kevin flynn
Murder in Glitterball City

A pair of lovers point the finger at each other when a body is unearthed in their basement. Which one is responsible for the deadly encounter?

Murder in Glitterball City
kevin flynn
Out Like Serial's Flynn, Etan's Legacy, and ...
Out Like Serial's Flynn, Etan's Legacy, and Shadow of Truth

The Staircase/Michael Peterson Owl Theory, Alford Pleas & A Stranglers Podcast Review

The Staircase/Michael Peterson Owl Theory, Alford Pleas & A Stranglers Podcast Review

The panel tackles a HUGE true crime update - the Alford plea taken by Michael Peterson, the novelist and suspected murder featured in The Staircase - a documentary Rebecca contends is the Citizen Kane of true crime. As a bonus, our very own Legal Siri (AKA legal professor and Undisclosed genius Colin Miller) educates us on WTH Alford pleas actually are. 

Then the Crime Writers argue about an alternative theory posed in the Peterson case...was his wife Kathleen actually killed by an owl? That was the theory posed in the amazing pilot episode of the podcast Criminal - but Toby's not exactly buying it. (Shocking, we know.)

Then, in our regular segment about whether you should watch/listen to/read the latest big thing in crime media, we review Stranglers, the podcast by Earwolf that takes a deep ol' dive into the Boston Strangler case. (Warning: This segment features a quasi-mansplain meltdown and Kevin Flynn doing a pretty convincing trashy Boston accent.)

Finally, our Crime of the Week features one of Rebecca's favorite big box stores, a sex crime, and scabies.

YUGE Serial News! Beware the Slenderman! And the Bear Brook Murders...solved?

YUGE Serial News! Beware the Slenderman! And the Bear Brook Murders...solved?

The first Serial spinoff, "S-town," will be dropping in March. And we do mean "dropping." Serial Productions says it will release all of its episodes at once...making it one of the first major podcasts to invite fans to binge listen. Will you listen? Of course you will. And so will we!

Rebecca brings in reporter Jason Moon to discuss an evolving story he's been covering: the decade's old case of four unidentified bodies found in two barrels in Allentown NH's Bear Brook Park. A seemingly unrelated murder on the other side of the country may have revealed the killer...but still not the victims.

Then the panel goes into the scary, provocative HBO documentary, "Beware the Slenderman." It looks at the case of two young girls who stabbed their friend to appease this modern-day boogeyman. How did Slenderman become an Internet underworld phenomenon and why did they believe Slenderman was real? Don't watch this one in the dark.

Then in Crime of the Week, the only way to foil high-tech crooks is to go old school.

No Serial Pardon, Bowe Bergdahl's Trump Problem & The Myth Of Kitty Genovese

No Serial Pardon, Bowe Bergdahl's Trump Problem & The Myth Of Kitty Genovese

Pardon us. Please. We're looking into the latest twist in the court martial of Serial season two protagonist Bowe Bergdahl. We're joined by friend-of-the-show USMC Judge Advocate James Weirick (ret), host of the Military Justice podcast. Now that former-President Obama declined to pardon Bergdahl, his lawyers say he can't get a fair trial with President Trump as Commander-in-Chief. Weirick will explain the arguments in the docket, why they submitted a video presentation, and he'll also provide some insight into the clemency granted to Pvt. Chelsea Manning. 

Also, Lara gives a quick review of the new true crime podcast, Gone at 21. One of her positives: "it's short."

Then we'll talk about a documentary premiering on PBS's Independent Lens, "The Witness" (also available on Netflix). It reexamines the infamous 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, the NY woman killed as 38 neighbors alleg edly watched but did nothing. Fifty years later Kitty's brother, Bill, digs into a crime he (and we) don't really know the truth about...including the myth that so many bystanders did nothing. 

And in the Crime of the Week, one Florida man makes a big mistake when seeking his own presidential pardon.

Serial Appeal Stumble, Journalism Bullies & Suspect Convictions

Serial Appeal Stumble, Journalism Bullies & Suspect Convictions

Toby's back...just in time to weigh in on the newest true crime podcast fill our ears.

But first - the state of Maryland has won the latest round in Adnan Syed's quest to get out of prison now that his conviction has been overturned. What does it mean that they've been granted a "Leave to Appeal" and how much closer are we to a new trial for the Serial season one protagonist? 

Then, we talk about something a little bit weird that happened during the latest episode of one of our favorite podcasters, Amber Hunt of the Cincinnati Enquirer's Accused podcast.

Then we'll get into "Suspect Convictions," and break down what's good, not good, and controversial (among the panel) about this true crime podcast from WVIK.

In the Crime of the Week, we're getting frisky in the Granite State - and it's got some goopy consequences!

Serial Snobbery? A JonBenet Lawsuit! And Scientology & The Aftermath

Serial Snobbery? A JonBenet Lawsuit! And Scientology & The Aftermath

When Toby's away, the mice will play...AND talk about all sorts of great stuff.

Special guest panelist Amelia McDonnell-Parry gives us a lowdown on what she saw at Adnan Syed's PCR hearing, and why she thinks Sarah Koenig isn't doing the right thing by ignoring new evidence dug up by other podcasters.

Plus, our true crime update takes on that $750 MILLION dollar lawsuit filed by Burke Ramsey after a CBS special pointed to him as the murderer of his sister, JonBenet. The panel has some strong feelings about that.

And then, Scientology doesn't freak Kevin out, but talking about it does. Nonetheless, we give an overview of the incredible docuseries created by Queen of Queens (and Queen of Nails) Leah Remini, A&E's Scientology & the Aftermath.

After our crime of the week airs, one upstate New York man may try to buy every copy of this podcast. Yeah...we know.

Adnan Syed's Setback, Serial's Audio Boo-Boo, and a Homecoming Podcast Review

Adnan Syed's Setback, Serial's Audio Boo-Boo, and a Homecoming Podcast Review

After a holiday break, we're back. And so much has happened again. 

In the land of true crime podcast updates, Adnan Syed has been denied bail while he awaits a new trial. The panel talks about that decision.

In other Serial news, we learned Sarah Koenig & co made a big boo-boo when putting together season one. Namely: using courtroom audio that was prohibited from broadcast. This time, justice was merciful.

Kevin responds to listener reaction to his criticism of "Someone Knows Something." Again, it's another feisty split decision.

In this week's installment of "Should You Listen?" the panel weighs in on Gimlet's star-powered "Homecoming." Is this the latest Gimlet podcast to break the mold?

In the Crime of the Week, an FBI sting operation on Capitol Hill! The target - no, not corrupt politicians - a bootleg DVD ring. 

A FEISTY Split Decision: Should You Listen to This True Crime Podcast?

A FEISTY Split Decision: Should You Listen to This True Crime Podcast?

The CBC's Someone Knows Something is back with a second season.

So should you listen? That's the question the crime writers will try to answer. Spoiler: it's a split decision, with at least one of the panelists (ahem, Kevin) expressing a very passionate opinion.

WILL CANADA EVER FORGIVE US? We hope so.

The good news: host David Ridgen is back for his second interview with Rebecca, and he's really, really awesome. The bad news: after the interview, Kevin Flynn has a meltdown over how much he hates the podcast. It's kind of epic, but at least he feels a little bit bad about it.

Also, we eliminate homework for our listeners...especially for those of you who never do it!

In the Crime of the Week, a Santa-lookalike is kicked out of Six Flags. Grinch move or totes justified?

Crimetown & Westworld - Whoa!!

Crimetown, Westworld, Whoa!

This week we dive in to two format-smashing shows: one the up-ends the conventions of podcast storytelling, and one that challenges the concept of story telling itself.

The panel examines "Crimetown." This podcast from Gimlet sounds like nothing we've heard before. Are they setting a new bar for the traditional first-person investigative podcast or are they creating a completely new genre?

Also, the crime writers give their take on HBO's dizzying & dazzling "Westworld." Was the western-tinged sci-fi series about man's inhumanity, a study on free will, or a contemplation of on the power of story? Or just a bunch of cowboys shooting and having sex with robots?

Plus, Toby checks his Amazon Christmas list (is your gift on it?). We'll hear from a listener who offers her two cents on the Justin Ross Harris verdict (and then we offer her ours).

The Crime of the Week looks at the War on Christmas...by beavers.

Serial Scoop? Breakdown Conviction! Undisclosed Up Close! And Missing & Murdered

So many gifts for true crime fans this holiday season, as a new batch of podcasts are hitting the charts. Where to begin...where to begin?

First, the panel drops a ton of true crime updates. These include a last-minute order keeping Brendan Dassey in prison, a verdict in Breakdown's Justin Ross Harris case, and a newspaper editorial calling for a pardon for Bowe Bergdahl. Plus, Rebecca parties-hearty with the team from Undisclosed and Addendum. 

The most exciting news comes from "Serial" co-creator Julie Snyder who says their team will be dropping a new seven-week podcast in March. No, it's not Serial season three, but it sounds like a compelling story nonetheless - and Rebecca's got a decent theory as to who will be telling it.

Then we dive into the CBC's investigation of the Alberta Williams case, "Missing & Murdered." Set on an island fishing town off the coast of British Columbia, this podcast looks at a cold case from 1989, and the cop (and reporter) who's not afraid to name names. Bonus: Rebecca interviews host Connie Walker about making the podcast!

Finally, we go all "Hidden Tiger, Crouching Dragon" in the Crime of the Week.

Crime Writers on Crime Writers. A Surprise Live "Crime Bake" Show.

Crime Writers on Crime Writers. A Surprise Live "Crime Bake" Show.

A Serial spinoff?! A verdict in the Breakdown / Justin Ross Harris case! Brendan Dassey can go home, and then he can't!

All great topics to talk about, right?

Sorry to say we're not going to get to any of those this week. That's because we pre-recorded this episode at the New England Crime Bake, a convention for crime & mystery writers, on Saturday. Who would have thought all this good stuff would happen after we wrapped?

("So you'll get to it next week, right guys? The week of Thanksgiving?" Well, about that...)

In this live recording, the podcasting crime writers tell a room of nonpodcasting crime writers about Lara's cat's chlamydia, how we got started writing, and answer some listener emails and tweets. (Kevin's a hater? Says who?)

Later, we pluck a writer from the crowd. We ask Maureen Milliken her about her work and boy, does she deliver!

And this week's Crime of the Week is awwwww-ful.

Serial Season 3 News? Sort Of. And What's Different About Up and Vanished?

Serial Season 3 News? Sort Of. And What's Different About Up and Vanished? 

Breaking: Lara's cat has a super weird disease! For real.

Some maybe-news about Serial Season 3 has us theorizing. Was Kevin super, duper wrong when he said Sarah Koenig would never do a true crime story again?

Plus, we get a whole lot of listener email and tweets about what podcasts we should be listening to and talking about.

One of the podcasts we’ve had pimped to us the most often lately is the hit show "Up and Vanished," an investigative podcast about the 2005 disappearance of Ocilla Georgia Beauty queen Tara Grinstead.

But before we get into our discussion about Up and Vanished, we'll first listen in to Rebecca's conversation with someone who knows a little bit about that show - its host and creator Payne Lindsey. Even if you haven't heard the podcast, you should listen to this interview.

And, Toby apologizes to a nation. And our Crime of the Week strikes pretty damn close to home.

In The Dark's Finale And Our Book, TV & Podcast Picks

In the Dark's finale And our Book, TV & Podcast Picks

What do people want to talk about? World Series? Presidential election? Nope. The world wants to know what Lara Bricker got arrested for. (Hint: it wasn't election fraud.) Looks like her accomplices left her holding the bag...literally.

In our audience feedback segment, the Crime Writers respond to a heartwarming email from a cancer survivor who's ready to take on the challenge of punching one of their least-favorite attorneys. 

Then, when it's time for business, the panel digs into the final episode of APM Reports' "In the Dark." Madeleine Baran didn't pull punches when it came to the police narrative that Danny Heinrich was just too good at covering his tracks for 25+ years. But is her conclusion too broad? Unfair? (Sometimes investigators know who did it, but can't get enough to make the arrest - as officials have told Rebecca & Kevin about the Stacey Burns "Mothers Day Murder" case.)

Finally, Rebecca, Kevin, Lara, and Toby offer up their recommendations about what you should be listening to, reading, and watching right now.

Crime of the Week: When it comes to Halloween candy, someone can give you a break - you're just not supposed to steal it.

Rebecca:

Kevin

Lara:

Toby:

Adnan Syed's Bail Motion, Sarah Koenig's Serial Choices, Offshore's Big Splash

Adnan Syed's Bail Motion, Sarah Koenig's Serial Choices, Offshore's Big Splash

Heads up Baltimore City Court! Here comes Adnan Syed seeking a bail hearing. It's not your usual motion, written more like a campaign speech than a legal brief.

The Crime Writers dig into the latest in the efforts of Serial's protagonist to get out of prison now that his conviction has been vacated.

And a journalism conundrum: IF Sarah Koenig knew about Jay Wild's post-Adnan criminal history, should she have included it in Serial?

Also, the panel hangs ten in Hawaii with the new podcast, "Offshore" from Honolulu Civil Beat and PRX. Can a white reporter do justice to a tale of Hawaiian culture and disenfranchisement? 

Related: Toby recommends reading this article from the New Yorker, "The American Raj," to learn more about Hawaiian history.

In our Crime of the Week, the panel shakes the tree. But who goes undercover as a tree, anyway? (Kevin reported on a similar bank robbery story in NH. Watch the version filed by his colleagues.)

Listen to the episode:

A Triple True Crime Podcast Bonanza - Phoebe's Fall, Breakdown & In The Dark

Tripped up by Phoebe's Fall, Breakdown's REAL Mission & In The Dark's Enlightenment

So that happened.

Things get back to normal in the Crime Writers' world. They discuss the perils of doing bad accents and explain why they can't do audio book versions of their own books.

A true crime update (add your own echo): Burke Ramsey has followed through on his threat to sue over the CBS special on his sister's murder. Looks like the case will focus on one comment from one person.

Then the focus shifts to the new investigative podcast from Australia, "Phoebe's Fall." We know that Phoebe Handsjuk dropped 12 stories down a garbage chute, crawled out, only to bleed to death from injuries from the trash compactor. Was it a suicide attempt? Was it a drunken misadventure? Or was it something more nefarious? So far, the Crime Writers have mixed opinions. 

Footnote: for another strange how-did-she-get-into-that situation, check out the case of a 21-year-old Chinese tourist who drowned in a hotel water tank.

Checking in with some of the other leading true crime podcasts, in "In The Dark"'s penultimate episode, the Sterns County sheriff is confronted with their pitiful clearance rate. And the trial of Justin Ross Harris is finally underway in "Breakdown."

In the Crime of the Week, don't block a driveway in Australia...even if it's your own. 

Amanda Knox - The Documentary and Case That Divides Us All

Amanda Knox - The Documentary and Case That Divides Us All

Oh no! We went there!

The Crime Writers discuss the controversial Netflix doc "Amanda Knox." Why are we still intrigued by the murder case? Does any of the evidence add up? Is the motive believable? Is Knox herself credible? As she says, "Either I am a psychopath in sheep's clothing or I am you."

Rebecca and Kevin welcome back Dr. Elizabeth Yardley to explain why the British have such a different (and more visceral) view of the case than Americans do. Could it be they were each seeing a different case in their papers and on their TV screens?  

Bigger question: how bad are the writers going to get trolled on Twitter for their views?

Because it seems some people  - not everyone, but some -  feel really, really, REALLY strongly about this case and you better agree with them in 140 characters (or the 140 consecutive tweets with which they will flood your feed)! 

In Crime of the Week...a SWAT team takes out an 81-year-old woman for growing a single marijuana plant. Good thing she wasn't stealing cable TV...she'd probably be dead. 

We Stand Accused ...of Loving the Podcast 'Accused'

Accused of Loving Accused? Yeah - Just Go With It

Every couple of weeks, other podcast comes along and seems like the heir to "Serial." Few live up to the anticipation. Is it possible that the Cincinnati Enquirer's "Accused" podcast has replicated the secret sauce: a truly compelling murder mystery and the transparent, obsessive reporting which goes into the story? It sure is.

Rebecca talks with Amber Hunt and Amanda Rossman about their year-long investigation into the 1978 Elizabeth Andes murder. If her acquitted boyfriend Bob Young didn't do it, than who did? 

Next, the Crime Writers dish on who was the biggest villain in the case: one of the four remaining suspects OR the prosecutor who dodged Amber for a year. (Spoiler alert: three quarters of the panel is REALLY down on Gmoser - and not just because the "G" is silent.)

We get a TRUE CRIME UPDATE from Lara about the official Army findings in the Bowe Bergdahl case. Were any servicemen killed looking for Bergdahl? The answer appears to be no...but then again, we don't really know what we're talking about.

Kevin sends out love to all who sponsored his Walk-a-Mile In her Shoes event; yes, he finally completed that mile-long course in high-heeled shoes. 

In the Crime of the Week: A bucket list wish unlike any other. Grandma, Grandma, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

The Case of "The Case of: JonBenét Ramsey"

We Talk About The Case of: JonBenét Ramsey - Yup, We Went There

Looking to tackle the biggest cold case of the past quarter century, a team of crack investigators reexamined the evidence in the JonBenét Ramsey case for a CBS documentary. The two-part prime time special has generated a lot of buzz. Some of it positive - for the compelling deductive skills of the scientists and profilers who re-interpreted the case's biggest clues. Some of it negative - for the artifice and reenactments done for the benefit of the television audience. And some of it controversial - as the investigators named names in the murder and likely political cover-up that's left justice unserved for 20 years.

Later, Rebecca chats with a professor at the UNH School of Law about defamation. How much leeway does the law provide for journalists and entertainers who point the finger at suspects who haven't been charged with a crime? Afterward, the panel debates even if you can, what does it accomplish to makes such accusations? 

Then, it's the Crime of the Week. A Florida woman is paying a lot of money to be able to assault someone...all for a good cause.

In the Dark...as Usual

Now that the crime writers are all back in their closet studios after their awesome live show, they tackle the newest high-quality true crime podcast, "In the Dark." It's like "Someone Knows Something"... if someone actually knew something.

Rebecca begins by talking with Madeleine Baran, APM Reports journalist and host of "In The Dark." They  chat about Madeleine's year-long investigation on what went wrong during the investigation into the 1989 kidnapping of Jacob Wetterling.

Even though the podcast kicked off days after Danny Heinrich confessed to killing Jacob 27 years ago, is there still a compelling story to tell? The panel ponders if a true crime podcast can still achieve excellence without the benefit of suspense.

Then the Crime of the Week is not child's play. Or is it? Someone needs to go to jail, go directly to jail.

Live From The Mall: The Crime Writers Book Club Special

Live From The Mall: The Crime Writers Book Club Special

Yup, the Crime Writers went all in with a live show taping - there was even a real-life audience there to hear it! We talked about our summer book club pick, Laura Lippman's Wilde Lake. Toby also read an epic items list, we answered audience questions.

A couple of notes:

  • Special thanks to the Hatbox Theatre in Concord, NH

  • Rebecca talks to author Laura Lippman from the 8:08 mark to about 21:00

  • Interstitial music was by the Blue Dot Sessions

  • Some audience questions had to be edited out because of audio quality

  • Rebecca would like to apologize to her Mom. Stay tuned for the outtakes and you'll know why

Listen to Rebecca's full interview with author Laura Lippman:

New Evidence in the 'Making A Murderer' Case? And Last Call for 'The Night Of'

New Evidence in the 'Making A Murderer' Case? And Last Call for 'The Night Of'

We heard you missed us. Hey, we're back!

After a semi-vacation over the summer, the crime writers are back weekly to talk about all things criminal - in real life and in pop culture.

News on the Steven Avery case continues to break. The new lawyer for the "Making a Murderer" subject has filed a petition to have evidence re-tested using the most modern (and most expensive) analysis currently available. She says the results will definitively prove Avery's innocence (or, she concedes, his guilt). Is doubling down on the police conspiracy theory Avery's best play?

Now that HBO's limited series "The Night Of" has signed off, what does the panel make of it? Did the show live up to the high expectations set by episode one? Who's the hero? What does the ending mean? And why did Stone's eczema come back? These are questions the public demands answers to. (PS: If you want to skip past the discussion to remain "unspoiled," skip from 35:47 to 58:36.)

The Crime of the Week is a cream pie to the face. Who's responsible for all the creepy-looking clowns popping up in neighborhoods throughout the Carolinas? Is it a sick criminal perpetrator or just a scary joke?