The dark web can’t be accessed by normal browsers such as Google Chrome or Safari. Because of its obscure nature, there are myths that surround the dark web. Many people still think it’s illegal to access the dark web or that the dark web is only filled with nefarious content.
We compiled a list of the 18 best dark web books to read for comprehensive and factual information about the dark web. Here’s a quick rundown of the top ten.
- Casting Light on the Dark Web: A Guide for Safe Exploration by Matthew Beckstrom
- The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal. by Evan Ratliff
- Silk Road by Eileen Ormsby
- The Darkest Web by Eileen Ormsby
- Weaving the Dark Web: Legitimacy on Freenet, Tor, and I2P by Robert W. Gehl
- The Dark Web Dive: A Complete Guide to The Dark Web by John Forsay
- TOR: a Dark Net/Dark Web Journey on How to Be Anonymous Online by John Smith
- DarkMarket: Cyberthieves, Cybercops and You by Misha Glenny
- The Deep Dark Web: The Hidden World by Richard Gatomalo
- Darknet: A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Anonymous by Lance Henderson
If you’re interested in exploring the dark web, your number one concern should be your privacy and safety. We recommend using a VPN and the Tor browser to access the dark web. A reputable VPN such as NordVPN uses cutting-edge encryption to anonymize your connection and has a strict no-logging policy.
Continue reading the article below for a summary of each book and more dark web information.
The dark web is an often misunderstood corner of the internet, home to a vast array of activities, both legal and illegal. Despite its negative reputation, however, the dark web is also a trove of information. Want to learn more about the dark web? From true crime stories to technical guides on how to access the dark web, these books offer a range of perspectives.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the 18 best dark web books to read in 2023. Let’s dive in.
The 18 Best Dark Web Books in 2023
What is the dark web? The dark web has piqued the interest of many regular internet users. However, unlike the surface web, the dark web is not so straightforward to access. For instance, you can’t access dark web sites with your favorite browser. You need to use a VPN and the Tor browser.
Below, you’ll find recommended essential readings about the dark web that are suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
1. Casting Light on the Dark Web: A Guide for Safe Exploration by Matthew Beckstrom
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2019 |
| Publisher | Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 4.09 out of 5 |
This is a thorough introduction for beginners who are curious about the dark web. It assumes the reader is not tech-savvy and thus presents information in an entertaining way that’s free of jargon.
It starts by presenting the history of the dark web and how to access onion websites (dark web sites) using special software like Freenet, Tor browser (the most popular), or I2P. It provides guidance through screen grabs on how to download and set up all three.
The book further guides the reader through six common myths about the dark web, such as: “the dark web is mostly a marketplace for illicit drugs” or “it’s illegal to use the dark web.” It goes into detail on how to avoid illegal activity on the dark web and what actions to take when you do.
All in all, the book is a fantastic dark web primer that illustrates how the dark web can be beneficial to users who care about their privacy.
2. The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal. by Evan Ratliff
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2019 |
| Publisher | Random House |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 4.04 out of 5 |
The Mastermind dives into the unbelievable true story of Paul Calder Le Roux, a talented programmer turned criminal drug lord.
The story all started with a legitimate online pharmacy store that prescribed painkillers to Americans. However, le Roux had his sights on a bigger prize. The drug network expanded into an illegal drug-trafficking conglomerate spanning many countries: smuggling tons of drugs and illegal weapons from Iran and controlling an army of mercenaries in Somalia.
Le Roux went from running his operation from a laptop in Manila to becoming a full-fledged crime boss, organizing drug deals and drop-off points and ordering hits on anyone he suspected was against him, including his own employees and long-time acquaintances.
The story is thrilling and paints a picture of a technologically savvy guy capable of developing encryption so advanced that even law enforcement agencies couldn’t break it.
3. Silk Road by Eileen Ormsby
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2014 |
| Publisher | Pan Macmillan |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 4.00 out of 5 |
Silk Road narrates the dramatic and ground-breaking story of the most popular illegal dark web marketplace, Silk Road. Silk Road changed the illegal drug trade by providing a marketplace that was free of violence and police interference. With the click of a button, a buyer could purchase any illegal drug.
The book covers the intricacies of running such a platform, its proprietor Dread Pirate Roberts, the politics that revolved around the marketplace, and the truckload of drama that still unfolds to this day.
Ormsby’s book goes deep into the early beginnings of Silk Road, what it was like when it peaked, and its epic downfall. The book is well-written, well-researched, and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
4. The Darkest Web by Eileen Ormsby
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2019 |
| Publisher | Allen & Unwin |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.99 out of 5 |
The book is more of a collection of investigative stories concerning the dark web rather than a tutorial on how to explore dark web links. The Darkest Web is divided into three sections — dark, darker, and darkest — but still maintains the flow of a single story. The author dived deep into these stories, sometimes becoming a part of them so much so that she received death threats for writing about them.
The Dark section tells the story of Silk Road — the now-defunct dark web marketplace famous for selling all types of illegal drugs — and its founder. It also touches on other dark web marketplaces that came after Silk Road and their evolution.
The Darker section explores hitmen for hire on the dark web, while the Darkest section uncovers despicable characters and their darkest desires that will make you despise humanity.
5. Weaving the Dark Web: Legitimacy on Freenet, Tor, and I2P by Robert W. Gehl
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2018 |
| Publisher | The MIT Press |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.92 out of 5 |
What comes to mind when you hear of dark web websites? Drugs, guns, hackers, scammers, hitmen, illegal marketplaces? You’re not far from the truth. However, Weaving the Dark Web takes a look at a different side of the dark web.
The book covers the side of the dark web where users can freely and openly have discourses about politics, social issues, and more. Dark web communication is often under the cover of anonymity and far from censorship and the ever-tightening oversight of governments.
Gehl gives a compelling argument on the “legitimacy” of the dark web, highlighting the New York Times’s anonymous whistleblowing system and the importance of encryption for political dissidents.
He discusses the implications of Facebook’s dark web version and what it means for the last frontier of privacy. All in all, he argues about the benefits of the dark web to society and how we can leverage it to affirm our freedom of speech and right to privacy — both of which are deteriorating.
6. The Dark Web Dive: A Complete Guide to The Dark Web by John Forsay
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2019 |
| Publisher | Independently published |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.82 out of 5 |
If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to the dark web — how it started, who created it, the Tor network and other cutting-edge technologies behind it, who funds it, what goes on there, the best onion sites, and much more — then this is for you.
Besides listing the dangers, the book lays a compelling argument against big technology companies such as Google and how they harvest your data. It goes on to describe the dark web as a remedy for this and tells how internet users can leverage the dark web to take back control of their privacy.
The book also talks about the enormous riches that have been made on these dark corners of the internet. It covers dark web marketplaces such as Silk Road, Hansa, and others. You can also read bout hidden services that exist on the dark web and how to differentiate an illegal dark web site from other legitimate websites.
7. TOR: a Dark Net/Dark Web Journey on How to Be Anonymous Online by John Smith
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2017 |
| Publisher | Independent |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.82 out of 5 |
This book is a fantastic introductory text to Tor and how to stay anonymous online. Smith’s book takes you through what Tor is, how to set it up, and how you can use it to avoid mass surveillance by governments and other prying eyes online. John Smith tackles digital privacy by discussing the dangers of traffic analysis and how it jeopardizes our personal freedoms.
The book is written for beginners and it’s free of jargon. It’s easy to read and small enough to be read in one sitting. However, if you’re looking for in-depth information about Tor and the dark web then you’re better off reading other books on this list.
8. DarkMarket: Cyberthieves, Cybercops and You by Misha Glenny
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Publisher | Knopf |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.80 out of 5 |
The book explores the underground world of cybercrime and the efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat it. Written by an investigative journalist and expert on cybercrime, the book delves into the world of online crime networks and the people who run them. It also examines the ways in which these networks operate, the tactics they use to evade detection, and the impact they have on individuals and organizations around the world.
The book begins by providing a brief history of cybercrime and the evolution of the internet as a platform for criminal activity. It then goes on to describe the various types of cybercrimes that are committed, including identity theft, online fraud, and malware attacks.
Throughout the book, Glenny uses case studies and interviews with law enforcement officials, hackers, and victims of cybercrime to illustrate the challenges and successes of the fight against cybercrime.
9. The Deep Dark Web: The Hidden World by Richard Gatomalo
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Publisher | Independent Publishing |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.70 out of 5 |
The book begins by discussing the history and development of the internet and the various technologies that have enabled the creation of the deep web and the dark web. It then goes on to describe the ways in which these hidden parts of the internet are used, both for legitimate purposes and for criminal activities.
The book also discusses the risks and challenges associated with accessing and navigating the deep web and dark websites, including the potential for exposure to malicious software and the risk of encountering illicit content. When exploring the dark web, make sure to secure your connection using NordVPN to ensure your anonymity.
10. Darknet: A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Anonymous by Lance Henderson
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2013 |
| Publisher | Independent Publishing |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.70 out of 5 |
The book begins by discussing the importance of online privacy and the various threats that exist to one’s personal information on the internet. It then goes on to introduce various tools and techniques that can be used to protect one’s privacy, including the use of anonymous networks, virtual private networks (VPNs), and encryption.
The book is accessible to both beginners and experienced users alike. If you take your privacy and anonymity online for granted, the book will show you the risks and dangers of doing so.
11. The Dark Net: Inside the Digital Underworld by Jamie Bartlett
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2016 |
| Publisher | Melville House |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.65 out of 5 |
This book not only tackles the dangers of the dark web but also its history, benefits, and guiding philosophies. Jamie Bartlett, a journalist, does a remarkable job of telling individual true stories by doing the legwork of seeking out and interviewing victims. Bartlett uncovers what lies beneath the belly of the beast that is the internet as we know it.
The title is a bit misleading and covers both the deep web and dark web, which are different. It delves into the heinous activities that take place on dark web sites like identity theft, scamming, political extremism, camgirls, cryptocurrencies, drug trafficking, and child porn.
It also explores suicide forums and other communities that encourage eating disorders and racism. It further takes a critical look at how politics has adapted to the internet. How libertarians, with the cover of anonymity, are fighting surveillance, driving the adoption of cryptocurrencies, and other important societal issues.
12. Tor Browser: Secrets of the Deep Web, How to Stay Anonymous Online, and Surf the Web Like a Hacker by Cooper Alvin
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2017 |
| Publisher | Independent Publishing |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.50 out of 5 |
The book serves as essential reading for beginners to the dark web. You’ll learn about the differences between the deep web and dark web. It then takes a critical look at how users can surf the web anonymously and keep away from online tracking and government surveillance.
Alvin’s book explains what the Tor network is and what an onion site is, plus how these work in a way that a layman can understand. It further dives into the benefits of Tor and other supporting dark web technologies. It’s an easy read with lots of helpful information on how to navigate the world wide web while maintaining online privacy.
13. Digging the Deep Web: Exploring the dark side of the web by Pierluigi Paganini
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2018 |
| Publisher | Independent Publishing |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.40 out of 5 |
This book explores the hidden corners of the internet known as the deep web and the dark web. Written by Pierluigi Paganini, a cybersecurity expert, the book provides a detailed and accessible introduction to these mysterious parts of the internet and the risks and rewards associated with accessing them.
The book focuses on criminal activities that take place on the dark web. It goes into detail about the crimes committed and techniques used to commit the crimes. It’s a small book that can be read in one sitting. However, the book has several grammatical errors and lacks depth.
14. Cybercrime and the Darknet: Revealing the hidden underworld of the internet by Cath Senker
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2016 |
| Publisher | Arcturus |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.48 out of 5 |
Senker’s book is a fantastic introduction to the dark web. It clearly explains what the dark web is and how it works without getting too complicated with jargon. The book is broken down into two sections: “Cybercrime” and “The Dark Net.”
The Dark Net section tackles how to use the Tor browser to access onion links (dark web links). It aims to inform the reader of the benefits of online anonymity for activists or journalists experiencing strict online censorship by submitting information anonymously. The Cybercrime section tackles cybercrime on the dark web, including some of the most well-known leaks, uses of viruses or worms, and DDoS attacks.
Interestingly, the book points out that the majority of activities that take place on the dark web are well within the confines of the law. That said, it also dives into the dark side of the dark web, discussing topics such as drug-selling websites, illegal pornography, and other illegal activities and forums.
15. Tor and the Dark Art of Anonymity: How to Be Invisible from NSA Spying by Lance Henderson
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2015 |
| Publisher | Independent Publishing |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.37 out of 5 |
Although a bit dated, Tor and the Dark Art of Anonymity still remains a fantastic primer to The Onion Router network. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of online privacy and security, the use of anonymous networks such as Tor, and the risks and challenges associated with staying anonymous online.
The book begins by discussing the importance of online privacy and the various threats that exist to one’s personal information on the internet. It then goes on to introduce the Tor network and explains how you can use it to protect your privacy online.
16. Tor: Exactly How to Remain Invisible on the Anonymous Deep Web by Joshua Cody
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2017 |
| Publisher | Independent Publishing |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 3.18 out of 5 |
Cody’s book starts by discussing the importance of online privacy and the various threats that exist to one’s personal information on the internet. It then goes on to introduce the Tor project and explains how it can be used to protect one’s privacy online.
The book also covers the risks and challenges associated with using the Tor network, such as the potential for exposure to malicious software and the risk of encountering illegal websites. In addition, the book provides practical tips and techniques for staying anonymous on the internet, including the use of VPNs, encryption, and anonymous web browsing.
17. The Dark Web: The Unseen Side of the Internet by AJ Wright
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2020 |
| Publisher | AB Prominent Publishing |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 2.33 out of 5 |
This short book covers what you need to know about the dark web. It starts by defining what the dark web is and what some of its misconceptions are. It then tackles the origins of the deep web, the dark web, and the technologies supporting both. Wright’s book delves into what can be found on the dark web such as hidden wikis and dark web search engines.
It’s good to note that the book isn’t written well and that you’ll encounter grammatical errors. It also doesn’t offer in-depth information on the topic. With that said, it’s suitable for beginners who are just getting started on the dark web and Tor.
18. Hacking & Tor: The Complete Beginners Guide To Hacking, Tor, & Accessing The Deep Web & Dark Web by Jack Jones
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Year Published | 2017 |
| Publisher | Independent Publishing |
| Goodreads Community Ranking | 2.08 out of 5 |
This book by Jones begins by discussing the fundamental concepts of hacking and computer security, including the different types of attacks that hackers use and the various tools and techniques that they employ.
The book is easy to read and understand, although the material is superficial and lacks depth. It will guide you through both the dark web and the deep web and discusses the different activities that take place on the dark web.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is made up of unregulated websites that are largely characterized by three criteria:
- These websites are not indexed by search engines like Google.
- You can only reach these websites by entering the exact URL (known as “onion” links).
- These websites can only be viewed by special browsers such as the Tor browser.
These days, the dark web is home to all kinds of activities. Some news organizations, like The New York Times, host dark web versions of their news websites for people who live in countries where foreign news is banned. You can also find secure file hosting websites, deep web radio, and email services on the dark web.
What sets apart the dark web from the surface web, however, is the presence of black markets and other sketchy websites, such as forums that allow hate speech or child pornography. As these websites are often struck down from the surface web, they’ve instead made their homes in the recesses of the dark web.
How Do You Access the Dark Web Safely?
The dark web can’t be accessed using regular browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari. Below, we give an overview of how you can get on the dark web. For a more detailed walkthrough, view our resource on visiting the dark web safely.
1. Enable your VPN
If visiting the dark web is frowned upon in your country, then you’ll need a virtual private network to hide your internet activity from your internet service provider. A VPN is also useful for masking your IP address so malicious actors on the dark web can’t track your location. All in all, a VPN lets you remain anonymous online.
We recommend NordVPN as the best dark web VPN. It offers reliable speeds, which you’ll need when you use Tor browser (more on that later). NordVPN also has 5,000+ servers spread out in over 60 countries, so you’ll never run out of server options.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
You can also check our best free dark web VPN, PrivadoVPN, but note that you only get 10 GB of free browsing per month.
2. Open Tor Browser
Dark web links (also known as ‘onion links’) are different from typical links (like facebook.com). An onion link uses onion routing, which essentially means your messages are protected by several layers of encryption.
Regular browsers like Chrome and Firefox don’t have onion link support. To access dark web links, you need a special browser known as the Tor browser. The Tor browser bounces your web requests over three random servers while also encrypting your data before the request is delivered to the intended server.
This method ensures rock-solid security for your data and total privacy for your online movements. However, it significantly slows down website loading times, so opt for a secure VPN that maintains speeds similar to your normal browsing speeds.
Conclusion: The Best Books About the Dark Web
There’s no doubt the dark web is a mysterious side of the internet that has piqued the interest of many internet users. The books mentioned in this article will give you a thorough coverage of what the dark web is, its dangers, what has happened and still goes on there, how you can access it safely, and how you can use it for good.
Here’s a quick overview of the top 10 best dark web books that cater to beginners and experienced users alike.
- Casting Light on the Dark Web: A Guide for Safe Exploration by Matthew Beckstrom
- The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal. by Evan Ratliff
- Silk Road by Eileen Ormsby
- The Darkest Web by Eileen Ormsby
- Weaving the Dark Web: Legitimacy on Freenet, Tor, and I2P by Robert W. Gehl
- The Dark Web Dive: A Complete Guide to The Dark Web by John Forsay
- TOR: a Dark Net/Dark Web Journey on How to Be Anonymous Online by John Smith
- DarkMarket: Cyberthieves, Cybercops and You by Misha Glenny
- The Deep Dark Web: The Hidden World by Richard Gatomalo
- Darknet: A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Anonymous by Lance Henderson
In case you’re too curious about the dark web and would like to get started quickly, our how to get on the dark web in 15 steps guide will give you a thorough walkthrough. Just remember to take your security seriously by using a reputable, dark web VPN like NordVPN, and the Tor browser.
Didn’t find what you were looking for in the article above? Below, find some frequently asked questions and their answers.
The dark web is designed for privacy and anonymity for users such as journalists, whistleblowers, and people that want to avoid censorship. However, because of the lack of regulations, you’ll also find illegal marketplaces and other potentially dangerous websites. You can read our guide for dark web book recommendations to get an in-depth look at what goes on on the dark web.
The best dark web books are Casting Light on the Dark Web: A Guide for Safe Exploration by Matthew Beckstrom and The Mastermind: Drugs. Empire. Murder. Betrayal. by Evan Ratliff. They’ll give you a comprehensive introduction to the dark web and an unbiased look at its benefits and dangers. You can read our best dark web books article for more suggestions.
Yes, there are safe ways to access the dark web and avoid the looming dangers that are found there. For example, a leading VPN such as NordVPN offers a layer of protection by masking your IP address and safeguarding your connection with modern encryption.
