book satisfy any true crime lover’s obsession, but it delivers a story of hope. Kerri Rawson speaks to all who suffer from the effects of violence and betrayal and offers the hope of healing and rebuilding a life. If you’ve ever struggled to forgive someone in your life who seemed unforgivable, Rawson's story will move you.
The Shot Caller by Casey Diaz
No, this is not
the movie “Shot Caller” starring Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Walau). This is a book by Casey Diaz, the son of El Salvadorian immigrants, former gang leader, and prior solitary-confined resident at New Folsom State Prison.
Diaz details his abusive childhood which led to his gang involvement at the young age of 11, and ultimately the choices and environment that led to his 13-year prison sentence for second-degree murder. And eventually, his inspiring story of redemption.
That’s right, this book is dripping with true crime goodness. A dark story with a light at the end of the tunnel. Sign. Me. Up.
A Dream Too Big by Caylin L. Moore
From Compton to Oxford. Now maybe it’s the California girl in me, or the anglophile in me, or maybe it’s both, but that sentence right there is enough for me to pick up this book.
With a childhood that sounds much like that of Casey Diaz detailed in
The Shot Caller, this book shows how two children from similar backgrounds can have such a different story to tell. Caylin details terrifying events from his childhood and how he was forced to grow up rather quickly in order to survive. Instead of turning to the streets, he embraced his mother’s faith in God and education and went on to become a Rhodes Scholar, author, speaker and role model.
While not the typical story you think of when you hear “true crime,” it’s still a fascinating book that I would recommend to anyone and everyone, no matter your background.
So there you have it. Three brand new true crime books to get you through the summer months. You’re welcome.
What are your favorite true crime stories? Tell us in the comments!
HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) Inc., operates Page Chaser, the publisher of A Serial Killer’s Daughter
, The Shot Caller
, and A Dream Too Big
.
