Page-turners about prison, cults, survival, and “places I’ll never reach” (true or based on true)

Hey everyone, I’m looking for absolute “can’t stop reading” books, preferably true stories or based on true events.

I love books about prison or jail, cults, and survival or adventure etc. I’m especially drawn to stories set in places most of us will never experience or even reach.

I’m after fast-paced, gripping, hard-to-put-down reads. Nonfiction is ideal, but I’m totally open to fiction if it feels real or is inspired by real events.

What would you recommend? If you can, add one line on why it’s unputdownable (no spoilers please). 🙏