Okay, let's talk true crime podcasts. There are a million of them, right? But have you ever listened to one that feels… well, personal? That’s I'll Be Gone in the Dark, and it’s way more than just a spooky story.
More Than Just a Crime
The podcast, hosted by the brilliant Erica Krumm and Paul Holes, is based on the late Michelle McNamara’s groundbreaking book. She tragically passed away before finishing it, but her passion for solving the Golden State Killer case shines through every episode.
What makes it different? It’s not just about the gruesome details. It’s about obsession, grief, and the weird way internet sleuths can become deeply invested in a cold case.
You'll hear Michelle’s actual voice throughout. Excerpts from her writing, recordings of her thoughts, and even her interactions with people online bring her alive. It's like she's co-hosting the podcast with Erica and Paul from beyond the grave, which, let's be honest, is both eerie and strangely comforting.
A Community of Sleuths
Michelle wasn’t a detective, she was a writer. She coined the name Golden State Killer, which is far more terrifying and memorable than any official police moniker. Isn’t that wild?
She wasn't alone in her quest. A whole community of online sleuths dedicated countless hours trying to piece together the puzzle. They swapped theories, analyzed evidence, and generally drove themselves (and possibly their spouses) a little crazy.
The podcast highlights these "citizen detectives" – people with regular lives who dedicated themselves to this case. It acknowledges their vital role in keeping the investigation alive.
The Unexpected Humor
Believe it or not, there are genuinely funny moments in I'll Be Gone in the Dark. Michelle had a wicked sense of humor, and her writing is full of sarcastic observations.
Erica and Paul do a great job of balancing the seriousness of the case with moments of levity. You will hear them laughing about the absurdity of some of the online theories and the weirdness of true crime fandom itself.
Beyond the Case: A Widow's Perspective
Then there’s Patton Oswalt, Michelle’s husband. He provides incredibly moving insights into her life, her work, and her passion for this case.
Hearing Patton speak about Michelle is heartbreaking but also incredibly inspiring. He talks about her quirks, her dedication, and the void her death left behind. It makes the whole thing feel incredibly human.
His involvement elevates the podcast from a true crime story to a testament to love and loss. It's a stark reminder of the impact these cases have on the victim's families.
The Golden State Killer is Caught!
The most amazing thing? The Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo, was finally caught not long after the book was published and the podcast launched. It’s impossible to say definitively that Michelle’s work directly led to his capture, but it undoubtedly played a part.
That's right, the case she dedicated years of her life to was *solved*. You can feel a collective sense of relief and justice in later episodes. And it is incredible.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a reminder that even in the darkest corners, hope and justice can prevail. It's a true crime podcast that’s also about community, grief, and the power of obsession. Give it a listen; you might just get hooked.
