When I was visiting Calico a few months ago we took some time to walk around the Calico Cemetery. I find cemeteries to be so peaceful and enjoy taking the time to read the inscriptions to get a small hint of that individual and what their life was like. I think it's important to have that kind of respect for the dead rather than fear them, but I digress. While I was there I got the idea to write a post about all of my favorite True Crime sources. Sharing the stories of the dead, even those murdered, is so important and I've always had a fascination with hearing these stories. Lately I've been listening to a lot of podcasts about true crime, but I've also watched several docuseries that I felt I needed to share. So here you go! My personal True Crime favorites from the past few months:
Up and Vanished
This is a podcast series I have been listening to on Spotify. It currently has two seasons with each season following a different missing person case. The first season of Up and Vanished in particular is full of great details in the 10 year old case of missing beauty queen, Tara Grinstead, that in a surprising twist ends with an arrest. Listening to this story unfold after all these years is extremely exciting and I'm sure something that Payne Lindsey, the creator, never anticipated. While the second season doesn't have the same exciting end, it's still a great listen. This podcast has now turned into a TV series which I haven't watched myself, but is something to consider if you're a fan of the podcast. Check it out on Oxygen!
Dr. Death
This one definitely isn't for the squeamish. Dr. Death tells the story of Christopher Duntsch and the treachery he left in his wake. While the majority of doctors are wonderful and honest human beings who truly want to heal, this story serves as a reminder and a caution to the tiny percent of dishonest and depraved individuals that hide behind their title. Also, by the same creators, is Dirty John which is worth a listen and has also earned it's spot on your television in a new limited series on Bravo. If podcasts aren't your thing, definitely check out the Bravo series as it follows the real story pretty accurately.
My Favorite Murder
If comedy is more your thing then My Favorite Murder is for you! Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark tell each other true stories of murder in a fun and lighthearted way. They are always careful to disclose that they do not think murder is at all humorous, but sometimes for our own sanity, it's important to remain lighthearted. Laughter can sometimes be the best medicine. Karen and Georgia are a riot and are the best friends you always wished you had. This is my favorite to listen to when I need something a little less heavy.
The Ted Bundy Tapes
This documentary-series on Netflix was just released and I binged it over one weekend. With voice recordings from Ted Bundy himself, The Ted Bundy Tapes series follows his years of murdering at least 30 and escaping twice all the way to his execution. This one is especially creepy and will definitely leave you looking over your shoulder, but it does a great job telling his story.
Monster
Monster is currently on its second season that tells the story of the Zodiac Killer and how his identity has remained a mystery until today. It's an interesting and frustrating story full of taunts and gore and is sure to be a favorite of any True Crime lover. The first season, called The Atlanta Monster follows the story of The Atlanta Child Murders when over 25 African American children disappeared and some were found murdered. Both seasons are interesting in their own right without being too graphic so if gore scares you away then these might be for you.
Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie follows a different murder for every episode. Each episode is the story of a muder, missing person, or an unsolved case that is summarized as to tell you the story without sharing too many haunting details. I love this one for short car rides.
Missing Alissa
If you aren't a fan of crime stories without a real ending then skip this one, but if you don't mind then definitely give this one a listen. It tells the story of the disappearance of Alissa and all the details around her "running away" story that her father has stuck to that just don't add up. Missing Alissa is one that I hope keeps having developments and I really hope has some sort of resolution.
Teacher's Pet
Lyn Dawson's disappearance wasn't getting the attention it deserved until this podcast came to be. Unsolved for 36 years, it seemed the family of Lyn would never have their answer of what really happened to her. Teacher's Pet is another podcast that was able to end in an arrest finally being made in the case. Take a closer look at the marriage of Lyn and Chris Dawson and decided for yourself what you think really happened.
I didn't want to flood you with too many podcasts or series even though I could go on and on. Here are a few more that I also enjoyed, but didn't make the top 8:
Honorable Mention:
Also, just released is a podcast called Over My Dead Body by the same creators of Dr. Death and Dirty John. I barely started listening to it yesterday and it seems promising. I'll repot back if I think it deserves a spot on my list!
