True Crime All The Time

I’ll admit, I side-eyed the idea of turning a true crime *podcast* into an audiobook—wouldn’t it just be a repackaged RSS feed? But *True Crime All The Time* somehow makes it work by doubling down on what the Mikes do best: turning research into a rowdy, often hilarious conversation. The narration is *very* podcast-y, complete with mid-sentence corrections (“Wait, no, that victim was 24, not 22—my bad”) and the occasional background noise that makes you wonder if they recorded this in a diner booth. It’s not polished, but that’s the point. When they’re breaking down the Golden State Killer’s DNA slip-up or mocking a defense attorney’s baffling strategy, the energy is infectious. You can *hear* their eye rolls. That said, the loose structure won’t suit everyone. Some chapters feel like standalone episodes with abrupt endings, and the Mikes’ tangents—while entertaining—can derail momentum. (Do we *need* a five-minute detour into the ethics of true crime fandom? Maybe not in the middle of the Zodiac Killer section.) The production quality also varies; a few segments sound like they were phoned in (literally), with audio levels that dip unexpectedly. But these flaws oddly add to the charm, like a scrappy indie film that wins you over despite its rough edges. If you love true crime that feels like a chat with your most opinionated friends—flaws, dark jokes, and all—this is your jam. If you prefer your crime stories pristine and somber? Keep scrolling.