Do you enjoy murder mysteries or chilling criminal escapades? The best true crime audiobooks will have you on the edge of your seat, whether they’re divulging details about well-known serial killers or unidentified villains of unsolved crimes. You won’t be able to stop listening as each mystery unravels, especially when these gripping tales are performed by some of the most captivating voices in audio
1. Call Me God: The Untold Story of the DC Sniper Investigation
This headline-dominating crime story completely captured the attention of the world when it happened in 2002, but there was surprisingly little information on the DC Sniper investigation – until this comprehensive audio documentary came along. Using thorough reporting, victim interviews and first hand accounts from the lead FBI investigators on the case (including agents and brothers Jim and Tim Clemente), Call Me God exposes the turbulent investigation and revealing the moments of heroism and triumph where tireless hard work and a little good luck can deliver justice. Harrowing and immediate, this documentary feels like an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but with very real life stakes.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street tells the story of Jordan Belfort and his rise to notoriety in the 1990s as the head of investment firm Stratton Oakmont. Written by Jordan Belfort himself, this shockingly honest autobiography hides nothing from the listener, detailing the rise and fall of this infamous stock market millionaire. Eric Meyers expertly narrates the story as if he had written it himself, pulling everything together, from the severity of the crimes committed to the hilarity of some of the situations Belfort found himself in. Meyers’ native New York accent and his clear, authentic tone of voice are an excellent combination for the performance of this entertaining true crime listen that’s sure to leave you in disbelief.
3. The Irishman
Set in Philadelphia across the 1950s to the 1980s, The Irishman tells the tale of alleged mafia hitman Frank Sheeran and the details of his supposed involvement in the death of Jimmy Hoffa. The original story, written by former detective Charles Brandt, was titled I Heard You Paint Houses, which is mob code for “I heard you kill people.” This true crime release chronicles the life of Frank ‘Irishman’ Sheeran through interviews held with Brandt, who was a homicide prosecutor, investigator and defence attorney at the time. American actor and narrator Scott Brick brings his diverse experience and award-winning voice to this story, ensuring the listener is gripped from start to finish.
4. Catch Me If You Can
The story of one of the most audacious international con artists of the 1960s is brought to life in this epic true crime story. As a young man, Frank W. Abagnale undertook a deceitful career in crime that saw him co-pilot a jet, masquerade as a lawyer and cash in over $2.5 million in fake cheques. Catch Me If You Can was written by Abagnale himself, alongside Stan Redding, and was adapted into a successful film directed by Steven Spielberg in 2002. Actor and Earphone Award-winning narrator Barrett Whitener performs the story in true attention-grabbing style, keeping listeners engaged throughout, while accurately presenting the imagination and genius of Abagnale’s scams.
5. I'll Be Gone in the Dark
Known today as the Golden State Killer, a mysterious serial rapist and murderer terrorised California for more than a decade between 1974 and 1986 before disappearing – eluding police and denying his victims any semblance of justice. Thirty years later, true crime journalist Michelle McNamara tries to put the pieces together. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is a detailed journal of her dogged obsession with uncovering the identity of a violent offender who evaded capture for more than 40 years. With expert narration from the calm and composed Gabra Zackman, an introduction by Gone Girl writer Gillian Flynn and a touching afterword by the late McNamara’s husband, this listen is a truly original take on the pursuit of truth.
6. A Bit of a Stretch
Revealing the true state of the prison crisis in the UK, former documentary-maker and writer of A Bit of a Stretch, Chris Atkins, details his time spent in HMP Wandsworth after being sent there for five years for tax fraud. A Bit of a Stretch is an unembellished true crime story, accurately depicting what it’s like to be a prisoner in one of the UK’s most infamous prisons. The author narrates the story from start to finish, drawing on his horrifying experiences and providing a moving yet humorous first-hand account of his time inside. The performance is insightful and realistic as Chris acknowledges his crimes but also brings his story to life with tongue-in-cheek anecdotes that will leave you feeling both informed and shocked.
7. The Five
The Five tells the harrowing true stories of five women who had one devastating event in common: they were all murdered by Jack the Ripper. Journey back to Victorian-era London and delve into the untold lives of Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary-Jane. You’ll hear about the desperation they each experienced and the heinous crimes committed against them. Written by British historian Hallie Rubenhold, The Five was awarded the Baillie Gifford Prize in 2019 and named the Hay Festival Book of the Year. English actress Louise Brealey assumes the role of narrator, where her empathetic and emotional performance shines a light on the widely unknown victims behind these brutal crimes.
8. Helter Skelter
Considered one of the foremost entries in the true crime canon, Vincent Bugliosi’s Helter Skelter sheds light on one of America’s most darkly fascinating cases: the cold-blooded homicides carried out by the Manson Family. In the summer of 1969, a group of young men and women entered the house of actress-model Sharon Tate, where they barbarically murdered all five inhabitants before killing two more the next day. A savagely cruel crime committed in star-studded Beverley Crest, the story drew massive media attention around the world and catapulted cult leader Charles Manson into the spotlight. Narrated by acclaimed voice artist Scott Brick, Helter Skelter offers an expert perspective on the case, trial and the workings of Manson’s mind.
9. The Prison Doctor
The Prison Doctor is an astonishing real-life account of what it’s like to treat some of the UK’s most dangerous criminals. Dr Amanda Brown reveals the stories, patients and criminal cases that shaped her career as a prison doctor, providing us with an honest and inspirational memoir. Focusing on the real people behind the crimes, Brown’s stories bring a true sense of humanity to some of the most shocking crimes. Expertly narrated by English actress and TV presenter Sophie Aldred, her calming tone creates an empathetic and insightful look into what is truly an eye-opening series of events.
10. I Spy
Get a closer look into the work of the UK security services with I Spy. This title takes listeners on a gripping journey, documenting the lengths that MI5 personnel go through to protect the country. Written by former MI5 Surveillance Officer, Tom Marcus, I Spy delivers real-life accounts of the challenges faced by Marcus and the teams around him when dealing with criminal plots designed to severely threaten the UK. Actors Jason Langley and Georgia Maguire masterfully narrate this story, striking the perfect balance between the seriousness of the content and the eye-opening nature of the potential crimes exposed.
Discover more true crime audiobooks and podcasts here.
