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

A double review! Uncover: The Village and The Ballad of Billy Balls!

A double review! Uncover: The Village and The Ballad of Billy Balls!

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“Uncover: The Village,” investigates a series of murders in Toronto’s Gay Village. Despite a 2018 arrest, gay residents of The Village have been vanishing since the mid-70s with the police taking little notice.

TO HEAR OUR SPOILER FREE REVIEW OF "UNCOVER: THE VILLAGE," GO TO 29:38

“Crimetown Presents” is back with a new series about true love and true crime. “The Ballad of Billy Balls” looks at the mysterious death of a New York punk-era musician, told mostly through the eyes of his long-devoted, troubled girlfriend.

TO HEAR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "THE BALLAD OF BILLY BALLS," GO TO 1:02:23

In crime of the week: Lions and rhinos and elephants, oh my!

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To Live and Die in LA. - NOPE. Plus, an In The Dark SCOTUS update!

To Live and Die in LA - NOPE. Plus, an In The Dark SCOTUS update!

In this episode, we review the podcast "To Live and Die in LA" from Tenderfoot TV. We also discuss the latest developments on the Curtis Flowers case.

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The Case Against Adnan Syed Part 4 - what did we learn?

The Case Against Adnan Syed Part 4 - what did we learn?

The crime writers give some hot takes on SCOTUS oral arguments on the Curtis Flowers case. Which justices shocked the panel? Plus, we get a hilarious sneak-peek at Lara's new Patreon-exclusive podcast, The Brickter Scale Podcast.

The group gives their thoughts about the conclusion of HBO's "The Case Against Adnan Syed." The series has provided some emotional notes along with its revealing investigation. The documentary uncovers some explosive evidence on DNA...but would you even know it?

TO HEAR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF THE CASE AGAINST ADNAN SYED, GO TO 1:07:10

In crime of the week: won't you see my neighbor?

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Breaking: Adnan Syed's DNA was NOT found in new evidence tests. But what does that mean?

Breaking: Adnan Syed's DNA was NOT found in new evidence tests. But what does that mean?

Ahead of this weekend's final episode in "The Case Against Adnan Syed," the Baltimore Sun broke the news with an article that says the State of Maryland ran DNA tests in October 2018 on previously untested evidence from the Leakin Park burial site of murder victim Hae Min Lee. And Adnan Syed's DNA was not discovered on any of the samples.

This has sparked a torrent of discussion and misinformation online. So, Rebecca and Kevin discussed the findings and their implications with attorney Susan Simpson of "Undisclosed."

The Case Against Adnan Syed Part 3 - Did we get that bombshell yet?

The Case Against Adnan Syed Part 3 - Did we get that bombshell yet?

Listen to the episode:

After an announcement about Kevin's health, Rebecca gets straight to business with Colin Miller. Legal Siri himself discusses an error he discovered in the Court of Appeal's recent decision against Adnan Syed that could be grounds for reconsideration. Plus, he shares his thoughts on The Case Against Adnan Syed. Have the documentarians discovered the smoking gun which might turn it all around?

Then Rebecca, Kevin, Lara, & Toby dive into episode three of the HBO series. The audience finally learns of the biggest flaws in the state's case: the cell tower evidence. What do they make of the many narrative threads still loose heading into the final episode...and what about that email cliffhanger?

TO REMAIN SPOILER-FREE FOR EPISODE 3 OF THE CASE AGAINST ADNAN SYED, GO TO 1:00:07

In Crime of the Week: method acting.

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The Case Against Adnan Syed (on HBO) and the case against Adnan Syed (in the courts)

The Case Against Adnan Syed (on HBO) and the case against Adnan Syed (in the courts)

Rebecca and Kevin discuss Adnan Syed’s recent legal setback with Rabia Chaudry. She also dishes on what’s missing from the HBO documentary (of which she is an executive producer).

Then the full panel weighs in on episode two of The Case Against Adnan Syed. Important witnesses are introduced, and the new investigators focus on grass. Are these developments going somewhere?

TO REMAIN SPOILER-FREE FOR EPISODE 2 OF THE CASE AGAINST ADNAN SYED, GO TO 1:09

In Crime of the Week, be cruel to your school.

The Case Against Adnan Syed. Plus, Leaving Neverland

HBO Double Review: The Case Against Adnan Syed & Leaving Neverland

The crime writers give their take on part 1 of HBO's "The Case Against Adnan Syed." Like the movie version of a favorite book, the episode covers the story of Adnan and Hae's high school relationship, but adds to it in a way "Serial" did not.

NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Court of Appeals of Maryland issued its decision to deny Adnan Syed a new trial. We will be discussing that news next week.

TO REMAIN SPOILER-FREE FOR EPISODE ONE, GO TO 40:02.

Then the panel wrestles with HBO's two-part "Leaving Neverland." The documentary - told simply and starkly - is the most powerful indictment of Michael Jackson's systematic abuse of star-struck children and their families. (Warning: discussion of this documentary may be triggering for some audience members.)

TO REMAIN SPOILER-FREE FOR LEAVING NEVERLAND, GO TO 1:08:51

In Crime of the Week: how the cookie crumbles.

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Update: Adnan Syed Denied A New Trial

Update: Adnan Syed Denied A New Trial

Kevin and Rebecca react to the breaking news in the Adnan Syed Case.

Listen:

We're all Over My Dead Body

Over My Dead Body review, True Detective wrap, and a Steven Avery win!

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A big week for Lara, as she broadcasts from the Great White North of New Hampshire, having traversed the area on a snowmobile. She also hosted True Crime Obsessed’s Patrick Hinds and his family for their Granite State visit (and showed them the town Christmas tree pile). Rebecca also announces a new exclusive feature for Patreon supporters: the new CWO After Show. Get this exclusive podcast by joining us at patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia.

In True Crime Update, we hear about a win for Steven Avery in his bid to get a new trial. Then the panel gives final thoughts about True Detective season 3.

TO HEAR THE SPOILER-FREE DISCUSSION OF TRUE DETECTIVE, GO TO 29:19.

Then Wondery unveils its new podcast series, “Over My Dead Body.” Season one is called “Tally” and looks at a strange murder in Tallahassee, Florida. Does Over My Dead Body share more with binge-worthy Dirty John and Dr. Death than it does with the other all-to-common crime podcasts?

TO REMAIN SPOILER-FREE, GO TO 1:00:50 TO HEAR THE REVIEWS.

In crime of the week: claw and order.

I am the Night! Reply All's The Founder! And an In The Dark update!

I am the Night! Reply All's The Founder! And an In The Dark update!

Rebecca teases the upcoming supplemental episodes of In the Dark, Lara gets sick, Toby has further thoughts on Maura Murray, and Kevin explains his fear of being blown up by his snow blower.

The panel discuss "The Founder," the latest episode of Reply All in which we learn the incredible life of crime of Paul Le Roux. It's a good tale about the super-villain you’ve never heard of. 

Then the Crime Writers talk about TNT's “I Am the Night,” a limited series based on the life story of Fauna Hodel and starring Chris Pine. The show sways between noir and surrealism, looking to tell Fauna’s unbelievable life story in a believable way.  

TO HEAR THE SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "I AM THE NIGHT," GO TO 58:10.

In Crime of the Week: smoke 'em if you got 'em.

A Conviction podcast review! And an (informed) Maura Murray case update!

A Conviction podcast review! And an (informed) Maura Murray case update!

Crime writers assemble! Lara gets to bitch about stuff she can’t hear them saying on “True Detective.” Toby discovers the “Crime Beat” podcast, which he predicts will go big. Rebecca talks to Maggie Freleng about new developments in the Maura Murray case. Kevin stifles a cough.

The panel reviews “Conviction” from Gimlet Media. It’s a profile of a brash, self-assured private investigator who will go to any length to prove his client was set up by a crooked cop. Is he a champion of justice or a detrimental showboat?

TO HEAR THE SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF CONVICTION, GO TO 1:08:31.

In crime of the week: put a tiger in your toke.

The Ted Bundy Tapes, The Dropout, and it's coming...The Case Against Adnan Syed

The Ted Bundy Tapes, The Dropout, and it's coming...The Case Against Adnan Syed

Rebecca and Kevin announce a new benefit for Patreon supporters. You’ll now be able to get Married with Podcast, their exclusive marriage & parenting advice show. Checkout www.patreon.com/partnersincrimemedia for more details.

In True Crime Update, HBO will soon air its post-Serial documentary, “The Case Against Adnan Syed.” A press release promises “new discoveries, as well as groundbreaking revelations that challenge the state's case.”

The panel does a mini-review of “The Dropout” from ABC Radio and ABC News Nightline. This investigation into a self-made billionaire and her massive biotech shell game is a compelling story of corporate true crime.

FOR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "THE DROPOUT" GO TO 32:18.

Finally, the Crime Writers talk about Netflix’s “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes.” With a prolific amount of contemporaneous film and personal audio recordings, this reexamination into the serial killer’s daring and deadly life of crime is enlightening.

FOR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "THE TED BUNDY TAPES" GO TO 1:02:45.

In Crime of the Week: the pursuit of happiness. 

Is True Detective back? We break it down.

Is True Detective back? We break it down.

Lara is hopped up on chocolate-covered espresso beans…so hold on to your hats, people. The panel talks about Hollywood’s plans for a dramatized retelling of the “Wild Wild Country” story. Rebecca poses the question of whether “Conviction” and Gimlet’s other male-driven true crime offers are “too bro.” Then the crime writers discuss whether the sensibility and narrative certitude of true crime publishing has a place in the broken system/unsolved case popularity of modern podcasts.

The group tackles the new season of HBO’s True Detective. It replicates season 1’s neo-gothic settings, stylized cinematography, shifting timelines, unreliable narrators, and its all-star cast. But does the latest installment return True Detective to its once-revered reputation?

WE’LL BE DISCUSSING PLOT POINTS TO TRUE DETECTIVE, SO TO STAY SPOILER-FREE FAST-FORWARD TO OUR REVIEWS AT 1:01:06

Then in crime of the week: kill ‘em with Kindness.

Abducted in Plain Sight....is bananas

Abducted in Plain Sight....is bananas

It's a breakfast-hour recording for the panel after a basement flooding emergency threw off the schedule (not to fear...Studio C is undamaged). Also, the dog's weird behavior has a medical explanation.

The Crime Writers do a quick take on the new installment of "Done Disappeared." After a shaky sophomore season, the podcast parody seems to be back to peak form.

Then the team gives their thoughts (and they have a lot of them) about the new doc from Netflix, "Abducted in Plain Sight." The story of a girl kidnapped by her neighbor - twice - is filled with a ton of WTF moments, but does that alone make for a good documentary?

FOR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT" GO TO 54:59

In crime of the week: $10,000,000 finders keepers.

Monster: The Zodiac Killer - Is it a podcast worth listening to?

The crime writers discuss the finer points of hate mail. Toby gives a shout out to a little-known but important local podcast called 2nd Read, Rebecca and Kevin plug their appearance on Netflix's "You Can't Make This Up" podcast, and Lara has wine come out her nose.

The panel reviews Monster, which explores the sinister ciphers and random slayings of the Zodiac Killer that gripped California in 1969. Documentary or exposé, is it possible they’ll put forth a theory which has yet to be made after a half-century of investigation?

TO HEAR THE SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "MONSTER," SKIP TO 54:54.

Then in crime of the week: purloined purple penguin.

Our Broken Harts breakdown

Two true crime updates this week. The "hot sheriff" from Murder Mountain issues a rebuttal of-sorts to the Netflix doc. Meantime, based on a recent court decision favorable to his case, Adnan Syed's legal team has submitted a supplemental filing in his appeal. Then there's special cameo from this month's guest on Toby Ball's Deep Dive podcast.

Next the crime writers talk about the hit podcast "Broken Harts." This collaboration between HowStuffWorks and Glamour magazine looks at the case of a family killed when its van was intentional driven over an ocean cliff. The background of the Harts is compelling, but does the pod do a good job presenting any of these issues?

FOR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "BROKEN HARTS," GO TO 57:09.

In crime of the week: sub launching.

Murder Mountain and Bandersnatch and Chill

Murder Mountain and Bandersnatch and Chill

It’s 2019 and the Crime Writers resolve to bring it in the new year.

The panel clicks its way through "Bandersnatch," Netflix’s hot interactive TV show. Toby thinks it meshes gimmick with good story, Kevin likes its meta themes, and Lara is still trying to figure out her Roku. Meanwhile, Rebecca finally finishes her summer reading.

The Crime Writers catch the 4:20 to “Murder Mountain,” the new Netflix doc about the outlaw California region where black market marijuana is cultivated. Does the six-part series effectively weave the story of an unsolved(?) murder with its look at the past and future of the region now that legalization has uprooted the industry?

TO HEAR THE SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "MURDER MOUNTAIN" GO TO 59:22

Then in Crime of the Week: And to all a good fight.

The Innocent Man on Netflix, a Making a Murderer lawsuit, and a Monster podcast trailer

The Innocent Man on Netflix, a Making a Murderer lawsuit, and a Monster podcast trailer

Is it an early Christmas present, or a justified lawsuit? We weigh in on the news that one of the maybe-corrupt law enforcement officers featured in Making A Murderer has filed suit against Netflix and the filmmakers. Plus, one of the Bundy clan is walking away from the movement we heard about in the excellent podcast Bundyville. Why? The answer might surprise you.

And yes, a much-maligned podcast gets a follow up as we break down what we heard in the new trailer for Monster: The Zodiac Killer.

Then, in our main event review, we break down and review the latest entry from Netflix in the true crime documentary genre. It’s called The Innocent Man, and it’s based on a book from an author better known for campy courtroom novels. Do we love it? Find out!

TO HEAR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF THE INNOCENT MAN, FAST-FORWARD TO 1:01:33.

A big break, a Cold review and the Best of 2018

A big break, a Cold review and the Best of 2018

OH SNAP! Rebecca describes her misadventure in the woods. We make an announcement about PodX. In true crime update, Curtis Flowers's defense hopes to turn the tables on Doug Evans.

We review Cold, the new podcast from KSL examining the Susan Powell case. A thorough examination of the lives of the Powells through recovered computer files, audio diaries, videotape, and dramatic readings, we ask how much is too much?

TO HEAR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF COLD, FAST-FORWARD TO 32:58.

We look back 2018 with our recommendations of the best things to watch, read, and listen to. What's everyone's pick for the best podcast of the year?

Rebecca's picks:

Kevin's picks

Lara's picks

Toby's picks

Then in Crime of the Week: Viva Nun Vegas!



A Teacher's Pet update, HBO's The Sentence and Headlong: Surviving Y2K

A Teacher's Pet update, HBO's The Sentence and Headlong: Surviving Y2K

IRL Rebecca renders a verdict...and gets to check something off her bucket list. There's a true crime update out of Australia with an arrest in the Teacher's Pet case. Should we reconsider the quality of a podcast story poorly told, yet effective at solving the crime?

HBO brings us to tears with The Sentence, a look at one woman's 15-year mandatory-minimum sentence and its effects on her young children. Can a documentary about a single family speak to a larger institutional issue?

TO HERE OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "THE SENTENCE" GO TO 33:01.

Then Dan Taberski returns with Headlong: Surviving Y2K. This look at global disaster averted weaves stories about eager doomsday preppers, bank robbers, dissident journalists, mothers in labor, and Taberski's own story of coming out to his wife. Let's party like it's 1999.

TO HEAR OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF "SURVIVING Y2K" GO TO 1:11:53.

Then in Crime of the Week: there arose such a clatter.