What’s scarier than a real life serial killer? A fictional one, of course! If you’re looking for a page-turning thrill ride that will keep you up at night and make you double-check your locks, check out these five books about some of the most diabolical fictional serial killers.
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
No list of serial killer fiction would be complete without this classic novel. Featuring the iconic Hannibal Lecter, The Silence of the Lambs is equal parts suspenseful thriller and psychological study as FBI agent Clarice Starling attempts to track down an elusive serial killer known only as “Buffalo Bill.” It won multiple awards when it was released in 1988, and its success spawned a number of sequels and adaptations.
Zodiac by Robert Graysmith
This nonfiction book chronicles the true story of San Francisco's mysterious Zodiac killer who terrorized the Bay Area from 1968 to 1974. The book follows cartoonist Robert Graysmith as he attempts to solve the unsolved case by piecing together various newspaper clippings, letters sent by the killer himself, and other evidence. This one is sure to give readers plenty to think about long after they finish reading it.
The Angel Maker by Sarah Rayne
When a young journalist discovers that her grandmother was once implicated in a series of gruesome murders in England during World War II, she decides to investigate further and uncover her family’s dark secret. As she digs deeper into her grandmother’s past, she finds herself face-to-face with a ruthless serial killer who will stop at nothing to keep his identity hidden.
Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
The prequel to The Silence of the Lambs follows FBI profiler Will Graham as he investigates “the Tooth Fairy”—a terrifyingly clever serial killer with an affinity for classical music and a taste for human flesh. Graham must get inside the mind of this madman if he hopes to bring him down before more victims pile up. This gripping novel has been adapted into two feature films — Manhunter (1986) and Red Dragon (2002).
The Devil in White City by Erik Larson In this historical account based on actual events, two men—one an architect working on Chicago's 1893 World's Fair; the other a doctor who masquerades as an architect —are linked by their shared obsession with death and destruction.. Readers follow along as these two figures become embroiled in a twisted plot involving murder, deceit, arson, torture, corruption…and so much more! It's easy to see why this book has been praised for its captivating storytelling.
Whether you're looking for suspense or psychological drama , there's something here for everyone interested in fictional serial killers . From classic thrillers like The Silence Of The Lambs , to nonfiction accounts like Zodiac , these five novels have all earned their place among some of literature's most thrilling tales . And let's not forget all those spine-tingling adaptations they've spawned over the years ! So grab your popcorn , curl up with one (or all!) these books , and prepare yourself for some serious edge-of-your-seat thrills!
Now if you are curious about other serial killer books based on true events then look no further. Don't just take our word for it- click the link and see for yourself what the best serial killer books are! Whether you're looking for something to keep you up at night or just want to learn more about this dark corner of human history, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for?