10 Podcasts About Mysteries That Will Keep You Guessing

Anyone else on their 100th true crime or mystery spiral (of the month) thinking… “How have I NOT gotten tired of this yet?” If you’re virtually raising your hand—we see you. We’ve watched A Deadly American Marriage. We’ve also definitely read all the books like Gone Girl. But here’s the thing about movies, TV shows, and books: they’re TIME-CONSUMING. 

Fantastic, but time-consuming. That’s why we’re arguably more obsessed with listening to true crime. That’s right—we’re talkin’ podcasts. Mystery and true crime podcasts actually dominate the charts, with an average of 19.1 MILLION weekly listeners. Sooo, needless to say, you’re definitely not the only one obsessed with cold cases, murder mysteries, and the justice system. 

We’ve listened to the Holly Madison episode from The Bossticks, host and producer of two true crime docuseries. And, of course, we’ve tuned into “Surviving a Serial Killer: The Story of Lois Renna” from Let’s Not Talk About the Husband. And, honestly, it inspired us.

Today, we’re rounding up all of the best mystery podcasts that are totally worth binge-listening. Think: real-life horror stories, edge-of-your-seat anticipation, and cases that will stick around long after the episode turns off. Trust us, we’ve got some goodies. 

10 Podcasts About Mysteries That Will Keep You Guessing

True crime is BROAD. You have unsolved mysteries, cold cases, psychological thrillers, investigative storytelling—this well runs deeeep. But that’s exactly why podcasts about mysteries and true crime stories are so popular! 

Which, actually, begs the question: why do so many people actually have an obsession with true crime? It can’t just be that they’re entertaining. “Kevin Jonas: Embracing Change” from The Squeeze is entertaining. So is “Our Betrayal Lists” from Basically Unfiltered. There has to be SOME reason why we’re tuning in while we do the dishes, eat dinner, drive to work, or fold the laundry—intrigue can’t be all of the allure. 

So let’s crack the case (pun intended). Before we dive into our list of recs, let’s talk about what the fascination with true crime is truly about. 

Why Are We Obsessed with Murder Mystery Podcasts?

They Let Us Be Detectives Without the Trauma

It’s no secret that being a real-life detective is a hard job—emotionally, mentally, and ethically. And, naturally, it packs a heavy dose of trauma. Listening to podcasts about true crime allows us to feel like we’re following along, without actually doing any of the heavy lifting. 

We get to follow timelines, analyze records, and sit in on interviews—all from the safety of our headphones. And for most people, that’s what makes mystery-driven content appealing! Ultimately, that controlled exposure keeps our brains engaged without overwhelming us. So basically, you heard it here first—mystery podcasts are good for mental health.

Speaking of trauma, let’s talk about it! Well, actually, let’s let our podcast hosts talk about it. For a lighter (but not too light take), tune into “Brand Safe Tana Mongeau” from Not Skinny But Not Fat. For a more in-depth perspective? Listen to THIS episode of Everything Is the Best.

They Create a Shared Obsession

There’s a reason we all collectively watch Love Island (and only half of it was because of Ariana Madix). There’s also a reason we all listen, talk about, and deep dive into mysteries and true crime! It’s a familiar, comforting shared obsession. 

Honestly, it’s like its own little community. From Reddit threads to late-night voice notes to the group chats that begin with the notorious “Okay, but…”, it creates a sense of connection. And nothing brings people together to analyze, debate, and spiral like a good mystery!

Speaking of joining a community… Have you checked out The Readheads Book Club? Same level of obsession, just a virtual book club for all our bookworms!

They Turn Boredom Into a Full Spiral

Avoiding doing the laundry? Put yourself on a self-inflicted Tinder Ban? (You’re not alone, Kristin Cavallari’s over dating apps, too—just listen to THIS episode of Let’s Be Honest to hear why.) Regardless, one episode of a mystery podcast is never just one episode. 

It’s a binge-listen. And then a binge-spiral. And then you’re up at 3AM like you’re working on the cold case yourself. It turns moments of “nothingness” into something engaging, interactive, and mentally stimulating.

They’re a Relatable Sort of Messy

You turn on TV shows about rich people, and it’s all millionaires in high-rise apartments with $5,000 bags. Then you turn on shows like White Collar, and they’re good, but they’re… polished. You finally listen to a podcast about mystery and you feel a part of something. 

The host asks a question you were already thinking. And, naturally, they miss details, circle back, second-guess themselves, and suddenly, you realize that messiness is part of the charm. It feels like you’re thinking alongside them—not being talked at.

They’re Easy to Get Hooked On

Above all else, most people love true crime and mysteries because they’re addictive. And they’re made to be that way! Short-form episodes, cliffhangers, interactive questions, real-life intrigue—it’s all part of it. And ultimately, it makes it impossible to stop listening. 

How could you NOT tune into the next episode to find out if they caught the killer? Or why wouldn’t you follow a month-long series about an unsolved cold case? It’s easy to listen to and even easier to follow along with. 

What Are the Best Mystery Podcasts?

My Favorite Murder  

My Favorite Murder, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, is a true crime comedy podcast. Don’t raise your eyebrows just yet, though—they’re not making light of the crimes themselves! Instead, the humor comes from dark wit, candid takes, and a feminist lens that encourages listeners to trust their instincts and reject outdated politeness. 

Every episode follows one individual true crime case—from serial killers to historical events. However, think less journalistic investigation and more “casual convo between two friends.” It’s perfect for when you’re craving a true crime fix WITHOUT as much heaviness. Start with “We’re So Real!”

Not true crime-related, but we can’t talk about feminism without mentioning the queen herself. For more women-empowered advice, tune into THIS Drew Afualo episode from Girls Gotta Eat!

Up and Vanished  

If you’re someone who literally can’t wrap their mind around cold cases, join the club! As much as we CRAVE all the answers, we’ll still never stop listening to Up and Vanished. Host Payne Lindsey uses real-time investigation, witness interviews, and on-site exploration to discuss disappearances.

In fact, he did help solve a case! … You thought we were gonna spoil it? Noooope. You gotta listen to find out! Anyway, this podcast is compelling, it’s persistent, and every season makes you feel like you’re right alongside him investigating, too. Definite must-watch.

Hint: Start with “Payne Tells All: The Tara Grinstead Case.”

Crime Junkie 

You don’t even have to be INTO true crime to know what Crime Junkies is. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, this true crime podcast totally redefined the space, making complex investigations easy to follow for casual fans. 

Plus, they cover everything—missing persons, murders, serial killers, mysterious deaths—there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. And that versatility? It’s just one of the many reasons people come back for more. Start with the EP, “MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF: Rowena Wilkinson Zapalac.” 

If you’re like us, you’re def already well-versed in this unstoppable series. Check out “Podcasts Like Scamanda: Lies, Scams, and Shocking Truths” for more recs!

Bone Marry Bury

What if we told you there was a murder-mystery FICTION podcast? It has suspense, of course, but it also has a reverse whodunnit rom-com vibe, too. Produced by Dear Media and hosted by Sarah Hyland and Harvey Gullién, this scripted storytelling has just enough chaos to keep things fun. 

Instead of asking who committed the crime, the story flips the script. Listeners get to tune into the aftermath and emotional fallout in a way that feels playful—not disturbing. It’s the perfect pick if you want a fun, suspenseful, lighthearted listen. 

Naturally, you’ll want to start with “Chapter 1: Meet the Players.”

Serial

Just like Crime Junkie, Serial has had a CHOKEHOLD on pop culture since its debut. Host and journalist Sarah Koenig spends each season focusing on a unique, individual case or topic. Sometimes it’s about Guantanamo Bay, other times it’s about murders and disappearances. 

What makes this true crime podcast series so interesting is its layered storytelling. Episodes are built around timelines, evidence, court records, and interviews—not guesswork or “he said, she said.” So not only is it SUPER engaging, it also leads with real, factual information. If you’re someone who appreciates serious investigative depth over quick-takes, def tune in. 

We love their more recent series, “The Preventionist.” And if you’re already caught up with and looking to scratch the itch? Been there, done that. That’s why we created a post all about the best podcasts like Serial—make sure to check it out!

Someone Knows Something  

If you’ve ever listened to a cold case and thought, “Someone out there HAS to have a lead,” then this is the series for you. Someone Knows Something, an award-winning investigative true crime podcast, is everything we want when it comes to dead ends. Host David Ridgen uses each season to explore one unsolved cold case, allowing listeners to become FULLY immersed.

He isn’t doing it alone, though. More often than not, he’s joined by the victim’s families to uncover details and find answers. We love Someone Knows Something because it blends compassion with facts. It’s not sensationalized—it’s real, raw, and emotional. 

And, just like Payne Lindsey from Up and Vanished, Ridgen has ALSO helped solve a few cold cases! Start a more recent season, like “Chrissy,” so you can stay in the loop!

In the Dark 

Yet another award-winning investigative journalism podcast, In the Dark dedicates allll its energy to calling out systematic failures. Because, yeah, let’s be TOTALLY real here—sometimes you hear about a case and you’re like… “They forgot to do what?” Host Madeleine Baran takes all those internal thoughts and, well, breathes life into them.

In each season, Madeleine covers one major case, exploring every. tiny. detail. She’s looking at the background, the investigation, the aftermath, and she’s holding the people in power accountable. Looking for where to start? “Blood Relatives: Episode 1.” It’s honestly extremely inspiring—we can’t recommend it enough!

The Dating Detectives

We Met At Acme brought up a LOT of good points in the episode “What Everyone Hates About Dating Right Now.” But beyond communication and attachment styles, the dating world can be a scary place. That’s exactly why the hosts of The Dating Detectives, Mackenzie Fultz and Hanna Anderson, wanna bring light to it. 

Yeah, they talk about broken hearts, narcissists, and manipulation. But they also focus on real-life stories of scams, manipulations, and criminal behavior. Each episode combines investigative journalism with true crime storytelling, making the content intriguing, enjoyable, and totally binge-worthy. We’re obsessed with the episode, “The Mobster Next Door.”

Casefile True Crime 

As we mentioned about Someone Knows Something, a LOT of true crime content becomes sensationalized. Dark, gory details turn into clickbait-y headlines, and people’s real experiences become a way to get views. The Casefile True Crime podcast is the exact opposite of that. 

Featuring an anonymous host (Ooooh, intriguing!), each episode is scripted and narrated based on factual evidence. Think police documents, eyewitness testimonies, and mass-media reports. It’s SUPER specific, extremely complex, and one unsolved case generally spans across multiple episodes. It’s for the listeners who want the cold, hard facts, not fluff. 

Start with “The Detective’s Dilemma – Episode 1,” and thank us later!

The Vanished 

The Vanished podcast is a weekly true crime series that aims to get to the bottom of missing-person cases. Host Marissa Jones doesn’t really focus on super popular cases, though. She’s touching on the cases that get overlooked and tossed to the side—which makes us love this show even more. 

Because Marissa uses exclusive interviews and detailed accounts, her content makes it feel like you ARE the detective. You’ll find yourself listening to each episode, rooting for the truth, and doing a little sleuthing of your own! The best place to start? “Troy Galloway Part 1: Sounds in the Snow.”

Why watch mysteries in movies and TV shows when you can listen to them ANYTIME you want?

We’ll always love cozying up on the couch in our Valley Girl Lounge Pants and watching a good mysterious docuseries. Howeverrrr, we can’t take that docuseries with us to work, while running errands, or cleaning around the house. You know what you CANtake, though? Mystery podcasts. It’s seriously the best way to stay entertained, stay in the loop, and, of course, find something new to obsess over. 

Want even more popular podcast recs? Don’t stop here! On the Dear Media blog, we have options for EVERY niche, interest, and topic. And, of course, we have an INCREDIBLE line-up of podcast hosts that talk about anything and everything. Check ‘em out and find your new favorite!