Once Upon a Crime
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"Once Upon a Crime brings a literary sensibility to true crime — Caila Bhagat writes and narrates cases with the precision of a novelist and the seriousness of a journalist."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode
- ✓Cold case enthusiasts who love decades-old unsolved mysteries
- ✓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
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
About this podcast
LA-based host Caila Bhagat presents meticulously researched true crime stories in a cinematic, storytelling-focused style — bringing a novelist's eye for character and atmosphere to crimes from across the world, with particular interest in lesser-covered international cases.
Best episode to start with
Any episode is a good entry point — the storytelling format works standalone
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
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Frequently Asked Questions about Once Upon a Crime
What is Once Upon a Crime about?
LA-based host Caila Bhagat presents meticulously researched true crime stories in a cinematic, storytelling-focused style — bringing a novelist's eye for character and atmosphere to crimes from across the world, with particular interest in lesser-covered international cases.
Is Once Upon a Crime worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if niche interests you". It scores 8/10 on binge factor. True crime fans who appreciate beautifully told stories over rapid-fire case summaries; listeners who want to encounter cases they haven't already heard about.
Who is Once Upon a Crime for?
Once Upon a Crime is ideal for: Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode; Cold case enthusiasts who love decades-old unsolved mysteries; 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 Once Upon a Crime to start with?
We recommend starting with Any episode is a good entry point — the storytelling format works standalone. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
Where can I listen to Once Upon a Crime?
Once Upon a Crime is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Once Upon a Crime?
If you enjoy Once Upon a Crime, you might also like: Bear Brook, Casefile True Crime, Criminal, The Thing About Pam. See our full "Podcasts Like Once Upon a Crime" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Episodic
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Cinematic, serious, compelling
- Episode length
- ~45-60 min per episode; large backlog; regular releases
- Binge factor
- 8/10
- Country
- United States
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