Oct 13, 2026 · 11 min listen · Last updated October 13, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Here are today's top 6 true crime stories. Let's get into it. First, from CrimeReads (Literary Hub). 5 Thrillers That Blend True Crime Elements with a Gothic Ambience. If you’re into thrillers that mix true crime with a gothic vibe, there’s a fresh list of recommendations that might just captivate you.
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Daily True Crime Brief · October 13th
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5 Thrillers That Blend True Crime Elements with a Gothic Ambience
If you’re into thrillers that mix true crime with a gothic vibe, there’s a fresh list of recommendations that might just captivate you. The article kicks off with the author’s own debut, "Please Enjoy Your Stay," where the main character, Iris DeLaney, a true crime writer, heads to a haunted castle to research an unsolved murder. Things take a dark turn when her son is killed on the same property, leading to a chilling cycle of murder and paranormal activity.
Next up is Riley Sager’s "Home Before Dark." This one follows Maggie Holt, who inherits a creepy Victorian estate and discovers eerie similarities between her experiences and her father’s memoir about the house. As the story unfolds, the chilling history of Baneberry Hall comes to light, blending suspense with a gothic atmosphere.
Another intriguing pick is Tlotlo Tsamaase’s "House of Margins," which combines a true crime podcast with a haunted colonial mansion in South Africa. The protagonist, Ranewa, searches for her missing sister, weaving together elements of horror and true crime in a unique way.
For those who enjoy historical crime, Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s "The Bewitching" features a grad student researching a horror novel that’s inspired by a real disappearance at her university. As she digs deeper, she starts to feel the weight of the eerie stories her grandmother used to tell.
Jennifer Fawcett’s "Beneath the Stairs" explores an urban legend about a family murder in the Octagon House. Clare, who once trespassed there as a teenager, returns as an adult to confront her past and uncover the truth behind her friend’s recent struggles.
Lastly, Simone St. James’s "The Book of Cold Cases" follows Shea Collins, a true crime enthusiast who gets a chance to interview a woman accused of serial murder in a creepy mansion. As she navigates this sinister setting, she discovers that the dangers within are more than just ghosts.
These novels promise to deliver chills and thrills, perfect for those late-night reading sessions. Just remember to keep the lights on!
Adrian Van Young on Growing Up in the Metal Scene and Finding His Way to Crime Fiction
I’m thinking back to that night in 2006 when Adrian Van Young finally realized he wasn’t the “tough guy” his metal‑clad image suggested. He was at a Motörhead show in New York, surrounded by his headbanging crew, when a drunken, hulking biker decided to head‑butt him in the nose. The blow was painful, but it didn’t bleed or break, and the biker just went back to the music as if nothing happened. Luke, his friend who’d been delayed by a busted cab, showed up later and told him to walk away. That moment stuck with Adrian as a kind of rite‑of‑passage that felt more like a failure than a badge of honor.
Adrian’s whole life has been a blend of extreme music and the gritty underbelly that comes with it. He grew up in a San Diego goth‑punk enclave in the ’90s, hanging out at all‑ages venues like the Che Café and Locust House, watching bands such as The Locust and Cattle Decapitation. Those scenes were steeped in DIY ethics and social justice, but they also exposed him to the darker side of life—street fights, drug deals, and the occasional violent outburst at shows. He’s seen everything from beer‑bottle assaults in the pit to knives brandished in parking lots, and even spent nights in squats with homeless “crust” kids.
Despite all that, Adrian doesn’t see himself as a hardened brute. He’s a “lovely”‑saying, hug‑loving, open‑hearted guy who grew up with a professor dad and a therapist mom. He’s more of a friendly observer than a combatant, preferring to text quickly and smile a lot rather than throw punches. His love for heavy music is intense—he drives his Subaru with blast‑beat headphones blaring through the streets of New Orleans and Paris—but he balances that with a genuine, almost tender side that shows up in his emails and his affection for cheesy rom‑coms.
All those experiences fed directly into his crime writing. In his new novel, Rough Beast, the protagonist Sammy Singerman mirrors Adrian’s own journey: a former metal fan turned detective navigating New Orleans’ underworld of black‑metal bands, drugs, and murder. Adrian spent weeks in the city’s St. Claude clubs, notebook in hand, soaking up the atmosphere to give his story authentic detail. He’s learned to attend shows with a more measured approach—arriving early, leaving early, limiting drinks, and always having cash ready for merch—so he can stay safe while still feeding his curiosity.
The Motörhead incident, the head‑butt that forced him to step back, became a turning point. It reminded him that his strength isn’t in brute force but in observation, empathy, and the ability to turn chaotic moments into compelling narratives. That’s the thread that runs through his life: a love for the loud, the dark, and the human stories that hide in the shadows.
The Brotherhood of Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Poe, Shakespeare, and Doyle share a fascinating connection that goes beyond their literary genius; they were all hustlers in their own right, grinding hard to make a living through their art. While now celebrated as titans of literature, they were once just trying to pay the bills, much like many writers today. Their works were driven by necessity, which infused their writing with a raw energy and urgency that resonates even now. Unlike some of their contemporaries who were born into privilege, these three faced financial struggles that shaped their storytelling.
The article highlights how their backgrounds influenced their themes and styles. Poe, for instance, often explored the grotesque and the dark aspects of human nature, perhaps reflecting his own battles with poverty and addiction. Shakespeare, too, catered to the masses, mixing high art with low humor to appeal to his audience. Doyle, despite his initial disdain for Sherlock Holmes, found commercial success through the character, proving that sometimes necessity breeds creativity.
Interestingly, the author draws parallels between their struggles and her own experiences while writing her novel inspired by Poe. She recalls her own financial hardships and the way they fueled her creativity. This shared experience of grappling with poverty seems to have fostered a camaraderie among these literary figures, linking them through their art and their relentless pursuit of storytelling.
Ultimately, the piece celebrates the idea that great art often emerges from struggle, and that the very challenges these writers faced contributed to the richness of their work. Their stories, filled with the spectacular and the grotesque, continue to captivate readers, reminding us that even in hardship, there is beauty to be found in creativity.
The article offers a thought-provoking perspective on the idea of letting strangers into your home. It encourages readers to pause and reflect on what it truly means to open the doors of your personal space to someone else. The imagery is vivid, painting a picture of a stranger exploring your belongings, your memories, and even the intimacy of your bed. It’s a reminder of the vulnerability that comes with such a decision.
We meet Elle, who has just returned to her new home in Cornwall after a trip to France. She’s filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially since she rented out her house on Airbnb while she was away. As she approaches her beautiful, newly built home perched on a cliff, she reflects on her journey to homeownership, something she never thought would be possible for her family. The house, with its stunning sea views, feels like a dream come true.
However, upon entering, Elle is struck by the unsettling realization that someone else has been living in her space. The familiar scent of her home is replaced by the remnants of someone else's cooking, amplifying her sense of loneliness. She imagines the family that stayed there, filling her home with laughter and warmth, and it stirs a deep longing within her.
As she settles in, she finds a note from her sister welcoming her home, which brings a small comfort. But her peaceful moment is interrupted when she encounters a spider in the kitchen, leading to a humorous yet frustrating situation. In her haste to remove the spider, she accidentally locks herself out of her house, leaving her feeling foolish and vulnerable.
The article captures Elle's journey of returning to her new home, filled with hope and uncertainty, while also exploring the deeper implications of sharing one's personal space with others. It’s a blend of introspection and relatable experiences, highlighting the complexities of home and belonging.
Pen as Sword: Elizabeth Kostova on Killing Off Characters
Elizabeth Kostova shares her complex relationship with killing off characters in her novels, a task that often brings her heartache despite her Buddhist values of kindness. She recalls the first time she faced this challenge during the editing of her debut novel, The Historian, when her editor suggested eliminating a major character to heighten the stakes for the protagonists. Although she was devastated by the idea, she ultimately recognized its necessity for the story's emotional impact.
Kostova reflects on the familiar writing advice to "kill your darlings," which usually refers to cutting beloved but unnecessary elements from a manuscript. In her case, it meant making the painful choice to write a character's death, which she initially resisted but later found strengthened her narrative. This experience taught her that sometimes, a character's sacrifice is essential for the story to resonate.
Her subsequent novels explored varying degrees of violence, from the historical context of The Swan Thieves to the harrowing realities depicted in The Shadow Land. In her latest work, Mystery Play, Kostova dives deeper into the necessity of violence within storytelling. The protagonist, Jay Turner, faces dangers that require a darker narrative approach, including a villain whose actions demand a visceral response from readers.
Kostova emphasizes that violence in her stories is not for shock value but serves to highlight the courage and integrity of her characters. As she looks ahead to her next project, she hopes to explore a quieter tale, though she acknowledges that even that could present its own challenges.
A Home Inspector’s Guide to Haunted Houses, Courtesy of D.M. Pulley
When it comes to inspecting haunted houses, there are some key factors to keep in mind. First off, if the home is a Victorian, tread carefully. These homes, built between 1860 and 1910, not only attract potential ghosts but also ghost hunters and curious teens. Next, consider the history of the property. If someone died there, especially in a violent way, it could lead to lingering spirits.
You’ll also want to dig into any family secrets or local lore. Was the house built over a cemetery or does it have a dark past? Old newspapers and conversations with long-time neighbors can reveal a lot. The setting is crucial too; if the house is isolated or near eerie locations like a foggy mountain or a cemetery, that’s a red flag.
Pay attention to signs of children in the house. Old toys and nursery items can be particularly troublesome. And don’t forget about the attic! Unfinished spaces should be thoroughly inspected and cleared of any creepy items. Hidden rooms or passageways can also be a concern, so check for any irregularities in the walls and floors.
Basements require special attention as well. Make sure to document everything and consider using tools like ground penetrating radar to uncover any hidden dangers. Lastly, keep your senses sharp during the inspection. If you start feeling uneasy or hear strange noises, it might be time to reassess your approach. Always remember, there’s no guarantee that a house isn’t haunted, so be sure to cover your bases and protect yourself legally.