Once Upon a Crime
True crime podcast review — 2026
"Once Upon a Crime brings a literary sensibility to true crime — Esther Ludlow 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
Pros
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
About the host
Esther Ludlow
Host of Once Upon a Crime.
About this podcast
LA-based host Esther Ludlow 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
Community ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions about Once Upon a Crime
What is Once Upon a Crime about?
LA-based host Esther Ludlow 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". The community has rated it 7.0/10 overall. 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.
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.
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, A Million Other Choices. 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
- Country
- United States
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