The Art of Crime

This podcast is unparalleled in terms of the way that it presents very deep research in a fun, yet substantive, format. Like many history podcasts, it is scripted with one narrator. One of the best parts of the show is that it is always fresh and surprising. The writer/host keeps coming up with entertaining true stories of the criminal world colliding with the world of the arts. Season 1 is about artists who have historically been accused of being Jack the Ripper. Season 2 is about artists involved in assassinations. Season 3 is about the old-timey criminals depicted in Madame Tussaud’s Chamber of Horrors. The current season is about classic crime stories from New York City history. Personally, I think this show is special and look forward to each new episode.

Gavin offers up gripping deep dives into the lives and crimes of artists from different cultures and eras. Though very clearly written and entertaining, the podcast is not for easily distracted people with short attention spans. Its vocabulary and atmospheric storytelling are aiming at the kind of audience who values fantastic writing and research over parasocial relationships and empty entertainment. Love it! I recommend this podcast to anyone who enjoys historical true crime, social history, art history and/or artist biographies.

This concept is genius, however, the monotone voice that lacks character or excitement is a bummer. As he reads, quite literally it feels, from the script…I get lost in translation… it feels like a never ending sentence. And I get it, it might be hard. Would be fun if he had someone else to discuss the story with, though. Happy to see the high ratings nonetheless. Just not for me and I am sad!

This podcast is my special treat. During most of my “normal” life, all I do is work, clean the house, take care of kids, etc. With so much going on, I sadly listen to chatty, low-stakes podcasts about gossip and true crime. I can turn them on and listen to them in the background while I’m vacuuming or cooking dinner. But this is the podcast I reach for when I have quality time alone for myself. It’s so thoughtful and detail rich that it has to be savoured and thought about. There is a great diversity in the subject matter and tone of the episodes, which I appreciate as well. Some are funny and madcap, others tragic, others mysterious and unsettling. I’ve loved all the seasons, especially the current one about New York City, where I used to live. Outstanding research and writing.