This bestselling author, investigative reporter and historian exposes dark secrets. The native Nevadan’s eight nonfiction books—No. 9’s in the works—tell the stories of gangsters, drug runners, politicians, pioneer women and corporate behemoths. Don’t miss her tales of Las Vegas’ history, the Fremont Street namesake and the builders of the Hoover Dam. Sallydenton.com.

Runner-up: Dave Hickey