Why do people enjoy reading true crime books? Believe it or not, this question has been deemed worthy of scientific research and studies conducted in 2010 by the University of Illinois suggest that the biggest fans of the genre are women, who read about murders in order to avoid becoming a victim, to understand what warning signs to watch for in men and to pick up escape tips and survival strategies should the worst happen. Yet their choice of reading matter may actually compound women’s fear, creating a greater awareness of violent crime and thereby increasing their apprehension.
In 2012, crime lecturer Judith Yates compared reading true crime books to riding a roller coaster, suggesting that we find both experiences equally titillating and thrilling, albeit slightly scary. She concluded: ‘Crime is real, guttural, and nasty – but perfectly safe when you are curled up in a chair reading’.
In-depth analysis of customer reviews from an online book store suggests that women tend to select books about serial killers, especially those that feature female victims and closely examine the background and childhood of the perpetrator, whereas men favour accounts of opportunistic murders. Women are more analytical readers and welcome the chance to figure out the perpetrator’s psyche but, regardless of gender, reading about unsolved crimes and having the opportunity to play detective is popular with all true crime fans, who relish the conquest between good and evil, yet have an almost universal desire for resolution and want the perpetrator to get his or her just deserts.
There are those who suggest that fans of the genre use it as a rehearsal to practice and fine tune their own potential reactions to tragedy. Some believe that we read true crime in the same vicarious and voyeuristic way that we gawp at road accidents, as a way of reassuring ourselves that we are safe, while allowing us to feel compassion for those who aren’t as fortunate. According to author Gary Provost (1991) the essence of true crime is ‘…normal people, who commit abnormal acts’ and readers of the genre constantly question their own potential for such behaviour. Provost theorises that readers view criminals almost as a completely different species and so study criminal behaviour much as they might be interested in learning about any alternative or alien cultures or societies, highlighting the differences and - heaven forbid - recognising any similarities between ‘us and them’.
Nicola Sly has a Masters Degree in forensic and legal psychology and currently teaches criminology to adult learners. She is the author of twenty-nine historic true-crime books, including regional and national titles. Her latest title, In Hot Blood, is exclusively available to download as an ebook now. The ebook is available on Kindle, Kobo and directly from The History Press.