Nonfiction Ebooks

Nonfiction: True Stories, Real Insights

Where Journalism Meets Storytelling.

From the hidden lives of scientists to the inner workings of the mystery genre, our nonfiction collection proves that the truth is often stranger—and more compelling—than fiction.

Whether you are fascinated by the real-world dramas of discovery or eager to learn from the masters of the craft, you'll find a voice here that informs, entertains, and inspires.

🔬 The "Narrative Science" Collection Real people, real dilemmas, and the surprising truth behind the headlines.

  • The Scientist and the Sociopath: A collection of true stories featuring computer scientists, cosmologists, and doctors tackling the world's most baffling mysteries.
    • Perfect for fans of: Oliver Sacks, Malcolm Gladwell, and Mary Roach.
    • The Vibe: Investigative, witty, and deeply human.

✍️ The "Writer's Life" Collection Essays on the craft, the community, and the quirks of the mystery world.

  • Speaking My Sleuth #1 & #2: Two volumes of witty, insightful essays drawn from the award-winning SleuthSayers blog.
    • Topics: From Edgar Allan Poe's Christmas tales to the secrets of Walt Whitman's favorite bar, and advice from John Grisham.
    • Perfect for: Aspiring writers, mystery buffs, and anyone who loves the "behind-the-scenes" of literature.
    • The Vibe: Conversational, comical, and packed with literary history.

💡 The Complete Experience:

  • The Speaking My Sleuth Bundle: Get both essay volumes in one convenient package. Save money and get the full collection of nearly 100 essays.

Discover the stories behind the stories. Browse the books below and expand your understanding of the world.

Behind the Story...

I got my start in newspaper and magazine journalism. I spent many years traveling the world interviewing scientists for magazines such as Discover, Wired, and Seed. You'll find my best science stories in The Scientist & the Sociopath. Nowadays, I am still reporting, but I've returned the geeky subject that obsessed me as a kid: mysteries! The Sleuth books are all true. They just focus on books, the writing life, and mysteries.

—Joe