Devil in the Desert
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"A single desert discovery that opens into a much larger case — strong entry for desert/cold-case fans."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish
- ✓Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news
- ✓Those interested in the psychology of serial offenders
- ✓Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode
Pros & cons
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
- +Serialized format builds a compelling, sustained narrative arc across episodes
- −Must listen in order — cannot dip in and out between episodes
About this podcast
In 2012, a woman was found with her hands bound in the Mojave Desert. She led authorities to a grisly crime scene where a barbaric attack had taken place — the beginning of an internationally significant investigation. Devil in the Desert, from ABC News, follows where that discovery led.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1
Serialized format — listen from the beginning for the full experience
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Frequently Asked Questions about Devil in the Desert
What is Devil in the Desert about?
In 2012, a woman was found with her hands bound in the Mojave Desert. She led authorities to a grisly crime scene where a barbaric attack had taken place — the beginning of an internationally significant investigation. Devil in the Desert, from ABC News, follows where that discovery led.
Is Devil in the Desert worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if California cold cases and unresolved disappearances interest you". It scores 8/10 on binge factor. 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.
Who is Devil in the Desert for?
Devil in the Desert is ideal for: Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish; Fans of original investigative journalism over retold news; Those interested in the psychology of serial offenders; Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode.
What is the best episode of Devil in the Desert to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
Where can I listen to Devil in the Desert?
Devil in the Desert is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Devil in the Desert?
If you enjoy Devil in the Desert, you might also like: Crime Next Door: The Beast of Birkenhead, Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast, In the Dark, Serial. See our full "Podcasts Like Devil in the Desert" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Dark, atmospheric, compelling
- Episode length
- 35-45 min
- Episodes
- 8 episodes
- Binge factor
- 8/10
- Country
- United States
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