The Best Murder Podcasts

What could be better than having someone talk ceaselessly about murder while you’re heading to work, relaxing on the couch, or playing online Blackjack? For crime fundi’s and amateur sleuths, not much!

Podcasts are quickly becoming the preferred way to get deeper, more focused information on interesting topics, and murder and mysteries are just one of the many that are being covered. These top 12 murder podcasts are a must for anyone with an interest in the topic, and although they may make for sometimes-less-than-easy-listening, they are sure to fascinate. 

1. Jensen & Holes: The Murder Squad

Join two genuine detectives, retired investigator Paul Holes and acclaimed crime journalist Billy Jensen as they discuss real life unsolved murders. A new podcast, but already gaining a strong following, The Murder Squad isn’t for the faint of heart. Though, it is a treat for those who thrive on grisly mysteries.

2. Root of Evil

The Black Dahlia is one of the most horrific murders in history, and for very good reason. Join real life sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile as they discuss the man they believe responsible for the murder; their great grandfather. Their family history is a fascinating yet terrifying journey all of its own, with a strong connection to the events the sisters believe resulted in the Black Dahlia murder.

3. Up and Vanished

It is unknown if a Georgia high school teacher who vanished 11 years ago was murdered, but Payne Lindsey has done enough research into the case to tell a spellbinding story. With more details revealed in each episode of Up and Vanished you won’t believe the twists and turns that happen in real life missing person cases.

4. To Live and Die In LA

Respected journalist Neil Strauss received a request to track down a missing actress in Los Angeles. His findings were enough to inspire this podcast, which tell a twisting tale of suicide, affairs, and other dramas. Most fascinating is that the story is still unfolding, even to this day.

5. Crime Junkie

In Crime Junkie Ashley Flowers dives into all sorts of true crimes on a weekly basis, sharing her extensive research. She keeps listeners updated on a regular basis as she uncovers new information, providing an array of fascinating new details as she herself learns them. Stick with her and you might also become a crime junkie.

6. Over My Dead Body

Seemingly made for one another, a charming, attractive pair of attorneys were the envy of many. But the bubble soon burst when one of the two were murdered under extremely suspicious circumstances.  Matthew Shaer takes the listener on a journey through the events that ended in a cold-blooded killing; with some details so shocking that they are enough to send chills up spines.

7. Dr. Death

One of the most horrifying series of events in the medical world, neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch is already known to many as Dr. Death. Hear from Laura Beil how this notorious doctor left patients worse off than before they visited him, with some even dying as a result of his treatments. Duntsch is perhaps one of the most startling indirect murderers in history, given that he was a licensed doctor until more recently than you might want to believe.

8. Atlanta Monster

Take a trip back to 1979, Atlanta, when children were vanishing without a trace. This disturbing podcast series explores the tragic events that ended with more than 25 children and young adults being found dead. Stick around for the second season, which explores with equal depth the widely known Zodiac killings.

9. My Favorite Murder

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark have gained a cult following. They discuss their favourite murders in history, with a tongue in cheek, comical approach that has gathered them a faithful audience. The subjects are dark, but their attitudes are light, with the motto ‘Stay sexy and don’t get murdered’ keeping fans laughing even as they delve into terrible true stories.

10. Cold

A 10-year-old cold case is reinvestigated, with new, possibly conclusive information being revealed. The missing person is Susan Powell, who was suspected of being murdered by an abusive husband. But since no conclusions were ever officially reached, it is up to the listener to make up their own mind.

11. Criminal

Referred to as the most intelligent podcast that deals with dark subjects, Criminal is fast becoming a sensation. Phoebe Judge explores the deeper psychology of murder, never shying away from dark, often disturbing truths about human nature.

12. Someone Knows Something

The last on our list, but certainly one of the best, Someone Knows Something takes a unique approach. Instead of focusing on the murders themselves, this podcast instead talks with the families left with a cold case. Although often dealing with deeply emotional situations, David Ridgen does his best to navigate the reality of a cold case without overwhelming the listener. Each week a new case is investigated, and the families left behind questioned.