Trace of Suspicion
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"A poisoning case built on forensic toxicology and a widow's suspicious spending — classic Dateline territory."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish
- ✓Legal procedure enthusiasts and wrongful conviction advocates
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
After seemingly healthy 23-year-old Marine Todd Sommer dies unexpectedly, his widow Cindy's lavish spending, cosmetic surgery, and wild partying raise investigators' suspicions. Trace of Suspicion, from NBC News, follows the forensic trail that led them to accuse her of poisoning him.
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 Trace of Suspicion
What is Trace of Suspicion about?
After seemingly healthy 23-year-old Marine Todd Sommer dies unexpectedly, his widow Cindy's lavish spending, cosmetic surgery, and wild partying raise investigators' suspicions. Trace of Suspicion, from NBC News, follows the forensic trail that led them to accuse her of poisoning him.
Is Trace of Suspicion worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if poisoning cases and forensic toxicology interest you". It scores 7/10 on binge factor. Dateline/NBC News trace the suspicious death of a healthy young Marine and the wife whose behaviour afterward raised investigators' suspicions.
Who is Trace of Suspicion for?
Trace of Suspicion is ideal for: Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish; Legal procedure enthusiasts and wrongful conviction advocates.
What is the best episode of Trace of Suspicion 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 Trace of Suspicion?
Trace of Suspicion is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to Trace of Suspicion?
If you enjoy Trace of Suspicion, 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 Trace of Suspicion" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Methodical; evidence-based; sombre; serious
- Episode length
- 30-40 min
- Episodes
- 9 episodes
- Binge factor
- 7/10
- Country
- United States
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