The world of crime fiction is vast and diverse. It offers readers a range of perspectives from which to view the often murky and dangerous world of criminal activity. At the same time, many crime books demonstrate the attitude of the police or detectives working to solve the crime. However, many books also provide a glimpse into the criminals’ minds. These books offer readers a unique perspective on the world of crime, often giving insight into the motivations, emotions, and experiences of those who commit these heinous acts. This blog post will explore some of the best crime books from the criminal’s perspective. It includes crimes of a secret nature to American Psycho and everything in between.
“American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis
“American Psycho” is a classic of the crime fiction genre. However, it offers readers a glimpse into the mind of a sociopathic killer named Patrick Bateman. The book is set in the 1980s and follows Bateman’s life as a wealthy investment banker in New York City. Furthermore, as the book progresses through crimes of a secret nature, Bateman’s violent tendencies become more and more pronounced, leading to a shocking and bloody climax.
“The Killer Inside Me” by Jim Thompson
“The Killer Inside Me” is a psychological thriller that follows the life of a small-town sheriff named Lou Ford. On the surface, Ford is a mild-mannered and pleasant man, but as the book progresses, it becomes clear that he is a deeply disturbed individual with a penchant for violence. The book is a disturbing and unsettling exploration of the nature of evil and the human psyche.
“The Godfather” by Mario Puzo
“The Godfather” is a crime fiction classic and follows the life of the Corleone family. It is famous as a powerful Mafia clan operating in New York City. However, the book showcases the perspective of several different characters. It includes the family patriarch, Vito Corleone, and his son Michael. While the book does not focus solely on the criminals themselves, it provides a fascinating look at the inner workings of organized crime.
“The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris
“The Silence of the Lambs” is a gripping thriller that follows the life of FBI agent Clarice Starling. However, she attempts to track down a serial killer, Buffalo Bill. The book is notable for portraying the infamous cannibalistic killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a criminal and a psychiatrist. The book is a masterful exploration of the mind of a killer and the lengths to which law enforcement will go to bring them to justice.
“No Country for Old Men” by Cormac McCarthy
“No Country for Old Men” is a gritty and violent crime novel in the American West. The book follows the life of a hunter named Llewelyn Moss. However, he stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and finds himself possessing a large sum of money. As Moss attempts to evade the criminals hunting him down, he is pursued by a relentless hitman named Anton Chigurh. However, the book is a dark and atmospheric exploration of the brutal and unforgiving world of crime.
“In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote
“In Cold Blood” is a true crime classic that tells the story of the brutal murder of a Kansas family in 1959. The book is based on interviews with the killers, Richard Hickock and Perry Smith, who were later executed for their crimes. The book is a haunting and deeply unsettling exploration of the nature of evil and the impact of violent crime on a community.
“The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith
“The Talented Mr. Ripley” is a psychological thriller that follows the life of a con artist named Tom Ripley. Ripley is a charming and manipulative individual who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. However, it means resorting to violence and murder. The book is set in 1950s Europe and follows Ripley as he travels from Italy to Greece, assuming different identities and committing increasingly heinous acts. The book is a masterful exploration of the nature of criminality and the lengths individuals will go to get what they want.
“Crimes of A Secret Nature” by Michael A. Durney
Eddie Jewell is in prison, holding a secret that everyone wants. Her boyfriend, Ethan Cross, needs to know how to stay alive. FBI Special Agent Randal Hicks must uncover it to complete his case, while serial criminal Sid Marks will do anything to get it. Eddie’s story is one of love, betrayal, and punishment. She is convicted of robbing a bank with Ethan and his accomplice, leaving Eddie to take the fall. The FBI is interested in the case years later and hatches a plan with Eddie to capture and convict Marks.
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
“Gone Girl” is a thriller that follows the life of a man named Nick Dunne, whose wife, Amy, goes missing under suspicious circumstances. However, as the police investigate Amy’s disappearance, it becomes clear that Nick is not as innocent as he seems. The book masterfully explores the nature of marriage and also the darker aspects of human relationships.
“The Snowman” by Jo Nesbø
“The Snowman” is a chilling thriller that follows the life of detective Harry Hole as he investigates a series of brutal murders that seem connected to a mysterious snowman. However, as Hole delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies and deceit that leads him down a dark and dangerous path. The book masterfully explores the nature of evil and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. Also, it is highly recommended!
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a mystery thriller that follows the life of journalist Mikael Blomkvist as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman named Harriet Vanger. Ultimately, as Blomkvist delves deeper into the case, he teams up with a young hacker named Lisbeth Salander, a troubled and complex individual. However, the book is a masterful exploration of the nature of crime and the complexities of human relationships.
“The Big Sleep” by Raymond Chandler
“The Big Sleep” is a classic detective novel that follows the life of private investigator Philip Marlowe as he tries to unravel a complex web of deceit and violence. However, the book is a masterful exploration of the dark underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1930s and the corruption and violence that permeate every aspect of society.
“Black Dahlia” by James Ellroy
“Black Dahlia” is a crime novel about the murder of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short in Los Angeles in 1947. However, the book masterfully explores Hollywood’s seedy underbelly and the killer’s complex psychology.
“Mystic River” by Dennis Lehane
“Mystic River” is a crime novel that follows the lives of three men who grew up together in a working-class neighborhood in Boston. However, the book masterfully explores childhood trauma’s impact on people’s lives. It also explicitly the complex relationships between friends and family.
Conclusion
Shortly, crime books from the criminal’s perspective offer readers a unique and often disturbing look into the minds of those who commit heinous acts. These books can be settling and unsettling. However, they also provide insight into criminals’ motivations and emotions and the impact their actions can have on society. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or gritty crime novels, there will surely be a book on this list that will satisfy your craving for dark and disturbing fiction, consisting of “Crimes of A Secret Nature” to “Mystic River.”
Author Bio
I am Lucy Jack, and I have been working as Content Writer at Rananjay Exports for past 2 years. My expertise lies in researching and writing both technical and fashion content. I have written multiple articles on Gemstone Jewelry like casting jewelry manufacturers and supplier and other stones over the past years and would love to explore more on the same in future. I hope my work keeps mesmerizing you and helps you in the future.