Detectives Don't Sleep

It’s April, 1992, in California. When three members of the Ewell family are found shot to death in their Fresno home, the news is met with shock. Fresno is a quiet community with low crime rates and good people. Veteran Detective John Souza, and his partner, Chris Curtice are assigned to the case. At first, it looks like a robbery gone wrong. But then details about one of the victims emerges. With a vast fortune to his name, there could be as many as eight million reasons why Dale Ewell and his family were gunned down… A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s January 1929 in Southampton, England. The body of missing businessman Vivian Messiter is found inside a locked garage. Local police call in one of Scotland Yard’s finest to take charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector John Prothero. The ace detective uncovers vital clues missed by his colleagues, which lead him to the man he believes killed Messiter. But the conclusive evidence that can prove his case eludes him. Until a shaft of sunlight falls across a seemingly blank page. A Noiser production, written by Roger Morris For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In July 1984 the body of an unidentified young woman is found in a Los Angeles parking lot. Veteran homicide detective John St John investigates. When a teenage girl goes missing a week later, St John believes the two cases are linked and that there’s a serial killer on the loose. As he learns more about the lives of the victims, he keeps coming back to one man who knew them both, a photographer called Bill Bradford. But can the detective they call Jigsaw John piece together the clues and prove his hunch? A Noiser production, written by Roger Morris For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Go to hellofresh.com/50detectives and use the code 50detectives for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s December 2003, in Texas. When four gunshots ring out in the suburban city of Sugar Land, killing two members of the Whitaker family, and badly injuring two more, the news is met with disbelief in the community. Detective Marshall Slot takes the case. At first, the cops think that it’s simply a robbery gone wrong. But there are details that just don’t add up. Before long, Slot finds himself tangled up in one of the most bizarre and challenging investigations he’ll ever face. A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s 2008, in Budgeree, Australia. The kidnapping of Julian Buchwald and Carolynne Watson shocks the local community. After all, who would want to harm the devout Christian couple? That’s the question Victoria Police hope to answer. Faced with endless acres of unforgiving scrubland and no clues as to their whereabouts, locating the pair feels like an impossible task. The investigation takes an even more sinister turn when a letter arrives from a satanic cult associated with ritualistic sacrifice. The police face a race against the clock to locate the young lovers, before it’s too late. A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode originally appeared on Short History Of… read by John Hopkins. If you like what you hear, search ‘Short History Of’ in your podcast app and hit follow or weekly episodes. Detectives Don’t sleep will be back next week. Retaining the title of the “Queen of Crime” to this day, Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time. Across 66 novels, 14 short-story collections, and 20 stage plays, she depicted the evil lurking in the hearts of ordinary people. But how did this homeschooled daughter of a privileged English family learn so much about poisons, psychopaths and murder? What in her personal life informed such a suspicious view of ordinary people? And how did she trigger a real-life mystery in 1926 that saw the whole country turn amateur detective? Written by Jo Furniss. With thanks to best-selling crime writer Sophie Hannah. For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From 1925 to his death in 1926, the great escapologist and illusionist Harry Houdini conducts a tireless campaign against fake mediums. To help him, he has a small army of secret spirit investigators, led by the plucky female detective Rose Mackenberg. Working undercover in a range of disguises, Rose travels the continent on Houdini’s behalf, rooting out charlatans and helping Houdini to expose them. And when Houdini and Rose go to Washington to give evidence at a Congressional hearing, they come face to face with an angry mob of spiritualists determined to silence them. A Noiser production, written by Roger Morris For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In February 1925, Richard Reese Whittemore breaks out of Maryland State Penitentiary, killing a prison guard in the process. So begins a year-long violent crime spree as Whittemore’s gang carry out a series of daring heists. Despite his love of violence, Whittemore’s exploits capture the public’s imagination. He’s the Candy Kid. His wife Margaret is Tiger Girl. Together they’re America’s sweethearts. But one man isn’t buying the myth. Inspector John D. Coughlin of New York’s Detective Division sees the Candy Kid for what he is - a ruthless killer. And he’s determined to catch him. A Noiser production, written by Roger Morris For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s 2014, and we’re in Mexico. Twenty-year-old Karen Rodriguez is on her way to meet some friends when she is kidnapped by cartel members. The abductors send a ransom demand to her terrified family, which they pay straight away. However, Karen is never returned. Her mother, Miriam, might not have a police badge or a private eye license, but when the police refuse to help, she takes the law into her own hands. Armed with a gun, an array of disguises, and an unquenchable thirst for justice, Miriam will come up against some of the most ruthless men in the country. But what can one woman really stand up to the cartels and win? A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In June 1986, Sue Snow, a healthy, forty-year-old woman, is found unresponsive in the bathroom of her home in Auburn, Washington. She is rushed to hospital where she dies a short time later. During the autopsy, the pathologist notices a strange smell - the smell of almonds. It’s a scent she knows well. It seems Sue Snow died from ingesting Excedrin tablets laced with cyanide. Aurora Police Detective Mike Dunbar and FBI Special Agent Jack Cusack take the case. Sue's death echoes the 1982 Tylenol poisonings in Chicago. Could they be dealing with a copycat killer? Over the course of the investigation, a pharmaceutical company will lose millions of dollars and the state of Washington will be plunged into panic at the prospect of a killer walking among them. But will one of the biggest manhunts the state has ever seen help unmask the perpetrator? Or will the killer claim more victims before their reign of terror is over? A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started with a 7-day free trial. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In May 1937, the citizens of Paris are horrified by the murder of a young woman on the Métro. The case is a classic locked room mystery, with an added twist. The locked room is a first-class car on an underground train. To Inspector Moreux of the Judicial Police, Laetitia Toureaux’s murder has all the hallmarks of a professional hit. But as he investigates the mystery of her death, he finds he must first solve the riddle of her life. Just who was Laetitia Toureaux and why did she have to die? A Noiser production, written by Roger Morris. For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s 1920, in Los Angeles. Two men force their way into one of the city’s most prominent department stores pretending to be private investigators from the world-renowned Nick Harris Detective Agency. But, these men aren’t detectives. They’re thieves. When Nick Harris hears about it, he resolves to find the criminals and clear his agency’s name. However, Harris, and his deputy, Carl G. Armstrong, quickly find themselves embroiled in something much bigger than a department store heist. A visit from a suspicious wife soon leads them on a trail of greed and murder. A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s 1885, in Richmond, Virginia. The body of a young, pregnant woman is found floating in the city’s old reservoir. At first, the coroner thinks she died by suicide. That is, until he spots bruises on her face and a tear in her dress. He hands the case over to Charles H. Epps, captain of the Richmond Police Force, who begins investigating her murder. With no way of identifying her, and no witnesses, it starts to feel like one of those cases that will remain unsolved. And then, at the reservoir, he finds a clue among the weeds. But, will it be enough to help him track down the suspected murderer? A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Go to hellofresh.com/50detectives and use the code 50detectives for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In January 1936, in New Brunswick, Canada, a generous, sociable man called Philip Lake is found dead in the doorway of his burnt-out cabin in the woods. The bodies of his common-law wife and his infant son are found frozen in the snow outside. There is no sign of the youngest child, 6-month-old Betty, though they assume she died with her father in the fire. But when the Mounties investigate, they realise that this fire was no accident — the family was brutally murdered, and Betty is missing. Can the Mounties do what they’re most famous for? Can they get their man? A Noiser production, written by Sean Coleman For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Go to hellofresh.com/50detectives and use the code 50detectives for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Noiser presents a brand-new podcast. Real Survival Stories brings you astonishing tales of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary survival situations. In this taster episode, we meet Jeremy Evans. He’s a man most at home hiking and fishing in the Canadian wilderness. But one day, on a solo camping trip, he stumbles across a Grizzly and her cub. Scarcely surviving a frenzied attack, Jeremy is left battered and broken. Despite everything, something inside will compel him to just keep going, driving him homewards… If you enjoy this taster episode, search ‘Real Survival Stories’ in your podcast app and hit follow to get new episodes every Thursday. There are more epic tales live now and waiting for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Detective Sergeant Frank Matthews concludes his investigation into the disappearance of police informant Jim Smith. The prime suspect is Smith’s friend, Paddy Brady, but Brady denies involvement and points the finger at two members of Sydney’s wealthy elite – Reginald Holmes and Albert Stannard. After surviving a dramatic suicide attempt, Holmes agrees to tell Matthews everything he knows. But other interested parties are determined to silence him. DS Matthews’ frustration grows as he is confronted by a community too scared to speak the truth. A Noiser production, written by Roger Morris. For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Anzac Day 1935, visitors to an aquarium in Sydney witness a grotesque spectacle as a massive tiger shark vomits up a severed arm. Whose arm is it? And how did it end up inside the shark? These are just some of the questions facing Detective Sergeant Matthews of Sydney’s Central Intelligence Bureau. When the victim is identified as a man called Jim Smith, Detective Matthews realises he knows him. Not only that, he may be the reason Smith was killed. A Noiser production, written by Roger Morris. For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Legendary PI Bill Dear continues his hunt for Dean Milo’s murderer. His pursuit takes him across the country, where he comes into contact with a host of shady characters. And then, just as he’s making a breakthrough, there’s bad news. Fred and Sophie Milo assume control of the Milo Barber and Beauty Supply Corporation and fire the private investigator. However, Bill has come too far to fail. He vows to see the case through to a successful conclusion. But with a growing pool of suspects and dwindling resources, can Bill really get to the bottom of the murder of Dean Milo? A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s August 1980, in Akron, Ohio. Detective Larry Momchilov is called to a crime scene in a wealthy part of the city. Waiting for him is the body of a local businessman, Dean Milo. He’s been shot twice in the head, execution style. There doesn’t seem to be anything missing in his house, so the motive for his murder is unclear. With the investigation stalling, the dead man’s widow calls in investigator Bill Dear. But, with Milo’s family unwilling to assist with the investigation, and no real leads to speak of, how far can Dear really get? Will Dear be able to use his impressive skill set to solve the case, or will this be the one that finally bests the celebrated private investigator? A Noiser production, written by Chris McDonald For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September 2010, a quiet, hardworking landman, Greg Fleniken, is found dead in his hotel room. He appears to have suffered traumatic internal injuries which have led to his death. But with no sign of a struggle, no enemies, and no witnesses to any kind of fight, the cops are quickly stumped. Who could have killed this man? And how did they do it? It’s only when the unstoppable Private Investigator, Ken Brennan joins the team that they begin to piece together the events leading up to Greg’s untimely death. What they uncover is the most unlikely, and unlucky, murder in Texan history. A Noiser Production, written by Sean Coleman For ad-free listening, exclusive content, and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices