Best Serial Killer Books

Desert Star

Renée Ballard • Book 5

by Michael Connelly

Connelly reunites Ballard and Bosch to hunt Harry's ultimate cold case—a family massacre that's driven him for years. Their partnership deepens while tackling Connelly's most personal storytelling yet.

More about this pick

Connelly reunites Ballard and Bosch to hunt Harry's ultimate cold case—a family massacre that's driven him for years. Their partnership deepens while tackling Connelly's most personal storytelling yet.

The Girl Who Played with Fire

Millennium Series • Book 2

by Stieg Larsson

Hacker Lisbeth Salander is framed for murder just as journalist Mikael Blomkvist investigates a sex trafficking ring. Larsson connects personal vengeance with institutional corruption in this dark Swedish crime thriller.

More about this pick

Hacker Lisbeth Salander is framed for murder just as journalist Mikael Blomkvist investigates a sex trafficking ring. Larsson connects personal vengeance with institutional corruption in this dark Swedish crime thriller.

New York to Dallas

In Death • Book 33

by J.D. Robb, Susan Ericksen

The monster from Eve's first case as a rookie cop escapes prison and heads straight for her, forcing her to confront the childhood horrors that made her a cop. Robb digs deep into her protagonist's origin story.

More about this pick

The monster from Eve's first case as a rookie cop escapes prison and heads straight for her, forcing her to confront the childhood horrors that made her a cop. Robb digs deep into her protagonist's origin story.

The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lecter (abridged) • Book 2

by Thomas Harris

Rookie FBI agent Clarice Starling plays psychological chess with imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter to catch Buffalo Bill, who's hunting women for their skin. Harris writes horror that crawls inside your head and stays there.

More about this pick

Rookie FBI agent Clarice Starling plays psychological chess with imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter to catch Buffalo Bill, who's hunting women for their skin. Harris writes horror that crawls inside your head and stays there.

Random in Death

In Death • Book 58

by J.D. Robb

At an Avenue A concert, death strikes randomly and silently, leaving Dallas to hunt a killer who turns crowds into hunting grounds. The 58th In Death novel examines how evil hides in plain sight among innocent faces.

More about this pick

At an Avenue A concert, death strikes randomly and silently, leaving Dallas to hunt a killer who turns crowds into hunting grounds. The 58th In Death novel examines how evil hides in plain sight among innocent faces.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

Millennium Series • Book 3

by Stieg Larsson, Reg Keeland - translator

Lisbeth fights for her life in hospital while facing trial, as Blomkvist exposes the secret police conspiracy that ruined her past. Larsson's trilogy concludes with justice finally served.

More about this pick

Lisbeth fights for her life in hospital while facing trial, as Blomkvist exposes the secret police conspiracy that ruined her past. Larsson's trilogy concludes with justice finally served.

Fantasy in Death / Indulgence in Death / Treachery in Death

In Death #30-32 • Book 30

by J.D. Robb

Virtual reality gaming turns deadly, luxury becomes a killer's hunting ground, and corruption threatens the NYPSD in this triple threat of futuristic police procedurals.

More about this pick

Virtual reality gaming turns deadly, luxury becomes a killer's hunting ground, and corruption threatens the NYPSD in this triple threat of futuristic police procedurals.

Apprentice in Death

In Death • Book 43

by J.D. Robb

Three people die from sniper fire at an ice skating rink — apparently random victims until Dallas realizes she's hunting a killer learning the craft under expert guidance. The 43rd In Death novel explores how murder becomes a teachable skill.

More about this pick

Three people die from sniper fire at an ice skating rink — apparently random victims until Dallas realizes she's hunting a killer learning the craft under expert guidance. The 43rd In Death novel explores how murder becomes a teachable skill.

Echoes in Death

In Death • Book 44

by J.D. Robb

Dallas encounters a predator who breaks into homes, tortures couples, then leaves them alive to relive the nightmare. The 44th In Death novel proves Robb can still find new depths of darkness in her futuristic police procedural.

More about this pick

Dallas encounters a predator who breaks into homes, tortures couples, then leaves them alive to relive the nightmare. The 44th In Death novel proves Robb can still find new depths of darkness in her futuristic police procedural.

All the Colors of the Dark

by Chris Whitaker

During the Vietnam War era, teenage Patch becomes an unlikely hero when he saves a girl from Monta Clare's serial killer. Whitaker examines how a single moment of courage reverberates through decades, reshaping entire families.

More about this pick

During the Vietnam War era, teenage Patch becomes an unlikely hero when he saves a girl from Monta Clare's serial killer. Whitaker examines how a single moment of courage reverberates through decades, reshaping entire families.

The Waiting

Renée Ballard • Book 6

by Michael Connelly

Connelly weaves past and present as a decades-old serial rapist case explodes back to life, forcing Ballard to mentor Harry's daughter while hunting their most dangerous prey.

More about this pick

Connelly weaves past and present as a decades-old serial rapist case explodes back to life, forcing Ballard to mentor Harry's daughter while hunting their most dangerous prey.

Portrait in Death

In Death • Book 16

by J.D. Robb

When a news station receives professional photos of a murder victim taken after her death, Eve Dallas realizes she's hunting a killer who believes photography captures the soul.

More about this pick

When a news station receives professional photos of a murder victim taken after her death, Eve Dallas realizes she's hunting a killer who believes photography captures the soul.

Creation in Death

In Death • Book 25

by J.D. Robb

Robb revives a cold case that haunted Dallas early in her career, forcing her to confront a methodical killer who's had nearly a decade to perfect his horrific craft.

More about this pick

Robb revives a cold case that haunted Dallas early in her career, forcing her to confront a methodical killer who's had nearly a decade to perfect his horrific craft.

Devoted in Death

In Death • Book 41

by J.D. Robb

Two lovers bond through murder, carving hearts into victims as they travel from state to state in a twisted romantic spree. Robb combines serial killer psychology with futuristic police work in this grim entry.

More about this pick

Two lovers bond through murder, carving hearts into victims as they travel from state to state in a twisted romantic spree. Robb combines serial killer psychology with futuristic police work in this grim entry.

Imitation in Death

In Death • Book 17

by J.D. Robb

Summer 2059: A caped figure murders a prostitute and leaves Lieutenant Eve Dallas a signed letter from 'Jack,' beginning a twisted game where the killer imitates famous serial murderers throughout history.

More about this pick

Summer 2059: A caped figure murders a prostitute and leaves Lieutenant Eve Dallas a signed letter from 'Jack,' beginning a twisted game where the killer imitates famous serial murderers throughout history.

Conspiracy in Death

In Death • Book 8

by J.D. Robb

A serial killer targets the city's most vulnerable with laser-perfect organ removal, pushing Eve Dallas into a conspiracy that threatens everything she believes about justice and medicine.

More about this pick

A serial killer targets the city's most vulnerable with laser-perfect organ removal, pushing Eve Dallas into a conspiracy that threatens everything she believes about justice and medicine.

Origin in Death

In Death • Book 21

by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts

The 21st In Death novel finds Eve Dallas tracking a killer targeting cosmetic surgeons, revealing a chilling plot involving genetic manipulation and medical ethics in future New York.

More about this pick

The 21st In Death novel finds Eve Dallas tracking a killer targeting cosmetic surgeons, revealing a chilling plot involving genetic manipulation and medical ethics in future New York.

Visions in Death

In Death • Book 19

by J.D. Robb

A killer stalks Central Park, removing victims' eyes with surgical precision and posing bodies in prayer—Eve Dallas faces one of her most disturbing cases yet.

More about this pick

A killer stalks Central Park, removing victims' eyes with surgical precision and posing bodies in prayer—Eve Dallas faces one of her most disturbing cases yet.

Judgment in Death

In Death • Book 11

by J.D. Robb

Robb forces Dallas to investigate her own colleagues when a police officer is bludgeoned to death with excessive violence. Corruption and loyalty collide in this hard-hitting entry in the In Death series.

More about this pick

Robb forces Dallas to investigate her own colleagues when a police officer is bludgeoned to death with excessive violence. Corruption and loyalty collide in this hard-hitting entry in the In Death series.

Blood Rites

The Dresden Files • Book 6

by Jim Butcher

Dresden's investigation of a porn producer's entropy curse reveals something far worse—a creature hunting the film's female cast in Butcher's darkest exploration of Harry's complicated relationship with power.

More about this pick

Dresden's investigation of a porn producer's entropy curse reveals something far worse—a creature hunting the film's female cast in Butcher's darkest exploration of Harry's complicated relationship with power.

Vengeance in Death

In Death • Book 6

by J.D. Robb

A killer in 2058 New York taunts police with riddles about his next victims, always solved too late to prevent murder. Robb's futuristic procedural blends technology with old-fashioned detective work.

More about this pick

A killer in 2058 New York taunts police with riddles about his next victims, always solved too late to prevent murder. Robb's futuristic procedural blends technology with old-fashioned detective work.

Cross Down

Alex Cross • Book 31

by James Patterson, Brendan DuBois

For the first time, John Sampson works alone when military-style attacks sideline Alex Cross, forcing the methodical detective to solve cases without his brilliant partner.

More about this pick

For the first time, John Sampson works alone when military-style attacks sideline Alex Cross, forcing the methodical detective to solve cases without his brilliant partner.

Reunion in Death

In Death • Book 14

by J.D. Robb

Walter Pettibone's surprise birthday party turns deadly when a red-haired woman hands him poisoned champagne, connecting Lieutenant Eve Dallas to a killer she thought was safely buried in her past.

More about this pick

Walter Pettibone's surprise birthday party turns deadly when a red-haired woman hands him poisoned champagne, connecting Lieutenant Eve Dallas to a killer she thought was safely buried in her past.

Holiday in Death

In Death • Book 7

by J.D. Robb

A serial killer targets lonely hearts from Personally Yours dating service, forcing Lieutenant Eve Dallas to go undercover during New York's holiday season to catch a ritualistic murderer.

More about this pick

A serial killer targets lonely hearts from Personally Yours dating service, forcing Lieutenant Eve Dallas to go undercover during New York's holiday season to catch a ritualistic murderer.

Kill Shot

Mitch Rapp • Book 2

by Vince Flynn

After a Paris assassination goes sideways, CIA operative Mitch Rapp must survive betrayal from within while foreign intelligence agencies hunt him across Europe.

More about this pick

After a Paris assassination goes sideways, CIA operative Mitch Rapp must survive betrayal from within while foreign intelligence agencies hunt him across Europe.

Kindred in Death

In Death • Book 29

by J.D. Robb

Eve Dallas confronts every parent's nightmare when a NYPSD captain and his wife return from vacation to find their sixteen-year-old daughter brutally murdered in her bedroom.

More about this pick

Eve Dallas confronts every parent's nightmare when a NYPSD captain and his wife return from vacation to find their sixteen-year-old daughter brutally murdered in her bedroom.

Betrayal in Death

In Death • Book 12

by J.D. Robb

Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces off against Sly Yost, a cultured killer who murders with silver wire and classical music, in this futuristic police procedural.

More about this pick

Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces off against Sly Yost, a cultured killer who murders with silver wire and classical music, in this futuristic police procedural.

Seduction in Death

In Death • Book 13

by J.D. Robb

Candlelit dinners, rose petals, expensive wine—and a rare drug that kills within hours, leaving Dallas to decode whether she's hunting a romantic or a predator.

More about this pick

Candlelit dinners, rose petals, expensive wine—and a rare drug that kills within hours, leaving Dallas to decode whether she's hunting a romantic or a predator.

Career of Evil

Cormoran Strike • Book 3

by Robert Galbraith

A severed leg delivered to their office sends Strike and Robin hunting through four dangerous suspects from Strike's past, each with motive to terrorize the detective agency.

More about this pick

A severed leg delivered to their office sends Strike and Robin hunting through four dangerous suspects from Strike's past, each with motive to terrorize the detective agency.

The Fifth to Die

4MK Thriller • Book 2

by J.D. Barker

Edoardo Ballerini and Graham Winton alternate perspectives in Barker's chilling sequel where frozen corpses reveal a killer's escalating brutality.

More about this pick

Edoardo Ballerini and Graham Winton alternate perspectives in Barker's chilling sequel where frozen corpses reveal a killer's escalating brutality.

Loyalty in Death

In Death • Book 9

by J.D. Robb

An unknown bomber stalks futuristic New York, sending Eve Dallas personal letters while escalating explosive attacks. Robb's procedural combines police work with psychological warfare.

More about this pick

An unknown bomber stalks futuristic New York, sending Eve Dallas personal letters while escalating explosive attacks. Robb's procedural combines police work with psychological warfare.

The Fourth Monkey

4MK Thriller • Book 1

by J.D. Barker

The 4MK killer's calling card: white boxes containing ears, eyes, then tongues of kidnapped loved ones—until Detective Porter faces his most personal case.

More about this pick

The 4MK killer's calling card: white boxes containing ears, eyes, then tongues of kidnapped loved ones—until Detective Porter faces his most personal case.

Crossing Lines

Sam Mason Mysteries • Book 6

by L.A. Dobbs

A missing person case forces Sam to confront the possibility that Lucas Thorne, his imprisoned arch-enemy, might be innocent of his supposed crime. Meanwhile, a new predator stalks young girls, creating Sam's most personal investigation yet.

More about this pick

A missing person case forces Sam to confront the possibility that Lucas Thorne, his imprisoned arch-enemy, might be innocent of his supposed crime. Meanwhile, a new predator stalks young girls, creating Sam's most personal investigation yet.

Concealed in Death

In Death • Book 38

by J.D. Robb

Demolition of an abandoned building reveals the skeletons of twelve teenagers, sending Dallas into the past to solve murders that someone is still killing to keep buried. Robb's 38th installment proves that some secrets refuse to stay hidden.

More about this pick

Demolition of an abandoned building reveals the skeletons of twelve teenagers, sending Dallas into the past to solve murders that someone is still killing to keep buried. Robb's 38th installment proves that some secrets refuse to stay hidden.

Festive in Death

In Death • Book 39

by J.D. Robb

Eve investigates a personal trainer's murder while navigating her first Christmas as a billionaire's wife. Holiday stress meets homicide as scorned lovers line up as suspects.

More about this pick

Eve investigates a personal trainer's murder while navigating her first Christmas as a billionaire's wife. Holiday stress meets homicide as scorned lovers line up as suspects.

The Bone Collector

Lincoln Rhyme Series • Book 1

by Jeffery Deaver

Paralyzed criminologist Lincoln Rhyme returns to detective work when a serial killer begins leaving forensic puzzles that only he can solve. Partnering with patrol officer Amelia Sachs, Rhyme races to decode clues before the next victim dies.

More about this pick

Paralyzed criminologist Lincoln Rhyme returns to detective work when a serial killer begins leaving forensic puzzles that only he can solve. Partnering with patrol officer Amelia Sachs, Rhyme races to decode clues before the next victim dies.

Rapture in Death

In Death • Book 4

by J.D. Robb, Susan Ericksen

Eve Dallas investigates three apparent suicides whose only connection is the mysterious smile each victim wore and tiny brain burns revealed during autopsy.

More about this pick

Eve Dallas investigates three apparent suicides whose only connection is the mysterious smile each victim wore and tiny brain burns revealed during autopsy.

Secrets in Death

In Death • Book 45

by J.D. Robb

Robb turns a gossip columnist's murder into an exploration of how information becomes currency and secrets become weapons in 2060s New York. Dallas uncovers a blackmail network hidden behind Manhattan's glittering social scene.

More about this pick

Robb turns a gossip columnist's murder into an exploration of how information becomes currency and secrets become weapons in 2060s New York. Dallas uncovers a blackmail network hidden behind Manhattan's glittering social scene.

The Brass Verdict

The Lincoln Lawyer • Book 2

by Michael Connelly

Defense attorney Haller inherits his biggest case when lawyer Jerry Vincent is murdered — defending a studio boss accused of killing his wife and her lover.

More about this pick

Defense attorney Haller inherits his biggest case when lawyer Jerry Vincent is murdered — defending a studio boss accused of killing his wife and her lover.

The Poet

Jack McEvoy • Book 1

by Michael Connelly

A serial killer is murdering homicide detectives and staging the scenes as suicides, each marked by Edgar Allan Poe quotes, and reporter Jack McEvoy's brother was the first victim.

More about this pick

A serial killer is murdering homicide detectives and staging the scenes as suicides, each marked by Edgar Allan Poe quotes, and reporter Jack McEvoy's brother was the first victim.

Along Came a Spider

Alex Cross • Book 1

by James Patterson

Patterson launches his Alex Cross series with a kidnapper so methodical he operates like he's solving puzzles—except children's lives hang in the balance. Fast chapters and escalating stakes make this impossible to put down.

More about this pick

Patterson launches his Alex Cross series with a kidnapper so methodical he operates like he's solving puzzles—except children's lives hang in the balance. Fast chapters and escalating stakes make this impossible to put down.

Dark in Death

In Death • Book 46

by J.D. Robb

Someone's recreating famous movie murders in 2061 New York, starting with an ice pick through a neck during a *Psycho* screening—and Eve Dallas must stop the deadly homage.

More about this pick

Someone's recreating famous movie murders in 2061 New York, starting with an ice pick through a neck during a *Psycho* screening—and Eve Dallas must stop the deadly homage.

In Cold Blood

by Truman Capote

The brutal 1959 murder of the Clutter family in rural Kansas becomes a haunting meditation on violence, justice, and the American dream gone wrong.

More about this pick

The brutal 1959 murder of the Clutter family in rural Kansas becomes a haunting meditation on violence, justice, and the American dream gone wrong.

Fatal Witness

Detective Erika Foster • Book 7

by Robert Bryndza

A murdered podcaster was investigating a sexual predator, but someone destroyed all the evidence. Foster must solve a case where the killer has eliminated every trace of their crimes.

More about this pick

A murdered podcaster was investigating a sexual predator, but someone destroyed all the evidence. Foster must solve a case where the killer has eliminated every trace of their crimes.

Bridged

Callahan & McLane • Book 2

by Kendra Elliot

When a congressman's tortured corpse appears on a Portland bridge, Elliott crafts a nerve-wracking hunt through Oregon's underbelly where personal demons collide with professional duty.

More about this pick

When a congressman's tortured corpse appears on a Portland bridge, Elliott crafts a nerve-wracking hunt through Oregon's underbelly where personal demons collide with professional duty.

Spiraled

Callahan & McLane • Book 3

by Kendra Elliot

Starting with an FBI agent trapped defenseless during a mall shooting, this thriller escalates into investigating an epidemic of mass shootings. Elliot doesn't shy away from the psychological complexity of both survivors and perpetrators.

More about this pick

Starting with an FBI agent trapped defenseless during a mall shooting, this thriller escalates into investigating an epidemic of mass shootings. Elliot doesn't shy away from the psychological complexity of both survivors and perpetrators.

Last Breath

Detective Erika Foster • Book 4

by Robert Bryndza

A woman found beaten and bloodied in a dumpster kicks off Detective Erika Foster's fourth case. The victim's connection to a charming predator who targets women through dating creates a chilling hunt.

More about this pick

A woman found beaten and bloodied in a dumpster kicks off Detective Erika Foster's fourth case. The victim's connection to a charming predator who targets women through dating creates a chilling hunt.

Deadly Secrets

Detective Erika Foster • Book 6

by Robert Bryndza

Foster investigates a brutal doorstep murder where a young woman was left frozen in her own blood, discovering connections to other violent assaults nearby.

More about this pick

Foster investigates a brutal doorstep murder where a young woman was left frozen in her own blood, discovering connections to other violent assaults nearby.

A Killer's Mind

Zoe Bentley Mystery • Book 1

by Mike Omer

FBI forensic psychologist Zoe Bentley faces three Chicago women found strangled, embalmed, and posed as living dolls—a case that forces her to confront disturbing echoes from her own past.

More about this pick

FBI forensic psychologist Zoe Bentley faces three Chicago women found strangled, embalmed, and posed as living dolls—a case that forces her to confront disturbing echoes from her own past.

1st To Die

Women's Murder Club • Book 1

by James Patterson

Inspector Lindsay Boxer discovers newlyweds murdered on their wedding night, launching an investigation that brings together four women from different corners of San Francisco's criminal justice system. Patterson's series debut combines police procedural with the friendship dynamics of his female protagonists.

More about this pick

Inspector Lindsay Boxer discovers newlyweds murdered on their wedding night, launching an investigation that brings together four women from different corners of San Francisco's criminal justice system. Patterson's series debut combines police procedural with the friendship dynamics of his female protagonists.