Halloween is the time of year that we celebrate the fantastical, dressing up as skeletons and vampires, werewolves and ghosts. But for all the cheap face paint and colorful costumes, not all of the monsters that walk among us are fake. Some of them are very real.
The true crime genre enthralls us because the stories aren't fictional, but factual. That serial killer who murdered college coeds was a real person — and more than that, he was someone's son, someone's brother, someone's gas station attendant and even someone's friend.
If you're dying to know more about the morbid world of murder and mayhem, check out our list of the six best places to find true crime books this October.
1. Audible
If you subscribe to any one of a hundred popular podcasts, you've likely heard of the brand Audible before today. They boast the most extensive collection of audiobooks of any of their competitors and offer an extensive selection of recordings in the horror, mystery, suspense and true crime genres.
For those who often find themselves on long, barren stretches of road in the dead of night — or otherwise, on their morning commute — listening to a true crime book is far easier than reading it. You can move through a greater amount of material without the inconvenience of a physical copy.
2. Barnes & Noble
With the highest number of retail outlets in the United States, you'll find a Barnes & Noble practically anywhere. The store's vast inventory often includes the book you're searching for, and many of them come with an attached Starbucks Cafe, so you can savor a macchiato with your Manson.
In addition to their reasonable prices, a membership will also reduce the final cost of whatever you've selected. For the practical true crime enthusiast, visiting this local bookseller is an efficient option, and you're always sure to locate your book with no extra hassle.
3. Hachette Book Group
An excellent source of true crime material, Hachette Book Group is a publisher that produces titles for adult readers in print and digital formats — audiobooks included. With incredibly diverse content, those interested in the true crime genre will find that they're satisfied in their unique niche.
Carrying the latest releases from popular true crime novelists, in addition to time-tested classics, Hachette Book Group's catalog will leave no reader wanting. The website's intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate. And with a broad selection of titles, finding the best one for you is effortless.
4. Amazon
Most people have purchased at least one item from Amazon. With the wide variety of items they provide their customers — from old Alfred Hitchcock movies to new shower curtains — it isn't difficult to see how the company has grown to its current size and scale.
True crime fanatics can find almost any book in their genre on the site, no matter how unpopular or rare. More than that, many of the available titles are compatible with the Kindle, linking the text to the reader's device or computer, so they don't have to wait for a physical copy to arrive.
5. Powell's Books
Purchasing almost 5,000 used books every day, Powell's Books offers popular titles at discounted rates. Readers with a mind for sustainability can visit the company's website to find a less expensive alternative to pricier retailers — as long as they don't mind a little wear and tear around the edges.
With an inventory of true crime novels just as sizable as other retailers, Powell's Books is an excellent option for the waste-not-want-not book lover on a budget. When they've finished the material, the reader also has the opportunity to sell the book back if it's still in marketable condition.
6. ThriftBooks
In the same vein as Powell's Books, ThriftBooks provides its customers an affordable catalog of both old and new titles. With more than a thousand true crime books to choose from and prices as low as four dollars, readers who shop on Thriftbooks will enjoy their genre without being bled dry.
Thriftbooks also makes coupon codes available to its users, further reducing the already bargain prices. For readers who are looking to purchase in bulk, the Thriftbooks website is the first stop on the way toward accumulating a library of true crime material.
Happy Reading!
Whether you shop from Audible, Amazon or Hachette Book Group, stock up on new true crime novels to keep you satisfied throughout this spooky season. With physical copies and audiobooks, there are options for pretty much everyone, everywhere.
If you do listen to an audiobook, don't be surprised to learn that you're already familiar with the narrator.
