There are certain authors who can make nonfiction feel just as exciting as the best novels. David Grann is one of those rare writers. While many nonfiction books focus heavily on facts and research, Grann has mastered the art of storytelling. His books are packed with fascinating historical details, but they never feel like history lessons. Instead, they read like page-turning mysteries, thrillers, and adventures.
I first discovered David Grann through Killers of the Flower Moon, and after finishing it, I immediately understood why so many readers consider him one of the best nonfiction writers working today. Since then, I have made it a point to explore more of his work, and every book has reinforced that opinion.
Whether you are a longtime fan or someone looking to read David Grann for the first time, these are the books that deserve a place on your reading list.
Best David Grann Books Ranked
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- The Wager
- The Lost City of Z
- The Devil and Sherlock Holmes
- The White Darkness
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
If you only read one David Grann book, make it Killers of the Flower Moon.
Published in 2017, this true crime masterpiece tells the story of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma during the 1920s. After oil was discovered on Osage land, members of the tribe became incredibly wealthy. Soon afterward, mysterious murders began occurring throughout the community.
As the death toll rose, investigators struggled to solve the crimes. Eventually, the newly formed FBI became involved in what would become one of the agency’s first major investigations.
What makes this book so powerful is that Grann goes beyond the crime itself. He examines greed, corruption, racism, and the ways powerful individuals exploited Native Americans for financial gain.
The story is heartbreaking, shocking, and impossible to forget.
Even if you have already seen Martin Scorsese’s film adaptation, the book provides a deeper and more detailed look at the events.
Why readers should check it out:
- One of the best true crime books ever written
- Explores an overlooked chapter of American history
- Reads like a detective novel
- Features some of Grann’s strongest investigative journalism
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
If Killers of the Flower Moon is Grann’s best true crime book, The Wager may be his best adventure story.
The book tells the true story of a British naval ship that wrecked off the coast of South America in the 1740s. What follows is a tale of survival, starvation, mutiny, and conflicting accounts of what really happened.
The book begins with a fascinating mystery. Survivors of the wreck return to civilization and share their story. Months later, another group of survivors arrives with a completely different version of events.
Who is telling the truth?
That question drives the narrative forward as Grann pieces together historical records, journals, and testimony from those involved.
What impressed me most was how cinematic the entire story feels. There were several moments where I forgot I was reading nonfiction because the events seemed too unbelievable to be true.
Yet every detail is grounded in historical research.
Why readers should check it out:
- Incredible survival story
- Perfect for fans of maritime history
- Filled with suspense and mystery
- Reads like a Hollywood adventure film
The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
Before Killers of the Flower Moon and The Wager, Grann earned widespread acclaim with The Lost City of Z.
This fascinating book follows British explorer Percy Fawcett and his obsession with finding an ancient lost civilization hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest.
In the early twentieth century, many believed the Amazon was incapable of supporting advanced civilizations. Fawcett disagreed and dedicated years of his life to proving it.
In 1925, he disappeared during one of his expeditions.
Neither Fawcett nor his companions were ever seen again.
Grann investigates the mystery while also retracing parts of Fawcett’s journey himself. The result is a compelling blend of biography, adventure, history, and investigative journalism.
This is one of those books that constantly leaves readers wondering what happened and what secrets might still be hidden within the jungle.
Why readers should check it out:
- Combines exploration and mystery
- Fascinating look at Amazon history
- Features one of history’s greatest disappearances
- Appeals to fans of archaeological adventures
The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession
For readers who want a collection of David Grann’s journalism, The Devil and Sherlock Holmes is an excellent choice.
This collection gathers several of Grann’s magazine articles and investigative pieces into a single volume.
The subjects vary widely, but every story showcases Grann’s ability to uncover fascinating details and present them in an engaging way.
Topics include:
- Criminal investigations
- Historical mysteries
- Fraud cases
- Obsessions and eccentric personalities
- Unsolved puzzles
The variety keeps the book fresh, and readers get an opportunity to see the range of Grann’s reporting skills.
Many of these stories feel like the seeds that would later grow into the larger books he became famous for writing.
Why readers should check it out:
- Great introduction to Grann’s writing style
- Wide variety of fascinating stories
- Easy to read in short sessions
- Showcases his investigative journalism talents
The White Darkness
Although shorter than his full-length books, The White Darkness remains one of Grann’s most captivating works.
The book follows explorer Henry Worsley as he attempts a solo crossing of Antarctica.
Inspired by the legendary Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, Worsley pushes himself to extraordinary physical and mental limits in pursuit of his goal.
The story becomes a powerful examination of human ambition, perseverance, and obsession.
What makes the book especially effective is its focus on a single individual confronting one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Like many of Grann’s works, it explores the fine line between determination and self-destruction.
Why readers should check it out:
- Short but powerful read
- Incredible survival story
- Explores the psychology of exploration
- Perfect for fans of adventure nonfiction
What Makes David Grann’s Books So Good?
After reading several of Grann’s books, I think his success comes down to a few key strengths.
He Finds Incredible Stories
Many of the events Grann writes about are not widely known, yet they are often more fascinating than popular historical narratives.
Whether he is covering murders in Oklahoma, shipwrecks in the Pacific, or lost cities in the Amazon, he consistently uncovers stories that deserve a larger audience.
He Makes History Accessible
Some historical nonfiction can feel intimidating. Grann’s books never do.
He presents information clearly and avoids overwhelming readers with unnecessary details. Instead, he focuses on the people at the center of the story.
He Writes Like a Novelist
Perhaps Grann’s greatest talent is his storytelling ability.
His books have strong pacing, memorable characters, suspenseful mysteries, and emotional stakes. Even readers who typically avoid nonfiction often find themselves hooked.
His Research Is Exceptional
Behind every David Grann book is an enormous amount of research.
He spends years examining archives, interviews, journals, and historical records. That dedication gives his books a level of depth and credibility that few authors can match.
Final Thoughts
David Grann has become one of my favorite nonfiction authors because he consistently proves that real life can be just as exciting as fiction.
Whether he is investigating unsolved murders, chronicling survival against impossible odds, or exploring historical mysteries, his books are impossible to put down. He has a remarkable ability to uncover forgotten stories and bring them to life for modern readers.
If you are new to his work, start with Killers of the Flower Moon or The Wager. Both showcase everything that makes Grann such a talented writer. After that, you can dive into The Lost City of Z, The Devil and Sherlock Holmes, and The White Darkness.
The good news is that there really is no wrong place to start.
If you love history, mystery, adventure, true crime, or simply great storytelling, David Grann’s books deserve a spot on your bookshelf. They are some of the most entertaining and thought-provoking nonfiction books you will find today.
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