Criminal
Book Recommendations

Criminal

Criminal is the first of its kind. A show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Named a Best Podcast of 2023 by the New York Times. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Episodes 396
Books 187

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

The Scarlet Letter: The Original 1850 Edition (Nathaniel Hawthorne Classics) cover

The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Mentioned 7 months ago

Fall River

Nathaniel Hawthorne published this book in 1850, 18 years after Sarah Cornell's death, about a charitable woman who has an affair with a minister, becomes pregnant, and is publicly condemned for adultery, showing strong parallels to Sarah Cornell's story.

In 1849, he started working on a book about a woman who was known to be good at sewing and very charitable, who has an affair with a minister. She becomes pregnant and is publicly condemned for adultery.

Buy on Amazon
The Sinners All Bow: Two Authors, One Murder, and the Real Hester Prynne cover

The Sinners All Bow

Kate Winkler Dawson

Mentioned 7 months ago

Fall River

This book was about a Methodist minister, a mill worker, and a murder, specifically the case of Sarah Cornell. The author interviewed many people related to the case and wrote a narrative nonfiction true crime book about it.

Kate Dawson's book is The Sinners All Bow: Two Authors, One Murder, and the Real Hester Prynne.

Buy on Amazon
Fall River: An Authentic Narrative cover

Fall River

Catherine Read Williams

Mentioned 7 months ago

Fall River

This was Catherine Williams' book about the murder trial, which she published shortly after the trial concluded. The book interviewed witnesses and friends, finding that many claims made during the trial about Sarah Cornell's medical issues were wrong.

Catherine Williams published her book shortly after the trial. It was called Fall River, an Authentic Narrative.

Buy on Amazon
Storming the Court: How a Band of Yale Law Students Sued the President--and Won cover

Storming the Court

Brandt Goldstein

Mentioned 1 year ago

A Land Without Law

It recounts the story of how a group of law students fought the US president and won a case concerning Haitian refugees at Guantanamo Bay. The book details their legal battle, highlighting the students' dedication and the complexities of the case.

This case should be dismissed immediately. The U.S. Constitution does not apply to Guantanamo. No other federal law applies to Guantanamo. We can do whatever we want to these refugees. We can be arbitrary, we can be capricious, we can even be cruel.

Buy on Amazon
The Mirage cover

The Mirage

Zay N. Smith

Mentioned 1 year ago

The Mirage

It is a book written in 1979 by Pam Zeckman and Zae Smith about their experience of running an undercover bar to catch Chicago officials in the act of corruption. It was a 25-part series that became a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in local special reporting.

The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America cover

The Unseen Truth

Sarah Lewis

Mentioned 1 year ago

A Murder in the Forest

It was mentioned in passing that Sarah Lewis had written a new book, "The Unseen Truth," and that Brene Brown would be discussing it on her podcast.

A Man's Guide on How to Save Your Marriage Without Having to Talk About It cover

A Man's Guide on How to Save Your Marriage Without Having to Talk About It

Doug Holt

Mentioned 1 year ago

A Murder in the Forest

Dom Phillips was working on a book about saving the Amazon rainforest, titled 'How to Save the Amazon: Ask the People Who Know', which is to be released next year.

Dom Phillips' book titled How to Save the Amazon Ask the People Who Know.

Buy on Amazon
The Last Good Heist: The Inside Story of The Biggest Single Payday in the Criminal History of the Northeast cover

The Last Good Heist

Wayne Worcester

Mentioned 1 year ago

Into the Vault

It is a book about the robbery of Raymond Patriarca's vault in Providence during the 1970s, written by Tim White, Wayne Wooster, and Randall Richards. The authors faced challenges in tracking down the lead gunman, Robert Dusault, due to his involvement in the witness protection program.

The True Believer cover

The True Believer

Eric Hoffer

Mentioned 1 year ago

Ana

It detailed the investigation and capture of Ana Montes, a DIA analyst who spied for Cuba, and was discussed as a key source of information about the case.

Scott Carmichael's book is True Believer: Inside the Investigation and Capture of Ana Montes, Cuba's Master Spy.

Buy on Amazon
Code Name Blue Wren: The True Story of America's Most Dangerous Female Spy―and the Sister She Betrayed cover

Code Name Blue Wren

Jim Popkin

Mentioned 1 year ago

Ana

It recounted the true story of Ana Montes, focusing on her role as a spy and the betrayal of her sister, an FBI agent working to expose Cuban spies.

Jim Popkin's book is called Code Name Blue Wren, The True Story of America's Most Dangerous Female Spy, and The Sister She Betrayed.

Buy on Amazon
Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story: The True Story of a Journalist's Investigation into a Fraternity Drug Ring cover

Among the Bros

Max Marshall

Mentioned 1 year ago

Millions of Pills

Max Marshall's book 'Among the Bros' focused on one fraternity at one college in particular, the College of Charleston, which was known for its wealthy, out-of-state student body and strong Greek life culture. The book investigated the fraternity's involvement in a drug ring that involved the distribution of Xanax and cocaine.

You know, there was a saying I heard a few times under the influence above the law. And I do think that sort of describes the mindset of a certain type of fraternity guy.

Buy on Amazon
Happily Never After cover

Happily Never After

Lynn Painter

Mentioned 2 years ago

State of North Carolina v. Joan Little

It tells the story of Nancy and Dan Brophy, who were married for 25 years. Dan was a chef and Nancy wrote romance novels. In 2018 Dan was found dead and Nancy became the main suspect. Investigators tried to determine whether Nancy was researching her next novel or planning a murder.

Follow Happily Never After Dan and Nancy on the Wondry app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to all episodes of Happily Never After Dan and Nancy early and ad-free right now by joining Wondry Plus.

Buy on Amazon

Most Recommended

Along Freedom Road: Hyde County, North Carolina, and the Fate of Black Schools in the South Cover

David S. Cecelski

Along Freedom Road

Hyde County, North Carolina, and the Fate of Black Schools in the South

It was mentioned as a source to learn more about the Hyde County School Boycott, a pivotal event in the fight for desegregation in North Carolina.

"

You can learn more about the Hyde County School Boycott in David Zaselsky's book, Along Freedom Road.

— Episode: The Boycott

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Boycott

It was mentioned as a source to learn more about the Hyde County School Boycott, a pivotal event in the fight for desegregation in North Carolina.

"

You can learn more about the Hyde County School Boycott in David Zaselsky's book, Along Freedom Road.

Houdini's "Girl Detective": The Real-Life Ghost-Busting Adventures of Rose Mackenberg Cover

Rose Mackenberg

Houdini's "Girl Detective"

The Real-Life Ghost-Busting Adventures of Rose Mackenberg

It was mentioned as a book containing Rose Mackenberg's essays about her experiences working with Harry Houdini to expose fraudulent mediums and the ghost racket.

"

Rose Mackenberg wrote about her experiences which Tony Wolfe compiled into a book called Houdini's Girl Detective the real-life ghost busting adventures of Rose Mackenberg.

— Episode: Ghost Racket Crusade

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Ghost Racket Crusade

It was mentioned as a book containing Rose Mackenberg's essays about her experiences working with Harry Houdini to expose fraudulent mediums and the ghost racket.

"

Rose Mackenberg wrote about her experiences which Tony Wolfe compiled into a book called Houdini's Girl Detective the real-life ghost busting adventures of Rose Mackenberg.

The Redemption Of Bobby Love: A Story of Faith, Family, and Justice Cover

Bobby Love

The Redemption Of Bobby Love

A Story of Faith, Family, and Justice

It was mentioned at the end of the podcast as the book written by Bobby and Cheryl Love, detailing their story of faith, family, and justice, particularly Bobby's past and subsequent redemption.

"

To learn more about Bobby and Cheryl Love, check out their book. It's called The Redemption Of Bobby Love, a story of faith, family and justice.

— Episode: The Loves

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Loves

It was mentioned at the end of the podcast as the book written by Bobby and Cheryl Love, detailing their story of faith, family, and justice, particularly Bobby's past and subsequent redemption.

"

To learn more about Bobby and Cheryl Love, check out their book. It's called The Redemption Of Bobby Love, a story of faith, family and justice.

American Fire Cover

Andrew Erkkila

American Fire

It was discussed as the source material for the podcast, and was mentioned multiple times throughout the episode as the source for information about the arson case.

"

Monica Hesse's book isAmerican Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land.

— Episode: On Fire

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: On Fire

It was discussed as the source material for the podcast, and was mentioned multiple times throughout the episode as the source for information about the arson case.

"

Monica Hesse's book isAmerican Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land.

Monica Hesse's book is called American Fire, Love, Arson and Life in a Vanishing Land.

The Unfit Heiress: The Tragic Life and Scandalous Sterilization of Ann Cooper Hewitt Cover

Audrey Clare Farley

The Unfit Heiress

The Tragic Life and Scandalous Sterilization of Ann Cooper Hewitt

It was mentioned as the source of information about Ann Cooper Hewitt's life and the scandalous sterilization that she endured, providing details of the events that led up to the incident.

"

Audrey Claire Farley's book isThe Unfit Heiress: The Tragic Life and Scandalous Sterilization of Ann Cooper Hewitt.

— Episode: Unfit

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Unfit

It was mentioned as the source of information about Ann Cooper Hewitt's life and the scandalous sterilization that she endured, providing details of the events that led up to the incident.

"

Audrey Claire Farley's book isThe Unfit Heiress: The Tragic Life and Scandalous Sterilization of Ann Cooper Hewitt.

Audrey Claire Farley says Marion was interested in the baron's title.

Audrey Claire Farley's book about Ann Cooper Hewitt is called The Unfit Heiress, the Tragic Life and Scandalous Sterilization of Ann Cooper Hewitt.

The Port of Missing Men: Billy Gohl, Labor, and Brutal Times in the Pacific Northwest Cover

Aaron Goings

The Port of Missing Men

Billy Gohl, Labor, and Brutal Times in the Pacific Northwest

It explored the life of Billy Gohl, a labor leader in the Pacific Northwest, and the accusations against him as a serial killer. It detailed the harsh working conditions for sailors and the tensions between workers and employers.

"

Aaron Goings' book is The Port of Missing Men: Billy Gohl, Labor, and Brutal Times in the Pacific Northwest.

— Episode: The Ghoul of Grays Harbor

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Ghoul of Grays Harbor

It explored the life of Billy Gohl, a labor leader in the Pacific Northwest, and the accusations against him as a serial killer. It detailed the harsh working conditions for sailors and the tensions between workers and employers.

"

Aaron Goings' book is The Port of Missing Men: Billy Gohl, Labor, and Brutal Times in the Pacific Northwest.

I Fought the Law: Photographs by Olivia Locher of the Strangest Laws from Each of the 50 States (Quirky Book of Laws, Strange Facts) Cover

Eric Shiner

I Fought the Law

Photographs by Olivia Locher of the Strangest Laws from Each of the 50 States (Quirky Book of Laws, Strange Facts)

It detailed the life and mysterious death of Bobby Fuller, a Texas musician, who was found dead in his car under strange circumstances in 1966.

"

Mary M. Linna's book about Bobby Fuller, written with Randall Fuller, is called I Fought the Law, The Life and Strange Death of Bobby Fuller.

— Episode: I Fought the Law

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: I Fought the Law

It detailed the life and mysterious death of Bobby Fuller, a Texas musician, who was found dead in his car under strange circumstances in 1966.

"

Mary M. Linna's book about Bobby Fuller, written with Randall Fuller, is called I Fought the Law, The Life and Strange Death of Bobby Fuller.

The Strange Case of William Mumler, Spirit Photographer (Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage Books) (Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage Books (Hardcover)) Cover

Louis Kaplan

The Strange Case of William Mumler, Spirit Photographer (Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage Books) (Fesler-Lampert Minnesota Heritage Books (Hardcover))

It was mentioned at the beginning and end of the podcast as being written by Louis Kaplan and was about the life and work of William Mumler, a spirit photographer.

"

Louis Kaplan's book is The Strange Case of William Mumler, Spirit Photographer.

— Episode: Spiritual Developments

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Spiritual Developments

It was mentioned at the beginning and end of the podcast as being written by Louis Kaplan and was about the life and work of William Mumler, a spirit photographer.

"

Louis Kaplan's book is The Strange Case of William Mumler, Spirit Photographer.

Lewis Kaplan's book is The Strange Case of William Mumler, Spirit Photographer.

A Woman Like Her: A Novel Cover

Marc Levy

A Woman Like Her

A Novel

It detailed the life and death of Qandeel Baloch, a Pakistani social media star, focusing on her murder, deemed an honor killing, and the subsequent legal proceedings.

"

Sanam Maher wrote a book about Kandil Baloch. It's called A Woman Like Her, the story behind the honor killing of a social media star.

— Episode: The Short Life of Qandeel Baloch

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Short Life of Qandeel Baloch

It detailed the life and death of Qandeel Baloch, a Pakistani social media star, focusing on her murder, deemed an honor killing, and the subsequent legal proceedings.

"

Sanam Maher wrote a book about Kandil Baloch. It's called A Woman Like Her, the story behind the honor killing of a social media star.

She writes, that shows everyone that the woman being buried was a martyr.

On the House: A Washington Memoir Cover

John Boehner

On the House

A Washington Memoir

It was a book about the bizarre killing of Michael Malloy and detailed the events of his many near-death experiences, attempts on his life, and eventual death.

"

Simon Read's book is On the House: The Bizarre Killing of Michael Malloy.

— Episode: The Many Lives of Michael Malloy

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: The Many Lives of Michael Malloy

It was a book about the bizarre killing of Michael Malloy and detailed the events of his many near-death experiences, attempts on his life, and eventual death.

"

Simon Read's book is On the House: The Bizarre Killing of Michael Malloy.

Simon Reid says they noticed that Michael Malloy would often make himself sandwiches at the bar, putting big piles of sardines between pieces of bread.

Papillon; Cover

Henri CHARRIERE

Papillon;

It was given to Tim Jenkin while imprisoned in South Africa, and he considered it a 'manual of escape' for his future plans to escape prison.

"

And his book was written in such a way that it was really a manual of escape, what to do and what not to do, and how to pull off a successful escape.

— Episode: Ten Doors

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Ten Doors

It was given to Tim Jenkin while imprisoned in South Africa, and he considered it a 'manual of escape' for his future plans to escape prison.

"

And his book was written in such a way that it was really a manual of escape, what to do and what not to do, and how to pull off a successful escape.

Escape from Pretoria Cover

Tim Jenkins

Escape from Pretoria

It is Tim Jenkin's book about his escape from Pretoria Prison, which was mentioned at the end of the podcast.

"

You can see them at thisiscriminal.com, where we'll also have a link to Tim Jenkin's book, Escape from Pretoria.

— Episode: Ten Doors

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Ten Doors

It is Tim Jenkin's book about his escape from Pretoria Prison, which was mentioned at the end of the podcast.

"

You can see them at thisiscriminal.com, where we'll also have a link to Tim Jenkin's book, Escape from Pretoria.

When Should Law Forgive? Cover

Martha Minow

When Should Law Forgive?

It explored the reasons behind why forgiveness is granted in certain legal cases but not others, also discussing the complexities of forgiveness itself and the societal factors that influence it.

"

why a fresh start is permitted in some cases but not others. Why is it so hard to forgive?

— Episode: Learning How to Forgive

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Learning How to Forgive

It explored the reasons behind why forgiveness is granted in certain legal cases but not others, also discussing the complexities of forgiveness itself and the societal factors that influence it.

"

why a fresh start is permitted in some cases but not others. Why is it so hard to forgive?

forgiveness is that act of admitting that we're like other people.

letting go of justified resentment, that's what forgiveness is.

forgiveness has to be a choice.

we don't really teach people in law school about the tools of forgiveness that the legal system and those tools include pardon power that the executives have but also methods of exoneration and ways in which a criminal sentence can be commuted or the use of amnesties.

Herrin Massacre Cover

Scott Doody

Herrin Massacre

The Herrin Massacre, a book by Scott Doody, detailed the events of the 1922 Herrin, Illinois, massacre, during a coal miners' strike, where 23 people were killed.

"

That's this week on the gray area available wherever you get your podcasts, I always talked about how it's the best-kept secret ever the people of Heron Took those secrets and what they saw to their g...

— Episode: Herrin Massacre

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Herrin Massacre

The Herrin Massacre, a book by Scott Doody, detailed the events of the 1922 Herrin, Illinois, massacre, during a coal miners' strike, where 23 people were killed.

"

That's this week on the gray area available wherever you get your podcasts, I always talked about how it's the best-kept secret ever the people of Heron Took those secrets and what they saw to their grave This is author Scott duty in the summer of

Herrin: The Brief History of an Infamous American City Cover

John Griswold

Herrin

The Brief History of an Infamous American City

The book, Herrin: The Brief History of an Infamous American City by John Griswold, was mentioned as providing some information related to the events within the episode.

"

Special thanks to the Special Collections Research Center at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and Matt Gorzalski, and to John Griswold, who wrote Herrin: The Brief History of...

— Episode: Herrin Massacre

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Herrin Massacre

The book, Herrin: The Brief History of an Infamous American City by John Griswold, was mentioned as providing some information related to the events within the episode.

"

Special thanks to the Special Collections Research Center at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and Matt Gorzalski, and to John Griswold, who wrote Herrin: The Brief History of an Infamous American City.

Strange Case of the Mad Professor: A True Tale Of Endangered Species, Illegal Drugs, And Attempted Murder Cover

Peter Kobel

Strange Case of the Mad Professor

A True Tale Of Endangered Species, Illegal Drugs, And Attempted Murder

It detailed the life and crimes of John Buettner-Janusch, an anthropologist who was caught manufacturing and possessing illegal substances, and later attempted murder of a judge via poisoned chocolates.

"

He spread this story that he was making, quote, neurotoxins, unquote, to experiment on his lemurs.

— Episode: Professor Quaalude

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Professor Quaalude

It detailed the life and crimes of John Buettner-Janusch, an anthropologist who was caught manufacturing and possessing illegal substances, and later attempted murder of a judge via poisoned chocolates.

"

He spread this story that he was making, quote, neurotoxins, unquote, to experiment on his lemurs.

And the whole lewds and lemurs defense strikes me as patently ludicrous.

I wasn't exactly delighted at being implicated.

I think that he was able to justify just about anything he did.

He thought he was a genius and could get away with whatever he wanted.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.