Women in True Crime: Books About Female Criminals and Victims

There is no denying the fact that readers have been enthralled with the true crime genre for many years. Best Books About True Crime usually feature male criminals and police. 

But in true crime, female criminals and victims have an equally significant presence. In this blog post, we will discuss some well-known books that include female offenders and victims. Let’s get started! 

1. The Case of Aileen Wuornos: “Monster” by Christopher Berry-Dee

Aileen Wuornos remains one of the most infamous female serial killers in American history. Dubbed the “Damsel of Death,” Wuornos was convicted of murdering seven men between 1989 and 1990. Her story has been the subject of documentaries, movies, and Best Memoir Books, but one of the most comprehensive looks at her life is Monster by Christopher Berry-Dee. This book delves deep into Wuornos’s troubled upbringing, her life as a sex worker, and the series of events that led to her killing spree.

Unlike many male serial killers, Wuornos claimed that her murders were acts of self-defense against men who attempted to rape her. Whether or not this claim is entirely accurate, Monster offers readers an intimate look into her psyche, blurring the line between predator and prey. The story of Aileen Wuornos challenges the notion of women as passive, maternal figures, instead presenting a complex character shaped by years of abuse and trauma.

2. The Tragic Tale of Sylvia Likens: “The Girl Next Door” by Jack Ketchum

While many true crime books focus on adult victims or criminals, The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum tells the haunting story of Sylvia Likens, a teenage girl whose life was brutally cut short in 1965. Sylvia was entrusted to the care of Gertrude Baniszewski, a woman who subjected her to unimaginable torture and abuse, eventually leading to her death. Baniszewski’s children, as well as local neighborhood kids, also participated in the abuse, making this one of the most disturbing cases of mob cruelty in true crime history.

What makes this story particularly heart-wrenching is that Sylvia Likens was a vulnerable, innocent teenager with her whole life ahead of her. The Girl Next Door explores the darker side of human nature, where groupthink and a toxic home environment led to one of the most horrific crimes involving a female perpetrator. This case not only sheds light on the horrors of domestic abuse but also questions how societal and familial pressures can drive individuals, especially women, to commit unspeakable acts of violence.

3. The Murderess in Disguise: “Lady Killers” by Tori Telfer

Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History by Tori Telfer is an eye-opening exploration of some of history’s most dangerous women. While true crime often focuses on male killers, Telfer’s book shines a light on female murderers who have slipped under the radar. From the aristocratic killers of the 19th century to the calculated poisoners of more recent decades, Lady Killers reveals that female criminals are just as capable of cold, calculated violence as their male counterparts.

One of the most fascinating elements of Lady Killers is how many of these women used societal expectations of femininity to their advantage. Poison, for instance, was often a preferred method of murder for women in earlier centuries, as it was more subtle and allowed them to operate under the guise of being nurturing caretakers. This book shows that women, too, can be as manipulative, cunning, and violent as any male killer.

4. The Tragic Story of Lacey Peterson: “For Laci” by Sharon Rocha

Laci Peterson’s case became a media sensation when she disappeared in 2002, only to be found murdered months later. Her husband, Scott Peterson, was eventually convicted of her murder, but the case continues to haunt those who followed it. In For Laci: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, and Justice, Laci’s mother Sharon Rocha recounts the heartbreaking search for her daughter, the trial that followed, and the enduring pain of losing a child to such a heinous crime.

This book stands out not only for its detailed retelling of the events leading up to and following Laci’s death but also for its portrayal of a family torn apart by tragedy. It offers readers an intimate, emotional perspective of a victim’s life, focusing on who Laci was beyond the headlines. Her story reminds us that true crime isn’t just about the perpetrators; it’s about the innocent lives taken and the families left to pick up the pieces.

5. The Ultimate Betrayal: “My Sister’s Keeper” by Margaret Moorman

My Sister’s Keeper is a chilling memoir by Margaret Moorman, who recounts the life and crimes of her sister, a woman convicted of killing their parents. Unlike many true crime books that are written by journalists or authors investigating the crime, this one is a deeply personal account, written by a family member. Moorman offers a raw and emotional look at what it’s like to come to terms with the fact that someone you love and grew up with is capable of murder.

This book takes readers on a journey through sibling rivalry, mental illness, and familial bonds, all while grappling with the emotional toll of such a personal tragedy. Moorman’s reflections on her sister’s mental state before the murders and her own feelings of guilt and grief give readers a unique perspective on the complexities of crime within the family.

6. Female Revenge: “The Good Nurse” by Charles Graeber

The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder by Charles Graeber tells the terrifying story of Charles Cullen, a male nurse who killed at least 40 patients over the course of his career. While Cullen is the primary focus of this book, the story also highlights Amy Loughren, a female nurse who ultimately helped bring him to justice. Loughren’s involvement in exposing Cullen is a powerful testament to women’s role in solving crimes and seeking justice for the victims.

Loughren’s actions in The Good Nurse demonstrate that female figures in true crime aren’t limited to victims or perpetrators. They can also be heroes, using their intelligence, compassion, and moral conviction to seek justice. Her bravery in confronting a serial killer working in the same hospital system highlights the courage women often show in dangerous situations.

Final Thoughts 

Whether as offenders, victims, or brave individuals pursuing justice, women are prominent figures in the world of real crime. 

These stories we have discussed above provide a more thorough insight of the dark side of human nature, whether it is through the heartbreaking tales of female victims or the terrifying acts of female murderers.

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