The Best True Crime Stories of the Year 2025

I approached this audiobook with skepticism—another true crime roundup, another year of recycled cases? But Perry Daniels’ narration alone sold me within the first five minutes. His ability to modulate tone, from the dry precision of a detective’s report to the creeping dread of a killer’s confession, makes the listening experience feel like a rollercoaster with no off-switch. That said, the collection’s quality is uneven. Some stories, like the deep dive into a 1980s cult’s slow unraveling, are gripping, packed with detail and emotional punch. Others, like a piece on a bungled burglary gone wrong, feel like filler—too slight for the genre’s usual standards. The production is clean, with no distracting background noise, but the pacing stumbles in the second half. Still, Preston’s editorial eye shines brightest in the standout pieces, where his own investigative rigor elevates the material. If you’re jonesing for true crime that respects your intelligence, this is a worthy listen—but don’t expect perfection. Just don’t blame the narrator; he’s flawless.