I’m normally a fiction kind of gal, but this year I challenged myself to read all nonfiction books. I was apprehensive about finding enough enticing nonfiction titles until I remembered one very important thing: I am an absolute true crime fanatic. So, naturally, I started reading several books associated with real life murder and mystery. I then realized that many of these books relate to some of my favorite podcasts (another obsession of mine). To sum it up…I’m loving nonfiction! 

To share the love, I’d like to offer up some of my favorite true crime reads – paired with related podcast episodes. Enjoy, and happy spooky season! 

H.H. HOLMES

Book: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
This book describes the creation of the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893 by architect Daniel Hudson Burnham, paralleled with the horrific crimes of the serial killer H.H. Holmes and the creation of his World’s Fair Hotel (a.k.a. his “Murder Castle”). Although the World’s Fair was a triumph for the city of Chicago and America in general, it provided Holmes with an opportunity to lure unsuspecting victims to his hotel and eventually to their demise.  

Podcast: Morbid with Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley (“H.H. Holmes Parts 1-5” episodes 457-461)
This 5-part series on H.H. Holmes goes into great detail about who Holmes was as a person, his early life and career, and eventually the awful crimes he committed. Fair warning,: this is more of a comedy true crime podcast, and there is a healthy dose of swearing in all episodes. But this is my favorite podcast because Ash and Alaina are hilarious!  

TED BUNDY

Book: The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
In 1971, while working the late-shift at a Seattle crisis clinic, true-crime writer Ann Rule struck up a friendship with a sensitive, charismatic young coworker: Ted Bundy. Three years later, eight young women disappeared in seven months, and a terrifying picture emerged of the man Ann thought she knew. Rule’s chilling first-hand knowledge of Bundy – plus her detailed research of both his crimes and his victims – make this book equally interesting and horrifying. 

Podcast: Hunted: Inside Bundy’s Trail of Terror (3-part series)
Since Ted Bundy is one of the most well-known serial killers, there are several podcasts about him and his crimes. I’d start with this three-part podcast from The Fort Collins Coloradoan, which delves into Bundy’s crimes and victims but focuses more on his little-known time terrorizing Colorado. Last Podcast on the Left and Morbid both have multiple part series on Bundy as well. 

THE RADIUM GIRLS

Book: The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore
This book tells the heartbreaking story of the young women who worked in factories during World War I painting watch and military dials with glow-in-the-dark radium paint. The factories employed hundreds of girls and essentially lied to them about the safety of the paint. After several of the girls became severely ill with bone decay and fractures, which ultimately lead to their deaths, the girls took legal action to fight back against the companies that put them at risk. 

Podcast: 

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford (“How the Radium Girls Fought Back,” episode 34) 

Cautionary Tales host Tim Harford interviews author Kate Moore about her book. It’s really interesting to hear from the author herself, explaining why she was compelled to write The Radium Girls and how important their legacy is to modern life.  

LEO SCHOFIELD’S WRONGFUL CONVICTION

Book: Bone Valley: A True Story of Injustice and Redemption in the Heart of Florida by Gilbert King
Author Gilbert King gets a tip about an innocent man serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife. As King investigates Leo Schofield’s case, he discovers layers of official misconduct, ignored evidence, and failed justice. A general interest in the case evolves into a years-long investigation by King and his assistant, Kelsey Decker, that proves vital to Schofield’s future release.  

Podcast: Bone Valley, Season 1
If you are looking for the best way to dive into this case, I highly recommend Bone Valley, Season 1. The book is very detailed and gives a great timeline of events, but hearing this story told by the people who actually lived it is remarkable. In my opinion, the heightened emotions and the exciting breakthroughs in the case are best experienced through audio.