Seven of the best True Crime podcasts

Do you love podcasts as much as I do? I hardly listen to radio anymore – my audio input these days is a combination of podcasts on subjects I’m interested in and audiobooks, which I love!

I’m not wild about dramatized fictional podcasts but I really enjoy listening to podcasts on true crime. Here are my recommendations!  

1. Serial

Serial is arguably the podcast that kicked off the craze, and it’s really good!

In the first series, investigative journalist Sarah Koenig did a deep-dive into the story of alleged murderer Adnan Syed and set the internet ablaze with debates on his guilt or innocence, and the flaws in the legal system which may have led to a miscarriage of justice.

The second and third series are also worth listening to.

2. Small Town Dicks 

 I love this one which feels (strangely) more wholesome than most in this genre!

It’s hosted by actress Yeardley Smith (the voice of Lisa in The Simpsons!) along with twin brother detectives “Dan” and “Dave” — their true identity is kept secret.

In each episode, they deal with a true crime and include their own experiences, actual 911 calls, and interviews with the detectives who investigated the case. It’s respectful of the victims, gives a great behind-the-scenes peek into the impact on cops, and isn’t a gore-fest.    

 3. Criminal

This one is hosted by Phoebe Judge, whose dulcet tones will keep you calm through the storm of crimes she explores.

What’s great about this podcast is that she interviews the criminals themselves and deals with an enormous variety of crimes (not just the usual serial killer fare), some of which are ranked as “petty” but which are nevertheless fascinating!

It’s an intelligent podcast – more compassionate than sensational, and I rank it up there with the best!

4. Dr Death

 I haven’t heard this one yet, but it comes highly recommended by my DD who warns that it’s horrific and you shouldn’t listen to it before getting surgery! It tracks the story of neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch and the swathe of damaged bodies and lives he leaves in his wake. You’ll never blindly trust a doctor again!

If you like this one, you might like my novel Dark Whispers, which was inspired by the true story of a Ob-GYN in Australia whom the media dubbed The Butcher of Bega. I was horrified and fascinated by what he did (and got away with!) because it seems to me that allowing yourself to be anaesthetized and then putting your very life into the hands of a doctor you probably don’t know personally is the very height of vulnerability.

5. Dirty John

This one was so juicy, that it spawned a TV series but, in my opinion, the podcast was better.

It tells the story of a con-artist and sociopath who inveigled himself into the life of an otherwise sensible, intelligent and successful woman, and then wreaked havoc in her personal and professional life. I was especially fascinated because in my therapy practice I’ve encountered victims of these predators and the pattern is common to the stories.

A messier podcast than some, it’s still a compelling listen. 

6. Murder Book

If you’re a reader who loves crime and police-procedural novels, you’re probably a fan of Michael Connelly’s books or the Harry Bosch TV series based on them. They’re well-researched and true to life because Connelly has good friends in the LA police force.

In season one (The Tell-tale Bullet), the author delves deep into the case of a seemingly innocent young man who is shot in a car hijacking gone wrong, and tracks the outrageous miscarriage of justice as the cop who killed him bucks and manipulates the legal system for seventeen years! The episodes include interviews with detectives, lawyers, the victim’s friends and family, as well as court recordings and even wiretaps. Fascinating and infuriating in equal measure.  

7. S*Town

And now for something completely different ...

A listener to the Serial podcast contacts the producers and says people in small Alabama town are bragging about getting away with a murder. An investigative journalist starts digging, but soon the poignant story becomes as much about this backwoods town mired in poverty and drugs, and the lonely, depressed but entertainingly colorful horologist who sent in the tip, as about the crime itself.

There’s a shocking twist early on, and it’s as compelling as listening to a slow-motion car wreck.

If you like crime podcasts, chances are you like crime / mystery / suspense novels, so you might like to check out mine!

The First Time I Died

and The First Time I Fell are books 1 and 2 in the Garnet McGee series.

After a near-death experience, tough-minded rationalist Garnet McGee begins hearing voices and seeing visions. Unsure whether she’s developing a psychic ability or merely going crazy, she begins investigating murders in Vermont — with some help from the victims!  

Dark Whispers

How much do you trust your doctor? When a patient in hypnosis describes an experience of abuse at the hands of her doctor, psychologist Megan Wright starts investigating. Determined to find out the truth and stop the abuse, but bound to silence by the ethics of confidentiality, Megan enters the dark mind of a dangerously disturbed man in a deadly battle of wits and wills.