Erica Kelley and her fast-rising podcast, Southern Fried True Crime, is fairly new on the scene but what she lacks in episodes she makes up for with Southern charm, extensive investigation and then there’s that drawl, y’all. With just a little over 20 episodes, focused on cases taking place in the South, she is making a fast name for herself and her podcast. With all the time that she devotes to research, it’s hard to believe that she has time to read but she recently shared some of her favorite true crime books with us.
Fatal Vision by Joe McGinniss

Fatal Vision by Joe McGinniss

“I actually saw the made-for-TV movie with my mother as a pre-teen and then found the book in our town’s used bookstore. It started my lifelong obsession with true crime. I think it is still such a readable book. And ironically, it’s still controversial. McGinniss went on to write other great true crime novels, but this is his opus.”


And Never Let Her Go by Ann Rule

And Never Let Her Go by Ann Rule

“It was hard to pick which Ann Rule book and I know many would choose The Stranger Beside Me. But And Never Let Her Go always stuck with me and I read it several times. The heartbreak of Anne Marie Fahey’s family and the takedown of such a powerful man would be a compelling story anyway, but this is also a notorious ‘no body’ case. Those are always particularly hard to prosecute and of course, for the families to find closure. Ms. Rule gave Anne Marie so much dignity.”

People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd

People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry

“Learning about the Japanese justice system was fascinating.”

American Fire- Love, Arson and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica HesseAmerican Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse

“I also LOVED American Fire by Monica Hesse. I covered the Accomack County arsonists in my Valentine’s Day episode and her book was my main source. She really understands how to get to the soul of rural communities and she showed great compassion and understanding for Charlie and Tonya.”


Make sure to check out the Southern Fried True Crime podcast and get your fill of Erica Kelley’s smooth and extremely detailed delivery of some of the most compelling Southern true crime stories.