7 New Criminology Books Reshaping the Field in 2025

Discover authoritative Criminology Books by Breno Fabrício Inglese, Jason Neal, and other experts bringing fresh, forward-thinking insights in 2025

Updated on June 28, 2025
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The criminology landscape shifted significantly in 2024, with new social dynamics and global perspectives reshaping how crime and justice are studied. Emerging trends like the integration of marginalized voices and the examination of state criminality from a Southern lens challenge longstanding Western frameworks. These 7 books capture this momentum, offering fresh insights into criminal behavior, societal impacts, and theoretical foundations that reflect the evolving nature of crime in 2025.

Each book in this selection is authored by experts who bring a distinct voice and depth to criminology’s pressing questions. From Breno Fabrício Inglese’s accessible dismantling of crime prejudices to Jason Neal’s gripping true crime analyses, the works combine empirical research, theory, and case studies to illuminate the complexities of crime and justice today. These volumes address diverse topics including white-collar crime, criminological theory, and contemporary social influences on criminal behavior.

While these books provide valuable insights into the field’s latest developments, readers seeking content tailored to their unique criminology interests might find benefit in creating a personalized Criminology book. This approach builds on emerging trends and delivers focused knowledge suited to your background and goals, helping you stay ahead in this dynamic discipline.

Best for detailed case study analysis
Jason Neal’s "True Crime Case Histories - Volume 15" offers a collection of twelve unsettling stories that delve into murder, deception, and mayhem, shining a light on the complexities of real-world crime. The book moves beyond lurid details to explore criminal psychology and investigative challenges faced over the last half-century. Readers with a keen interest in criminology, justice, or psychological profiling will find value in these meticulously researched cases that reveal the darker side of human nature. This volume addresses the curiosity about how crimes unfold and the relentless efforts to uncover truth behind disturbing events.
2024·198 pages·Criminology, Crime Biography, Murder Biography, Criminal Psychology, Investigative Techniques

After examining twelve chilling cases from the last fifty years, Jason Neal presents a series that goes beyond sensational headlines to explore the psychology and investigative nuances behind each crime. You’ll gain insight into complex criminal behaviors, from the eerie revelations in the Griekwastad Farm Murders to the twisted dynamics of suburban abuse in "The French Nanny." This volume suits anyone interested in the darker facets of human nature, investigative methods, and the pursuit of justice through detailed case studies. Neal’s narrative weaves together diverse crimes, illuminating the persistent challenges law enforcement faces and the often-hidden truths behind violent acts.

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Best for newcomers challenging crime stereotypes
Essential Criminology provides a fresh, straightforward approach to understanding crime and criminal behavior. This book highlights new insights into the causes of criminality, the role of victims, and the social mechanisms that control crime, all presented in an accessible style. It's tailored for those seeking to move beyond stereotypes and gain a clearer picture of criminology’s core issues. Breno Fabrício Inglese addresses the need for objective knowledge in this field, offering perspectives valuable for students, educators, and anyone interested in social sciences.
Essential criminology book cover

by Breno Fabrício Inglese·You?

2024·41 pages·Criminology, Social Control, Victimology, Criminal Psychology, Resocialization

Breno Fabrício Inglese's first edition of Essential Criminology offers a concise yet insightful exploration of crime and its societal impacts. Unlike many texts that dive straight into theory, Inglese focuses on dismantling common prejudices surrounding criminality, making the material accessible for anyone curious about the roots of crime, victimology, and social control mechanisms. You’ll find practical discussions on the criminal's personality and approaches to resocialization, highlighted in clear, digestible chapters. This book suits those new to criminology or anyone eager to challenge oversimplified views about crime and justice.

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Best for tailored research focus
This AI-created book on criminology trends is designed around your background and specific interests in the evolving field. You share which recent developments and subtopics you want to explore, and the book focuses solely on those areas, creating a reading experience that truly matches your goals. Through this personalized approach, you gain direct access to the most relevant 2025 research and discoveries without sifting through broader materials.
2025·50-300 pages·Criminology, Crime Trends, Theoretical Developments, State Criminality, Marginalized Voices

This tailored book explores the forefront of criminology research emerging in 2025, focusing on the latest discoveries and evolving trends. It examines new theoretical perspectives and empirical findings, offering a personalized journey that aligns with your specific criminology interests and background. By concentrating on your goals, the book reveals insights into contemporary issues such as state criminality, marginalized voices, and innovative crime analysis techniques. Each chapter is carefully crafted to engage with recent advances, providing a unique opportunity to stay current with rapidly shifting paradigms and scholarly debates in the field.

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Best for global perspectives on criminology
Southernising Criminology offers a refreshing shift in the field by centering perspectives from marginalized regions often overlooked in mainstream criminology. The book presents new theoretical and methodological frameworks that question typical Western-centric views, highlighting state criminality, violent crime, and justice practices through a Southern lens. Its structure guides you from conceptual insights to contemporary research across continents, culminating in practical examples demonstrating the transformative potential of this approach. This makes it a key resource for anyone aiming to understand or contribute to the evolving landscape of criminology globally.
Southernising Criminology: Challenges, Horizons and Praxis (Routledge Studies in Crime and Justice in Asia and the Global South) book cover

by Luiz Dal Santo, Carla Sepúlveda Penna·You?

2024·282 pages·Criminology, Sociology, Politics, State Criminality, Violent Crime

After analyzing diverse criminological traditions worldwide, Luiz Dal Santo and Carla Sepúlveda Penna developed this exploration of Southern criminology, challenging dominant Western paradigms. You will gain insights into how criminology from marginalized regions reshapes core concepts like state criminality and justice practices, supported by chapters detailing theoretical shifts and real-world examples across continents. This book suits anyone interested in critically rethinking crime and justice beyond traditional Western frameworks, especially scholars and policymakers aiming to integrate global southern perspectives into their work.

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Best for exploring diversity in criminology
Marginalised Voices in Criminology offers a vital examination of how certain groups and perspectives are sidelined within the field. This collection brings together international scholars and activists who confront issues of power, colonialism, and identity, presenting alternative viewpoints that disrupt traditional criminological discourse. By engaging with topics such as gender, race, indigenous knowledge, and LGBTQ+ concerns, the book encourages a critical pause to reflect on whose voices dominate and why. It provides essential material for those involved in criminological theory, diversity studies, and criminal justice education seeking to understand and address exclusion and epistemological supremacy.
Marginalised Voices in Criminology book cover

by Kelly J. Stockdale, Michelle Addison·You?

2024·252 pages·Criminology, Diversity, Gender Studies, Race And Ethnicity, Colonialism

When Kelly J. Stockdale and Michelle Addison examine criminology through the lens of marginalisation, they invite you to rethink who shapes this field and whose perspectives are overlooked. The book dives into issues like colonialism, identity, and privilege, presenting diverse voices from scholars, activists, and practitioners that challenge dominant narratives. You'll explore fresh viewpoints on traditional criminal justice topics and how power dynamics influence research and teaching in criminology. This collection is especially insightful if you’re grappling with inclusivity and representation within criminal justice studies or aiming to broaden your understanding of the field’s structural inequalities.

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Best for deep theoretical framework study
Vold's Theoretical Criminology remains a cornerstone in the study of criminal behavior, offering a rich survey of both foundational and emerging theories in the discipline. This latest edition continues its tradition of marrying historical context with empirical evidence, illuminating the forces that have shaped criminological thought over decades. Through clear, concise writing, it addresses the complex landscape of crime theory, making it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the subject. Whether you’re embarking on initial studies or refining your expertise, this book guides you through the frameworks that influence policy, research, and practice in criminology.
Vold's Theoretical Criminology book cover

by Jeffrey B. Snipes, Thomas J. Bernard, Rick Trinkner·You?

2024·488 pages·Criminology, Theory, Sociology, Crime Analysis, Empirical Research

Drawing from decades of scholarship, Vold's Theoretical Criminology takes you through the evolution of criminological theories, blending historical context with rigorous empirical research. The authors, all seasoned academics, offer a lucid narrative that balances classic perspectives with contemporary insights, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying. You’ll find detailed discussions that equip you to critically assess theories shaping the field, from strain theory to social control, with chapters that carefully trace their development and ongoing debates. This book suits students and practitioners who want a solid grounding in theoretical frameworks that underpin criminal justice and sociological inquiry, providing both depth and clarity.

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Best for custom knowledge updates
This AI-created book on future criminology is crafted based on your interests, background, and the specific challenges you want to explore. It focuses on the newest developments and discoveries expected in 2025, helping you dive into the topics that matter most to you. This personalized approach ensures you engage with cutting-edge insights relevant to your goals in the field, making your learning both efficient and deeply relevant.
2025·50-300 pages·Criminology, Emerging Issues, Digital Crime, State Criminality, Marginalized Voices

This tailored book explores the forefront of criminology, focusing on the latest developments and emerging issues shaping the field in 2025. It examines new research findings, evolving social dynamics, and cutting-edge theories that challenge traditional views of crime and justice. By closely matching your background and interests, it reveals insights into contemporary challenges such as digital crime, state criminality, and marginalized perspectives. This personalized volume allows you to delve deeply into the topics most relevant to you, providing a focused and engaging learning experience that keeps you ahead in a rapidly changing discipline. It’s designed to enrich your understanding of criminology’s future directions and equip you with knowledge directly aligned with your goals.

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Best for understanding corporate crime dynamics
White-Collar Crime: An Opportunity Perspective offers a distinctive contribution to criminology by focusing on the situational opportunities that enable white-collar offenses, a perspective that brings clarity to this complex area of crime. Updated with new case studies and input from emerging scholars, this edition deepens its analysis of both the offenses and the challenges in controlling them, making it a valuable resource for anyone studying or working in justice studies. It addresses not only the mechanics of crime but also realistic policy approaches, equipping you with a nuanced understanding of this persistent social issue.
White-Collar Crime (Criminology and Justice Studies) book cover

by Michael L. Benson, Sally S. Simpson, Melissa Rorie, Jay P. Kennedy·You?

2024·254 pages·Criminology, White-Collar Crime, Opportunity Theory, Crime Prevention, Policy Analysis

This fourth edition of White-Collar Crime takes a fresh look at offenses typically hidden from public view by focusing on the opportunity perspective, which argues that crime depends on offenders identifying chances to commit wrongdoing. The authors, combining decades of expertise with newer scholars' insights, dissect how situational factors and control challenges shape white-collar offenses and victimization risks. You'll find detailed case studies and recent investigations that bring theory to life, along with policy discussions that weigh the practical difficulties of curbing these crimes. If your interest lies in understanding the mechanisms behind corporate and financial crimes and the realistic prospects for their mitigation, this book offers a thoughtful, grounded exploration.

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Best for linking theory with current crime trends
Introduction to Criminology: Why Do They Do It? stands out in the field by integrating current social events and updated crime data into traditional criminological theory. This fourth edition reflects on how phenomena like the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in marijuana laws have shifted patterns of criminal behavior, offering a timely framework for understanding 21st-century crime. With its balanced coverage of violent and property crimes, the book serves as a valuable resource for students and practitioners who need to navigate evolving crime landscapes and the underlying motivations behind offenses.
Introduction to Criminology: Why Do They Do It? book cover

by Pamela J. Schram, Joseph A. Schwartz, Stephen G. Tibbetts·You?

2024·560 pages·Criminology, Crime Trends, Criminal Behavior, Violent Crime, Property Crime

Drawing from their extensive academic backgrounds, Pamela J. Schram, Joseph A. Schwartz, and Stephen G. Tibbetts offer a fresh perspective on understanding why individuals commit crimes in today’s world. The book dissects key criminological theories with real-life case studies, including updated discussions on recent social changes like the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on crime trends and the legalization of marijuana. You’ll gain insights into violent and property crimes through clear examples tied directly to theoretical concepts, enriching your grasp on criminal behavior’s complexities. This text is well-suited for anyone seeking to connect modern events with established criminology frameworks, particularly students and professionals exploring contemporary crime dynamics.

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Conclusion

These 7 books collectively underscore three clear themes reshaping criminology in 2025: expanding global and marginalized perspectives, integrating updated social realities, and deepening theoretical understanding. If you want to stay ahead of criminology research, starting with "Southernising Criminology" and "Marginalised Voices in Criminology" will broaden your worldview, while "Vold's Theoretical Criminology" anchors you in foundational frameworks.

For applying insights on specific crime types, "True Crime Case Histories" and "White-Collar Crime" provide detailed case studies and practical understanding. Combining these with "Introduction to Criminology" offers a comprehensive view that links theory and current trends. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Criminology book to apply the newest strategies and latest research tailored to your needs.

These books offer some of the most current 2025 insights and will help you stay ahead of the curve in understanding crime and justice's evolving challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Essential criminology" if you're new to the field; it breaks down complex ideas into clear concepts. If you're interested in real cases, "True Crime Case Histories" provides engaging examples that connect theory to practice.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Criminology?

Not at all. Books like "Essential criminology" and "Introduction to Criminology" are designed to be accessible, offering clear explanations suitable for beginners while still providing depth for more experienced readers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like "Essential criminology" and "Introduction to Criminology," then explore thematic works such as "White-Collar Crime" and "Southernising Criminology" to deepen your understanding of specific issues and perspectives.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

These selections are all recent and reflect current research. Starting with newer works like "Southernising Criminology" helps you grasp emerging trends, while established titles like "Vold's Theoretical Criminology" provide essential theoretical background.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can definitely focus on the books that align most with your interests. For example, choose "Marginalised Voices in Criminology" if you're curious about diversity issues, or "White-Collar Crime" for corporate crime insights.

How can I get criminology insights tailored to my specific goals without reading many books?

While these expert books offer solid knowledge, you can complement them by creating a personalized Criminology book that customizes content to your background, skill level, and areas of interest—keeping you current and efficient.

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