Gregg Olsen has been writing since the early 1990s: in his 30+ year career he has published over 20 fiction books and 13 nonfiction true crime books, his true crime books have outsold his fiction works by a significant amount. In this post we look at Gregg Olsen’s True Crime books in order of publication. We cover his 13 nonfiction books spanning his career including his latest 2025 release Out of the Woods. Many of these books have been republished, sometimes with new titles. We have ordered them based on the original publication date, but listed the newest titles, any purchase links will be the latest edition.
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Gregg Olsen’s Nonfiction True Crime Books In Order
American Mother: The True Story of a Troubled Family, Motherhood and the Cyanide Poisonings That Shook the World, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 1993 as Bitter Almonds. Revised and updated in 2022.
American Mother details the shocking true story of Stella Nickell, who poisoned her husband with cyanide for insurance money. When another victim died the same way days later, investigators unraveled her deadly scheme. Olsen explores the toxic mother-daughter relationship that fueled this ultimate betrayal.
Cruel Deception, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 1995
Cruel Deception reveals the disturbing case of Tanya Reid, a nurse convicted of murdering her infant daughter and abusing her son. Olsen details how she fabricated her children’s illnesses—a condition known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy—in a shocking betrayal of motherhood. The book follows the landmark trial that exposed the dark secrets behind her deadly deceptions.
Starvation Heights: A True Story of Murder and Malice in the Woods of the Pacific Northwest, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 1997
Starvation Heights uncovers the shocking true crime story of Dr. Linda Hazzard, who ran a sinister sanatorium in the Pacific Northwest. Under the guise of a “fasting treatment,” she systematically starved her wealthy patients, including two British heiresses, to steal their fortunes.
American Black Widow: The shocking true story of a preacher’s wife turned killer, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 1998
American Black Widow tells the chilling story of Sharon Nelson, a charismatic preacher’s wife suspected of killing her two husbands. After each mysterious death, she collected substantial life insurance payouts. Olsen unravels how she exploited charm and manipulation to mask a calculated pattern of murder for financial gain.
If Loving You is Wrong, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 1999
If Loving You Is Wrong examines the infamous case of Mary Kay Letourneau, the Seattle teacher convicted of raping her 13-year-old student. Olsen explores the complex, controversial relationship that resulted in two children and a national scandal.
Abandoned Prayers: The Incredible True Story of Murder, Obsession and Amish Secrets, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 2002
Abandoned Prayers investigates the disturbing murder of a young boy found in a Nebraska cornfield on Christmas Eve. Olsen traces the crime back to his father, Eli Stutzman, an Amish man living a dangerous double life of secret vices.
The Deep Dark: Disaster and Redemption in America’s Richest Silver Mine, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 2005
The Deep Dark chronicles the tragic 1972 Sunshine Mine fire in Idaho that trapped 174 miners a mile underground. Olsen details the desperate rescue efforts and the harrowing fight for survival of those left behind. It’s a gripping story of disaster, human resilience, and a community forever changed by loss.
A Twisted Faith: A Minister’s Obsession and the Murder That Destroyed a Church, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 2010
A Twisted Faith exposes the shocking case of pastor Nick Hacheney, who murdered his wife and seduced multiple women in his congregation. After a suspicious house fire, investigators found his wife was dead before the blaze began.
If I Can’t Have You: Susan Powell, Her Mysterious Disappearance, and the Murder of Her Children, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 2014
If I Can’t Have You investigates the heartbreaking case of Susan Powell, a Utah mother who vanished in 2009. As suspicion fell on her husband Josh, a series of family secrets unraveled, ending with him murdering their two young sons. Olsen chronicles the disturbing saga of obsession, lies, and a family tragedy that captivated the nation.
A Killing in Amish Country: Sex, Betrayal, and a Cold-Blooded Murder, by Gregg Olsen
First published in 2016
A Killing in Amish Country reveals the murder of Amish wife Barbara Weaver, shot in her own bed in 2009. Her husband Eli, who lived a secret life online as “Amish Stud,” conspired with his lover to commit the crime.
If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood, by Gregg Olsen
Published in 2019
If You Tell is the harrowing true story of three sisters who survived unimaginable abuse at the hands of their sadistic mother, Shelly Knotek. Behind their Washington farmhouse doors, she subjected them to torture and degradation that escalated to murder.
The Amish Wife by Gregg Olsen
Published in 2023
The Amish Wife investigates the 1977 death of Ida Stutzman, an Amish mother whose barn fire death was ruled accidental. Olsen re-examines the case, suspecting her husband Eli was a killer whose crimes culminated in his own son’s murder. The book exposes a long-buried conspiracy of silence that allowed a murderer to go free for decades.
Out of the Woods: A Girl, a Killer, and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home, by Gregg Olsen
Published in 2025
Out of the Woods—Featured in our best True Crime books from 2025—is the latest book by Gregg Olsen. It tells the harrowing story of Shasta Groene, who survived being kidnapped by serial killer Joseph Duncan after her family was murdered. Olsen details her 48-day ordeal and the lifelong struggle with trauma that followed her rescue.
From the twisted psychology of family annihilators to the hidden sins within insular communities, Gregg Olsen’s true crime catalog offers a masterclass in suspenseful, real-life storytelling. Spanning three decades, his work compels us to confront the unsettling reality that the most profound evil often wears a familiar face. By exploring his books in order, we witness not only the evolution of a definitive voice in the genre but also a persistent, unflinching quest to uncover the truth—no matter how dark—behind the headlines. Dive into any title on this list, and you’ll understand why Olsen’s meticulously researched narratives continue to captivate, haunt, and outsell all his other works.
