Dreamworld Book Reviews

The media only reports what it wants you to hear. That’s why true crime books are so fun, assuming that’s why you’re reading this blog right now.

There may have been gruesome and heinous crimes that took place in your own backyard. How would you know if you didn’t read true crime?

Here are some oldies but goldies in the true crime genre.

JonBenet by Steve Thomas, Donald A Davis

I lived in Colorado when JonBenet Ramsey was murdered up in Boulder, and it was a huge deal, as you can imagine.

You know what’s interesting about this case, is there’s fresh news about it every few years. I hope this link stays evergreen, but the City of Boulder maintains its own JonBenet Ramsey page featuring the latest case updates.

In this book, lead detective Steve Thomas recounts his murder investigation of JonBenet Ramsey in explicit detail. It’s hard to make this stuff up, and you can’t help but agree with his theories. He explains how evidence was tainted immediately after JonBenet’s body was found, which resulted in one of the most frustrating investigations, both in Boulder and the U.S.

New findings about the JonBenet Ramsey case have lighted a spark in those who weren’t born yet, or who were too young to remember this homicide at the time it was committed. In any case, JonBenet is the perfect place to start. It’s written really well and will hold your attention.

Glenn Puit

I’m naming Glenn Puit here, because his writing voice is awesome. It’s extremely friendly, and highly likeable, which has an interesting effect when you combine those traits with true crime. He also shares his professional opinions in each true crime book, which are pretty solid.

Here’s another reason I like Glenn Puit. Before he gets to the meat, he educates us about each murderer’s background and upbringing. It’s almost like fiction, he gradually leads up to the crime and builds everything up before we get the gruesome details.

Some of my favorite titles are Father of the Year (2009) and Witch (2005).

Jack Olsen

Jack Olsen is one of the most prolific authors in the true crime genre, he’s written so many! His writing style is classy. I remember him sticking out to me because before Jack Olsen, many of the true crime books I had read were like cheap tabloids. Bad writing, bad research, and lots of useless fluff.

I also like Jack Olsen because he has sympathy for the victims, while also discussing why murderers became the way they are based on risk factors like environment, family history, etc.

My favorite book by Olsen is Salt of the Earth (1996).

Columbine by Dave Cullen

The Columbine Shooting occurred a few years after JonBenet Ramsey, in Littleton, Colorado. This book is written by Dave Cullen, a journalist. Through articulate research and in-depth interviews, he brings to light new facts surrounding the events of April 20, 1999.

Everyone always talks the “whys” behind this slaughter. Why did they do it? What were their motives? In Columbine, Cullen tactfully guides readers in another direction, which is one of the key reasons this book is incredible and amazing. You’ll understand after you read this book.

In addition to being a New York Times bestseller, Columbine also won countless awards and was on numerous “Best of 2009” lists the year it came out.

What are your favorite true crime books and authors?

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Last Updated on January 21, 2026 by Sarah Ann

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