10 Incredible Non-Fiction Books That Read Like Fiction

A definitive account by journalist Adam Higginbotham, Midnight in Chernobyl explores the 1986 nuclear disaster, unraveling the layers of secrecy and misinformation surrounding the event. Through firsthand accounts and extensive interviews, Higginbotham weaves a narrative that reveals the human fragility and resilience amid one of the world’s worst disasters, making it as gripping as any thriller.

Red Notice by Bill Browder intertwines business and political intrigue, detailing his transformation from a wealthy financier in Russia to a human rights activist fighting against the corruption of Vladimir Putin’s regime. With its thrilling elements akin to a suspenseful novel, Browder’s true story exposes the darker side of Russia and has captivated readers with its audacity and peril.

Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air recounts the harrowing events of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster with both a journalist's analytical depth and a climber's emotional intensity. This haunting account not only examines the physical challenges faced on the perilous ascent but also delves into the inner struggles of those involved, making it a profoundly personal narrative.

Daniel James Brown’s The Indifferent Stars Above chronicles the tragic journey of the Donner Party. This gripping tale of survival against overwhelming odds is marked by heartbreak and heroism as Sarah Graves and her family traverse the Sierra Nevada Mountains in search of a better life, offering readers a harrowing glimpse into the human spirit’s resilience.

John Carreyrou's Bad Blood delves into the shocking rise and fall of the Silicon Valley startup Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes. This thorough investigation reveals the depths of corporate deception, unveiling a narrative filled with ambition, greed, and the stark realities of a failed healthcare revolution, reading like a cautionary tale that captivates and horrifies.

In All the Devils Are Here, Bethany McLean and Joe Nocera unravel the complex threads of the financial crisis that shook the globe. Through meticulous reporting and engaging storytelling, they illuminate how human folly, greed, and systemic failure converged to create the economic disaster, providing insights that resonate far beyond the realm of finance.

David Grann’s The Wager transports readers to a thrilling saga of shipwreck and survival. It chronicles the fate of a British naval vessel that battled treachery and mutiny after a catastrophic mishap. Grann’s skillful storytelling elevates this historical tale to a gripping narrative that explores the very essence of human nature in times of trial.

Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City intertwines the construction of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago with the dark exploits of a cunning serial killer. This mesmerizing blend of architecture, ambition, and murder showcases Larson's ability to craft suspenseful history that reads like a thriller, revealing the contrasting narratives of innovation and terror.

Mary Roach's Stiff navigates the intriguing world of human cadavers with a delightful mix of humor and scientific exploration. Offering readers an insightful look into how the deceased contribute to medicine and beyond, Roach presents a morbidly fascinating and entertaining narrative that captivates and educates in equal measure.

Kate Moore's The Radium Girls shines a light on the struggles of factory workers who faced lethal consequences due to negligence by their employers. This gripping account details their fight for justice against corporate indifference, revealing themes of resilience and female empowerment that resonate deeply in today's world.