Ann Rule’s Crime Files Books in Order

The first volume in the Crime Files series features the case of Randy Roth, a mechanic whose wives had a habit of dying in tragic accidents. It also includes other accounts of killers who hid behind a mask of normalcy.

This collection leads with the case of Tim Harris, a Florida highway patrolman who swore to protect but became a predator. Other cases explore the dark side of obsession and the fatal consequences of possessive love.

A collection focusing on crimes of passion, jealousy, and fatal attractions. The headline case involves a love triangle that turned deadly, showcasing how intense emotions can drive otherwise ordinary people to violence.

Features the case of Jerry Harris, a wealthy businessman who vanished, leaving his wife to hunt for the truth. Rule uncovers a plot of betrayal by a trusted friend who coveted Harris's life and fortune.

The saga of Scott Scurlock, known as the "Hollywood Bandit," who lived a double life as a charismatic ecologist and a prolific bank robber. His spree ended in a violent shootout that shattered the lives of his friends.

A Crime Files anthology exploring the minds of killers who snap. The collection delves into the psychology of sudden violence, including the story of a bus driver whose secret life led to the abduction of a child.

A collection of cases where trust was met with betrayal. The stories focus on victims who believed the lies of those closest to them, leading to devastating and often fatal consequences.

This volume features the bizarre case of a doctor who poisoned his wife, among other stories. Rule explores how desperate individuals try to dance around the truth to escape justice.

Stories of romance turned lethal. This anthology looks at relationships that began with passion and ended in violence, highlighting the warning signs that were missed until it was too late.

A collection focusing on greed as a motive for murder. The central cases involve spouses and family members who decided that an insurance payout was more valuable than a human life.

This volume spotlights killers who refused to admit guilt or show sorrow. Rule examines the chilling mindset of criminals who justify their actions regardless of the evidence against them.

Accounts of con artists and manipulators who created false realities to entrap their victims. The stories reveal how easily intelligence and kindness can be exploited by those without a conscience.

A collection about high-stakes risks and fatal outcomes. These files cover cases where victims found themselves in perilous situations, often unaware of the mortal danger lurking in their everyday lives.

Stories of ultimate betrayal by friends, lovers, and colleagues. Rule focuses on the shock and devastation that follows when a trusted companion turns out to be a killer.

A collection of hidden dangers and secret lives. The stories illustrate how the past can come back to haunt the present, and how predators often hide in plain sight.

This anthology examines the danger next door. The cases focus on community tragedies where the killer was a familiar face—a neighbor, a coworker, or a friend.

A collection focused on premeditated crimes and ambushes. Rule details cases where killers patiently stalked their victims or laid traps, highlighting the calculated nature of their malice.