There’s no doubt that ever since the resounding success of investigative podcast Serial, podcasts have skyrocketed in popularity. With the explosion of the true crime genre, it comes as no surprise that podcasts have quickly become a pervasive part of popular culture and a necessity in our daily routines, we might add. After all, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a suspenseful mystery that gets the heart racing and blood coursing through your veins, keeping you on the edge of your seat (as long as it’s not when you’re driving).
While the fight for the podcast throne in 2019 is still very much up for grabs, these true crime podcasts below will unleash your inner detective and are guaranteed to have you hooked after the first episode, whether you’re a seasoned listener or a podcast virgin.
1. Where’s William Tyrell?
TenSpeaks has announced that the unsolved case of missing toddler William Tyrrell will be the subject of their first investigative true crime podcast: Where’s William Tyrell?
Hosted by journalists Lisa Harris and Natarsha Belling, Where’s William Tyrell? investigates the mysterious disappearance of three-year-old William Tyrell from his foster grandmother’s house in Kendall, New South Wales, on 12 September 2014.
It is produced in consultation with William’s foster parents, who also feature exclusively in the podcast. It is the first time his foster parents have given an interview about the case in four years.
2. Claremont Serial Killings
The Claremont Serial Killings, hosted by The West Australian’s veteran crime and investigative reporter Gary Adshead, takes listeners into the shocking murders of three young women from the well-to-do Perth suburb of Claremont in 1996 and 1997. Australia’s longest-running murder investigation, this podcast and cold case is especially timely as it has been reopened 23 years later, with accused murderer Bradley Edwards set to stand trial in July. The 50-year-old, a former Little Athletics volunteer, is denying any involvement in the cases.
3. Trace
ABC’s debut true crime podcast, Trace, tells of the cold-blooded murder of Maria James who was about to confront a priest who had been sexually abusing her young son. The Melbourne mother never had the chance face her son’s abuser as she was stabbed in the back of her Thornbury bookshop in 1980. Coincidence or not? We’ll let you decide.
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4. The Teacher’s Pet
Lyn Dawson and her husband Chris appeared to have the perfect marriage until Lyn disappeared without a trace and was replaced by her husband’s high school lover two days later. The Australian’s Hedley Thomas delves into a cold murder which has been unsolved for 36 years, uncovering shocking new evidence. The podcast was so successful that it resulted in the arrest of Dawson, who later was released on bail. He is due to stand trial for the murder later this year.
5. Atlanta Monster
If you lived in Atlanta in the late 1970s or early ’80s, the phrase “It’s 10 p.m. Do you know where your children are?” should ring a bell. During a two-year period, many parents in Atlanta didn’t know where their children were. Kids would disappear and their bodies would mysteriously appear in the woods. Atlanta Monster is an explosive ten-part podcast that examines these infamous series of murders that took place in Atlanta city.
6. S-Town
From the same producers of Serial and This American Life, S-Town follows the story of John, a man who despises his Alabama town and seeks to investigate the son of a wealthy family who has allegedly claimed to get away with murder. The search for the truth leads to a nasty feud embroiled with the discovery of the mysteries surrounding one man’s life.
7. My Favourite Murder
My Favourite Murder is a weekly true crime comedy podcast hosted by American comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. The duo share their favourite tales of murder and hear hometown crime stories from friends and fans. The popular podcast has experienced cult success since it’s first episode and even has an online community of fans who live by the acronym SSDGM – Stay Sexy, Don’t Get Murdered.
8. Unravel
It’s the summer of 1988 and an Indigenous teenagers body is found on the railway lines just outside of Tamworth, NSW. Yet something doesn’t add up. ABC’s Unravel explores the story behind this suspicious death and follows some of Australia’s leading journalists as they investigate unsolved crimes.
9. Conspiracy Theories
From Princess Diana’s death to John F Kennedy’s assassination, this podcast investigates some of the worlds most controversial events and potential cover-ups. For those who love a good conspiracy theory, we guarantee you’ll become obsessed (We know we sure are).
10. Missing Maura Murray
When college student Maura Murray drove three hours from her dorm in Amherst, Massachusetts to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, she was involved in a non life threatening car accident. After that she was never to be seen or heard from again. Missing Maura Murray attempts answer all the questions surrounding this is mysterious disappearance from foul play to whether Maura is still alive today.
11. How I Survived
Queensland mum-of-three Pepita Nicholls asked her husband of 18 years, Robert Ridgeway, for a divorce. So he hatched an evil plan to get revenge – he tried to gas her to death while she slept. Thankfully, he was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 10 years in jail.
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