Oct 26, 2026 · 8 min listen · Last updated October 26, 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). Kevin Moore on Femme Fatales, Tropes, and Learning from the Women of Noir.
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Daily True Crime Brief · October 26th
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Kevin Moore on Femme Fatales, Tropes, and Learning from the Women of Noir
Kevin Moore reflects on the enduring allure of femme fatales in noir, highlighting iconic characters like Barbara Stanwyck’s Phyllis Dietrichson and Kathleen Turner’s Matty Walker. These women were not just romantic interests; they were powerful figures who shaped the narrative and the men around them. Moore emphasizes that the essence of great noir isn’t merely about solving crimes but rather exploring the complexities of human nature. He points out how characters like Brigid O’Shaughnessy in The Maltese Falcon embody that intricate dance of morality and manipulation.
He acknowledges that while the femme fatale is often stereotyped as a manipulative beauty, the most memorable ones are layered with ambition and intelligence. They play the game of life with a skill that makes them both fascinating and dangerous. Moore also notes how the genre evolved with films like Chinatown, where the threat shifted from street-level crime to systemic corruption, reflecting the darker side of ambition in a city like Los Angeles.
In his own writing, particularly in Waking Sleeping Beauty, Moore aims to modernize the femme fatale through his character Mia More, who carries the essence of her predecessors but also possesses a rich emotional life. Mia’s journey explores the duality of being capable of both love and darkness, challenging the idea of innocence versus guilt. He introduces other strong female characters, like Detective Joanna Steele and Lana DeMille, who navigate their own moral complexities in a world that often overlooks them.
Ultimately, Moore believes that noir is about continuing the conversation around these themes, allowing new characters to emerge while honoring the legacy of those who came before. He finds joy in the timelessness of these stories, reminding us that the questions of identity and morality remain relevant, even as the genre evolves. The femme fatale, in all her complexity, continues to captivate audiences, and Moore’s work seeks to keep that magic alive.
An Illustrated Guide to Famous (and Infamous) Figures from the History of Psychiatry
The author shares their journey through writing, highlighting encounters with historical figures in their novels. Their latest book, *Resurrection Kill*, takes place in a 1953 psychiatric hospital and introduces some significant, though often controversial, figures in psychiatry.
Dr. Frieda Fromm-Reichmann, a German psychiatrist who fled to America during World War II, is known for her theory of the “schizophrenogenic mother,” which suggests that mothers can be responsible for their children’s psychological issues. This concept has left a lasting, often negative impact on how mothers are viewed in the context of mental health. In the novel, she’s represented by the character Dr. Emma Koffka.
Then there's Dr. Walter Jackson Freeman, who became notorious for promoting lobotomies as a treatment for mental illness. His method was shockingly invasive, involving an icepick-like instrument to access the brain through the eye socket. He performed these procedures on countless patients, sometimes with fatal results, earning him a grim reputation. In the story, he appears as Dr. Bradley Buscher, or “Dr. Brain-Butcher.”
Finally, the author discusses Dr. Ugo Cerletti, who developed electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT. While ECT can be beneficial today, its early application was often reckless and unregulated, leading to severe consequences for patients. This character plays a pivotal role in *Resurrection Kill*, where the author creatively gives him a taste of his own medicine.
This week brings a fresh lineup of books that are definitely worth adding to your reading list. Michael Connelly's latest, "The Hollow," dives into the backstory of his iconic detective, layering in new dimensions to his character that fans will appreciate.
Matthew Aldrich's "The Natural Order" is a thought-provoking tale that blends a hint of dystopia with deep emotional themes. It follows two men reflecting on life and death, making it both gripping and relatable. Imran Mahmood's "When the Birds Don’t Sing" spans four decades and weaves a complex narrative of love and loss, showcasing his skillful storytelling that promises to resonate widely.
Laura Joh Rowland’s "Resurrection Kill" transports readers to a familiar yet unsettling 1950s setting, crafting a story that echoes themes found in Dennis Lehane’s works while maintaining its unique voice. If you're in the mood for something darker, Nika Grace’s "Serial Killer Wanted" offers a sharp, witty thriller that packs an emotional punch, making it a quick read you won’t want to put down.
For action lovers, JM Berger’s "The Pope’s Hitman" delivers a riveting ride, perfect for fans of conspiracy thrillers. Adam Plantinga’s "Dark Country" hooks you right from the start, blending crime with introspection in a way that keeps you turning pages. Alysandra Dutton’s "The Stolen Women" provides a feminist take on ancient myths, which is a refreshing perspective. Finally, Paige Shelton’s "The Bone Woman" invites you into an engaging desert adventure, while Rosanne Limoncelli’s "The Spiral" offers a twisty thriller set in gritty 1979 New York that keeps you guessing until the end.
So, there you have it! A little something for everyone this week. Happy reading!
On mall culture, stranger danger, and the neon 90s
The article reflects on the nostalgia and fears of growing up in the '90s, particularly in suburban malls. The author shares memories from childhood, highlighting the cautionary advice given by parents, especially around the dangers of being in public spaces like malls. The story of Jerilyn Stanfield, a woman who disappeared from a mall parking lot in 1982, serves as a haunting reminder of the real threats that lurked in what seemed like safe places.
As the author reminisces about the vibrant mall culture of the '90s, they recall the excitement of shopping, hanging out with friends, and the sense of freedom that came with adolescence. Malls were a colorful escape, filled with the promise of consumerism and youthful dreams. Yet, amidst these joyful memories, there's an underlying tension rooted in the fear of abduction and the darker realities that often went unacknowledged.
The narrative shifts to a personal experience of being snowbound in a mall while working at a bookstore. The author describes the eerie atmosphere and the unsettling feeling of hearing mysterious taps at the door, echoing the fears instilled by their mother. This moment serves as a metaphor for the vulnerability we all face in seemingly safe environments, reminding us that danger can lurk in the most unexpected places.
Ultimately, the piece captures the duality of mall culture: a place of joy and community, but also a backdrop for deeper anxieties about safety and the unknown. The author reflects on how those childhood fears shaped their understanding of the world, blending nostalgia with a sobering awareness of the potential dangers that come with growing up.
The agony and the ecstasy of If Beale Street Could Talk
If Beale Street Could Talk is a stunning film by Barry Jenkins that captures the beauty and heartbreak of love amidst the harsh realities of systemic racism. Based on James Baldwin's novel, it tells the story of Tish Rivers and her fiancé Fonny, whose lives are upended when Fonny is wrongfully accused of a crime. The film beautifully balances the ethereal and the tangible, immersing you in Tish and Fonny's love while exposing the cruel realities they face as a young black couple in America.
Tish, played by Kiki Layne, is pregnant and determined to fight for Fonny's innocence while navigating the challenges of a broken legal system. The film showcases the unwavering support of Tish's family, who rally around her and the unborn child, while also highlighting the painful divisions within Fonny's own family. Jenkins masterfully intertwines moments of warmth and community with the stark realities of injustice, illustrating how love can be overshadowed by societal prejudice.
Visually, the film is breathtaking, with every frame resembling a work of art. Jenkins employs rich colors and striking imagery that evoke deep emotions, complemented by a haunting score that enhances the narrative's poignancy. The film's adaptation stays true to Baldwin's voice, allowing his prose to resonate through Tish's narrations, creating a seamless blend of literature and cinema.
Ultimately, If Beale Street Could Talk is a powerful exploration of love, hope, and the relentless fight against injustice. It leaves viewers with a lingering sense of both beauty and sorrow, reminding us of the complexities of life and the enduring strength of human connection.