Sep 24, 2026 · 8 min listen · Last updated September 24, 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 Crime Online. SUPER MODEL CINDY CRAWFORD SON DEAD AT 27. Hey, I just heard that Cindy Crawford’s son Presley, who was only 27, passed away while staying at a rehab facility.
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Daily True Crime Brief · September 24th
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SUPER MODEL CINDY CRAWFORD SON DEAD AT 27
Hey, I just heard that Cindy Crawford’s son Presley, who was only 27, passed away while staying at a rehab facility. It’s a shock, especially given how young he was and how public his family has been. The details are still sparse, but it’s clear that this is a heartbreaking loss for the Crawford family and for everyone who followed his journey.
Presley had been dealing with his own struggles, and it’s a stark reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, even those who seem to have it all. The fact that he was in rehab at the time suggests he was getting help, but it also shows how difficult it can be to find the right support and how quickly things can spiral.
Cindy Crawford has been in the news a lot lately, and this adds another heavy chapter to her story. She’s known for her openness about family matters, so this news is going to hit her personally and publicly. It’s a tough time for her and for anyone who cared about Presley.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to talk about it, I’m here. It’s hard to process a loss like this, especially when it comes so suddenly. Let’s keep the conversation going and remember that it’s okay to reach out for help or to lean on friends when the world feels heavy.
5 Modern, Literary Ghost Stories That Inspired Chris Vanjonack’s Short Story Collection
Chris Vanjonack’s debut story collection, *Out of Body*, unexpectedly weaves together themes of ghostly intimacy and human connection, exploring the intersections of sex and death. The collection features a trio of stories where ethereal relationships take center stage. In “Phases,” two lovelorn ghosts float through their existence, trying to recreate the act of sex. “Open Spaces” follows a couple on a pandemic road trip to haunted parks, aiming to connect physically in places steeped in spectral lore. Meanwhile, “The Spirit Moves You” delves into the chaos of two strangers possessed by ghostly forces, using their bodies to bridge a connection.
Reflecting on his writing process, Vanjonack notes that the deeper meanings of his stories often emerged subconsciously. He sees the ghostly encounters as metaphors for real-life struggles, like depression and the longing for physicality during COVID-19. This realization highlights how literary ghost stories can reveal profound symbolism, even when the writer doesn’t initially intend it.
To celebrate this genre, Vanjonack shares five modern ghost stories that influenced his work. George Saunders’ “Civilwarland in Bad Decline” introduces readers to absurd yet horrifying themes of capitalism and violence through the lens of a ghostly family. Carmen Maria Machado’s “Especially Heinous” takes a surreal dive into an alternate universe of *Law & Order SVU*, blending crime with ghostly elements. Karen Russell’s “Haunting Olivia” captures two brothers grappling with grief as they search for their drowned sister’s spirit.
Dan Chaon’s “The Farm. The Gold. The Lily-white Hands” challenges readers with its experimental narrative, blurring the lines between reality and trauma. Lastly, Kelly Link’s “Stone Animals” immerses readers in a haunted house story filled with quirky details and mysteries, creating a unique and disorienting experience. Each of these stories contributes to the rich tapestry of modern ghost storytelling, inspiring Vanjonack's exploration of the ethereal in *Out of Body*.
Megan Mostyn-Brown on Grounding Fictional Horror in Real Science
Megan Mostyn-Brown shares her lifelong fascination with genetics, sparked by the thrilling novels of Dean Koontz. She finds that grounding horror in real science amplifies its terror, as the human body is filled with mysteries that can be both unsettling and intriguing. She likens living in our bodies to driving a fancy car without a manual, where unexplained symptoms can lead to anxiety about serious health issues.
In her book, "The Need," she tackles the controversial subject of cannibalism, exploring it through the lens of a genetic disorder. This approach shifts the narrative from simple villainy to a more complex moral dilemma, as she challenges readers to consider the circumstances that might lead someone to such extreme measures. The idea of a genetic predisposition to cannibalism complicates the notion of good and evil, making it more relatable and thought-provoking.
Mostyn-Brown emphasizes the importance of research in her writing process, even though she admits that science isn’t her strongest suit. She dives into various genetic conditions and their implications without getting bogged down in technical details. To ensure her portrayal of genetic cannibalism felt plausible, she consulted a geneticist through a resource that connects writers with experts, which helped her craft a narrative that resonates with authenticity.
Ultimately, she hopes her readers will find the concept of genetic cannibalism chilling and reflective, prompting them to consider what they would do in such a dire situation. By blending horror with real-world science, she aims to create a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
10 Books Where the Main Character Is, or May Be, a Psychopath
A lot of readers are drawn to stories featuring psychopaths, whether they're the main character or the antagonist. These characters offer a unique thrill, creating tension as we wonder how the protagonist will outsmart a villain who seems to have no moral compass. It’s fascinating to explore these complex minds, especially when the story revolves around a character whose sanity and motives are questionable.
There are some classic and modern examples of novels that dive deep into the psyche of these characters. For instance, “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis critiques the materialistic culture of the 1980s through the eyes of Patrick Bateman, whose violent tendencies reveal a chilling lack of empathy. “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn flips the narrative on its head, keeping readers guessing about the truth behind a woman’s disappearance through alternating perspectives that challenge our assumptions.
Dostoevsky’s “Crime & Punishment” presents a different angle, focusing on Raskolnikov, a man who rationalizes murder to save his sister from a bad marriage. This exploration of guilt and morality offers a more nuanced view of psychopathy. Similarly, “Fight Club” by Chuck Palahniuk tackles themes of masculinity and identity through a protagonist who grapples with societal expectations and his own mental struggles.
Other intriguing reads include “Come Closer” by Sara Gran, where a woman’s descent into possible possession raises questions about reality and mental health, and Nabokov’s “Lolita,” which confronts the disturbing obsession of Humbert Humbert, providing a complex character study amidst its controversy. Lastly, “Bunny” by Mona Awad blends dark academia with magical realism, offering a twisted narrative that keeps readers on their toes. Each of these books invites us to engage with the darker sides of human nature in compelling ways.
Sara Z. Carson on Cults and Writing a Novel Inspired by the Horrors of Jonestown
Carson reflects on her journey to write a novel inspired by the tragic events of Jonestown, driven by a desire to explore the lives of its members rather than the infamous leader, Jim Jones. During a summer gathering, a suggestion from her future publisher sparked her interest in crafting a fictional narrative around the complexities of cult life. She acknowledges the systemic failures that allowed such a tragedy to unfold, emphasizing the need to understand the motivations and ideals of those who followed Jones.
In her research, Carson discovered a wealth of photographs and stories that portrayed a different side of Peoples Temple, revealing moments of genuine joy and community among its members. This exploration led her to focus on Judy Houston, a young girl who perished in Jonestown, and her family’s tragic history. Judy's story, along with the experiences of other young women in the cult, resonates deeply with themes of compliance and the struggle for personal agency, particularly in the context of societal pressures.
Carson draws parallels between Judy's experiences and the challenges many women face in navigating their instincts and societal expectations. She reflects on the pressures to conform and the impact of intimidation on personal choices. Through her protagonist in "Dark Messiah," Carson aims to give voice to Judy's unfulfilled dreams and aspirations, creating a narrative that examines the darker aspects of seeking belonging and the moral dilemmas that arise within such environments.
Ultimately, Carson's work seeks to shed light on the complexities of human experience within cult dynamics, honoring the lives of those who were lost while challenging readers to reflect on the nature of authority, belonging, and personal freedom.