Oct 20, 2026 · 8 min listen · Last updated October 20, 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). Matthew Gavin Frank on Kim Wall and the Ethics of Sensationalistic True Crime. Matthew Gavin Frank reflects on the tragic murder of journalist Kim Wall and the ethical dilemmas surrounding true crime narratives.
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Daily True Crime Brief · October 20th
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Matthew Gavin Frank on Kim Wall and the Ethics of Sensationalistic True Crime
Matthew Gavin Frank reflects on the tragic murder of journalist Kim Wall and the ethical dilemmas surrounding true crime narratives. Wall was killed in 2017 by Peter Madsen, a self-proclaimed submersible builder, and Frank initially intended to explore the quirky world of DIY submersible enthusiasts. However, his research led him to confront the violence and misogyny that permeate the story, forcing him to grapple with his own privilege and the risks faced by female journalists like Wall and Sruthi Gottipati.
Frank acknowledges the complexities of writing about real-life atrocities, admitting that his fascination with the personal submersible community may be ethically questionable. He feels torn between his obsession and the need to empathize with the victims, recognizing that the sensationalism of true crime can overshadow the humanity of those involved. He questions whether his pursuit of such stories stems from a darker curiosity, and whether this draw is harmful.
The article also touches on the historical allure of dark narratives, tracing back to 17th-century England, where audiences were captivated by conjurors who embodied evil. This fascination with the macabre continues today, often leading to a heightened sense of paranoia, especially among women. Frank reflects on the impact of true crime on societal perceptions of safety and the psychological toll it can take, particularly in a world where women’s safety is often compromised.
In the end, Frank grapples with his own motivations as a writer, pondering the balance between storytelling and ethical responsibility. He is left questioning whether his engagement with true crime is ultimately beneficial or detrimental, both to himself and to the narratives he seeks to explore.
Paige Shelton on What Bones Can and Can’t Reveal in Mysteries
Paige Shelton dives into the fascinating world of forensic anthropology, where bones serve as critical clues in unraveling mysteries. While bones can reveal a lot about a person—like their age, diet, and health—they have their limits. For instance, they can’t tell us about eye color, personality traits, or the circumstances surrounding a death, like whether it was due to poison or a heart attack. Time of death is also tricky to determine just from skeletal remains.
Shelton emphasizes that while bones provide a starting point, they don’t tell the entire story. It takes a deeper exploration—both figuratively and literally—to piece together the full narrative behind a person’s life and death. In her upcoming book, "The Bone Woman," we meet Hazel Dylan, a forensic consultant with a unique talent for interpreting the stories that bones can hint at. Hazel's fascination with bones began in childhood, inspired by her father's work as a taxidermist.
What sets Hazel apart is her ability to look beyond the surface. She not only reads the bones but also digs deeper to uncover secrets that others might miss. Shelton believes that every person leaves behind a record, and it's essential to ensure their story is told. For Hazel, bones are just the beginning, and she’s passionate about writing the rest of the tale.
Natalie Kikic on Croatian Folklore, Female Rage, and Writing a Gothic Novel
Natalie Kikic's journey into writing her novel, The Haunting of Lavender House, took an unexpected turn into Croatian gothic territory. She started with a protagonist who mirrors her own experience as a Croatian American, feeling disconnected from her heritage due to her lack of fluency in the language. Despite her parents' focus on assimilating into American culture, her curiosity about Croatia's rich history and folklore led her to change her major in college to Slavic Languages and Literatures.
As she developed her story, Kikic found herself struggling to find the right direction until she delved into Croatian folklore. Her research uncovered the concept of the mora, a supernatural female spirit associated with nightmares and sleep paralysis. This intriguing figure not only added tension to her plot but also resonated with her personal experiences of fear and frustration, especially during her own nightmares.
The mora is particularly fascinating because it embodies the societal pressures and judgments placed on women in a patriarchal society. Kikic learned that women who defied norms were often labeled as moras, facing stigma for their beauty or assertiveness. This realization shifted her perspective; instead of portraying the mora solely as a villain, she aimed to give voice to the women behind the label, exploring their struggles and rage.
By the end of the novel, Kikic hopes readers will understand the complexity of the mora's character and reflect on the societal dynamics that turn women into scapegoats. Her work not only reclaims a piece of her heritage but also sheds light on the ongoing challenges women face in patriarchal societies. Ultimately, she wants readers to feel a sense of empowerment and solidarity with the mora, encouraging them to think, “Good for her.”
Peter Swanson: 7 Great Stories of Suspense in a House by the Sea
Peter Swanson shares his love for seaside houses in fiction, highlighting how these homes often take on a life of their own in stories. He starts with Agatha Christie's "Peril at End House," where Poirot solves a mystery set in a coastal Cornwall house, filled with suspense and intrigue. Then he moves to "Rebecca" by Daphne DuMaurier, where Manderley looms large over the second wife, casting shadows of the first wife, Rebecca, and featuring some iconic gothic elements.
Next up is Norman Mailer's "Tough Guys Don’t Dance," which follows Tim Madden as he wakes up in his Provincetown house, grappling with a hangover and a bloody mystery. Swanson appreciates Mailer's vivid descriptions of Cape Cod, even if the novel itself is a bit flawed. He also mentions Patricia Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley," where the sun-soaked Italian coast serves as a backdrop for Tom Ripley's dark schemes.
John D. MacDonald's "Slam the Big Door" showcases a beach house in Florida, where secrets and marital tensions unfold, all while painting a picture of idyllic beach life. Evan Hunter's "Last Summer" dives into a darker realm, focusing on four unsupervised teens on a fictional island, where their summer escapades take a violent turn. Lastly, Swanson touches on John Cheever's short story "The Seaside Houses," a chilling psychological tale that explores the impact of a vacation rental on a family's dynamics. Each story, with its unique seaside setting, weaves suspense and intrigue, making them memorable reads.
The Real Sherlock Holmes: How an Edinburgh Doctor Inspired Doyle’s Detective
Joe Bell was a busy Edinburgh doctor known for his keen observational skills, which inspired Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic character, Sherlock Holmes. Bell juggled a thriving private practice, hospital duties, and even served as a medical examiner for insurance companies during a time when life insurance was becoming increasingly popular. His sharp eye for detail helped him uncover fraud in the industry, showcasing his remarkable ability to deduce information from subtle clues.
One memorable incident involved a minister, Hugh Black, who insisted he was well enough to preach despite feeling unwell. Bell, after sharing a joke, quickly deduced from the minister's laughter that he was too sick to deliver his sermon. This knack for observation was a hallmark of Bell's practice and left a lasting impression on Conan Doyle, who often sought his advice for story ideas.
As Conan Doyle's fame grew, he began to openly acknowledge Bell's influence in his writing. In letters, he expressed gratitude for Bell's suggestions and insights, which helped shape his stories. The connection between the two men was deep, and their correspondence reflected a mutual respect and friendship that spanned beyond their professional lives.
Interest in the identity of the real-life inspiration for Sherlock Holmes grew, leading journalist Harry How to seek out Conan Doyle for an interview. During their conversation, Conan Doyle shared anecdotes about Bell's remarkable abilities, further solidifying Bell's role as the model for Holmes. Despite his fame, Bell remained humble and was happy to assist in the unfolding narrative of his influence on one of literature's most famous detectives.