Devil in the Desert
ABC News follows the 2012 discovery of a bound woman in the Mojave Desert, which led to the exposure of a much larger, ongoing crime.
Podcasts Like Devil in the Desert
If you loved Devil in the Desert, here are the best podcasts to try next. Matched by case type, storytelling style, and community ratings from our database of Murder, Serial Killer, Investigative shows.
Why listeners love Devil in the Desert
A single desert discovery that opens into a much larger case — strong entry for desert/cold-case fans. With a binge factor of 8/10, it sits among the most compulsively listenable shows in the genre. It follows a serialized format — each season covers one case in depth, building suspense across episodes.
Binge Factor
8/10
Community-rated compulsive listenability
Format
Serialized
One story told across multiple episodes
Style
Dark, atmospheric, compelling
Presentation approach
Episode Length
35-45 min
Typical episode duration
Host Style
Solo narrator
Presentation format
Verdict
Good if California cold cases and unresolved disappearances interest you
Our editorial rating
Recommendations
12 podcasts like Devil in the Desert
In the Dark
Listeners who want journalism-grade investigation into wrongful convictions, systemic racism, and institutional failures — more 60 Minutes than true crime thriller.
Serial
Anyone interested in journalism, legal procedure, and deep investigative dives into morally ambiguous cases with no easy answers.
Your Own Backyard
Listeners who want investigative true crime with real-world consequence and single-minded, passionate focus from a creator who refused to let a case die.
Bone Valley
True crime fans who care deeply about wrongful conviction, prosecutorial failure, and the fight to free innocent people; fans of In the Dark will find this essential.
Bear Brook
True crime fans fascinated by forensic science, DNA technology, and cold cases with a genuine scientific payoff.
Pipeline
The Crime Desk's investigation into four professional divers sucked hundreds of feet into a Caribbean oil pipeline in 2022 — and the failing safety standards that put them there.
West Cork
True crime fans who love atmospheric investigative journalism, Anglo-Irish tensions, and cases that remain unresolved and fiercely contested decades later.
The Missing Cryptoqueen
BBC journalist Jamie Bartlett tracks down Dr Ruja Ignatova, who persuaded millions to invest in OneCoin before vanishing without a trace.
The Trial of Erin Patterson
The Crime Desk's courtroom coverage of the Erin Patterson 'mushroom murders' trial — one of the biggest cases of the decade.
The Teacher's Pet
True crime fans who like journalism-driven investigations with massive real-world impact; anyone fascinated by domestic crime and institutional failure.
Crime Analyst
Criminal behavioural analyst Laura Richards breaks down the 'who' and 'why' behind real cases, with a specialism in coercive control and stalking.
Killing Richard Glossip
The case of Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip — and the growing evidence he may be innocent.
How they compare
| Podcast | Format | Country | Binge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devil in the Desert (original) | Serialized | United States | 8/10 |
| In the Dark | Serialized | United States | 10/10 |
| Serial | Serialized | United States | 10/10 |
| Your Own Backyard | Serialized | United States | 9/10 |
| Bone Valley | Serialized | United States | 9/10 |
| Bear Brook | Serialized | United States | 9/10 |
| Pipeline | Serialized | United Kingdom | 9/10 |
| West Cork | Serialized | Ireland | 9/10 |
| The Missing Cryptoqueen | Serialized | United Kingdom | 9/10 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What podcasts are similar to Devil in the Desert?
The best alternatives to Devil in the Desert are podcasts that share its Murder, Serial Killer, Investigative focus and serialized format. We've matched alternatives based on case types, storytelling format, and community ratings from our database.
Why do people love Devil in the Desert?
Devil in the Desert is known for its dark, atmospheric, compelling approach to Murder and Serial Killer. It scores 8/10 on our binge factor rating, reflecting how compulsively listenable listeners find it.
How long are episodes of Devil in the Desert?
Episodes of Devil in the Desert are typically 35-45 min long. It follows a serialized format, covering one story across multiple episodes.
Where can I listen to Devil in the Desert?
Devil in the Desert is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. You can find it by searching the show name on any of those platforms.
What is the best episode of Devil in the Desert to start with?
New listeners are recommended to start with Episode 1. As a serialized podcast, it's best to start from the beginning of a season.