Oct 30, 2026 · 8 min listen · Last updated October 30, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Here are today's top 7 true crime stories. Let's get into it. First, from CrimeReads (Literary Hub). Nika Grace on finding remains in deserts and writing a serial killer novel.
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Daily True Crime Brief · October 30th
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Nika Grace on finding remains in deserts and writing a serial killer novel
Nika Grace shares her unconventional journey from a traditional life to exploring the Mojave Desert, where her experiences as a tortoise biologist led her to discover human remains. After leaving behind a stable career, she and her husband embraced a nomadic lifestyle, living in a Toyota Tacoma while seeking adventure and purpose. During her time in the desert, she stumbled upon a painted fingernail and various other remains, which sparked her curiosity and a sense of unease about the stories behind them.
The chilling discoveries didn't stop there. Grace recounts finding multiple skulls and a drifter's body, all while grappling with the lack of police presence and resolution. One particularly haunting memory involves three graves near an abandoned compound, which were excavated but yielded no bodies, leaving her with unanswered questions and a vivid imagination. This inspired her to write a flash fiction story, giving herself the closure that reality denied.
Her fascination with the desert's eerie atmosphere and the ease of disappearing into it influenced her decision to write a novel about a female serial killer. As she crafted her story, she continued to encounter strange finds, including two guns that she believed could be murder weapons. Despite reaching out to the police, she was left in the dark about their origin, reinforcing her belief that the desert holds secrets and a certain freedom for those who wish to escape their pasts.
Alysandra Dutton on Writing Historical Noir and Investigating Ancient Roman Crimes
Alysandra Dutton dives deep into the story of the Sabine Women, exploring their abduction by Romulus, the founder of Rome, as a pivotal moment in history. This event has lingered in her mind since she was a teenager, inspired by a high school play that glossed over the violence of their kidnapping. Dutton feels a strong need to reclaim the narrative, pushing back against historical interpretations that suggest the women were willing participants in their abduction. Instead, she sees their story as a cautionary tale about ongoing injustices faced by women.
Her novel, "The Stolen Women," emerges from this desire to investigate the past through a noir lens. Dutton crafts a hard-boiled detective named Safinia, who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving the disappearance of women in ancient Rome. As Safinia navigates this dangerous world, Dutton intertwines her own experiences with trauma and the complexities of gendered violence, making the narrative both personal and historical.
Living in Rome while writing, Dutton's research reveals the connections between ancient history and modern issues, particularly the shadows of fascism that still linger in the study of Rome. She reflects on how Mussolini's regime distorted historical narratives to serve its own purposes, further complicating the legacy of the Sabine Women. This realization shifts her approach to writing, as she grapples with the broader implications of history and how it is told.
Ultimately, Dutton's work becomes a quest for truth, emphasizing the importance of understanding the past while recognizing the ongoing struggles for justice. Through Safinia's journey, she illustrates the resilience of those who fight against oppressive systems, reminding readers that the truth has a way of surfacing, no matter how buried it may seem.
What should you watch this weekend? (Oct 30 – Nov 1, 2026)
This weekend, if you're in the mood for some mystery and thrills, there are a couple of exciting series to check out. First up is "Dexter: Resurrection," which is back for its second season on Paramount. If you loved the original series, this spinoff continues to deliver, with Brian Cox joining the cast to bring some serious energy to Dexter's New York City story. It’s a great way to dive back into that world if you haven’t already.
Then there's "Nocturne" on Apple TV, featuring Liev Schreiber and Stephen Graham in a gripping cat-and-mouse thriller between an FBI agent and a serial killer. It’s reminiscent of "Hannibal Lecter," but with its own dark twists that make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
And since it’s Halloween weekend, you might want to cozy up with some classic spooky films. I recommend starting with "The Crucible" on Prime, a haunting adaptation of Arthur Miller's play, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Wynona Ryder. It captures that eerie Massachusetts vibe perfectly. Following that, "The Witches of Eastwick" on HBO is a fun choice, featuring an all-star cast including Jack Nicholson and Cher. It’s a mix of magic and mischief that fits right in with the Halloween spirit.
Plus, there are some great additions to streaming libraries this weekend. You can catch "Born on the 4th of July" and "Harlem Nights" on HBO Max and Tubi, respectively. "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" is also on Tubi, while "Casino" and "Fletch" are available on Prime. So, whether you're in the mood for some spine-tingling thrillers or classic films, there’s plenty to enjoy!
Remembering Mark Pryor, beloved crime novelist and iconic Austinite
We recently lost Mark Pryor, a beloved crime novelist known for his engaging mysteries and thrillers. He was not just a talented writer but also a cherished friend within the crime fiction community. Mark's journey began in England, where he grew up with a passion for soccer and later pursued journalism and law. He eventually made Austin, Texas his home, where he practiced law, particularly in juvenile court, reflecting his deep commitment to helping young offenders find a better path.
Mark's debut novel, "The Bookseller," introduced us to Hugo Marston, a former FBI profiler turned chief of security for the U.S. embassy in Paris. Hugo's adventures, often filled with international intrigue, were brought to life through Mark's vivid descriptions and rich character development. He created a diverse cast, including Lt. Camille Laurens, one of the first transgender characters in a mystery series, showcasing Mark's fearless approach to storytelling. His ability to weave intricate plots with genuine emotion made his characters relatable and memorable.
Beyond his writing, Mark was known for his infectious charm and humor. He had a knack for making gatherings enjoyable, often lightening the mood with his witty banter. Friends recall his mischievous smile and the warmth he brought to every conversation. He was always eager to support fellow authors, whether by sharing legal advice or incorporating their names into his stories, fostering a sense of community among writers.
Mark's recent works returned to Hugo, with "The Most Mysterious Bookshop in Paris" and a second book set for release in spring. His legacy lives on through his characters and the friendships he nurtured, reminding us of the joy he brought to both his craft and his connections with others. Mark Pryor will be deeply missed, but his stories and spirit will continue to resonate within the literary world.
Book tours have taught me to expect the unexpected. There was the couple in Texas who kindly housed me but warned about their vicious late-night, door-opening, biting cat, and the time a prominent politician’s son asked me to edit his “fictional novel,” a thinly-veiled story about his father’s real-life exploits. But nothing prepared me for what happened in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I’d recently met the fabulous writer Stephanie Storey while she was touring her beautiful debut novel Oil and Marble.
Suspenseful not-exactly-horror movies to watch, this Halloween
I don’t know if I like horror or not, honestly. I definitely like it more than I used to? Still, I don’t really ever want to turn on a movie that’s going to scare me. I like thrills, maybe a few chills… that’s it. So, here are some good Halloween movies that are very suspenseful and even a bit spooky and maybe even a little scary… but that won’t traumatize you.
In line with my belief that it’s important to always keep the resumé fresh, I signed up for first aid training six months ago and the first class is today. The Nine Circles exalts dying and death, but not for guests. Plus, most of us sit for nine hours a day and eat greasy meals at lunch, putting us at risk for croaking in our cubicles. A knowledge of first aid does not help me do my back-of-house job better, though if a colleague has a heart attack at work, I’ll be able to perform cpr while waiting for the paramedics to arrive.