Going down to Bundyville and being a Dark Tourist

On our off week, the Crime Writers got together face-to-face for the first time in ages. We're back with lots to talk about. This includes the latest "In the Dark"-related court filings in the Curtis Flowers case, the passing of a troubled ex-prosecutor featured in "The Staircase," and one of the panelists gets called for jury duty.

We go globetrotting on the new Netflix series, "Dark Tourist." Journalist David Farrier, who wowed us with his documentary “Tickled,” shows us some of the most bizarre, macabre, and dangerous travel destinations around.

Moving on...the new podcast "Bundyville" examines the story-behind-the-story of Cliven Bundy and his anti-government standoff that transfixed the nation. The seven-part series explores the seeds of Bundy’s discontent as sewn by federal grazing rights, court cases, nuclear testing, Mormon oppression, and a religious prophecy.

FOR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW, GO TO 59:30.

In Crime of the Week: Bigfoot whips it out. (And in this week's outtake - so does one of us.)

An S-Town lawsuit, an In The Dark tragedy, and a Sharp Objects Review

An S-Town lawsuit, an In The Dark tragedy, and a Sharp Objects Review

While Toby broadcasts from a beautiful island lake house, the rest of the panel sweats it out to bring you another episode of Crime Writers On with a brand new logo!

There are true crime updates galore:

We talk about the MD Court of Appeals granting cert in the continuing post-conviction struggles of Serial's Adnan Syed.

Curtis Flower's mother passed away and we reflect on the meaning of injustice within injustice.

Plus, the "estate" of John McLemore is suing "S-town" for violating his privacy. Legally, morally, ethically - do they have a leg to stand on?

We talk about HBO's new prestige drama "Sharp Objects." As much a character study as it is a crime mystery, will the star-driven adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel thrill fans like “Gone Girl” or leave them disappointed like “True Detective" season 2?

Plus, we give the Granite State some summer tourism plugs this week with shout-outs to Story Land, Santa's Village, and Clark's Trading Post (with the dancing bears and the Wolfman who shoots a gun at you).

TO HEAR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "SHARP OBJECTS," FAST-FOWARD TO 1:14:47

Then in crime of the week: blow it up your ass.

Rewinding the RFK Tapes and In The Dark's triumphant finale

Kevin is recording in his underwear and Stephen King has come to live at Lara's house. It must be time for the summer edition of Crime Writers On.

In the first part of the podcast we'll review The RFK Tapes from the team behind Crimetown. Robert Kennedy was assassinated at point blank range in a room full of people...so why do some believe there was another shooter? We're not buying the conspiracy, but the tale isn't so bad.

FOR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF THE RFK TAPES, FAST-FOWARD TO 33:12.

Then we'll muster up as much rage and praise as possible for the season finale of In The Dark. An undisclosed alternate suspect! An uncatalogued gun! A hidden-in-plain-sight tunnel! The debate isn't about whether In The Dark gets a thumbs up - it's about whether it's the best podcast of all time.

Then in crime of the week: I'm not dead yet.

Has In The Dark surpassed Serial? Plus, Adnan Syed gets a timeline, and Flint Town gets our review.

Has In The Dark surpassed Serial? Plus, Adnan Syed gets a timeline, and Flint Town gets our review.

Is In The Dark a better podcast than Serial season one? Or would it not even exist were it not for Serial?

The Crime Writers take on that debate as we check in with the latest installment of In The Dark's investigation into the investigation that left Curtiss Flowers stranded on death row.

Plus, Adnan Syed gets a new timeline for a legal decision, Brendan Dassey's case maybe gets a SCOTUS look, and in the biggest crime of all, Rebecca and Kevin make jokes about their sex life. Also, Toby WINS the Candace from The Staircase debate.

The crew then digs in to Flint Town, a fascinating docu-series that gives an inside look at one of the most challenged police forces (and communities) in the country.

WANT TO SKIP TO THE THUMBS UP OR DOWN REVIEW OF FLINT TOWN? SKIP TO 1:06:33

Those new eps of The Staircase! An S-Town movie? And In The Dark has us like...

Those new eps of The Staircase! An S-Town movie? And In The Dark has us like... 

What a bad week for Lara. First she loses the chowder contest, then she had to listen to that enraging interview with DA Doug Evans from "In the Dark" (of which Rebecca genuinely worried for Lara's health). Everyone has thoughts about a proposed "S-town" movie. And Kevin makes some Canadian friends.

The panel runs up and down "The Staircase's" three new episodes. The original true crime doc about Michael Peterson was a seminal work. Does this final coda contain the same power?

This episode's Crime of the Week is truly eye-popping.

'In the Dark' outrages, 'Killing Eve' slays, and what really happened to Maura Murray

'In the Dark' outrages, 'Killing Eve' slays, and what really happened to Maura Murray

Lara hits the roof after hearing the latest installment of "In the Dark." We knew the court was rough on the defendant - but the jurors too?!

Toby gets another chance to roll his eyes about "The Staircase" owl theory.

Rebecca leads the discussion on Killing Eve. An American-bred Brit goes from desk jockey to head of a secret unit tracking a skilled assassin striking throughout Europe. This cat-and-mouse thriller that bounces around the continent is both suspenseful and playful, with compelling characters and crackling dialogue.

TO HERE OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEWS OF "KILLING EVE," JUMP AHEAD TO xx:xx.

In Crime in Week: dangerous moves.

A hot review of 30 for 30's "Bikram," Adnan Syed responds, and an "In the Dark" recantation

A hot review of 30 for 30's "Bikram," Adnan Syed responds, and an "In the Dark" recantation

More paper pasted this week in the Adnan Syed case. The defense has filed its conditional cross-petition. It basically says, "Hey state supreme court, don't take this case. But if you do, we got some stuff over here we want to talk about."

This week's "In the Dark" buries the needle on the Brickter-scale. Listen how Cookie's story crumbles.

The crime writers break out the leotards and sweatbands for the hot hot-yoga docu-pod "30 for 30: Bikram." Julia Lowrey Henderson tells the rise of Bikrim Choudhury, peels back the veneer of his self-created myth, and gets into the many allegations of sexual misconduct.

In Crime of the Week: done and dusted.

Dismissing Adnan's charges? The Handmaids return! An In The Dark Update! And Grading The Teacher's Pet!

Could it be? Could the next Baltimore State's Attorney be willing to drop charges against Adnan Syed? Well..he's gotta win first. How about them Handmaids - the feel-bad tv show of the year? Lara's Rage-o-meter buries the needle when she hears this week's episode of In the Dark (oh Cookie!),

TO SKIP OUR TALK ABOUT "IN THE DARK," JUMP AHEAD TO 29:50.

Then from Australia we’ll review “The Teacher’s Pet”: a podcast about a professional athlete, his missing wife, and his teenage lover. Does this cold case story from Down Under stack up against the best podcasts out there?

TO JUMP PAST OUR DISCUSSION ON "THE TEACHER'S PET," GO TO OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW AT 51:26.

Then in Crime of the Week: I could read it all over your face.

Evil Genius! That HBO Adnan Syed Documentary! Miracle Whip! And More In the Dark!

There are true crime updates this week in the Adnan Syed case. First, prosecutors have decided to ask Maryland's highest court to review the previous rulings granting Adnan a new trial. Second, HBO has announced a documentary about the case is in the works. They promise new information and the first interviews with Adnan since "Serial."

We discuss episode four of "In the Dark." Something's fishy about those jailhouse confessions.

Speaking of confessions, Kevin admits he's always wanted to try the tangy taste of Miracle Whip. With three naysayers listening on, he takes his first bites.

Moving on...the crime writers go over the Netflix documentary "Evil Genius." A man robs a bank with a bomb locked around his neck. Who was the mastermind beyond the elaborate plot? Does the series give short shrift to the characters' mental illnesses? And does the story maintain the momentum of it's compelling beginning?

FOR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW, GO TO 1:02.26.

Then a vintage crime of the week: step right up.

In The Dark - A Great True Crime Podcast Returns!

This week the Crime Writers look at the second season of "In the Dark" from APM Reports. Madeline Baron and her team investigate the case of Curtis Flowers, a man who’s been tried six times for the same crime. Is the sophomore season of the Peabody Award winning pod delivering the goods?

TO JUMP TO THE SPOILER-FREE REVIEW, FAST-FORWARD TO 1:00:00.

Also, Kevin announces his appearance at the Toronto True Crime Film Festival June 8-9, Lara gets a fan mail slap down, and Toby gets sexually harassed.

Also mentioned: the Omni Mount Washington Resort and the More Perfect podcast episode Object Anyway.

In Crime of the Week: Rescue vs. room service.

The clock's ticking on Adnan Syed's case! Done Disappeared is back! And our Caliphate podcast review!

Lara makes her triumphant return, promising to bring her A game.

We give an update on the COSA appeal in favor of Adnan Syed: why the next 15 days are important. Speaking of triumphant returns, John David Booter is back with season two of Done Disappeared. It seems crimes against water fowl are more common than John David Booter realized. (With John David Booter.) Plus, a fake astronaut claps back on The Habitat, the podcast from Gimlet we reviewed last week.

Next, we take a close look at the New York Times podcast Caliphate. Journalist Rukmimi Callimachi pulls back the curtain on how the terror group draws people to the cause, and life as a war correspondent, all in an attempt to answer the question, “Who are we fighting?”

FOR A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF CALIPHATE, GO TO 48:28:40

In Crime of the Week: if it bleeds, it leads.

Is The Habitat a terrible podcast? Is the Golden State Killer caught??! And Westworld returns!

Is The Habitat a terrible podcast? Is the Golden State Killer caught??! And Westworld returns!

Lara picked the wrong week to go on vacation...

The panel gives their reaction to the capture of the alleged Golden State Killer. Did Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark play a roll in the arrest or is it too soon to tell?

Rebecca provides Toby an abridged update on Death In Ice Valley. Then the team offers their first impressions of season two of HBO's "Westworld."

The main event: Gimlet’s new hit podcast The Habitat. This series follows six volunteers simulating a Mars mission by being cooped up together in one small shelter for a year. Is the podcast a look at the human failings inherent in a long-term space mission? Or is NASA's version of "The Real World"?

In Crime of the Week: frugivorous felons.

Our special guest this week is Patrick Hinds, host of True Crime Obsessed. (He's very enthusiastic.)

Extra! The Golden State Killer has been caught! So here's our I'll Be Gone In The Dark book club show!

Extra! The Golden State Killer has been caught! So here's our I'll Be Gone In The Dark book club show!

If you've been following the news, you've probably heard that the man dubbed the Golden State Killer by I'll Be Gone In The Dark author Michelle McNamara has been caught, according to multiple sources.

You probably also know that we just started making a special book club podcast for Patreon supporters. Well, in honor of the news, and to entice you to become a supporter, we're releasing our inaugural book club discussion about I'll Be Gone In The Dark.

Click here to support us on Patreon and hear future book club shows!

Book club guests: Rabia Chaudry, Patrick Hinds, and Rebecca Lavoie

Music by Twin Guns

Death in Ice Valley! And our review of Unforgotten (on PBS!)

Death in Ice Valley! And our review of Unforgotten (on PBS!)

Tonight I learned my husband enjoys performing an interpretive dance to The Daily podcast theme song (cc @mikiebarb ) pic.twitter.com/1NEIAW4RIG

— Rebecca Lavoie (@reblavoie) April 19, 2018

Internet fame is bestowed upon one of the crime writers (thanks to The Daily podcast and interpretive dancing). News from West Cork...Ian Bailey is going to have to pay a lot of money. And the panel wants to know more about what a "taint team" is.

The crime writers give their first impressions of a new podcast collaboration from the BBC World Service and NRK called, “Death in Ice Valley.” The colder the rain, the colder the case.

Masterpiece on PBS is now airing the limited British crime series, “Unforgotten.” The show follows police as they try to solve the decade’s old mystery of a skeleton found in a clay basement. The investigation involves a diverse group of characters who may have had a hand in the crime, then went on with their lives. Is "Unforgotten" worth remembering?

The crime of the week - breaking balls.

Marcia Clark Investigates! And is Felonious Florida a felonious podcast?

This episode Toby announces the title and guest panel for his next Patreon book club podcast (name of podcast still TBD). The Peabody Award nominations are out, and true crime is well represented. And Rebecca reveals her new friendship with Alison Sweeney from Days of Our Lives and The Biggest Loser.

The panel talks about the new A&E series “Marcia Clark Investigates the First 48.” This new show (and companion podcast) is a mashup of the First 48’s format of highlighting the importance of the first 48 hours of an investigation, along with the OJ prosecutor taking a second look at a famous case.

Then the crime writers discuss ”Felonious Florida,” the new podcast from Wondery and the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The series focuses on two crimes from the Sunshine State. Can this newspaper-sources and -staffed pod achieve the success of its predecessors? Or will it just make Rebecca's head explode?

In Crime of the Week: blow.

A legal victory for Serial's Adnan Syed & a review of Empire on Blood

A legal victory for Serial's Adnan Syed & A review of Empire on Blood

This episode we breakdown the recent COSA decision affirming Adnan Syed's right to a new trial. Kevin asks Undisclosed's Colin Miller (aka Legal Siri) about how the winning and losing arguments were flipped, Adnan's chances on bail, and the local politics infused into the appeals process.

Toby talks about his new Patreon-exclusive book club podcast. He, Rebecca, Rabia Chaudry, and Patrick Hines discussed Michelle McNamara's I'll be Gone in the Dark. Also, there's some news about the TV adaptation of Dirty John (they have their John).

Moving on, Panoply is out with a seven-part podcast called Empire on Blood. It’s magazine writer Steve Fishman’s seven-year relationship with crack dealer Calvin Buari, in jail for more than twenty years for a double homicide. To tell the story of Cal’s search for justice, Fishman meets Cal’s drug dealing frienamy; a prosecutor who rescues turtles; a cop who’s too good at getting confessions; and a private eye who carries a Bible, a gun, and a bottle of wine.

To skip past the spoilers, fast-forward to 1:13:36.

In Crime of the Week - bird is the word.

Wild Wild Country, Moon over New Mexico, and We are the Champions

Wild Wild Country, Moon over New Mexico, and We are the Champions

We said we had to win the whole damn thing - and we did! THANKS TO LISTENERS LIKE YOU we won Podcast Madness, vanquishing This America Life in the championship bracket. Now we take a victory lap!

We return to normal programming with news from the Dirty John TV show. Plus, there's a "cheeky" news story out of Albuquerque that must win all the awards.

Wild Wild Country is the topic of a wild wild panel discussion. It's the Netflix documentary about the times, town, and troubles created by a group of Rajneeshee followers who flocked to Oregon in the 1980s. The material covered is a mile wide and an inch deep. For the original Oregonian expose on the Rajneeshees, click here.

And in Crime of the Week - rotten eggs.

BREAKING NEWS: Adnan Syed has a big win in court!

BREAKING NEWS: Adnan Syed has a big win in court!

True crime podcast update: The Court of Special Appeals has affirmed Adnan Syed's lower court ruling which vacated his conviction and grants him a new trial.

Journalist and Crime Writers On co-host Kevin Flynn has a brief breakdown of today's 138 page ruling - with a promise of more details to come.

Read the court's decision here.

Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo, The Staircase returns, and an Atlanta Monster takedown

Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo, The Staircase returns, and an Atlanta Monster takedown

IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Crime Writers On is facing off against This American Life for a chance to win DiscoverPods's PODCAST MADNESS. We are one win away from SHOCKING THE WORLD! Let's get it done: vote now at discoverpods.com.

The panel tackles quite a bit this week: more "Staircase" episodes coming, the "Black Tapes" fake out, a scathing review in Slate on "Atlanta Monster," books that stay with us, and a special announcement for our Patreon supporters (it involves Toby).

Moving on, season two of CBC’s Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo looks at the case of a girl both murdered and now missing. Will Connie Walker find the Cree girl adopted into some American family? Will she skillfully tie the tale to the heartbreaking story of Canada's "Sixties Scoop"? What do the crime writers think of it?

Then in crime of the week - ready player one.

(Wanna see that "human looking dog?" Click here.)

O.J. Confessed? Atlanta Monster revisited? Seven Seconds Reviewed! (And more!)

O.J. Confessed? Atlanta Monster revisited? Seven Seconds Reviewed! (And more!)

This episode the panel blitzes through a bunch of topics. Who knew Stormy Daniels was an accomplished equestrian? That $500m lottery winner gets to remain anonymous. Why did Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth) get paid less than Matt Smith (Prince Philip) on "The Crown"? Toby finished Atlanta Monster and has some further thoughts. Did OJ Simpson really confess on that Fox special...or did he REALLY confess? And what's on the Scientology TV Network tonight?

Then the crime writers talk about the new Netflix series "Seven Seconds." The drama explores the effect of a covered-up hit-and-run on the victim's parents, the driver and his crooked police partners, and the alcoholic DA assigned to the case. And can someone explain why everyone's car is so dirty?

TO REMAIN SPOILER-FREE AND SKIP TO OUR REVIEWS OF SEVEN SECONDS, JUMP AHEAD TO 1:00:56

In Crime of the Week - the hits keep on coming.