When learning how to write true crime stories that send shivers down your spine, few authors capture the essence of the genre quite like Dahlia Cross. Her latest book, Contract Killers: 25 True Crime Stories, is a masterclass in storytelling. It’s gritty, suspenseful, and deeply engaging. It’s part of her larger Murders and Mysteries series, a ten-book anthology that explores the most chilling corners of human behaviour.
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How to Write True Crime Books
Writing true crime books requires a delicate balance between deep research and compelling storytelling. Start by selecting cases that intrigue you, ensuring access to credible sources like court records and firsthand accounts. Let yourself go deep into the psychology of the perpetrators and victims to uncover the human elements behind the headlines. Craft a true crime story that respects the truth while keeping readers hooked with vivid descriptions and emotional depth. Above all, focus on honouring the victims and providing a thoughtful exploration of the motives, methods, and aftermath of the crimes.
Today, I’m sitting down with Dahlia Cross to celebrate the release of her new book and uncover her process, revealing how to write true crime books that not only inform you about the crimes, but also grip you from the very first page. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a fan of murder books, or someone fascinated by infamous murders and notorious serial killers, this interview promises to deliver insights and tips to fuel your curiosity, or maybe even your next writing project.
The Making of Contract Killers
“I’ve always been fascinated by the duality of people,” Dahlia begins, sipping her coffee with an intensity that mirrors the tone of her work. “You can have someone who seems perfectly ordinary on the outside, whether it’s your neighbour, a parent at the PTA, or a friend you’ve known for years, and yet they’re capable of unspeakable acts. That’s the kind of thing I explore in my writing.”
Her newest book, Contract Killers, looks into the shadowy world of hitmen and murderers for hire. From the cold calculation of Richard Kuklinski, known as the ‘Iceman’, to the chilling betrayal of Jennifer Pan, who plotted the death of her parents, the book examines the psychological forces that drive people to commit these notorious murders.
Dahlia explains, “What fascinates me most is the why. Why does someone decide to take a life? Especially when it’s not personal? For hitmen, it’s often about money, but there’s always something deeper, perhaps something in their past or psyche that makes them choose that path. I aim to uncover that.”
Step 1: Finding the Stories
If you’ve ever wondered how to write true crime stories, Dahlia insists it all starts with research. “You need a case that speaks to you,” she says. “It has to keep you up at night.”
For Contract Killers, Dahlia poured over court documents, police reports, and media coverage. “The key is to cross-reference everything,” she says. “One source might say the victim was found in one room, but another might claim a different location. It’s your job to piece it all together and find the truth.”
Once you’ve gathered all the puzzle pieces, it’s time to craft them into an engaging story. This is where true crime transforms from raw data into a gripping story. Focus on pacing, balancing factual detail with suspenseful storytelling to keep readers turning the pages. Start with a hook that draws them into the case, weave in the psychological motives of the killer, and spotlight the humanity of the victims. Remember, every piece needs to fit seamlessly, creating a story that’s both informative and utterly unforgettable.
Start with the true crime cases that intrigue you most. If you’re fascinated, your readers will be too. Keep a list of potential stories and track updates as new information comes to light.
Step 2: Profiling the Minds Behind the Murders
One thing that sets Dahlia’s work apart is her focus on criminal psychology. She recounts the crimes and explores the minds of those who commit them. “Understanding their psychology is crucial,” she explains. “It’s what turns a list of facts into a compelling story.”
For example, in her chapter on Richard Kuklinski, she examines how his abusive childhood and cold demeanour shaped his career as a contract killer. “He was terrifying,” she says. “But when you look at his past, you start to understand how he became that way. It doesn’t excuse what he did, of course, but it adds depth.”
That’s a key aspect of how to write true crime.
Don’t shy away from the psychological aspects. Readers want to know what makes these individuals tick. Consider consulting experts or reading academic texts on criminal behaviour to deepen your understanding.
Step 3: Balancing Facts and Narrative
True crime fans are discerning. They want accuracy, but they also crave a good story. According to Dahlia, striking that balance is the hardest part.
“You have to respect the victims and their families,” she says. “That means sticking to the facts. But at the same time, you want to create a story that keeps readers turning the pages. It’s a delicate balance.”
In Contract Killers, Dahlia achieves this by weaving vivid descriptions with details from trials and interviews. She paints a picture without crossing ethical lines. “The goal is to honour the truth while making it accessible,” she explains.
Step 4: Engaging Readers
So, what’s the secret to keeping readers hooked? For Dahlia, it’s all about emotional investment. “People don’t just want to know what happened, they want to feel it,” she says.
Take her chapter on Jennifer Pan. Dahlia outlines the events before exploring Jennifer’s upbringing, her strict parents, and the pressure she felt to succeed. By the time readers reach the crime itself, they feel like they know everyone involved, and that makes the betrayal all the more shocking. Readers love to be shocked, making this another key element of how to write true crime stories.
Checklist for Engaging Readers
- Start with a Hook: Open with an intriguing detail or shocking moment that pulls readers in immediately.
- Keep Pacing Tight: Balance detailed descriptions with moments of action or suspense to maintain momentum.
- Focus on Human Stories: Highlight the emotions, motives, and relationships that make the case relatable.
- Ask Unanswered Questions: Pose questions throughout the narrative to keep readers guessing and involved.
- Use Vivid Details Sparingly: Paint a clear picture, but don’t overwhelm readers with unnecessary details.
- End with Impact: Conclude with a reflection or twist that leaves a lasting impression.
These small but powerful steps can transform your writing into an immersive experience readers won’t forget.
Create empathy. The more you humanise everyone involved, the more impactful your story will be.
Step 5: Structuring the Book
Each book in the Murders and Mysteries series follows a similar format: 25 cases, each told in vivid detail. “It’s like assembling a puzzle,” Dahlia says. “You want variety, different motives, methods, and outcomes, but you also want the cases to flow naturally from one to the next.”
For Contract Killers, she grouped the stories by themes, starting with professional hitmen like Kuklinski and transitioning to personal vendettas, like Dana Ewell’s calculated plot to kill his family.
Most true crime books follow a chronological format, beginning with the crime itself or its discovery, and then tracing back to the events that led up to it. Alternatively, you might want to open with a dramatic moment, like the arrest or trial, before unravelling the story in flashbacks. There’s no single fixed formula for how to write true crime stories. Whichever approach you choose, make sure it’s clear and engaging.
Create a Tension Arc: Every true crime story should have a natural arc that builds suspense. Introduce the crime early, then layer in the details. What was happening in the victim’s life? What were the motives simmering beneath the surface? As you approach the climax, like the crime or the arrest, increase the stakes. Make readers feel like they’re piecing it together alongside the detectives.
Divide into Parts or Acts: Structuring your book into parts or acts can make it more digestible. For instance, you might have sections focusing on the victim’s life, the investigation, the trial, and the aftermath. Each part can feel like its own chapter in the broader story, keeping readers engaged and eager to see what’s next.
Include Multiple Perspectives: Adding depth to your narrative means exploring it from all angles. Show the victim’s perspective, delve into the mind of the perpetrator, and detail the investigators’ relentless pursuit of justice. These shifting viewpoints can give readers a richer understanding of the crime and its impact.
Use Cliffhangers: A great technique when learning how to write true crime is to leave a detail unresolved or hint at a revelation to come at the end of each chapter. This keeps readers turning the pages, desperate to know what happens next.
Weave in Themes and Questions: Beyond the facts, what larger issues does your story touch on? Is it about power, betrayal, greed, or obsession? Subtle thematic threads give your book a deeper resonance, prompting readers to reflect long after they’ve finished the last page.
Remember, structure has the dual purpose of organising your information and shaping the emotional journey. With the right framework, you’ll turn raw details into a story that captivates, informs, and lingers in the minds of your readers.
Step 6: Tell the Victims’ Stories
While the crime and its perpetrators often take centre stage, it’s crucial not to lose sight of the victims. You can’t learn how to write true crime without showing both sides. Dedicate time to portraying their lives, their dreams, and the impact their loss had on those around them.
This humanises the story, reminding readers that these are not just cases, they’re real people with families, friends, and futures stolen from them. By giving the victims a voice, you create a more balanced and emotionally resonant narrative, ensuring their stories are remembered with dignity and compassion.
Murders and Mysteries Series
Beyond the individual cases, Dahlia hopes her books spark deeper conversations about crime and justice. “True crime isn’t just about the gory details,” she says. “It’s about understanding human behaviour and, hopefully, preventing future tragedies.”
The Murders and Mysteries series tackles a wide range of topics, from Serial Killers to Female Killers and Family Massacres. Each volume offers a unique lens on the complexities of crime, making it a must-read for fans of murder books and true crime stories.
What makes Murders and Mysteries stand out in a sea of true crime books? According to Dahlia, it’s the emotional depth. “I don’t just want to tell you what happened,” she says. “I want you to feel it, to understand the ripple effects of these crimes on everyone involved.”
And isn’t that what makes true crime so compelling? The mysteries, the motives, and the search for justice. A final, important lesson in how to write true crime stories that become bestselling books.
Grab Yourself a Copy
So, whether you’re a budding author wondering how to write true crime or a seasoned reader looking for your next obsession, Dahlia Cross’s Murders and Mysteries series is a perfect choice. With its blend of criminal psychology, gripping narratives, and unflinching honesty, it’s a collection that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
Ready to uncover the darkest corners of the human mind? Grab a copy of Contract Killers today, and don’t forget to leave the lights on.
You can also read more about how to write true crime stories in my own book launch article: Scottish killers: 25 True Crime Stories.
Stay creative,
Aaron Mullins
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