Oct 23, 2026 · 8 min listen · Last updated October 23, 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). What should you watch this weekend?. If you’re in the mood for some mystery and thrillers this weekend, there’s a lot to choose from.
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Daily True Crime Brief · October 23rd
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What should you watch this weekend?
If you’re in the mood for some mystery and thrillers this weekend, there’s a lot to choose from. Netflix has just dropped "The Diplomat," which blends political tension with the ups and downs of a marriage. It’s a unique mix that keeps you on your toes, and honestly, it’s so engaging that you might find yourself binge-watching it in one go.
Then there’s "Lupin, Part 4," where Omar Sy returns as the charming gentleman thief. This season introduces a rival who’s mimicking Lupin’s style, adding a fun twist to the Parisian heists we love. If you’re a fan of French mysteries, you can also catch "Maigret, Season 2" on PBS. It’s another solid adaptation that’s sure to keep you entertained.
If horror is more your vibe this late October, you might want to check out "Animals" on Netflix. It’s a gripping political thriller about a couple racing against time to secure a ransom for their kidnapped child, featuring strong performances from Ben Affleck and Kerry Washington. For something a bit more supernatural, "Disclosure Day" on Peacock, a Spielberg film, might be worth a watch despite its box office reception. It’s got that classic Spielberg magic, with Emily Blunt leading a talented cast.
And if you’re looking to dive into some classics, Tubi and Pluto have added some gems like "The Informant!" and "Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2." Plus, HBO Max has "The Thing" series, which could be a perfect pick for a spooky night in. Whatever you choose, it sounds like a great weekend ahead!
The Best Psychological Thrillers of the Month: October 2026
This month’s lineup of psychological thrillers is really something special, with each book offering a unique twist that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Elizabeth Hand’s “Unspeakable Things” is a standout, weaving a rich tale set in the 1920s Cornwall. It follows Olivia, who’s navigating her feelings for Tamsin, a mysterious figure with a dark past. Their adventures take a thrilling turn at a costume party, blending elements of gothic romance with a playful twist.
Then there’s Tom McCarthy’s “The Rhyl Poster,” which dives into the mind of a troubled legal theorist. As he juggles his drug addiction and grand ideas, he risks exposing sensitive EU documents. It’s a gripping exploration of how personal demons can intertwine with larger societal issues.
Nneoma Ike-Njoku’s “The Water House” transports us to Nigeria on the brink of civil war. The protagonist, a reform school graduate, returns to her family’s crumbling estate, uncovering dark secrets that threaten her future. Its gothic atmosphere and deep emotional currents make it a compelling read.
In “This B Just Won’t Die!” by Tanya Pell, we meet Barbra, a former scream queen trying to revive her career. As she films a documentary at the iconic location of her horror franchise, a series of murders start to unfold, mirroring the films. It’s a fun mix of nostalgia and suspense, with a dash of personal growth as Barbra navigates her relationships.
Lastly, Lyndsay Faye’s “Raven” takes us on a gothic journey through the antebellum mid-Atlantic. Our heroine, after losing her mother, finds herself in a series of strange homes, including a creepy manor where she meets a young man obsessed with the occult. The story promises twists and turns, culminating in a shocking fate for our protagonist. Each of these books brings something fresh to the table, making October a thrilling month for readers.
Noah Segan discusses his new film, ‘The Only Living Pickpocket in New York’
In a recent conversation, Segan shared his excitement about casting Turturro, admitting that he never expected to land such a talent but was thrilled when it happened. He emphasized the deep connections among the cast, many of whom have longstanding friendships with Turturro, which added a layer of authenticity to their performances. Segan also reflected on the importance of the film's wardrobe, particularly Harry's distinctive coat, which symbolizes his character's struggle and adaptability in a changing world.
Segan's choice to focus on pickpocketing stems from a fascination with the lifestyle and its historical context, highlighting the tactile nature of crime in an increasingly digital age. He noted that pickpockets often operated with a code of honor, returning stolen items to ensure they didn't cause lasting harm. This adds a moral complexity to Harry's character, making him more relatable despite his criminal activities.
The film also deliberately avoids the glamorous, Instagram-friendly locations often associated with New York, opting instead for a more authentic representation of the city. Segan, a fourth-generation New Yorker, drew on his personal experiences and memories of the city to select filming locations, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the diverse neighborhoods and communities that make up New York. The quest-like structure of the film mirrors classic narratives, allowing audiences to explore the city alongside Harry as he seeks redemption.
Riley Sager and Tom Ryan on coincidentally writing thrillers with the same premise
Riley Sager and Tom Ryan recently discovered a striking coincidence between their upcoming thrillers. Sager's "The Unknown," which hit number one on the NYT bestseller list, and Ryan's "Return to Breakneck Island," share a similar premise: both involve characters in the present day unraveling the mystery of individuals who vanished from remote islands in the 1920s and 1930s. While the stories diverge in many ways, the central plot point intrigued them enough to discuss their inspirations.
Sager's setting, New Avalon, was inspired by a trip to Lake Champlain during a solar eclipse, where he encountered small, eerie islands that sparked his imagination. He felt that the isolation of an island would amplify the tension in his story. Ryan, on the other hand, drew from his experiences in Nova Scotia, where he explored a deserted island with a lighthouse, imagining a family of lighthouse keepers who mysteriously disappeared. This setting became the backbone of his sequel, allowing him to revisit familiar characters while crafting a fresh mystery.
As they chatted, they touched on their character development. Sager's story features a film crew working on the historical mystery, while Ryan's sequel brings back distinct characters from his first book, allowing him to explore their growth and the new challenges they face. Both authors enjoy the balance of familiarity and novelty in their narratives, making for engaging reads.
The conversation also veered into the supernatural, with Sager admitting he hasn’t had any ghostly encounters, despite writing thrillers with a gothic edge. Ryan shared his hopes for a future supernatural experience, drawing from the rich folklore of Nova Scotia. As they wrapped up, both authors hinted at exciting new projects on the horizon, with Sager keeping his next book under wraps and Ryan promising a return to Maple Bay, albeit with a speculative twist. They left the conversation looking forward to their next meeting at Thrillerfest.
Westminster Abbey’s Roman sarcophagus mystery remains have been identified!
You’ll be excited to hear that the mystery of the Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey has finally been solved! Discovered back in 1869, this limestone coffin was inscribed with the name Valerius Amandinus, but it turns out the body inside isn’t the original one that belonged there. After being unearthed near the nave of the Abbey, researchers found that the burial was much later than the Roman period, which raised a lot of questions.
Using radiocarbon dating, scientists figured out that the remains actually date back to the late 10th or early 11th century. They identified the body as male, around 5 feet 9 inches tall, and between 35 and 49 years old when he died. This led to two possible candidates: an abbot named Ælfwig, who passed away in 1020, or another abbot, Wulfnoth, who died in 1049. It seems that the sarcophagus was repurposed and buried again during construction work in the Abbey, which explains the mix-up.
It’s fascinating to think about how this piece of history has been sitting there for so long, and now we finally have a clearer picture of who was laid to rest in that coffin. It’s a delightful twist in the story of Westminster Abbey, and it’s nice to see a long-standing mystery come to a satisfying conclusion.