There's no denying the allure of psychopaths. There's something disturbing but fascinating about people so ruthless and manipulative, who lack the ability to feel guilt or remorse over their actions. Perhaps hearing more about this often misunderstood disorder offers us a way to confront deep-seeded fears and insecurities. Or perhaps it's one way to make sense of terrifying and horrific events.
One thing is certain: psychopaths hold a particular sway in the cultural imagination. These audiobooks, both fiction and nonfiction, explore psychopathy from a variety of angles. You'll find classic novels with psychopathic characters as well as accounts by leading scientists and psychologists about what goes on inside the minds of psychopaths. And there's a memoir written by a diagnosed sociopath. Whether you're looking for a listen to help you better understand human behavior, a gripping thriller, or a creepy escape, you'll find it on this list.
Note: On this list, you'll also find books about sociopaths, who, like psychopaths, have antisocial personality disorder. Both are manipulative, fearless, and charming. But sociopaths are more impulsive and volatile while psychopaths tend to be calm, cool, and calculating—which makes them more difficult to spot and more likely to get away with their schemes.
