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Are you fascinated by the unknown, the unknowable, or the unbelievable? Considering the number of true crime podcasts and murder mystery shows on the internet, a lot of people are. Here are the best mystery podcasts you should listen to.
Best True Murder Podcast: Murder With Friends
Grace Baldridge of the online news network The Young Turks hosts lively discussions with other journalists about contemporary crimes that will make your skin crawl. Cannibalism, necrophilia, and familicide are all on the table. Recent episodes have investigated the true stories behind popular Lifetime movies.
- The host and her guests bring a humorous perspective to some very dark topics.
- You can catch some episodes on Youtube, but you must subscribe to the TYT network for full access.
Best Fictional Mystery Podcast: Limetown
Limetown is like an old school radio drama from a bygone era. Fictional reporter Lia Haddock, voiced by Annie-Sage Whitehurst, tells the story of a mass disappearance of people from a Tennessee neuroscience research facility. A second season is scheduled to begin on Halloween 2018, and a prequel book by writer Zack Akers will hit shelves later this year.
- Thanks to the talented narrator, Limetown sounds like an authentic radio broadcast, giving this fictional tale a realistic tone.
- There are currently only six episodes, so podcast lovers will finish the first season pretty quickly.
Funniest Mystery Podcast: ParaPod
This award-winning show is dedicated to debunking the supernatural and implausible with a touch of humor. Comedic duo Ian and Barry investigate haunted houses, mythical creatures like the Chupacabra, and conspiracy theories like the JFK assassination. Listen for free on iTunes or SoundCloud, and watch the trailer for the upcoming ParaPod movie on the official website.
- Some episodes are recorded on-location in supposedly haunted places, and the movie follows the hosts' cross-country trip to various mysterious locales.
- The banter between the hosts may become a bit grating for some listeners.
Best Heist Mystery Podcast: Empty Frames
Nearly three decades ago, two men in police uniforms visited the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and left with 13 paintings worth a total of $500 million. What happened after that? Hosts Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna examine the facts, theories, and historical significance behind America's greatest unsolved heist.
- The hosts are truly committed to solving the mystery and have done some thorough investigative reporting.
- The entire show is about a singular topic, so if you're not hooked by the second episode, you should try another podcast.
Best British Mystery Podcast: Unexplained
Unexplained is a show about strange cases that can't be explained by science. In addition to run-of-the-mill murder mysteries, stories about supposed demonic possessions, and near-death experiences, Unexplained explores the line between the paranormal and the plausible. The host is currently writing a book based on the podcast.
- Episodes with graphic content include trigger warnings in their descriptions.
- The official website is poorly designed, so you're better off listening on Stitcher.
Strangest Mystery Podcast: Strange Matters
Cold cases, urban legends, and historical oddities are rather tame topics for the hosts of Strange Matters. The more exciting episodes tackle bizarre subjects like cynocephaly, mothmen, and the grey goo theory. The hosts also like to engage in speculative fiction; for example, what would happen if AI suddenly became sentient?
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- The website has episodes categorized by topic, so it's easy to find ones that interest you.
- Sometimes the hosts offer more speculation than original research, but they're still entertaining to listen to.
Most Spine Tingling Mystery Podcast: SPINES
It's a classic premise: A man awakes with no memory of who he is, where he is, or how he got there. SPINES is a fictional audio drama about occult rituals, secret organizations, and mysterious disappearances. Stellar writing and voice acting makes SPINES easy to binge.
- You can read transcripts for each episode on the website, or you can purchase the new book containing the entire story.
- The series has concluded, but a similar show by the same creators called Mirrors just began.
Best Canadian Mystery Podcast: Someone Knows Something
Similar to the successful Serial podcast, each season of Someone Knows Something covers a different cold case. Director David Ridgen interviews the friends and family members of individuals who disappeared or died under mysterious circumstances. Canadian listeners might catch it on CBC Radio, but anyone can listen online.
- The website contains tons of additional content that expands upon each case, so there's a lot to delve into if a story fascinates you.
- The lengths of the episodes range drastically from 15 minutes to around 90 minutes.
Weirdest Mystery Podcast: Missing Richard Simmons
Not all mystery shows are dark and disturbing. Missing Richard Simmons follows host Dan Taberski on his journey to answer the question that's on nobody's mind: Whatever happened to the flamboyant star of 'Sweatin' to the Oldies?' Friends and fans speak out about a man who hasn't been seen in public since 2014.
- After listening to some of the other podcasts on this list, Missing Richard Simmons offers a nice change of pace.
- This short-but-sweet series has already concluded, but it's still worth checking out for a laugh.
Best Mystery News Podcast: Mysterious Universe
From U.F.O. sightings to psychic cats, the topics covered by Mysterious Universe may sound like fake news, but the reporters are dedicated to separating fact from fiction. Listen to recent episodes with ads for free, or upgrade to a premium membership to enjoy an ad-free experience and exclusive content.
- The Mysterious Universe website has dozens of contributors who post new stories every day, so there's plenty to keep you occupied between episodes.
- While the hosts typically interview real experts, some guests indulge in wild theories and paranormal beliefs, but it's all in good fun.
Best Classic Mystery Podcast: CBS Radio Mystery Theater
This radio drama hosted by Himan Brown originally aired from 1974 to 1982. Thanks to the internet, you can now listen to all 1,399 episodes for free. Fans of Hitchcock, Edgar Allan Poe, and Rod Serling will undoubtedly enjoy the mix of suspense, horror, and fantasy in every episode.
- Dozens of notable radio and TV actors lent their talents to this classic series.
- The stories vary in quality, but if you don't like one episode, you have more than a thousand others to choose from.
Most Popular Mystery Podcast: Serial
If you're reading this list, there's a good chance you've already heard of Serial. From the creators of This American Life, this Peabody Award-winning podcast sat atop the iTunes charts for several months. Although the first two seasons each focused on a single true crime story, season 3 covers multiple crimes that have taken place in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Stellar storytelling and investigative reporting have made this one of the most-downloaded podcasts in history.
- Episodes are released inconsistently, but you can check out the similar S-Town while you wait for new episodes.
Best Cold Case Podcast: Unsolved Murders
Unsolved Murders boasts high production values and the unparalleled talents of Carter Roy, Wenndy Mackenzie, and a cast of other voice actors. Episodes offer dramatic reenactments of cold cases such as the Axeman of New Orleans.
- What could easily be a cheesy docudrama is emotionally impactful thanks to the extraordinary cast.
- Stories are often told over the course of multiple episodes, so getting into this show requires a hefty time investment.
Best Podcast About Mystery Podcast: Crime Writers On...
A team of true crime authors discuss shows like Serial and related topics in this podcast about other podcasts. The panel gives their expert literary opinions on your favorite fictional and factual mystery shows. If you're a connoisseur of true crime and cold case stories, this show was created for you.
- Listening to this podcast is a great way to learn about other mystery shows you haven't heard.
- While the hosts offer interesting perspectives, this show is only entertaining for dedicated mystery podcast listeners.
Best Missing Persons Mystery Podcast: Unfound
Unfound features interviews with friends and family members of individuals who have gone missing under mysterious circumstances. The hosts engage in real investigative journalism to develop new theories and leads in cold cases.
- The show has already succeeded in finding new leads in the cases they've covered.
- The official website says 'Unfound is a news program, not an entertainment one,' so be ready for some heavy content.
Best Mystery Games
Update: This list has been updated and includes new titles. Updated in February of 2019.
Original Article:
Ah, mystery. That hard to define, catch all genre for titles that feature plots in which something is strangely… off. It all started in the 1990s when nobody had any idea what genre to stick the X-Files TV show into. Ever since then, every show, movie, book or video game that featured some sort of supernatural element, that was a bit spooky without being outright horror, was classified as just that: Mystery.
Also, in the 1990s, there were a ton of adventure games that ended up populating the mystery genre. Those were usually adventure games for older people, for more adult audiences, that deemed themselves too grown up, too mature to deal with the kiddie stuff of the popular, cartoonish adventures. During the heyday of the graphic adventure genre in the early 90s, there was an outright deluge of weird, more mature themed titles, the worst of which heavily featured one of 90s video games worst sins in full motion video (FMV) sequences.
So on this list you will find a selection of the best of those old titles, alongside some modern mystery adventures from the last few years. Here we will not deal with horror games of any kind, for those games we have some other lists. And now without further ado, let’s descend into mystery, but make note that these games are not ranked in any particular order.
#16 Alan Wake
- Developer: Remedy Entertainment
- Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
- Platforms: X360, PC
- Release: May 18, 2010
After taking quite a few years to long time to make we have Alan Wake. Originally a timed exclusive for the Xbox 360, the game was developed by Remedy, known for their Max Payne franchise though more recently, Spider-Man on the PlayStation 4. Alan Wake features an eponymous writer, who has to unravel the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of Bright Falls, a small town in the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
Things go bump at night, Alan’s wife ends up missing, and our protagonist finds himself on the wrong end of a police manhunt. While the game’s plot is steeped in mystery, the gameplay is strongly focused on solving the mystery behind the supernatural events and rescuing our protagonist’s wife. Since the game released, there has been no word on developers on continuing the franchise.
#15 Heavy Rain
- Developer: Quantic Dream
- Publisher: Sony Computer Interactive Entertainment
- Platforms: PS3, PS4
- Release: February 23, 2010
Oh what a game this could have been. David Cage’s masterpiece. A long time before the game was anywhere close to going gold, the developers started showcasing their – admittedly astounding – technology. It was supposed to allow for truly emotional performances by the digital actors.
The final product didn’t prove to be too convincing for a lot of people, however the multi-protagonist hunt for the Origami Killer succeeded in finding a lot of fans nonetheless. Overall, the mystery players are left to solve is the identity of the Origami Killer. This mass murderer is ruthless as he kidnaps children and drowns them through means of rising rain water. For the most part, this game feels like a cinematic experience with not only exploration being a key to solving the mystery but a slew of choices presented for the player. Depending on your actions will determine just what ending your receive and if enjoyed the more recently released Quantic Dream’s title, Detroit: Become Human, then chances are you will definitely want to check this game out.
#14 7th Guest
- Developer: Trilobyte
- Publisher: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
- Platforms: PC
- Release: April 1, 1993
Starting off the big era of CD-ROM games, this creepy adventure game tasks the player with solving an array of twenty one puzzles in a mysterious old mansion, unveiling the secrets the place holds. Revolutionary at the time, 7th Guest featured intricately rendered graphics and real actors in full motion video sequences that told the story of the mansion. Likewise, the game proved to be a big factor in boosting the sale of CD-ROM drives, and kicked off the FMV driven interactive movie adventure game genre of the early 90s.
#13 Phantasmagoria
- Developer: Sierra On-Line
- Publisher: Sierra On-Line
- Platforms: PC, Sega Saturn
- Release: August 24, 1995
Delivered on no less than seven CD-ROMs, Phantasmagoria was the embodiment of the mid-90s interactive movie fad. Controversial due to its sexually loaded horror content, the game stirred a lot of discussions about harsher age restrictions when it was released in 1995. Launched with a lot of surrounding hype, Phantasmagoria proved to be a best-seller.
Experienced today though, almost twenty years later, it has aged quite badly, the script being rather weak, the acting wooden and the gameplay not very inspired. Nonetheless, the game was one of the biggest success stories of Sierra’s star designer Roberta Williams.
#12 Gemini Rue
- Developer: Wadjey Eye Games
- Publisher: Wadjet Eye Games
- Platforms: PC, iOS, Android
- Release: February 24, 2011
Heralded by many critics as a return to form of the venerated graphic adventure genre, this noir cyberpunk story should prove a breakthrough success for indie developer Wadjet Eye Games. Released in 2011, Gemini Rue features a deliberately retro style throughout, from environments to gameplay mechanics. The game tells an expansive science fiction story with a lot of twists and turns, set in the 23rd century.
The game was not only beloved for its gameplay but the narrative storyline and graphics that looked as if it could have been a classic retro adventure title. Gamers will be going through the title as a point-and-click adventure where you’ll navigate your character throughout the map, collect items, speak with NPCs and solve puzzles.
#11 The Beast Within: A Gabriel Knight Mystery
- Developer: Sierra On-Line
- Publisher: Sierra On-Line
- Platforms: PC
- Release: 1995
Another Sierra FMV title, this second entry to the Gabriel Knight series sets the eponymous investigator of the supernatural on the tracks of a werewolf, that is on the prowl in quaint Bavaria. The game delves in Bavarian history and folklore, featuring locations as Neuschwanstein castle along with its plot revolving around a lost opera from German composer Richard Wagner and the famed Bavarian King Ludwig II. Gameplay takes place with actors filmed on a set, performing all the actions, which required the game to take up a whopping six CD-ROMs, making it an enormously huge title at its time of release in 1995. However, gamers can today get it as a single download through GoG and Steam.
#10 L.A. Noire
- Developer: Team Bondi
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Platforms: PS3, X360, PC, NS, PS4, XBO
- Release: May 17, 2011
Originally developed by now defunct Australian developer Team Bondi, the L.A. Noire was eventually taken over by none other than Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar, who helped complete the game while adding a lot of typical Rockstar elements to the mix. The game takes place in post-war Los Angeles, starring rookie cop Cole Phelps, who advances through the ranks of the LAPD solving a number of brutal domestic crimes.
The game features ground breaking facial capture technology that allows for the central interrogation mechanics, that requires the player to read the facial gestures and tics of those who he is questioning. When you’re not questioning suspects, the game will have players dig around crime scenes in order to find clues or potential evidence. For those who are hoping for a true Grand Theft Auto style gameplay then you will be disappointed. Despite not being a clone of GTA, there is still plenty of fun to be had with this game.
#9 Bad Mojo
- Developer: Pule Entertainment
- Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
- Platforms: PC
- Release: February 29, 1996
The goal of Bad Mojo is rather simple. The protagonist has been transformed into a cockroach and is forced to figure out just how to reverse his situation. To do that, he has to face the past and solve a ton of strange puzzles in his home, which is situated above an abandoned bar. Bad Mojo had a reputation for not just being a plainly weird game, but also featuring some of the least nonsensical puzzles of all mid 1990s adventure games. Nonetheless, it sold quite well and has become something of a cult classic ever since, and also has seen a re-release in 2004. Because the game is pretty dated, gameplay will basically be point-and-click as you solve puzzles along with full motion videos to help tell the story.
#8 Her Story
- Developer: Sam Barlow
- Publisher: Sam Barlow
- Platforms: PC, iOS, Android
- Release: June 24, 2015
Her Story is an indie video game written and directed by Sam Barlow. The video game features live-action police interview footage of a young female and pins the players to solve a murder investigation. Gamers must go through a series of video clips and uncover files that will lead to what really happened to Hannah Smith’s husband just as if you were actually investigating a case.
As a result, gameplay is more of an interactive movie where you’ll watch videos and read files in an attempt to piece this case together. Likewise, this game won’t take players very long with most finishing Her Story within a single sitting of around three hours. After the success of the game, Sam Barlow has begun production of a spiritual successor titled Telling Lies. Supposedly this upcoming release will retain the same overall gameplay mechanics.
#7 Deadly Premonition
- Developer: Access Games
- Publisher: Ignition Entertainment, Rising Star Games
- Platforms: X360, PS3, PC
- Release: February 23, 2010
If you’re a fan of the cult TV series Twin Peaks, then chances are you’ve come across the video game Dead Premonition. It’s quite easy to see where developers Access Games received their inspirations when creating the game narrative as players take on the role of an FBI agent who is sent to a small town within the United States in order to solve a murder. While investigating the murder it becomes obvious that there’s an otherworldly presence taking control of the town.
This title has become a cult hit of its own right. Outside of being an investigative mystery title, Deadly Premonition is very much a survival horror game. Players will have an open world to explore by either foot or through the use of vehicles but you won’t want to drift off too far as there are a few resources the game will require you to manage.
For instance, vehicles will require fuel that must be purchased. Players will earn money by going through the various missions provided in the game or by other daily tasks such as changing suits and shaving. Furthermore, players will need to make sure our protagonist, Agent Francis York Morgan consumes food along with resting otherwise the health gauge will drop.
#6 Kathy Rain
- Developers: Clifftop Games
- Publisher: Raw Fury
- Platforms: PC, Android, iOS
- Release: May 5, 2016
If you enjoyed point-and-click style adventure games then you may want to look at Kathy Rain. This title was created by Clifftop Games which features a young female going through her final year at a university. However, she learns that her grandfather recently passed away. Despite not having any real association with her family in years, our protagonist Kathy, decides to head back for the funeral. It’s only while attending the funeral that she learns something happened to her father years prior which caused him to become mute.
Kathy decides to stay in town a little while longer in hopes to discover what happened all those years ago to her grandfather. In the process she uncovers something sinister within the small town along wiht a few mysteries she never knew about her own family tree.
#5 The Wolf Among Us
- Developer: Telltale Games
- Publisher: Telltale Games
- Platforms: Android, iOS, PC, PS3, PS4, PSV, X360, XBO
- Release: October 14, 2013 – July 9, 2014
Based on the Fables comic book series, The Wolf Among Us is another hit from developers Telltale Games. Overall, the game is set within an American town that that features outcasts from your beloved fairy tale stories. Now hiding in the human world, players take on the role of Bigby Wolf, once known as the Big Bad Wolf, who must keep the fables in check while keeping away from any unwanted attention.
However we soon find ourselves dealing with a string of murders. Someone is targeting the former fairy tale characters and its clearly an inside job. Players are left putting together clues, gathering evidence and questioning a wide cast of characters.
Similar to the other video games put out by Telltale Games, The Wolf Among Us released episodically with there being a total of five parts. Unfortunately, to many gamers disappointment, the sequel to this title which was announced by Telltale Games has since been cancelled due to the closure of the studio.
#4 Fahrenheit / Indigo Prophecy
- Developer: Quantic Dream
- Publisher: Quantic Dream
- Platforms: PC, PS2, Xbox, Android, iOS, PS4
- Release: September 16, 2005
Developed by Quantic Dream, Fahrenheit first released into the market in 2005. Now, years later, the video game received a remastered edition and can be purchased for the PlayStation 4, PC, iOS, along with the Android platform.
Farhenheit is set in New York City where civilians become possessed and murder innocent bystanders uncontrollably. Overall, in this cinematic action-adventure title, players will follow the protagonist who is determined in solving these strange murders and ridding the supernatural forces behind the incidents.
We won’t dare spoil much of the narrative for this game because as mentioned this game is created by Quantic Dream. The game development studio is known for delivering fans an in-depth narrative journey full of choices and consequences. Likewise, the gameplay is easy to grasp just like other titles developed under the studio. Players will for the most part be completing a series of quick time event sequences when they are not freely roaming around the world and interacting with the environments.
If this is your first time trying a Quantic Dream game then we recommend looking at some of the more recent works as well such as Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human.
#3 The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
- Developer: The Astronauts
- Publisher: The Astronauts
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
- Release: September 26, 2014
The development team known as The Astronauts, currently only has one title out, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. This an adventure game that follows Paul Prospero who is a paranormal investigator that received a fan letter from a young boy named Ethan Carter.
Inspired by the letter, Paul ventures out into Ethan’s hometown only to learn that something tragic had happened. Now players are left to solve the mystery and find out where Ethan is and what heppened during the events that occurred prior to our protagonist’s arrival.
Most of the game will be exploring the open world in search of not only Ethan but clues to help piece together a string of murders. Likewise, there will be a series of puzzles to solve though if you were hoping for a long mystery to keep you playing for days on end, then you may be a bit disappointed with the game taking about four hours to complete.
#2 Thimbleweed Park
- Developer: Terrible Toybox
- Publisher: Terrible Toybox
- Platforms: PC, XBO, PS4, NS, Android, iOS
- Release: March 30, 2017
Thimbleweed Park was an instant hit after it released under Terrible Toybox and as a spiritual successor to the much beloved Manic Mansion. This is an adventure game where players are tasked with investigating a murder within a small town. Similar to Maniac Mansion, players will be going through this point-and-click style adventure game investigating the area, gathering clues and speaking with cast of oddity characters.
Most gamers often compare this title to the cinematic series Twin Peaks along with the humor and art of the lighthearted LucasArts games. This is one title that should not be passed up if you’re a fan of adventure titles with a good narrative mystery.
#1 Tex Murphy
- Developer: Access Software, Big Finish Games, Chaotic Fusion
- Publisher: Access Software, Atlus, Chaotic Fusion
- Platforms: PC
- Release: 1989 – 2018
Tex Murphy is not a particular video game but a series. This is an older PC series in which players take the role of an investigator named Tex Murphy during the 21st century while also being set in the post-apocalypse. As mentioned, the game is a bit older so the gameplay is mainly point-and-click as you explore the world, gather clues and attempt to interact with the environment in order to solve a puzzle.
With that said, the cutscenes are actual full motion video. In fact, there’s a new installment in the works called The Poisoned Pawn which will be the seventh installment to the Tex Murphy series. This upcoming game will still be an adventure title though the in-game immersion is drastically different.