Book List

Best Crime and (In)Justice Books of 2018

HISTORY

THE CADAVER KING AND THE COUNTRY DENTIST

by Radley Balko & Tucker Carrington

A horrifying exposé of how a few individuals can infect an entire state’s criminal justice system. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

BENEATH A RUTHLESS SUN

by Gilbert King

By turns sobering, frightening, and thrilling, this meticulous account of the power and tenacity of officially sanctioned... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

CITY OF DEVILS

by Paul French

A Casablanca without heroes and just the thing for those who like their crime stories the darkest shade of noir. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

RISE AND KILL FIRST

by Ronen Bergman translated by Ronnie Hope

A significant contribution to our understanding of Middle Eastern politics and its far-reaching effects. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

I'LL BE GONE IN THE DARK

by Michelle McNamara

An exemplary true-crime book, and with an HBO adaptation in the works, this book will be enjoyed by any reader with an... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

THE POISONED CITY

by Anna Clark

A potent cautionary tale of urban neglect and indifference. Infuriated readers will be heartened by the determined efforts... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

AMERICAN PRISON

by Shane Bauer

A potent, necessary broadside against incarceration in the U.S., which “imprisons a higher portion of its population than... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

A SAVAGE ORDER

by Rachel Kleinfeld

A solid, convincing argument based on experience, research, travel, and intelligence. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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