The top true crime podcasts and audiobooks you need to listen to

From the acclaimed creator of The Teacher’s Pet, Hedley Thomas returns with Bronwyn, a riveting new podcast investigation for The Australian. The series delves into the mysterious disappearance of Bronwyn Winfield, a devoted mother of two who vanished 31 years ago from the picturesque surf town of Lennox Head. At the time, Bronwyn was navigating a painful separation from her husband, Jon Winfield, who has consistently maintained that she simply left on her own and denies any involvement in her disappearance.

As the podcast unearths new evidence and interviews, listeners are drawn into a web of intrigue and unanswered questions that have haunted the Winfield family for decades.

What began as a routine callout in the quiet outback town of Wieambilla quickly descended into a scene of unspeakable horror, resulting in Queensland’s deadliest police shooting. Four young police officers were ambushed in cold blood; two were executed mercilessly, and an innocent neighbour was also killed in the crossfire. Amidst the chaos, two officers managed to escape the siege, injured but alive. The harrowing incident culminated in a six-hour gunfight between police reinforcements and three heavily armed killers.

As the investigation unfolded, authorities uncovered a dark and twisted web of conspiracy theories and religiously motivated terrorism that had fueled the deadly attack. The tragedy’s full scope and the shocking details of how a routine police callout spiralled into a bloody massacre will be meticulously examined in an upcoming coronial inquest.

The Ultimate Sacrifice is the latest gripping podcast from 9News presenter Melissa Downes and producer Jessica Lodge, the acclaimed team behind the multiple award-winning Hannah’s Story. Produced in partnership with 9News and 9Podcasts, this series delves deep into the events of that fateful day, offering a compelling and sobering look at one of Australia’s most tragic crimes.

In April 1994, Anthea Bradshaw celebrated a fairytale wedding in Adelaide, marrying her high school sweetheart in a ceremony full of joy and promise. Just 96 days later, the dream took a dark turn when Anthea was discovered lifeless in a pool of blood, half a world away in Brunei, Southeast Asia.

In Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery, Nine’s Ben Avery delves into the chilling case to uncover the truth behind Anthea’s tragic death. Through meticulous investigation and detailed reporting, Avery seeks to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and provide answers to the haunting question of what really happened to Anthea Bradshaw.

Casefile is a cornerstone of the true-crime podcast world. Known for its meticulous research and detailed storytelling, each episode covers a different crime with a focus on accuracy and depth. The podcast’s calm, steady narration adds to the eerie atmosphere, making it perfect for late-night listening.

If you thought you knew the story behind The Teacher’s Pet, think again. In 1982, Lynette Simms vanished from Sydney’s serene Northern Beaches, and despite extensive searches, she was never seen again.

Lyn was a dedicated nurse, loving mother, and devoted wife. Her husband, Chris Dawson, was a well-regarded rugby league star and popular teacher. To those outside their home, they appeared to be the perfect family.

This facade of domestic bliss was dramatically shattered when Chris Dawson became infatuated with the family’s 16-year-old babysitter—his student. Just two days after Lyn’s disappearance, Chris moved the girl into Lyn’s home and even into their bed.

In a compelling turn of events, investigative journalist Hedley Thomas revisited this case through a record-breaking podcast series, capturing the unwavering support of Lyn’s friends, colleagues, neighbours, and an international audience. The podcast unearthed fresh leads and revived old evidence, leading to a significant public push for justice.

In late 2018, Chris Dawson was arrested, and after a gripping trial, he was found guilty of murder in August 2022. The Teacher’s Pet offers a deep dive into the harrowing details of this high-profile case, exposing the shocking truths that lay hidden for decades.

Millions have been entertained by the viral video of a man being arrested after a ‘succulent Chinese meal’. Known for its memorable line, “Succulent Chinese meal,” and its distinctive baritone, the video of Jack Karlson’s arrest outside a Brisbane Chinese restaurant in 1991 has become an iconic piece of Australian internet culture. The Guardian even hailed it as “perhaps the pre-eminent Australian meme of the last 10 years.”

However, crime writer Mark Dapin’s investigation revealed that there’s far more to Karlson’s story than a comedic arrest. When Karlson reached out to Dapin out of the blue, the crime writer had never heard of him. Intrigued by the theatrical outlaw, Dapin decided to dig deeper. What emerged over the following months was a dark and complex past that intertwined with Australia’s criminal underworld.

Karlson had a background steeped in notorious incidents from the late-twentieth century, including collaborations with infamous prison-playwright Jim McNeil and friendships with notorious figures like hitman Christopher Dale Flannery, known as Mr Rent-a-Kill. But perhaps most startling was how Karlson’s life story illuminated previously unsolved murders committed by two serial killers.

The Succulent Chinese Meal has transformed from a viral sensation into a true crime cult classic, shedding new light on the shadowy corners of Australia’s criminal history.

Imagine the pain, confusion, and emotional rollercoaster that families endure when a loved one goes missing. What would you do? How would your family cope?

Vanished is a powerful collection of true stories seen through the eyes of those who have lived through the trauma of having a loved one disappear. This series takes you on an emotional journey through the initial desperate searches, the ongoing police investigations, and, in many cases, the heartbreak as years pass with no answers.

The stories in Vanished offer a glimpse into ten of the thousands of missing persons cases still unresolved. From two young girls who may have been early victims of notorious serial killer Ivan Milat to a woman last seen walking along a Victorian highway, each case is unique but united by the profound impact on the families left behind. Other cases include a teenage boy believed to have been murdered and fed to crocodiles in Kakadu, and two Tasmanian men who vanished under mysterious circumstances.

These narratives not only highlight the individual tragedies but also the broader human cost of unresolved disappearances. Each story is a testament to the enduring pain and resilience of those who continue to hope for answers.

Teacher and former rugby league player Chris Dawson seemed to have it all—a loving family and a beautiful home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. But the summer of 1982 brought a devastating turn when his wife, Lynette Dawson, disappeared. Not long after her disappearance, Dawson married a much younger woman, a former student.

Less than a decade into this new marriage, the young woman fled the relationship and went to the police with her suspicions that Dawson had been involved in Lynette’s disappearance. Despite these allegations, the homicide investigation initially stalled. It wasn’t until 1998, when Detective Sergeant Damian Loone took over Lynette’s case, that renewed efforts were made. For nearly two decades, Loone dedicated himself to uncovering the truth, leading to two coronial investigations, but still, no charges were brought.

At around this time, Rebecca Hazel, working in a women’s refuge on the Northern Beaches, learned about Dawson’s history of coercive control from a colleague who had been his student and later his wife. The stories of manipulation and abuse deeply affected Hazel, prompting her to investigate further.

Over the years, Hazel collaborated with coroners, police, and journalists, all of whom shared their knowledge and frustrations about the case. The turning point came in May 2018 with the launch of Hedley Thomas’s The Teacher’s Pet podcast. The podcast captivated audiences and brought renewed attention to the case. By December 2018, Chris Dawson was charged with murder, and in August 2022, he was convicted.

Rebecca Hazel has dedicated ten years to ensuring that the stories of the women affected by Dawson’s actions are heard. Her relentless pursuit of justice has helped bring closure to Lynette’s family, allowing them to properly honor their much-loved sister, aunt, cousin, and mother.