Oct 16, 2026 · 9 min listen · Last updated October 16, 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). 7 crime writers talk about novels and short stories and what they love writing most.
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Daily True Crime Brief · October 16th
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7 crime writers talk about novels and short stories and what they love writing most
Seven crime writers shared their thoughts on the balance between writing novels and short stories, revealing their personal preferences and experiences. Casey Stegman, who has shifted from short stories to novels, now dedicates about 80% of his time to novel writing, citing a decline in his short story publications. Lawrence Allen, who primarily writes novels, appreciates the freedom that comes with longer formats compared to the constraints of screenwriting. He notes that while short stories have their own beauty, they aren't as commercially viable as they once were.
Carlotta Dale, who began with novels, has turned her focus to short stories during the pandemic, producing a significant number recently. Emily Edwards, on the other hand, finds novels more fulfilling, allowing her to deeply explore characters and settings, but also values the impact of short stories. Meghan Leigh Paulk enjoys writing short stories as a way to refine her skills while working on her novel, which she plans to finish soon.
Claire Booth feels more comfortable with novels due to her experience and career trajectory, often prioritizing them over short stories. Julia Dahl reflects on her journey from writing short stories in college to focusing on novels, influenced by the industry's demand. Each writer highlights the unique challenges and rewards of both formats, with a consensus that while novels may seem more impressive to the public, both forms of writing hold their own significance in the literary world.
Which international thriller should you stream this weekend?
This weekend, if you're looking for something a bit different to stream, there are three intriguing international thrillers to consider. First up is the classic silent horror film, Nosferatu, directed by F.W. Murnau in 1922. This eerie adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula is a visual feast, showcasing the power of imagery in cinema. Max Schreck’s portrayal of Count Orlock is haunting and unforgettable, setting a standard for vampire films that still resonates today. You can catch it on Tubi or Kanopy, which is pretty neat if you have a library card.
Next, if you’re in the mood for a stylish cat-and-mouse thriller, check out Le Samouraï from 1967, directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. Alain Delon stars as Jef Costello, a cool hitman navigating the gritty streets of Paris. The film is not just about the suspense; it also features strong female characters who hold their own, which is refreshing for a noir from that era. It’s beautifully shot and has a unique pacing that keeps you engaged. You can find it streaming on the Criterion Channel.
Lastly, there's It was Just An Accident, a more recent film from Iranian director Jafar Panahi. This morally complex story follows a mechanic who mistakenly believes he’s found his former tormentor. As he grapples with the decision of whether to take revenge, the film explores themes of justice and morality in a gripping way. Panahi shot this film secretly in Tehran, making it even more significant given his history with the Iranian government. It’s available on multiple platforms, so you have options there too.
So, whether you want to dive into a classic horror, enjoy a stylish thriller, or engage with a thought-provoking narrative, there’s something here for everyone. Happy watching!
The Best Debut Crime Novels of the Month: October 2026
There are some exciting debut crime novels to check out this month. First up is Matthew Aldrich’s "The Natural Order," a high-concept thriller where immortality is about to hit the market, but a group of extremists wants to stop it. The story revolves around a tech CEO and his estranged son, exploring themes of self-reflection amid danger. Aldrich’s background as a screenwriter really shines through with engaging dialogue and fast-paced action.
Next, we have Nneoma Ike-Njoku’s "The Water House," which is set in Nigeria before a civil war. This moody gothic tale features a reform school graduate who returns to her family’s decaying estate after a scandal. The house holds dark secrets, and the comparisons to classics like "Rebecca" and "Jane Eyre" are well-deserved.
Desirée de Fez’s "Don’t Leave Her Alone" takes a unique twist on family dynamics with a cosmic horror angle. It dives into the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, where their codependency becomes almost literal after a bizarre mall encounter. It’s a fascinating blend of personal and supernatural elements.
Amber Blaeser-Wardzala’s "Another Name for Red" tells the poignant story of a missing Anishinaabe woman and the sister left to deal with the fallout. It’s a gripping narrative that tackles trauma and loss, and it promises to be a powerful read.
Lastly, Sophia Huneycutt’s "The House Built on Alligator Bones" offers a stunning exploration of family legacy. After her mother’s death, a young woman discovers her family’s strange connection to an alligator empire in Florida. The novel is filled with rivalries and secrets, all told in beautiful prose that pulls you in.
These debut novels each bring something fresh and intriguing to the table, perfect for anyone looking to dive into new crime fiction this month.
What was the most popular detective play in Victorian England?
Detective characters made their debut on the British stage about two decades after the establishment of the detective role in Britain, with Tom Taylor's play, The Ticket-of-Leave Man, leading the charge in 1863. This play, which was adapted from a French original, quickly became a sensation, running for an impressive 407 nights at the Olympic Theatre. It tells the story of Robert "Bob" Brierly, who, after being wrongfully imprisoned for a counterfeiting scheme, returns to London as a parolee, seeking justice against the real criminals, aided by the skilled Detective Jack Hawkshaw.
The fascination with detectives didn't stop there. The early popularity of the real-life French detective Eugène-François Vidocq inspired several adaptations of his memoirs in Britain, paving the way for more detective-themed plays. Throughout the late 1860s and 1870s, playwrights like Dion Boucicault and G.B. Ellis introduced more detective characters into their works, reflecting the public's growing appetite for crime and mystery stories.
Victorian writers like Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins also contributed to this trend, adapting their own novels for the stage. Collins was particularly prolific, turning many of his mysteries into plays, likely to protect his rights after facing piracy issues. By the late 19th century, the detective genre had firmly established itself in theatre, with adaptations of popular novels bringing these stories to life in new ways.
While The Ticket-of-Leave Man was the standout hit of its time, it's interesting to note that many of these early detective plays have faded from public memory. Today, they might not be as well-known, but they played a significant role in shaping the genre and reflecting the Victorian fascination with crime and justice.
Queer Crime Writers Presents: LGBTQIA+ Crime Fiction to Check Out This Fall
This fall, Queer Crime Writers is spotlighting a fantastic lineup of LGBTQIA+ crime fiction that takes readers on thrilling journeys across various settings and time periods. Whether you're cozying up in your favorite chair or looking for a gripping escape, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
Cathy Pegau’s "A Deadly Entanglement" follows Margot Baxter Harriman as she navigates a scandalous aftermath while investigating suspicious deaths at a charity hospital. Meanwhile, in "Sunny Side Up" by Missouri Vaun and VK Powell, retired police officer Sunny Eldrige is pulled back into action when her past collides with the present, as she helps a friend on the run from danger.
Garrick Jones’ "Boomerang Street" takes us to 1932 Sydney, where Joe Ing searches for his missing friend amidst the city's dark underbelly. Anthony Bidulka’s "Quant" leads private investigator Russell Quant back to his hometown, where he uncovers buried secrets after a local death is ruled a suicide.
Sandy Bailey’s "She’s On to Something" features SEC prosecutor Jaye Brannigan as she unravels a church-based investment scam, all while facing personal and professional challenges. Elizabeth Hand’s "Unspeakable Things" is a Gothic thriller about a love affair turned deadly in 1920s England, while Joelle Circé’s "The Profiler’s Shadow" follows a former profiler drawn back into a chilling investigation.
In "Happily Ever After the Murders," Rae Wilde tells the story of two retirees on the run after their dark secret is threatened with exposure. MB Austin’s "Independent Study in Revenge" sees Toni Crane returning to her old college to confront a murder mystery, while Sarah McCarry’s "Possession Island" has Angela teaming up with her former enemy to solve a murder on a remote island. Lastly, Kevin Jagernauth’s "The Longest Death" is a heist novel about love and ambition that spirals into chaos.
These stories promise to deliver suspense, intrigue, and rich character dynamics, making them perfect reads for the season.