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The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025
Bestselling author Douglas Preston selects the best true crime writing from the past year, aided by series editor Pete Crooks, to produce an eclectic collection of intriguing, mysterious, and exciting true tales.
This inaugural edition of what will be a yearly collection offers a fascinating variety of essays and crime reporting, taken from regional, national, and international publications. The stories range from reports of homicide at a Toronto massage parlor to blackmail and murder-for-hire in Austin, Texas to an unusual murder weapon in rural Minnesota. Other stories examine controversial rehabilitation techniques for sexual criminals and explore the phenomenon of victims’ relatives appearing as guests at true crime conventions.
A must-read for anyone interested in true crime, The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 takes the pulse of this increasingly popular genre.
This inaugural edition of what will be a yearly collection offers a fascinating variety of essays and crime reporting, taken from regional, national, and international publications. The stories range from reports of homicide at a Toronto massage parlor to blackmail and murder-for-hire in Austin, Texas to an unusual murder weapon in rural Minnesota. Other stories examine controversial rehabilitation techniques for sexual criminals and explore the phenomenon of victims’ relatives appearing as guests at true crime conventions.
A must-read for anyone interested in true crime, The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 takes the pulse of this increasingly popular genre.
312 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
50 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Preston
182 books13.5k followersDouglas Preston was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, and grew up in the deadly boring suburb of Wellesley. Following a distinguished career at a private nursery school--he was almost immediately expelled--he attended public schools and the Cambridge School of Weston. Notable events in his early life included the loss of a fingertip at the age of three to a bicycle; the loss of his two front teeth to his brother Richard's fist; and various broken bones, also incurred in dust-ups with Richard. (Richard went on to write The Hot Zone and The Cobra Event, which tells you all you need to know about what it was like to grow up with him as a brother.)
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.
After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.
In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.
Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougla...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 15, 2025
ARC for review. To be published October 14, 2025.
3 stars
A group of thirteen stories, all previously published in print or online. I thought I would really like this, but if I’m being honest I found most of the stories underwhelming, even the one about the incel guy. A number of them look back at old crimes, and the one I was most looking forward to, yes, even more than super incel man, about why people like John Ramsey and Gabby Petito’s parents would go to CrimeCons, didn’t dive deep enough. So, it was OK, but I didn’t love it.
3 stars
A group of thirteen stories, all previously published in print or online. I thought I would really like this, but if I’m being honest I found most of the stories underwhelming, even the one about the incel guy. A number of them look back at old crimes, and the one I was most looking forward to, yes, even more than super incel man, about why people like John Ramsey and Gabby Petito’s parents would go to CrimeCons, didn’t dive deep enough. So, it was OK, but I didn’t love it.
October 8, 2025
I’ve been vacillating between a 3 and a 4 star here, and I think I have to go with 3.25 stars, rounded down. A few of these stories are really good—the CrimeCon one, the one about Frances Glessner Lee (the mother of forensic science), and an in-depth study on the origins of the polygraph (the author of the last story is hilarious).
However.
However.
Most of the stories herein are meandering approximations of true crime stories. Just the facts, Jack; we don’t care about the odd detail that has nothing to do with the case itself. I found myself close to DNFing several times, and had to force myself to come back to it. That is not good.
I would say this to any potential readers: Read some other reviews of this, check it out from the library and skip any story that gets boring, in search of the few gems.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crime Ink for the eARC. I am writing this review voluntarily.
However.
However.
Most of the stories herein are meandering approximations of true crime stories. Just the facts, Jack; we don’t care about the odd detail that has nothing to do with the case itself. I found myself close to DNFing several times, and had to force myself to come back to it. That is not good.
I would say this to any potential readers: Read some other reviews of this, check it out from the library and skip any story that gets boring, in search of the few gems.
My thanks to NetGalley and Crime Ink for the eARC. I am writing this review voluntarily.
December 28, 2025
This book was truly such a delight to read. The articles in it are VERY different from each other but all connect in some way to the topic of crime. This is true crime journalism at its best, largely focused more on societal issues than on shocking details. If you appreciate good long-form journalism, you will like this one a lot.
December 14, 2025
Finally a self help book that is honest and helpful. This quick audio version was everything it said and more. The brutal and realistic content makes this perfect for anyone who wants a bit of help but feels they should not. As a reference self book this might be more enjoyable because as audio it read more like a long list with possible. A quick helpful listen centering on help rather than personal insights. felt like it was voiced and written using current studies and real people which made me really appealing. Its the first time i have listened to an audio self help book that main content was not about the writer which is so refreshing. . Really good content and well narrated and enjoyable. Perfect for everyone a good gift for anyone .Thank you netgallery, publisher, author, and narration for this 5 star does what is says lsiten highly recommended.
October 13, 2025
Since this book is a collection of true crime stories by different authors readers are bound to like some more than others. My personal favourite was the handcuff man case. Despite it being old and involving many victims it hasn’t been properly covered until recently. The rest of the stories were quite interesting too, however I did find the polygraph one not as interesting as others. A very unique collection, cases range from incredibly serious crimes to some not so sensational comical incidents. Overall a great selection.
This is an ARC review.
This is an ARC review.
July 14, 2025
Douglas Preston is one of my favorite thriller authors, but he has also distinguished himself with great works of nonfiction, including “The Monster of Florence” and “The Lost City of the Monkey God,” but especially “The Lost Tomb,” a compendium of true life mysteries/events that have influenced fiction writers. In “The Best True Crime Stories of the Year,” Preston writes a brilliant forward about our national obsession with true crime and how it has evolved.
Aided by editor Peter Crooks, this book is a collection of great examples of long form journalism (also a dying art form) collected from prestigious publications such as Slate, Vanity Fair, Texas Monthly, The Atavist (which specializes in long true stories), MacLean’s, Boston Globe, Harper’s, New England Review, and San Francisco Standard. The criteria was that all 12 stories were published in 2024, but the crimes did not need to be recent or solved. Old stories like the Hillside Strangler, new stories like Gabby Petito, lesser known stories like the nudists vs pirates or Frances Glessner Lee are all fascinating thanks to their accomplished individual authors. It’s great that these tales live on beyond a single magazine issue or newspaper special feature. I was fascinated by each one and I’ll probably long remember “The Memoirist and the Lie Detector” by Justin St. Germain, that explores the fact that polygraphs are totally unreliable, dependent of the skill (or non-skill) of the examiner, and the United States is the only country relying on this discredited technology (which our Supreme Court agrees is worthless, but the results are used to hire many of our law enforcement people). 5 stars!
Thank you to Penzler Publishers, Crime Ink, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Aided by editor Peter Crooks, this book is a collection of great examples of long form journalism (also a dying art form) collected from prestigious publications such as Slate, Vanity Fair, Texas Monthly, The Atavist (which specializes in long true stories), MacLean’s, Boston Globe, Harper’s, New England Review, and San Francisco Standard. The criteria was that all 12 stories were published in 2024, but the crimes did not need to be recent or solved. Old stories like the Hillside Strangler, new stories like Gabby Petito, lesser known stories like the nudists vs pirates or Frances Glessner Lee are all fascinating thanks to their accomplished individual authors. It’s great that these tales live on beyond a single magazine issue or newspaper special feature. I was fascinated by each one and I’ll probably long remember “The Memoirist and the Lie Detector” by Justin St. Germain, that explores the fact that polygraphs are totally unreliable, dependent of the skill (or non-skill) of the examiner, and the United States is the only country relying on this discredited technology (which our Supreme Court agrees is worthless, but the results are used to hire many of our law enforcement people). 5 stars!
Thank you to Penzler Publishers, Crime Ink, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
December 30, 2025
A collection of investigative journalists and crime junkies discussing the top ten cases of 2025. With a range from unsolved cases, innocent people stuck in prison, and a wealthy heiress who developed the techniques of modern investigations, these story range a history of crime-filled fascination
October 13, 2025
If you love true crime, you'll enjoy this book! Some of the stories were more interesting to me, but they all offered good insight into the cases. Well written and the I loved being able to listen to the stories while cleaning and cooking. What pairs better with cooking and cleaning than true crime?
November 25, 2025
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 disappointed me. I learned that I prefer more in-depth coverage of true crime. Some of the stories were very unsatisfying, with the others being okay.
October 27, 2025
Thanks to the HighBridge Audio and Netgalley for this eARC.
🔍 In a media landscape saturated with sensationalism, The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 offers a refreshing return to rigor, empathy, and narrative craft. Curated by bestselling author Douglas Preston and veteran editor Pete Crooks, this inaugural anthology gathers the most compelling crime reportage from around the globe—each piece a testament to the power of truth told well.
🧠 This isn’t a parade of lurid headlines. It’s a carefully composed mosaic of human complexity. The collection spans:
- A chilling homicide at a Toronto massage parlor
- A blackmail and murder-for-hire plot in Austin, Texas
- An unusual murder weapon in rural Minnesota
- Art theft, domestic abuse, and the rise of CrimeCon
Each story is drawn from respected regional, national, and international publications, showcasing investigative journalists who prioritize depth over drama. The editors’ introduction and foreword frame the anthology as both cultural commentary and literary showcase, exploring why true crime continues to captivate—and what ethical lines must not be crossed.
🎙️ Perry Daniels brings a steady, resonant voice to the audiobook, striking a balance between journalistic detachment and emotional gravity. His performance excels in:
- Tone modulation: Daniels adapts his delivery to match each story’s mood—somber, tense, reflective—without theatricality.
- Clarity and pacing: He maintains a rhythm that respects the complexity of the material, allowing listeners to absorb nuance without feeling rushed.
- Narrative cohesion: Despite the anthology format, Daniels’ consistent presence lends unity to the collection.
His narration feels like a trusted guide through the moral fog of each case.
🔍 This anthology explores not just crime, but context—how power, desperation, and systemic failure shape human behavior. It invites listeners to consider:
- The ethics of storytelling in traumatic contexts
- The role of journalism in justice and accountability
- The emotional toll on victims, investigators, and communities
Rather than glorifying violence, the stories illuminate its consequences.
⭐ The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is a standout in the genre—thoughtful, well-researched, and emotionally intelligent. With Perry Daniels’ grounded narration, the audiobook becomes a compelling experience for listeners who crave substance over spectacle. It’s ideal for fans of Serial, The New Yorker, or anyone seeking true crime that respects both the truth and those who live it.
🔍 In a media landscape saturated with sensationalism, The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 offers a refreshing return to rigor, empathy, and narrative craft. Curated by bestselling author Douglas Preston and veteran editor Pete Crooks, this inaugural anthology gathers the most compelling crime reportage from around the globe—each piece a testament to the power of truth told well.
🧠 This isn’t a parade of lurid headlines. It’s a carefully composed mosaic of human complexity. The collection spans:
- A chilling homicide at a Toronto massage parlor
- A blackmail and murder-for-hire plot in Austin, Texas
- An unusual murder weapon in rural Minnesota
- Art theft, domestic abuse, and the rise of CrimeCon
Each story is drawn from respected regional, national, and international publications, showcasing investigative journalists who prioritize depth over drama. The editors’ introduction and foreword frame the anthology as both cultural commentary and literary showcase, exploring why true crime continues to captivate—and what ethical lines must not be crossed.
🎙️ Perry Daniels brings a steady, resonant voice to the audiobook, striking a balance between journalistic detachment and emotional gravity. His performance excels in:
- Tone modulation: Daniels adapts his delivery to match each story’s mood—somber, tense, reflective—without theatricality.
- Clarity and pacing: He maintains a rhythm that respects the complexity of the material, allowing listeners to absorb nuance without feeling rushed.
- Narrative cohesion: Despite the anthology format, Daniels’ consistent presence lends unity to the collection.
His narration feels like a trusted guide through the moral fog of each case.
🔍 This anthology explores not just crime, but context—how power, desperation, and systemic failure shape human behavior. It invites listeners to consider:
- The ethics of storytelling in traumatic contexts
- The role of journalism in justice and accountability
- The emotional toll on victims, investigators, and communities
Rather than glorifying violence, the stories illuminate its consequences.
⭐ The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is a standout in the genre—thoughtful, well-researched, and emotionally intelligent. With Perry Daniels’ grounded narration, the audiobook becomes a compelling experience for listeners who crave substance over spectacle. It’s ideal for fans of Serial, The New Yorker, or anyone seeking true crime that respects both the truth and those who live it.
May 31, 2025
Book Review: The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025
(Edited by Douglas Preston, Series Edited by Peter Crooks)
Rating: 8/10
This anthology delivers exactly what the title promises—a gripping collection of true crime narratives—though with a minor caveat: the cases aren’t from 2025 (a detail that might trip up some readers). Despite this, the book is a compelling dive into humanity’s darkest corners, curated by Douglas Preston, whose career lends weight to the selection.
Reactions & Emotions
The stories evoked a rollercoaster of feelings. The Baby Christina case was particularly harrowing, blending tragedy with legal ambiguity—it’s the kind of tale that lingers, forcing you to grapple with unsettling questions about justice and parental love. On the flip side, absurdities like Nudists Fight Off Pirate Terrorists provided morbid levity, while the WWII-era art theft (gifted to Hitler!) was a fascinating deep cut. Preston’s musings on society’s obsession with crime—framed as a “mental illness”—struck a chord. It’s true: why are we drawn to darkness? The book doesn’t answer that but invites reflection.
Constructive Criticism
-Geographical Gaps: Some international cases lacked cultural context, leaving me confused about nuances (e.g., legal systems abroad). A brief editorial note could’ve helped.
-Title Clarity: The “2025” label feels misleading—it’s a curation year, not the crimes’ timeline. A subtitle like “Curated in 2025” would’ve avoided confusion.
-Pacing: A few stories (like the sword murders) blurred together due to similar tones. More variety in narrative styles might’ve helped.
Final Thoughts
Preston’s anthology is a thought-provoking, if occasionally uneven, exploration of crime’s strangeness and sorrow. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but true-crime enthusiasts will find plenty to dissect—and maybe question their own fascination. 8/10: flawed but fascinating.
Note: No spoilers shared! The cases are best experienced firsthand. Thank you to Crime Ink for a review copy of the book!
(Edited by Douglas Preston, Series Edited by Peter Crooks)
Rating: 8/10
This anthology delivers exactly what the title promises—a gripping collection of true crime narratives—though with a minor caveat: the cases aren’t from 2025 (a detail that might trip up some readers). Despite this, the book is a compelling dive into humanity’s darkest corners, curated by Douglas Preston, whose career lends weight to the selection.
Reactions & Emotions
The stories evoked a rollercoaster of feelings. The Baby Christina case was particularly harrowing, blending tragedy with legal ambiguity—it’s the kind of tale that lingers, forcing you to grapple with unsettling questions about justice and parental love. On the flip side, absurdities like Nudists Fight Off Pirate Terrorists provided morbid levity, while the WWII-era art theft (gifted to Hitler!) was a fascinating deep cut. Preston’s musings on society’s obsession with crime—framed as a “mental illness”—struck a chord. It’s true: why are we drawn to darkness? The book doesn’t answer that but invites reflection.
Constructive Criticism
-Geographical Gaps: Some international cases lacked cultural context, leaving me confused about nuances (e.g., legal systems abroad). A brief editorial note could’ve helped.
-Title Clarity: The “2025” label feels misleading—it’s a curation year, not the crimes’ timeline. A subtitle like “Curated in 2025” would’ve avoided confusion.
-Pacing: A few stories (like the sword murders) blurred together due to similar tones. More variety in narrative styles might’ve helped.
Final Thoughts
Preston’s anthology is a thought-provoking, if occasionally uneven, exploration of crime’s strangeness and sorrow. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but true-crime enthusiasts will find plenty to dissect—and maybe question their own fascination. 8/10: flawed but fascinating.
Note: No spoilers shared! The cases are best experienced firsthand. Thank you to Crime Ink for a review copy of the book!
October 14, 2025
Edited by: Peter Crooks
Selected by: Douglas Preston
Narrated by: Perry Daniels
⭐ Rating: 4 stars
🕵️♀️
A Year in Crime – Through the Eyes of Great Storytellers
This anthology pulls together some of the most fascinating true crime writing of the year, curated by Peter Crooks and selected by bestselling author Douglas Preston. Narrated by Perry Daniels, it highlights just how varied, strange, and human the world of crime reporting can be.
The collection includes both retellings of historical crimes and modern reflections written in 2025, and that mix really works. Some cases I vaguely remembered; others were completely new to me. Either way, hearing the writers’ perspectives added layers of nuance — not just the what of the crimes, but the why and how behind the investigations.
🧠
Standouts & Surprises
Two stories in particular grabbed me:
The history of the lie detector test (polygraph) — beautifully written, and surprisingly humorous about truth, trust, and technology.
The story of Frances Glessner Lee, the American forensic scientist who crafted miniature murder scenes in the mid-20th century to help train detectives. That one was both fascinating and inspiring.
💔
Beyond the Blood and Mystery
What I appreciated most was how emotionally engaging these stories were. They show that true crime isn’t just about whodunnit — it’s also about how communities, families, and justice systems ripple under the weight of crime.
All the stories are based in the U.S., which makes sense given the series’ roots, but I’d love to see future editions include global perspectives. Crime, after all, is universal — and so are the lessons we take from it.
🎙️
Final Thoughts
A smart, engaging listen for true crime fans who want quality storytelling with emotional and historical depth. Big thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the advance listener copy.
All opinions are, of course, my own — and I’m giving this one a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
Selected by: Douglas Preston
Narrated by: Perry Daniels
⭐ Rating: 4 stars
🕵️♀️
A Year in Crime – Through the Eyes of Great Storytellers
This anthology pulls together some of the most fascinating true crime writing of the year, curated by Peter Crooks and selected by bestselling author Douglas Preston. Narrated by Perry Daniels, it highlights just how varied, strange, and human the world of crime reporting can be.
The collection includes both retellings of historical crimes and modern reflections written in 2025, and that mix really works. Some cases I vaguely remembered; others were completely new to me. Either way, hearing the writers’ perspectives added layers of nuance — not just the what of the crimes, but the why and how behind the investigations.
🧠
Standouts & Surprises
Two stories in particular grabbed me:
The history of the lie detector test (polygraph) — beautifully written, and surprisingly humorous about truth, trust, and technology.
The story of Frances Glessner Lee, the American forensic scientist who crafted miniature murder scenes in the mid-20th century to help train detectives. That one was both fascinating and inspiring.
💔
Beyond the Blood and Mystery
What I appreciated most was how emotionally engaging these stories were. They show that true crime isn’t just about whodunnit — it’s also about how communities, families, and justice systems ripple under the weight of crime.
All the stories are based in the U.S., which makes sense given the series’ roots, but I’d love to see future editions include global perspectives. Crime, after all, is universal — and so are the lessons we take from it.
🎙️
Final Thoughts
A smart, engaging listen for true crime fans who want quality storytelling with emotional and historical depth. Big thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the advance listener copy.
All opinions are, of course, my own — and I’m giving this one a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
November 16, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is a strong, thoughtfully curated anthology. The editors bring together a wide range of deeply reported pieces that highlight the complexity of real-world crime without sensationalizing it. Not every story resonated equally, but the overall selection is compelling, well-structured, and surprisingly reflective. A solid recommendation for readers who appreciate true crime rooted in journalism and nuance.
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is a sharp, well-curated anthology that digs deeper than the usual “headline” crimes. Douglas Preston and Pete Crooks gather stories that are varied, well-reported, and surprisingly reflective. Some pieces are stronger than others — which is typical for anthologies — but the overall quality is high, and Preston’s commentary adds welcome insight into why we’re drawn to true crime in the first place. A thoughtful read for anyone who wants depth, not sensationalism.
A must-read for true crime fans who want real reporting, not shock value. The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is a smart, varied anthology with stories that stay with you. Some unevenness (typical for collections), but overall? Gripping, thoughtful, and worth the read.
This anthology is a standout addition to the true crime genre. Preston and Crooks curate a wide range of stories — from international cases to lesser-known but deeply researched investigations — and the result is consistently engaging. The book balances narrative pull with journalistic integrity, avoiding the sensationalism that often bogs down collections like this. While a few entries feel less compelling than others, the majority are gripping, well-crafted, and memorable. The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 sets a high bar for what an annual anthology can be.
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is a strong, thoughtfully curated anthology. The editors bring together a wide range of deeply reported pieces that highlight the complexity of real-world crime without sensationalizing it. Not every story resonated equally, but the overall selection is compelling, well-structured, and surprisingly reflective. A solid recommendation for readers who appreciate true crime rooted in journalism and nuance.
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is a sharp, well-curated anthology that digs deeper than the usual “headline” crimes. Douglas Preston and Pete Crooks gather stories that are varied, well-reported, and surprisingly reflective. Some pieces are stronger than others — which is typical for anthologies — but the overall quality is high, and Preston’s commentary adds welcome insight into why we’re drawn to true crime in the first place. A thoughtful read for anyone who wants depth, not sensationalism.
A must-read for true crime fans who want real reporting, not shock value. The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is a smart, varied anthology with stories that stay with you. Some unevenness (typical for collections), but overall? Gripping, thoughtful, and worth the read.
This anthology is a standout addition to the true crime genre. Preston and Crooks curate a wide range of stories — from international cases to lesser-known but deeply researched investigations — and the result is consistently engaging. The book balances narrative pull with journalistic integrity, avoiding the sensationalism that often bogs down collections like this. While a few entries feel less compelling than others, the majority are gripping, well-crafted, and memorable. The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 sets a high bar for what an annual anthology can be.
October 2, 2025
4 out of 5.
The Advanced Reader Copy of the inaugural edition of what will be a yearly collection containing articles on true crime from around the world. While most will be on current crimes, there will also be historical ones.
I had planned to stretch this out, expecting it to take about a week to make my way through all the various articles. Oops. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I've been a fan of true crime for pretty much forever, starting when I started reading books by and about police officers during my childhood, then slowly switching to the crimes themselves. "Helter Skelter", the various Ann Rule books starting with "The Stranger Beside Me", you name it and I probably read it, especially those published in the 1970s through 1980s.
This collection revealed crimes that I had never heard of before as well as those I had read about in newspapers or on the internet. The various articles made me sad, angry, disgusted, and thoughtful. It's hard to say I enjoyed them, because of the subject matters, but as Preston explains in his extensive introduction, I cannot help but be engrossed by what I read.
Rating non-fiction books are difficult for me, so I tend to base it on the enjoyment factor and whether I learn something from the experience, along with whether it keep my attention or bored me to death. Therefore I will not discuss the individual articles here. What I can say is that it kept my attention from the get-go.
I think any fan of true crime will enjoy themselves with this collection. Anticipated publication date is currently October 14, 2025. My sincere thanks to Crime Ink and Penzler Publishers for allowing me to get an early look.
The Advanced Reader Copy of the inaugural edition of what will be a yearly collection containing articles on true crime from around the world. While most will be on current crimes, there will also be historical ones.
I had planned to stretch this out, expecting it to take about a week to make my way through all the various articles. Oops. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I've been a fan of true crime for pretty much forever, starting when I started reading books by and about police officers during my childhood, then slowly switching to the crimes themselves. "Helter Skelter", the various Ann Rule books starting with "The Stranger Beside Me", you name it and I probably read it, especially those published in the 1970s through 1980s.
This collection revealed crimes that I had never heard of before as well as those I had read about in newspapers or on the internet. The various articles made me sad, angry, disgusted, and thoughtful. It's hard to say I enjoyed them, because of the subject matters, but as Preston explains in his extensive introduction, I cannot help but be engrossed by what I read.
Rating non-fiction books are difficult for me, so I tend to base it on the enjoyment factor and whether I learn something from the experience, along with whether it keep my attention or bored me to death. Therefore I will not discuss the individual articles here. What I can say is that it kept my attention from the get-go.
I think any fan of true crime will enjoy themselves with this collection. Anticipated publication date is currently October 14, 2025. My sincere thanks to Crime Ink and Penzler Publishers for allowing me to get an early look.
October 13, 2025
This anthology offers a broad selection of true crime essays curated by Douglas Preston and Pete Crooks, showcasing a few high-profile cases alongside several lesser-known true crime tales from across the globe. While the premise promises intrigue and variety, the listening experience is somewhat uneven.
Some stories stand out for their gripping narrative and fresh perspectives. They capture the raw tension and drama of true crime reporting, making certain chapters genuinely compelling.
However, several selections in the collection struggle to sustain interest, either because of less captivating subject matter or a lack of narrative drive. The book occasionally veers into topics like the psychology of crime or true crime conventions, and I found these to be quite boring and not worth the time.
As for the audio aspects, the narration is clear and consistent, delivering the material in a neutral style that lets the content take center stage. However, with the less interesting stories, the professional narration style feels less... well... professional and more... dull. It doesn’t do anything to elevate the less engaging sections, and the narration rarely brings a flair or distinct voice to the individual stories.
Overall, the audiobook is a decent sampler for those drawn to the true crime genre and interested in variety. It’s worth a listen for a handful of standout essays but expect a mixed bag that occasionally struggles to hold attention throughout.
Some stories stand out for their gripping narrative and fresh perspectives. They capture the raw tension and drama of true crime reporting, making certain chapters genuinely compelling.
However, several selections in the collection struggle to sustain interest, either because of less captivating subject matter or a lack of narrative drive. The book occasionally veers into topics like the psychology of crime or true crime conventions, and I found these to be quite boring and not worth the time.
As for the audio aspects, the narration is clear and consistent, delivering the material in a neutral style that lets the content take center stage. However, with the less interesting stories, the professional narration style feels less... well... professional and more... dull. It doesn’t do anything to elevate the less engaging sections, and the narration rarely brings a flair or distinct voice to the individual stories.
Overall, the audiobook is a decent sampler for those drawn to the true crime genre and interested in variety. It’s worth a listen for a handful of standout essays but expect a mixed bag that occasionally struggles to hold attention throughout.
January 5, 2026
I read daily and switch authors and genres often. I'm a follower of several social media platforms where many of the posts are readers looking for an exciting title, author or genre. I usually recommend anthologies to everyone. These collections of stories feature authors at every step of their careers, debut and legacy authors side by side demonstrating their skills to capture a reader's attention and hold it in fewer pages than many chapters of a novel. The stories mix genres as well as authors; some of my favorites are stories written by an author flexing into an unfamiliar genre. I've discovered so many new authors and widened my preferences through an anthology. Most of the books have a unique topic, this one is true crime, but the authors are free to build their stories in any style. Of course, some of the stories are better than others, but I've always found many excellent stories. PLUS.... Douglas Preston is one of my favorite authors, whether a book or a newsletter, I enjoy his writing. So for me, an anthology + Douglas Preston = an excellent reading experience for me.
October 6, 2025
DNF @ 63%
This is not a MFM or MWMH podcast style interesting true crime cases. It is more think pieces. Which would be fine except putting two pieces where the reader is supposed to feel for people convicted of sexual assault (against adults and children) back to back was too much for me.
I understand where the writers of the stories and the author of this book are coming from and certainly there are issues which need to be discussed but this is a systemic problem in the for-profit American system.
Also a convicted child sex offender was treated badly by the town where he lived? There are people in America choosing between bankrupting their families and dying of untreated cancer.
The stories I listened to were all USA-based - unsurprising as the editors are both American.
The audiobook narrator was good. Easy to listen to and well spoken.
Perhaps as I was listening to it continuously it didn’t work for me but if you were reading it say a story at a time it would be easier to digest. It is definitely an emotionally draining book rather than a relaxing one.
This is not a MFM or MWMH podcast style interesting true crime cases. It is more think pieces. Which would be fine except putting two pieces where the reader is supposed to feel for people convicted of sexual assault (against adults and children) back to back was too much for me.
I understand where the writers of the stories and the author of this book are coming from and certainly there are issues which need to be discussed but this is a systemic problem in the for-profit American system.
Also a convicted child sex offender was treated badly by the town where he lived? There are people in America choosing between bankrupting their families and dying of untreated cancer.
The stories I listened to were all USA-based - unsurprising as the editors are both American.
The audiobook narrator was good. Easy to listen to and well spoken.
Perhaps as I was listening to it continuously it didn’t work for me but if you were reading it say a story at a time it would be easier to digest. It is definitely an emotionally draining book rather than a relaxing one.
October 13, 2025
This is a rather unique book, a collection of short stories of sorts, all written by different authors, detailing various murders that came to a head in 2025. Not all the murders are recent, however they were perhaps solved this year, or were in the news in 2025 for another reason. The murder of a little girl, a father found guilty, however, in my opinion, a lot of evidence was dismissed. The murder of a woman, and her murderer finally identified.
This is the perfect book for people who like true crime, but don't want to read a full length novel, or deal with the horrific gore in many novels.
Because it is written by different authors, then tone changes with each story, which i really liked. If you don't the way one story is written, turn to the next chapter. I do have to say, I went from beginning to end in one day.
I listened to audio book, and the narrator was pleasant, strong and able to tell the story with the right tone without sounding over dramatic.
I recommend giving this to any true crime buff, and look forward to the 2026 edition.
This is the perfect book for people who like true crime, but don't want to read a full length novel, or deal with the horrific gore in many novels.
Because it is written by different authors, then tone changes with each story, which i really liked. If you don't the way one story is written, turn to the next chapter. I do have to say, I went from beginning to end in one day.
I listened to audio book, and the narrator was pleasant, strong and able to tell the story with the right tone without sounding over dramatic.
I recommend giving this to any true crime buff, and look forward to the 2026 edition.
October 13, 2025
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is an entertaining (sounds narcissistic, I know) Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) audiobook that caught my eye on NetGalley when I discovered that the editor was none other than the accomplished author Douglas Preston.
It is an easy-paced, engaging listen, and the true stories are, at times, hilarious and fist-pumping, like the one about the nudists who intervened and saved the life of an unassuming tourist or the one about the rags-to-riches art collector, where the listener learns so much about the art trade and appreciation (in terms of value). There are also heart-stopping stories about unsuspecting manslaughter at an erotic massage parlor, which sends shivers down one's spine.
I would pick this book up at my local library or even in the audiobook form that I was privileged to receive. It's a great one-time read, and I have very few complaints about it, except that some tales were more insightful, interesting, and entertaining than others. I give this one a healthy 4-star rating.
It is an easy-paced, engaging listen, and the true stories are, at times, hilarious and fist-pumping, like the one about the nudists who intervened and saved the life of an unassuming tourist or the one about the rags-to-riches art collector, where the listener learns so much about the art trade and appreciation (in terms of value). There are also heart-stopping stories about unsuspecting manslaughter at an erotic massage parlor, which sends shivers down one's spine.
I would pick this book up at my local library or even in the audiobook form that I was privileged to receive. It's a great one-time read, and I have very few complaints about it, except that some tales were more insightful, interesting, and entertaining than others. I give this one a healthy 4-star rating.
Read
January 17, 20261. What Really Happened to Baby Christina? A story that reads as though the writer had hoped that there would be a better and more definitive conclusion. Instead we get the beginnings of a story that creates expectations but those expectations are not fulfilled.
2. Nudists Fight Off Pirate Terrorists. I believe that the title of the article drew the editor but there is not much beyond the title.
3.
4. The Incel Terrorist. A sad story about a man who had no prospects and took out his hatred on women working in a massage parlor
5. The Devil Went Down to Georgia. A story that shows how police and prosecutors ignore evidence when there are crimes against gay people (especially at a time where people felt much freedom to attack gay people).
6. The Death of the Masque
7. Anatomy of a Murder. There is a reason that true crime stories are less interesting than fiction. The people in the true crime stories are usually sad broken people who are not that interesting and have lives that are not of much interest.
8. The Forever Cure.
2. Nudists Fight Off Pirate Terrorists. I believe that the title of the article drew the editor but there is not much beyond the title.
3.
4. The Incel Terrorist. A sad story about a man who had no prospects and took out his hatred on women working in a massage parlor
5. The Devil Went Down to Georgia. A story that shows how police and prosecutors ignore evidence when there are crimes against gay people (especially at a time where people felt much freedom to attack gay people).
6. The Death of the Masque
7. Anatomy of a Murder. There is a reason that true crime stories are less interesting than fiction. The people in the true crime stories are usually sad broken people who are not that interesting and have lives that are not of much interest.
8. The Forever Cure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Crime Ink for this e-arc.
Overall, I would say this is a decent collection of true crime stories. I read and watch a lot of true crime content. They're interesting and hold your attention. There were even some cases I hadn't heard of before (which is unusual for me).
However, the title was very misleading. The title portrays these as true crimes that happened in 2025; however, it is just articles released in 2025. I can see why the argument can be made that these are stories of the year 2025. But it does feel very misleading. Many of these cases happened years ago (even decades ago).
Some of the stories were very unnecessarily long. Like the first one took 14% of the book and then others will take like 2%. I feel like it really messed with the pacing. Then some stories covered several cases and others only covered one which also messes with the pacing.
But overall, this is a decent collection of stories that did keep me fairly engaged.
Overall, I would say this is a decent collection of true crime stories. I read and watch a lot of true crime content. They're interesting and hold your attention. There were even some cases I hadn't heard of before (which is unusual for me).
However, the title was very misleading. The title portrays these as true crimes that happened in 2025; however, it is just articles released in 2025. I can see why the argument can be made that these are stories of the year 2025. But it does feel very misleading. Many of these cases happened years ago (even decades ago).
Some of the stories were very unnecessarily long. Like the first one took 14% of the book and then others will take like 2%. I feel like it really messed with the pacing. Then some stories covered several cases and others only covered one which also messes with the pacing.
But overall, this is a decent collection of stories that did keep me fairly engaged.
July 28, 2025
ARC REVIEW. Thanks to Douglas Preston, Penzler Publishers, and NetGalley.
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 was a really solid read. Douglas Preston pulled this collection together with care, and it shows. His commentary on why we’re drawn to true crime stood out to me — it made me pause and think a little differently about the genre.
As someone who spent most of my life in Atlanta and now lives in Austin, I found it especially interesting to revisit some of the crime stories that hit closer to home. That added an extra layer of connection for me while reading.
While a few of the cases didn’t feel totally new if you follow true crime regularly, the overall mix worked well. The pacing was great, the structure made it easy to follow, and there was enough variety to keep things interesting.
If you're a fan of true crime or just diving in, this is definitely worth picking up.
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 was a really solid read. Douglas Preston pulled this collection together with care, and it shows. His commentary on why we’re drawn to true crime stood out to me — it made me pause and think a little differently about the genre.
As someone who spent most of my life in Atlanta and now lives in Austin, I found it especially interesting to revisit some of the crime stories that hit closer to home. That added an extra layer of connection for me while reading.
While a few of the cases didn’t feel totally new if you follow true crime regularly, the overall mix worked well. The pacing was great, the structure made it easy to follow, and there was enough variety to keep things interesting.
If you're a fan of true crime or just diving in, this is definitely worth picking up.
October 3, 2025
As an avid true crime listener, I was really intrigued by this collection and curious to see what stories would make it into a “best of” book. What surprised me was that the anthology focuses entirely on past cases, told in a variety of storytelling formats. Some of the stories were gripping and exactly what I look for in true crime, while others left me questioning how they earned a spot in this collection.
I listened to the audiobook, and while the narration itself wasn’t bad, I do wish each story had been read by its own author. I think that would have added more authenticity and made the listening experience stronger.
Overall, it was a mixed bag for me—worth a listen for true crime fans, but not every story lands.
I listened to the audiobook, and while the narration itself wasn’t bad, I do wish each story had been read by its own author. I think that would have added more authenticity and made the listening experience stronger.
Overall, it was a mixed bag for me—worth a listen for true crime fans, but not every story lands.
October 8, 2025
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 is a group of thirteen true crime stories. I was anticipating this being true crime stories that occurred this year but that was not the case. I think that some of the stories could have had more of a deep dive, like the incel man, and I don't think I needed a whole story on Jon Benet Ramseys dad (unless there's a confession in there...)
This just read like a high school students essay on a true crime story, thirteen times over. There wasn't a lot in terms of new perspective or information and instead it just summarized the sensationalized stories we've all heard.
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 will be published 14 October 2025 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
This just read like a high school students essay on a true crime story, thirteen times over. There wasn't a lot in terms of new perspective or information and instead it just summarized the sensationalized stories we've all heard.
The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025 will be published 14 October 2025 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
October 21, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy.
First, let me complain to the publisher because any best-of-the-year book should never be published within the year it is professing to be the best of year XYZ. (major pet peeve of mine).
Second comes the review..... True Crime is a tough one for me because many of the stories have little to no resolution and tend to veer into the darkness where there's little room to maneuver, and a good chance the darkness is staring back.
For this year's publication, here are my top stories:
One man's exploration into the border patrol and his experience/research into polygraphs
a beautiful tribute to Frances Glessner Lee, the mother of forensic science
a whirling tour through a complex case of a murdered child abuser
The massage spa killer
First, let me complain to the publisher because any best-of-the-year book should never be published within the year it is professing to be the best of year XYZ. (major pet peeve of mine).
Second comes the review..... True Crime is a tough one for me because many of the stories have little to no resolution and tend to veer into the darkness where there's little room to maneuver, and a good chance the darkness is staring back.
For this year's publication, here are my top stories:
One man's exploration into the border patrol and his experience/research into polygraphs
a beautiful tribute to Frances Glessner Lee, the mother of forensic science
a whirling tour through a complex case of a murdered child abuser
The massage spa killer
November 16, 2025
I mean, I really did want to like this a lot more. I would say I definitely learned about some new cases I hadn't heard of before, but some parts were just very slow. I would have liked to learn more about some of the newer cases mentioned that haven't already been over-publicized. There wasn't as much reflection about why the now famous families of murderers (or the murdered) are putting themselves in the spotlight of social media, news shows and crime cons. I guess I would have liked to hear some more personal stories. Overall if you like true crime, it might be worth a listen (the audio narrator did a good job).
Thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for this ARL. All opinions are mine.
Thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for this ARL. All opinions are mine.
September 8, 2025
This book, The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025, is such a great collection of true crime stories. This true crime collection is co-edited by Douglas Preston and Pete Crooks. Initially, I was drawn to this title because I have read other books associated with Douglas Preston. I have found that books associated with him tend to be ones I enjoy, and this collection is no exception. I found the true crimes highlighted in this book very intriguing. I was especially surprised that most of these crimes were ones I had not previously been aware of which made reading about them even more interesting. Overall, I would highly recommend, The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025, for any true crime readers out there.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Penzler Publishers and Crime Ink for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #TheBestTrueCrimeStoriesoftheYear2025 #DouglasPreston
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Penzler Publishers and Crime Ink for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #TheBestTrueCrimeStoriesoftheYear2025 #DouglasPreston
October 3, 2025
This was a book that read a bit more like a podcast series. Every chapter has a different true crime subject.
Overall I really enjoyed listening. Specifically the chapters on the injustice of the local police against the handcuff man, the heiress, and the wrongly accused father.
There were a couple chapters that I wasn't so interested in, like the art robberies, polygraph, and a bit about some nudists, but very easily skip-able to the next subject.
The narrator did a great job; though the chapter conclusions sometimes felt a bit abrupt and right on to the next subject!
ARC received through NetGalley
Overall I really enjoyed listening. Specifically the chapters on the injustice of the local police against the handcuff man, the heiress, and the wrongly accused father.
There were a couple chapters that I wasn't so interested in, like the art robberies, polygraph, and a bit about some nudists, but very easily skip-able to the next subject.
The narrator did a great job; though the chapter conclusions sometimes felt a bit abrupt and right on to the next subject!
ARC received through NetGalley
October 7, 2025
This was a fun compilation of crime stories, and not all were murders! I didn't care for the art heist story as much, but the polygraph essay and the write up about victims families attending CrimeCon were really cool. Also funny to note that I am a white middle aged women - which is mentioned as the main audience at CrimeCon. The handcuff man story and the man who went to prison for the murder of his 3 year old daughter really tugged at my heart. There is definitely a story for everyone in here.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2025
This book had some great essays. I think I would have liked it more if I wasn't used to more longform content for the genre -- podcasts, vlogs that I'm used to go more in depth and these were little bites.
The essay on the polygraph was really good, as well as the opening, kind of heartbreaking story of who killed a young girl. I was introduced to Frances Glessner Lee, and for that I am grateful to this book!
I listened as an audiobook, and so the read was smooth if you want a quick one.
Thank you to NetGalley for your eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The essay on the polygraph was really good, as well as the opening, kind of heartbreaking story of who killed a young girl. I was introduced to Frances Glessner Lee, and for that I am grateful to this book!
I listened as an audiobook, and so the read was smooth if you want a quick one.
Thank you to NetGalley for your eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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