Daily True Crime Brief · November 6th

The 1970s in New York City gave rise to a unique brand of noir, characterized by its gritty realism and moral ambiguity. This era's stories reflect the social and political turmoil of the time, blending personal struggles with a sense of fatalism. One standout is James Mills' "Report to the Commissioner," which follows young detective Bo Lockley as he grapples with idealism amid the harsh realities of crime in Times Square. The film adaptation features a strong cast, including Michael Moriarty and Yaphet Kotto, and stays true to the novel's essence.

Wally Ferris' "Across 110th Street" offers a multi-perspective look at a robbery that entangles robbers, police, and crime lords. The novel reads like a historical account, while the film, directed by Barry Shear, is noted for its pacing and soundtrack, showcasing performances by Yaphet Kotto and Anthony Quinn. Then there’s Peter Maas’ "Frank Serpico," a nonfiction exploration of police corruption through the life of the titular cop, portrayed by Al Pacino in the film. This story, while on the fringe of traditional noir, is essential for understanding the genre's context in NYC.

Judith Rossner's "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" dives into the life of Theresa, a teacher whose struggles lead her into dangerous situations. The film adaptation with Diane Keaton gives a thrilling twist to her tragic story. Richard Price's "Bloodbrothers" follows Stony, a young man navigating family struggles and societal pressures, beautifully captured in both the novel and its film version starring Richard Gere.

Finally, Vincent Patrick's "The Pope of Greenwich Village" tells the tale of two cousins entangled in organized crime, with the film adaptation showcasing the youthful energy of Mickey Rourke and Eric Roberts. Lawrence Block's "The Sins of the Fathers," the first in the Matthew Scudder series, offers a haunting glimpse into the lives of New York's marginalized, though it lacks a film adaptation. Each of these works contributes to the rich tapestry of 1970s NYC noir, making them essential reads and watches for anyone interested in the genre.

Gregg Olsen, a true crime author, shares a chilling list of notorious female killers and the books that delve into their dark stories. First up is Lyda Southard from Idaho, who infamously poisoned her four husbands, a daughter, and a brother-in-law using arsenic. Her story is captured in "Ordinary Wife: America’s Forgotten Serial Killer," which highlights her life of crime driven by insurance money and her escape from prison.

Next is Belle Gunnes, known as the Butcher of Men in Indiana. She’s suspected of killing at least 14 people, with estimates reaching as high as 40. Belle was notorious for her brutal methods, often luring victims to her farm before disposing of them. Her mysterious disappearance after a fire in 1908 has kept true crime enthusiasts guessing for over a century. You can read more about her in "Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness."

Stella Nickell from Washington had a twisted plan inspired by the Chicago Tylenol poisonings. She killed her husband and inadvertently caused the death of another woman by placing poisoned capsules on store shelves. Her story is detailed in "American Mother: The True Story of the Seattle Cyanide Killer."

Then there's Stacy Castor, who used antifreeze to murder two husbands, staging one death as a suicide. Her chilling attempts to silence her daughter during the investigation reveal the depths of her desperation. Michael Benson's "Mommie Deadliest" covers her shocking tale.

Lastly, Nannie Doss, dubbed the "Giggling Granny," is believed to have killed at least 11 family members over several decades. Her crimes are explored in "Deadly Desserts," showcasing her unsettling enjoyment of the attention her actions brought. Each of these women's stories offers a haunting glimpse into the darker side of humanity.

There’s a growing trend in mysteries set aboard generation ships, and it’s pretty fascinating. These ships, which are meant to carry generations of people through space in search of a new home, create a perfect backdrop for locked-room mysteries. With no way to turn back, social hierarchies forming, and secrets bubbling beneath the surface, the tension is palpable. The distance from Earth only adds to the uncertainty, making it a ripe setting for crime fiction.

In Emma Hine’s debut, Flotilla, we follow Carina, a watcher on a ship that’s part of a fleet searching for a habitable planet. With two ships lost to engineering failures and one that simply vanished, Carina is determined to uncover the mystery of the disappearance while juggling her own secrets and a budding romance. It’s a compelling setup that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats when it releases next July.

Adam Oyebanji offers two intriguing stories: Braking Day and its prequel, Line of Descent. In Braking Day, an apprentice engineer starts seeing a girl in distress, leading him and his hacker cousin into a wild investigation that reveals unexpected truths. Line of Descent dives deeper into the motivations behind extreme actions on a colony ship, providing a satisfying exploration of chaos and order.

Mahmud El Sayed’s The Republic of Memory introduces us to a ship inspired by the Ottoman Empire, where bribery and corruption run rampant. When a disaster strikes, a former fighter investigates the incident, uncovering alliances and truths that challenge the ship’s fragile stability. Meanwhile, Peter F. Hamilton’s A Hole in the Sky presents a dire situation where the ship’s atmosphere is leaking, forcing the crew to confront their own survival instincts and the ethics of sacrificing the elderly for the greater good.

Lastly, Tade Thompson’s Far From the Light of Heaven brings a unique twist with a colonization ship docking in the Lagos sector, where some passengers never wake up. An investigator is called in to unravel the mystery behind their deaths, showcasing Thompson’s knack for blending creativity with deep insights into humanity. Each of these stories promises a gripping journey through the complexities of life in space, making them must-reads for mystery lovers.

So, I just came across this fun recommendation for you: The Night Agent. It’s a spy thriller that’s really engaging without being too dark. The show dives into political corruption and how some good folks try to tackle it, which feels especially relevant right now after those big wins in the recent midterms. It’s like a breath of fresh air knowing our country is moving in the right direction, and this show is a nice way to unwind.

The story follows an FBI agent named Peter Sutherland, played by Gabriel Basso. His job is pretty low-key—he’s stationed in the White House basement, waiting for a phone that never rings. But then, one night, it actually does ring, and that’s where things get intense. He quickly finds himself in a situation that threatens the integrity of honest leaders, all while some shady characters pull the strings behind the scenes.

What I love about it is that it strikes a balance; it’s suspenseful but not overly gritty, making it a perfect watch if you’re looking for something that’s thrilling without being too heavy. There are three seasons on Netflix right now, and a fourth season is set to drop next year, so you have plenty to dive into. It’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re in the mood for something that keeps you on the edge of your seat while still feeling hopeful about the world.

What a week it’s been! Progressive candidates made a huge impact in the elections, flipping red states and bringing in leaders who care about healthcare, the environment, and minority rights. It’s such a refreshing change, especially with Keisha Lance Bottoms becoming the first Black woman governor in the U.S. It feels like a real turning point in American history.

To keep that momentum going, if you’re in the mood for some inspiring films, I’ve got a list of twelve crime movies that celebrate justice. They’re not just entertaining; many are based on true stories that highlight the triumph of truth and fairness.

You might want to start with "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," which tackles government corruption in a way that feels incredibly relevant today. Then there’s "All the President’s Men," a classic that showcases how investigative journalism can hold power accountable. "Judgment at Nuremberg" and "The Accused" are also must-watches, especially for anyone in politics.

Don’t miss "Women Talking," which dives into a powerful story of women confronting systemic abuse in their community. And if you’re looking for something more contemporary, "How to Blow Up a Pipeline" is a gripping film that tackles climate activism in a bold way. Each of these films carries a message about fighting for justice, making them perfect for this moment. Happy watching!