True crime has lured readers for decades, capturing our fascination with the darkness of human nature. From grisly murders to enigmatic criminals, this genre offers deep dives not justinto the crime itself, but also the psychology and societal impacts surrounding these high-stakes stories. Best-selling author Kate Summerscale is no stranger to this captivating world, comiitted to illuminating the intricacies of real-life crime through her compelling narrative style.
Summerscale, acclaimed for her earlier work The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher, recently shared her favorite true crime literature. These selections not only represent standout examples of the genre but also explore the complex relationship between authors and their subjects, probing the ethical dimensions of true crime writing.
One of Summerscale's top recommendations is Life After Life by Tony Parker, released back in 1990. This groundbreaking book presents firsthand accounts from twelve British men and women convicted of murder. Parker compiled their stories through interviews, offering readers vivid insights directly from the offenders themselves. These narratives humanize the often vilified figures at the center of tales of depravity. Summerscale highlights how this work, paired with Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, broadened the possibilities for writing about crime fiction, moving beyond mere sensationalism to something much more nuanced and complex.
Moving from the UK to Australia, we turn to This House of Grief by Helen Garner, published in 2014. This gripping account chronicles the heartbreaking trial of Robert (Bob) Farquharson, who was accused of murdering his three sons by deliberately driving theminto a dam. Garner not only pens the courtroom drama but infuses her own feelings and thoughts about the case, making readers feel as if they’re right there alongside her, wrestling with the unsettling truths of familial love and violence. Garner's work stands as both journalism and literature, embodying the blending of personal and public tragedy.
Turning our lens to the US, The Journalist and the Murderer by Janet Malcolm offers another perspective. Malcolm profiles Jeffrey MacDonald, who became infamous following the murder of his wife and children. What makes this book particularly engaging is the complex relationship between MacDonald and his biographer Joe McGinniss. While McGinniss initially portrays MacDonald as innocent, his ultimate betrayal makes for gripping reading. This dual narrative intricately tackles the question of ethics within journalism—can the truth of the story outweigh the personal betrayals it may involve? Summerscale admires Malcolm's ability to weave these ethical dilemmasinto her narrative, elevatiing true crime to rigorous literature.
Next, we have The Adversary by Emmanuel Carrère, published back in 2000. This chilling tale details the life of Jean-Claude Romand, who lived a lie for decades. It turned out Romand wasn’t just unassuming, he was lying about being a doctor and led his family to believe he was successful, all thewhile committing heinous acts. Carrère doesn’t only tell Romand’s story; he dissects the motives behind his actions and the societal factors at play, sparking fascination and horror at the mind of the criminal. This layered approach makes readers ponder, what drives someone to such drastic fabrications?
A more contemporary work, The Devil You Know by Gwen Adshead and Eileen Horne, released not long ago in 2021, provides another compelling take. Adshead is forensic psychiatrist who reflects on her experiences treating violent offenders at Broadmoor, the high-security psychiatric hospital. This book intricately explores the trauma and mental health issues of the offenders, presenting them as more than just their crimes. Instead of simplistically labeling them as “monsters,” Adshead delves deep, showing how violence stems from unresolved trauma, mental illness, and societal neglect. It’s this empathetic approach she maintains, which Summerscale believes is invaluable to the genre.
Lastly, we arrive at A Thread of Violence by Mark O'Connell, published just this year, 2023. O'Connell tackles the moral quandaries involved for authors when they write about crime. He recalls his encounter with Irish socialite Malcolm Macarthur, who was responsible for two murders. The book explores O'Connell's struggles between treating Macarthur as both victim and perpetrator. He highlights the dilemma inherent to the genre: is it ethical to exploit someone's life story for literary gain? O'Connell’s introspection makes the book captivating, as he wrestles with his involvement as he recounts Macarthur's life—both being drawn to its darkness and repulsed by it.
These six works, as chosen by Summerscale, stand as exemplary pieces of true crime literature, each providing insight beyond the crimes themselves. They ask us to confront the ethics of storytelling, the complexity of human behavior, and the societal ramifications of violence. So, for those craving suspense woven with depth and inquiry, these true crime recommendations are sure to deliver.
The remnants of human stories told through these accounts of murder and mayhem linger long after the last page turns. They challenge us—not just to understand what happened, but why it happened, and how society reacts and learns from such dark narratives.
This genre, at its best, encourages readers to empathize, to reflect, and to engage critically with the unsettling truths about humanity. It reflects our fascination with the macabre, enriching our perception of both life and the complicated forces driving individuals to crime. So whether you pick up Life After Life, This House of Grief, or one of the other haunting selections, expect to grapple with more than just the violent acts depicted; prepare yourself to encounter the very essence of life’s fragility and humanity’s darker impulses.
