Sep 17, 2026 · 7 min listen · Last updated September 17, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Here are today's top 5 true crime stories. Let's get into it. First, from CrimeReads (Literary Hub). Abby Geni on Mental Hit Lists, Viking Culture, and the Complexity of Empathy. Most of us have a mental hit list.
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Daily True Crime Brief · September 17th
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Abby Geni on Mental Hit Lists, Viking Culture, and the Complexity of Empathy
Most of us have a mental hit list. These are the people we would kill if we could get away with it. Maybe you daydream about murdering an ex, or a childhood bully, or that one coworker who still has not figured out the mute button on Zoom. My own hit list consists entirely of mortal enemies. It doesn’t matter how long ago they wronged me, or whether the enemy in question is even aware that they are, in fact, my enemy. Like Montresor in “The Cask of Amontillado,” I can hold a grudge forever. To be clear, I have not actually murdered anyone, nor do I intend to. You probably haven’t either.
The Best Psychological Thrillers of the Month: September 2026
September is bringing some intriguing psychological thrillers that blend suspense with unexpected twists. Hallie Shepherd makes her debut with *Call Off the Dark*, a gothic thriller that dives deep into themes of grief and isolation. It’s a gripping read that might just make you appreciate the people around you a little more.
Next up is Gigi Waldorf’s *Murder on the Upper East Side*, which mixes elements of wealth and class with a murder mystery vibe reminiscent of *Gossip Girl* and *Only Murders in the Building*. It’s a sharp social commentary wrapped in a thrilling narrative, and if you enjoy this one, you might want to explore Waldorf’s other works under her real name, Kit Frick.
Jonathan Santlofer returns with *Ten Perfect Guests*, a locked-room mystery that pays homage to Agatha Christie. Set on a remote island, a group of people gathers for a will reading, only to find themselves caught in a web of revenge. It’s clever and engaging, perfect for fans of classic mysteries.
Alma Katsu’s *Incarnate* tackles the dark side of influencer culture through the lens of a tech worker who makes a deal with a sinister online presence. As her real-life appearance starts to morph into her glamorous avatar, she grapples with the consequences of her choices. It’s a thrilling ride that blurs the line between reality and the digital world.
Lastly, Abby Geni’s *Children of the Wolf* tells the story of Liv, a beekeeper haunted by her Viking heritage and a father who took his obsession too far. When local men start disappearing, Liv is forced to confront her past and the legacy she thought she had escaped. It’s a captivating tale that will resonate with fans of Viking lore and suspense alike.
If you're looking for a little escape through literature, there's something captivating about novels set in luxurious, glamorous worlds, especially when they have a darker twist. The author of "The Midnight Guests" shares her passion for writing about a high-end hotel filled with intriguing characters. The story revolves around Diana Gold, who opens a posh new hotel in London, only to find herself entangled in a murder mystery that threatens to unravel her life and her establishment.
The hotel setting allows for a rich tapestry of characters, from the wealthy guests to the staff, all hiding their own secrets. The author highlights how the pressure-cooker environment of luxury can amplify drama, as characters navigate their desires and power dynamics. It’s a world where every interaction feels charged, especially when you add in the element of danger.
In the article, six novels are recommended that perfectly blend opulence with suspense. Agatha Christie's classic "Murder on the Orient Express" is a must-read, capturing the intrigue of a train filled with suspicious characters. Alex Michaelides' "The Fury" takes us to a private Greek island, exploring themes of art and revenge. Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca" delves into the psychological tension of a young bride in a grand estate haunted by its past.
There's also Alessandra Ranelli's debut "Murder at the Hotel Orient," set in a love hotel in Vienna, and Nita Prose's "The Maid," where a hotel maid becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. Lastly, Tom Hindle's "Death in the Arctic" features a luxury airship setting, showcasing his knack for layered mysteries. Each of these novels offers a thrilling escape into worlds where glamour meets the unexpected, reminding us why we love a good story.
I slept in the room where Lizzie Borden's stepmom was killed. Here's what I found.
A team from "48 Hours" spent the night in the infamous Lizzie Borden house in Fall River, Massachusetts, where her stepmother, Abby Borden, was brutally murdered in 1892. The crime scene is notorious, with Lizzie, Abby's 32-year-old stepdaughter, becoming the prime suspect due to her strained relationship with Abby and her presence in the house during the murders. Despite strong evidence against her and a sensational trial, Lizzie was acquitted, leaving many questions about the case unanswered.
The house, now a Bed and Breakfast and museum, is filled with eerie memorabilia, including crime scene photos. The producers sought to explore the mystery by staying in the very room where Abby was killed. They pondered Lizzie's claims of not hearing the attack, given the house's small size and thin walls, raising doubts about the plausibility of her story. They also questioned how Lizzie could have committed the murders without leaving any blood on her clothing, a detail that seems even more perplexing in light of modern forensic science.
As the night went on, the producer settled into Abby's bedroom, hoping for some ghostly encounter, but ended up sleeping soundly instead. The experience highlighted how much has changed in criminal investigations since the late 19th century, suggesting that today’s jurors would likely view the evidence—and Lizzie—very differently. The Borden case continues to captivate and mystify, a century later, as it raises questions about justice, gender, and societal perceptions.
This year's Emmy Awards had a strong focus on crime, with many nominees and even the host, Mariska Hargitay, known for her role as Detective Olivia Benson on "Law and Order: SVU." Her opening segment paid tribute to the crime genre, setting the tone for the night.
In the drama category, "The Pitt" took home the award for Outstanding Drama Series, while "Widow’s Bay" won for Outstanding Comedy Series. The limited series category saw "DTF St. Louis" snag the top prize. Notably, Noah Wyle won for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for his role in "The Pitt," and Matthew Rhys won in the comedy category for "Widow’s Bay."
Jean Smart was recognized as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy for her performance in "Hacks," while Sally Field won for her role in the limited series "Remarkably Bright Creatures." In the supporting categories, "Widow’s Bay" and "DTF St. Louis" had a good showing, with multiple wins across both comedy and limited series.
The night also highlighted standout directing and writing, with Vince Gilligan winning for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for "Pluribus" and Hiro Murai for directing "Widow’s Bay." The competition in reality TV was fierce, but "The Traitors" emerged as the winner. Overall, the Emmys celebrated a rich tapestry of storytelling, with crime at the forefront, reflecting its enduring appeal in television.