We mentioned in the blog about us that you can often find me listening to true crime podcasts. Well, that’s a bit of an understatement. I listen to them all the time… when I’m decorating, when I’m driving, I even go to sleep listening to them (yes, Mike thinks it’s weird too).
I’m constantly Googling for the latest ‘Best true crime podcasts’, so I thought I’d create my own list, for those fellow true crime junkies (I know quite a few of you!).
Updated in May 2021 after A LOT of lockdown listening…
Truth & Justice
I was obviously tempted to start with Serial, but I’m just going to assume that if you’re reading this, then you’re probably interested enough in true crime to have listened to it. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been desperate to get any update on Adnan’s case since. Well then, Rob Ruff @ Truth & Justice is your man. His podcast started as Serial Dynasty, a weekly podcast discussing Serial and then Undisclosed. And he ends up finding pretty good evidence incriminating Hae’s potential real killer. Since then T&J has done another 9 series. I loved up to number 6, after that, I’ve started to lose interest (sorry Bob).
Up and Vanished
Series 1 of Up and Vanished looks at the case of Tara Grinstead, a beauty queen who went missing from her house in 2005. One of the best things about this podcast? Unlike many others that don’t have a satisfying ending, this one really does. Her (alleged) killer is identified half way through the real time investigation. Series 2 is also well worth a listen!
To Live and Die in LA
To Live and Die in LA is one of the best podcasts I’ve listened to in a while. It tells the story of Adea Shabani who mysteriously disappeared from her LA apartment in 2018. There’s a shocking revelation half way through that made me shout out loud!
Culpable
Culpable is the latest from the Tenderfoot TV guys (makers of the two above) and delves into the case of Christian Andreacchio, who’s death was ruled a suicide and the case closed within 45 minutes. However, the stories told by his girlfriend and best friend don’t quite seem to add up!
Hell & Gone
Series 1 of Hell & Gone investigates the 2004 murder of 22-year-old college student Rebekah Gould. And the next two series are just as good! Series 3 has just finished, looking at the case of Mitrice Richardson who disappeared after being let our of a police station in Miami after midnight, 40 miles from home with no phone or money.
True Crime Garage
Although I prefer a full series about one story, I make an exception for the guys at True Crime Garage. They dedicate one or two episodes to each story, and the way they tell it is always very engaging. Some of the best episodes are; Brandon Lawson and his creepy 911 call, The Oklahoma Girl Scout Murders, the True East Murders, Maura Murray, and Kenneka Jenkins.
Real Crime Profile
Another one with shorter series, Real Crime Profile is presented by some proper real crime experts; Laura Richards and Jim Clemente. I’m always interested to hear their expert views on cases, particularly fascinating are the episodes on Making a Murderer‘s Steven Avery, Amanda Knox and Madeleine McCann.
Someone Knows Something
All series of SKS are worth a listen, but my faves are; Season 2 following the case of Sheryl Sheppard, who was proposed to on TV on NYE and then disappeared a few days later; and Series 4 about Wayne Gravette, who was sent a homemade parcel bomb and features the gruesome 911 call made by his son who was beside him while he opened the package.
Down the Hill
Tells the tragic story of the Delphi Murders from 2017, when two young girls bodies were discovered near the Monon High Bridge Trail. When they found one of their phones, they found footage of a ‘creepy’ man walking towards them across the bridge. Audio later released instructs the girls to go “Down the hill”. Four years later, and the girls’ killer still hasn’t been found. Once you’ve listened to Down the Hill and get hooked on the case, listen to series 1 of Scene of the Crime (the narrator’s voice is a bit irritating at first, but you get used to it) and the True Crime Garage guys also have quite a few episodes on the case.
CounterClock
I went straight in at series 2 of CounterClock, which was an error. Start at series 1. I won’t spoil it and tell you why, but all will be revealed. Delia just dropped all episodes of series 3 and it’s very binge-able.
Find Jodi
The Jodi Huisentruit disappearance is one of the most talked about mysteries in true crime. The popular news anchor was kidnapped outside her apartment early in the morning in 1995 and has never been found. Scott Fuller started telling her story in series 1 of Frozen Truth, and now has started Find Jodi to go even more in-depth in the case.
The Clearing
The Clearing follows the daughter of serial killer Ed Edwards as she tries to figure out how many crimes he really committed. Could he really be the infamous Zodiac killer?
Bear Brook
Two barrels, four bodies – Bear Brook covers the decades long mystery that lead to finding a serial killer.
Time to add a few British ones to the list…
Paradise
Paradise is a BBC podcast telling the tragic story of a British couple who’s hog-tied bodies were found in the sea off Guatemala in 1978.
Death In Ice Valley
Death In Ice Valley tells the perplexing story of ‘The Idsal Woman’, an unidentified woman who was found dead in the “Ice Valley” in Norway in 1970. If you’re into a bit of espionage, this ones for you.
The Missing
Another series that looks at one mysterious case a week but this time from the UK. The Missing covers some cases you’ve probably heard of (e.g. Suzy Lamplugh) and others that barely made the news.
And now for some of my favourite Aussie podcasts…
The Night Driver
From the people who brought us the hugely popular The Teacher’s Pet (if you haven’t listened, it’s well worth it) comes The Night Driver. I think this is one of the most riveting podcasts I’ve never listened to. It follows the case of Janine Vaughan, who was last seen by her friends getting into a little red car at the end of a night out. They play the creepy audio recording from the CCTV camera of her friends calling out for her to come back.
The Lady Vanishes
Last but definitely not least….
I added this one to the list following a recommendation from a friend after I posted this blog the first time around. Thanks Amy, it’s a cracker! There are so many twists and turns in this story, it will make your head spin! The Lady Vanishes tells the story of the disappearance of Marion Barter, who steps on a plane for an overseas adventure in 1997 and is never seen again.
OK OK, I could go on, but I’ll stop now.
Got any recommendations for me? Drop me an email!