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A moving, well-crafted narrative for true crime buffs.
With consideration and compassion, Montross has written a must-read that asks us to consider who our system is leaving behind.
An entertaining story with broad appeal for true crime fans. Readers looking to contextualize the ongoing opioid crisis may also enjoy Sam Quinones’s Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic.
PREMIUM
Poisoned at the Priory
Although the book is billed as true crime, this is a bloodless mystery that will appeal to fans of cozies and Agatha Christie, as well as those who enjoyed Eleanor Herman’s The Royal Art of Poison.
Bound to appeal to true crime readers, especially those with an interest in the intersection of crime and socioeconomic issues.
Will resonate with fans of the true crime genre, and mob and crime history.
While James makes incisive points about the media, faulty fire codes, ambitious prosecutors, and sloppy commercial practice, his book is more defense brief than balanced recounting. To get the other side of the story, readers should turn first to John Barylick’s Killer Show, an attorney who represented victims in wrongful death and personal injury suits related to the fire.
Given the range of crimes, locales, time periods, and writing styles, this collection is uneven and the analyses often feel pat, if not absent altogether. For hard-core true crime fans only.
Dense with legal detail, this work is legible to general readers with a strong interest in thinking critically about the violent intersection of racism and policing in American life.
Fans of court dramas, turn-of-the century mysteries, and lurid true crime will appreciate this work.
A successful blend of history and suspense, this volume will appeal to readers interested in true crime and law enforcement. Readers intrigued by the Mad Butcher may also enjoy James Jessen Badal’s In the Wake of the Butcher.
A focus on how killers are caught brings a fresh approach even to familiar cases. Ramsland presents concise, compelling examples of the progress of police work over the last century. Highly recommended for true crime buffs.
True crime buffs will be familiar with most of these names, but Fritsch competently captures the era.
For fans of Grace as well as those seeking advice on personal safety. [See Prepub Alert, 12/9/19.]
Maroney has crafted an entertaining read that will appeal to fans of mystery and detective stories updated for a modern world. Those interested in pursuing a career in research and investigation will also appreciate this volume.
Although intended for a general readership—lawyers will hardly benefit from the author’s minilecture distinguishing federal from state judicial systems
A well-researched and detailed picture of a crime emerging in an American culture corrupted by wealth and celebrity.
An absorbing tale for true crime fans
Despite the potential for offering scientific insight, this is a numbing account of already well-documented atrocities.
For fans of true crime, this book will likely reinforce the admonition of My Favorite Murder podcast hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark to “stay out of the forest.”
Thriller fans and readers who enjoy learning about FBI cover-ups or acts of domestic terrorism will devour this work.
This scholarly work will further and aid in-depth research on U.S. history, law, politics of immigration, and higher education.
This foray into the ideas that shape and sustain U.S. law and society offers significant inroads for readers interested in the progress and pitfalls of the U.S. criminal justice system, and how incidental and intentional actions affect historical developments.
Necessary reading for any critic of mass incarceration seeking to understand the myriad policy alternatives and the path to lasting liberation.
A captivating book that will entertain fans across genres with its seamless blend of true crime, biography, and art history.
Fans of The Wire, The Shield, and Training Day will devour, as will readers of true crime and students of urban affairs and public policy.
This true crime master expands the limits of the genre, digging to find answers and revealing that even the most horrific crimes are often linked to a larger story about America.
Engrossing, well researched, and tailor-made for true crime enthusiasts.
Sherman and Wedge have crafted a thorough, detailed, and gripping story of a larger-than-life crime boss who met a disturbing end. Compelling reading for true crime buffs.
Fans of novelists such as Tom Clancy and Robert Ludlum, as well as military history and true crime enthusiasts, will find much to enjoy about this riveting read.
PREMIUM
The Perfect Father: The True Story of Chris Watts, His All-American Family, and a Shocking Murder
Fans of the Investigation Discovery show Nightmare Next Door are sure to appreciate this gripping read.
While not as detailed as Kerry Ross Boren’s Butch Cassidy: The Untold Story, Leerhsen’s biography is an accessible, quick read that is sure to delight fans of the genre.
Parrish is unable to take himself out of the situation enough to tell a coherent story. Readers will be unable to draw a conclusion and struck with disbelief that things could have been handled so poorly, as well as irritated that a large group of people were manipulated by messages from beyond. Not recommended.
Over the course of her investigation, the author falls down several rabbit holes following rumors, suspects, and other area murders, which can muddle the story at times. However, true crime fans who are fascinated by the dark side of rural life and police incompetence and open to a somewhat ambiguous ending will find much to savor.
This volume features a variety of perspectives and should appeal to advocates of U.S. social reform and those interested in the nation’s complex prison history.
Schechter’s expertise is such that three of his previous titles appear as works cited in this well-researched and gripping read. This fascinating look at the intersection of true crime and pop culture is a must.
This enthralling volume insists that there can and should be humanity within true crime. Whether readers are spellbound or disgusted by the genre, this is a must.
Gruber brings to light the ties between feminist movements and mass incarceration in this deeply researched, timely analysis. Likely too academic for casual readers, this offering is recommended for women’s, gender studies, and criminal justice collections.
Equal parts criminal memoir, history lesson, and travelog, this will appeal to readers seeking an immersive and intimate look at the drug trade.
This title will please Mafia fans looking for gruesome details, but collections that already have robust Mob material should skip.
A deft, fascinating true crime story of obsession for fans of the genre as well as those who enjoyed John Bloom and Jim Atkinson’s Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs.
At turns fascinating and heartbreaking, this expertly crafted history is a must-read for true crime aficionados.
This meticulous history of the hunt for the Unabomber will appeal to true crime readers who enjoy immersive scene setting and don’t mind a slow pace.
Not as lurid as the title suggests, this is a chilling look at a prison system unable to meet the needs of mentally ill inmates.
Ali-Karamalil’s overarching message is to use analysis for decision-making and action, and she provides examples on how to do so. Highly recommended for readers interested in learning more about Sharia and Muslim American communities.
A poignant work that puts a human face on the injustices of the legal system, best read after completing Billy’s powerful insider account of his mistreatment in prison.
The coordination that went into this operation is nothing short of incredible. Berg’s captivating writing and in-depth research make this a must-have for fans of espionage tales.
Goldstone is a first-rate writer, and this book’s readability makes it ideal for classroom use, though all readers will learn from the cases covered here.
Gill’s captivating, fast-paced narrative reads like a thriller and will leave readers wanting more. Highly recommended for those who love stories of espionage.
An excellent contribution to the fields of law, history, political science, and gender studies, and essential for anyone who values diversity.
Copley Eisenberg’s celebrated debut is not to be missed and will appeal to a wide variety of readers.
Bringing further attention to a subject that has been glossed over in most works about Robinson, this effective, thought-provoking study will appeal to those interested in civil rights and military history during World War II.
PREMIUM
The Good Assassin: How a Mossad Agent and a Band of Survivors Hunted Down the Butcher of Latvia
A fast-paced, recommended work that enthralls, edifies, and reveals the disturbing extent to which Latvians and others participated in genocide.
As a case study, this well-written book can be a companion to Alisa Roth’s Insane, a comprehensive view of all sides of the issue. It will engage all readers interested in the intersection between crime and mental health.
Though the storytelling is not always engaging, the author’s earnest desire to tell a story that matters is evident throughout. This insider’s perspective on the Watergate investigation will be most relevant to those who study politics, law, gender, and U.S. history.
This stranger-than-fiction story is as engrossing as a fast-paced action-adventure, and is sure to hold the attention of a variety of readers. Fans of Jennie Erin Smith’s Stolen World or Craig Welch’s Shell Games will be piqued.
Those interested in cults and true crime will be enthralled by this account, which should be read in conjunction with Susan Ashline’s Without a Prayer.
At a time in which civil rights are under threat worldwide, this collection is a reminder that basic human rights and dignity tend to get crushed under populism. An essential, necessary look at a century of progress, with an eye to the ever-present threat of losing those hard-won rights.
Weaving legal, political, and social history, Cohen creates a richly detailed, but accessible account for all interested in the personalities and politics that have shaped and are continuing to shape not only the U.S. criminal justice system but also the fabric of American life. A must-read.
While there are many other books that discuss these cases, Mitchell’s active participation in the investigations provides a unique perspective. Recommended for readers interested in civil rights-era American history and legal nonfiction.
This engaging book has something for everyone; it can be read as a spy thriller, an examination of U.S.-China relations, or a case study of agricultural espionage.
An insightful, impactful book for all social and criminal justice readers, and fans of Matthew Desmond’s Evicted and Sudhir Venkatesh’s Gang Leader for a Day.
This book purposely offers more questions than answers as Urofsky leads us to consider how law should best combat the legacies of racism, sexism, and ableism in order to open doors of opportunity to previously excluded groups. A thought-provoking read.
Goldfarb’s clearly written and well-researched book is recommended for history and legal studies audiences. For further reading, suggest Corinne May Botz’s The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death
Required reading for all fans of true crime, particularly those interested in the intersections of poverty and environmental justice, along with Native studies.
At times meandering and lacking the amount of detail about the case some readers might wish for, Spence’s book nonetheless thoughtfully portrays justice both manipulated and denied in this sharp indictment of the treatment of indigenous people.
A fascinating book worthy of being associated with the title’s literary sleuth. Readers will want a follow-up so they can discover more of Heinrich’s cases as told through Dawson’s great storytelling. For fans of Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark and other true crime works.
This chilling narrative reveals the unequal power dynamic between aspiring actors (and women in the media) and the dominant powerbrokers in Hollywood. For true crime fans, and a complement to Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey’s She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement.
Libraries with patrons keenly interested in the Supreme Court, especially those serving law, political science, and American history students, will find this a compelling addition. For those eager to add a new resource on the Justice, this book provides a solid introduction to her life and thoughts on the American legal system.
This ongoing national crisis of violence against women is not unique to Canada, and is being scrutinized in the United States, too. McDiarmid’s exposé of racism and the lack of justice for indigenous women should be required reading for all.
An urgent call to action. Recommended for anyone concerned with social justice, which should be all of us. [See author spotlight on p. 109.]
Despite a few dense sections, this is overall a critical book in the age of Black Lives Matter, suited for both YA and adult readers. [See Prepub Alert, 3/25/19.]
Essential for readers wishing to understand the depth and differentials of U.S. racial discrimination, Taylor’s masterly exposé of the political economy of the racially bifurcated market systematically lays bare how residential segregation made profits from race; it also illustrates the mismatch of market solutions to racist policies and practices and underscores the limits of legislation alone to undo institutional racism.
Cowritten with award-winning journalist Hardin, this astounding insider’s account of Raniere’s methods of manipulation should appeal to readers fascinated by cult leaders and those who become ensnared by them. [See Prepub Alert, 6/1/19.]
For anyone involved in nonprofit work and general readers curious about legal questions.
A clearly written book, laced with wry humor amid condemnation. Suggested for history and true crime readers.
Compared with William Cook’s King of the Bootleggers, this is a more comprehensive look at Remus’s life, though Cook’s work more closely examines its subject’s political connections and has deeper coverage of his courtroom performances. Recommended primarily for readers already interested in nonfiction accounts of organized crime or Prohibition.
Told with the fast-paced style of a thriller, this book is highly recommended for all fans of international intrigue and cyberwarfare. An exceptional account that will inform and possibly frighten--and a necessary purchase for all libraries.
A poignant and fascinating exploration of identity theft. This book will appeal to those with an interest in family-centered memoirs and crime.
Although the stories of the fugitive captures are fascinating, many true crime readers will already be familiar with the basic facts presented here. Readers curious about the evolution of law enforcement agencies and their role in apprehending these individuals will be better served.
This readable overview of issues within the criminal justice system will appeal to political science, criminal justice, and legal scholars and students, as well as anyone wanting to learn more about its inner workings.
More of an armchair than a beach read, this authoritative work contains a wealth of information in a readable format. Highly recommended for serious readers interested in hot topics on the economics of publishing.
Hoffer’s study covers a vast topic in a clear and concise manner that will appeal to those interested in American law, especially historians and legal scholars.
This meticulously argued work succeeds in illuminating with plain language what the immigration system obscures behind jargon and steel bars.
Recommended for academic libraries and readers interested in legal ethics.
Abbot keeps up the momentum and suspense while giving her substantial characters their due. Recommended for fans of historical true crime, such as Mary Cummings’s Saving Sin City; fans of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire will also devour this juicy read.
Individuals who have experienced abuse may want to avoid this book entirely. For readers interested in the cult of celebrity, the life of R. Kelly, true crime, journalism, and the #MeToo movement.
Recommended for all who enjoy true crime and legal dramas and essential for those hoping to learn more about Lee’s enigmatic life
PREMIUM
Deep Conviction: True Stories of Ordinary Americans Fighting for the Freedom To Live Their Beliefs
Readers interested in religious liberty will find this work to be an accessible exploration of a much-disputed area of constitutional law.
This title excels at showing the danger of American justice during wartime. For those who enjoyed Nat Hentoff’s The First Freedom and Peter Iron’s Courage of their Convictions, it’s a must-read, appealing to American historians, political scientists, and anyone interested in labor and the judicial process.
Insightful for readers who have tracked the history of expression on the Internet and who enjoy connecting that history to law and culture.
The Turpins’ recent guilty plea to 14 counts of torture and child abuse makes this a timely account for true crime fans.
Gripping and superbly researched, this is destined to be a true crime classic, alongside titles such as Vincent Bugliosi’s Helter Skelter. Hand to readers who enjoyed Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer.
While the stereotype of the welfare queen still remains, few know its origins. This is a highly recommended, fascinating examination of a prolific con artist, who by the end of her life may not have been able to distinguish between reality and her own lies.
This will be right at home in the true crime section of any public library.
Douglas’s latest is harrowing and hard to put down; this will be welcomed by true crime buffs and law enforcement professionals alike
This gripping example of investigative reporting will find large audiences among those fascinated by the growing genre of cybercrime.
PREMIUM
Testimony
Inspired by "real world events," Turow (Presumed Innocent; Identical) crafts a complex and haunting tale of war crimes that will not only satisfy his courtroom drama devotees but also readers of international thrillers. [See Prepub Alert, 11/7/16.]
PREMIUM
Two Lost Boys
Debut novelist Robertson brings new meaning to the term legal thriller and introduces readers to a heroine who is both savvy and mature.
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