Held a place in your heart for true crime stories for decades or new to the scene? There is certainly something undeniably fascinating about every aspect of this macabre world of storytelling. It’s hard to keep true crime books on our shelves these days, and everyone seems to have a story to tell in one form or another. From tales of survival to unsolved murders, two women blend their enthusiasm for true crime into one killer podcast. Best of all, their accompanying reading list is just as incredible as their show.

If you’re a true crime aficionado or interested in podcasts that focus on the subject, you have undoubtedly come across the wildly popular podcast My Favorite Murder. My Favorite Murder is a bi-weekly dose of true crime stories that’s also seriously funny, an unusual pairing to say the least. How does a ton of humor blend with a ton of real-life horror on this show? Remarkably well, actually.

More than just a podcast about high profile serial killers, lifelong lovers of true crime Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark of My Favorite Murder examine all manner of true crime with their signature casual conversation tones. At its heart, it’s about telling a story the way that it deserves to be told. That means bringing the victim –  not the perpetrator – to center stage.

With more than 100 episodes under their belts, My Favorite Murder has no qualms about sharing their true crime story sources with the world, whether it be an article, another podcast, or Wikipedia. And they always give it up for true crime writers who inspire them. 

If you are craving more true crime stories or simply interested in checking out the books behind some of your favorite episodes of My Favorite Murder, this reading list is what you’re looking for.

Who Killed These Girls?: The Twenty-Five-Year History of Austin’s Yogurt Shop Murders by Beverly Lowry

When four girls were found executed at a yogurt shop in Austin, the city was shocked to its core. Though law enforcement agencies struggle to put together the pieces, the Yogurt Shop murders remain a cold case.

The Stranger Beside Me: Ted Bundy the Shocking Inside Story by Ann Rule

Ann Rule is a world-renowned author of nearly 50 true crime books. Many don’t know that her first book, The Stranger Beside Me, was born of her real-life friendship with Ted Bundy. This was, of course, before she learned that he was the serial killer that US law enforcement was hunting.

No Stone Unturned: The True Story of the World’s Premier Forensic Investigators by Steve Jackson

When detectives need help nailing down key evidence that can convict murderers of brutal crimes, they turn to NecroSearch International. This is the story of the collective experts, the crimes they’ve helped solve, and incredible investigatory skills that go into putting the victims to rest.

Whoever Fights Monsters: My Twenty Years Tracking Serial Killers for the FBI by Robert K. Ressler

As the title says, Robert K. Ressler spent decades tracking serial killers, delving deep into the psychology of some of the world’s most prolific murderers. His true story of tackling the most disturbing crimes committed is a one-of-a-kind look at the wins, the losses, and the breakthroughs that drive criminal investigators to give their all to capture real-life monsters before they can harm anyone else.

Alone: Orphaned on the Ocean by Richard Logan

A story of survival unlike any other, Alone: Orphaned on the Ocean recounts the incredible true story of a Terry Jo Duperrault. While on a sailing trip, Terry witnessed her entire family’s murder at the hands of their ship’s captain. Barely escaping the murderer’s clutches herself, 11-year old Terry spent four days floating on the ocean before her rescue.

Bookmans stores all across Arizona get new true crime books every day, so be on the lookout for these MFM-approved recommendations! What are you waiting for? Get reading and #SSDGM