True crime content has majorly taken over pop culture. There are podcasts, books, and shows that tell incredible true stories with unthinkable twists and turns. Many moms who have been home with their kids have been turning to true crime for an escape from the everyday.
It's been discovered that women have a special affinity for the genre. ADT did a survey of 1,000 people who enjoy consuming true crime content. They found that women were over twice as likely as men to indulge in such content on a daily basis. They even discovered that 8 p.m. is the most popular viewing hour. It speaks to many moms' schedules. By that time, dinner is taken care of and the kids are getting ready for or are already in bed.
While women are enjoying creepy content in a controlled environment, they're also thinking about their family's safety. One in four people surveyed said their true crime consumption makes them worry about what things their family might be vulnerable to. Many go on to add surveillance cameras, a doorbell camera, and a security system to their homes.
If you are reading, listening, or watching, we don't blame you. There's something about enjoying something horrific in a controlled environment that appeals to some fans' senses. If you're one of them, check out our picks for the best true crime books, podcasts, and shows to enjoy.
'Voices for Justice'
Voices for Justice is a podcast entirely written, produced, and hosted by Sarah Turney. Sarah shares the story of her sister's disappearance. Alissa Turney disappeared from Phoenix in 2001 at 17. Though their father, Michael, told people Alissa ran away, it became clear after some time that something nefarious had happened. It soon became even clearer that Michael was likely involved.
Sarah does a deep dive into Alissa's case, discovering ugly truths about their family along the way. Once a defender of her father, Sarah is now dedicated to bringing him to justice for Alissa's death, which many think he's responsible for. The show features interviews with Michael as well as other members of the family to give insight into the house of horrors that the sisters lived in.
'I'll Be Gone in the Dark'
If you haven't already read I'll Be Gone in the Dark, now is the time to catch up. The book details author Michelle McNamara's investigation into the Golden State Killer. The bestseller was published posthumously, after crime writer Paul Haynes, investigative journalist Billy Jensen, and Michelle's husband, comedian Patton Oswalt, helped complete it. It was almost two years after Michelle's death and just weeks before an arrest was made.
Michelle's work on the case is truly incredible and is widely credited for the case finally being solved. It will be the subject of an HBO docuseries premiering June 28.
'The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann'
Madeleine McCann is back in headlines after German officials believe they have a suspect in the case. The 3-year-old vanished without a trace from a vacation resort in Portugal on May 3, 2007. She was there with her family and friends of the family. The documentary explores the many theories about her disappearance and examines all the characters at play in one of the most publicized missing child cases ever.
'Hollywood Crime Scene'
If you love true crime and celebrity news, Hollywood Crime Scene is perfect for you. Rachel Fisher and Desi Jedeikin share all the details of Hollywood's most scandalous crimes. The ladies bring the laughs, finding relatable humor in the dark content.
'Unbelievable'
Unbelievable is a true crime show that focuses on the different ways two sexual assault cases were handled by different precincts. While one woman's case is accepted as fact, the other is dismissed as a liar. The show dives into how the assaults have impacted their survivors while exploring the link between the two cases.
'Columbine'
Everyone thinks they know the story of what happened on April 20, 1999, but no one knows it quite the way Dave Cullen does. He was one of the first reporters on the scene that day and dedicated the next 10 years to understanding the experience. Dave's account also follows the survivors as they cope with being part of a moment in history.
'LISK: Long Island Serial Killer'
When the search for a missing sex worker resulted in 10 bodies being found, all eyes were on the quiet Oak Beach community in Suffolk County, Long Island. Based on the book Lost Girls, LISK talks to family members, police officers, and others close to the case. This unsolved case periodically comes up in the news as its dedicated web sleuths continue to try to find answers.
'When They See Us'
When They See Us takes an incredible look at the Central Park Five case. Instead of looking at just the case and the injustices there, Ava DuVernay introduces fans to the boys at the heart of the case and helps us understand why she today refers to them as the Exonerated Five. It's more important than ever to see how the media caused a spin on this case that nearly claimed an additional five lives.
'The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century'
The Feather Thief follows the theft of the Tring Natural History Museum's ornithological collection. American flutist Edwin Rist, obsessed with salmon fly-tying, looted the collection for bird feathers that are so rare they are worth obscene amounts of money. Kirk Wallace Johnson takes a deep dive in search of answers that are scattered around the globe. It's a nice break for the true crime lover who is looking for something to sink into that doesn't involve a body count.
'Morning Cup of Murder'
For moms on the run, Morning Cup of Murder gives you your true crime fix in just 10 minutes. There's a new episode every day that tells you about a crime related to that day. Korina Biemesderfer does an amazing job of condensing a lot of information into these addicting short-form bits.
'Lorena'
Lorena Bobbitt's story has been told by countless publications and by her ex-husband, John Bobbitt. For the first time, this Jordan Peele-produced documentary tells the story beyond the salacious headlines. Lorena herself has said this documentary was an important step in reclaiming the story as it really happened.
'The Brothers: The Road to an American Tragedy'
The Brothers: The Road to an American Tragedy tells the story of Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. The brothers were responsible for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that wounded over 300 people and killed three. Journalist and activist Masha Gessen provides context for the facts of the case that have been more widely publicized. Her examination of their story as a failed attempt at the American dream is illuminating.
'Women and Crime'
Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg are two female criminologists who present a new case each week. They focus on women who were wrongfully convicted and share the different ways they think the system failed these ladies. Their insight makes the discussion of these cases extra captivating.
'McMillions'
Everyone remembers the madness that used to break out over McDonald's Monopoly in the '90s. What you didn't know is that there was a huge crime enterprise behind the scenes that McDonald's and the FBI had to team up together to sniff out. Over $24 million in prizes were distributed to fake winners within the same network.
'My Dark Places'
James Ellroy is a crime writer with an incredible ability to tell intricate stories. In this book, he explores the story that started his obsession: his mother's murder. Part autobiography, part true crime, the story is unforgettable.
