True crime, where there's nothing hotter than a cold case
Today the public's appetite for true crime – from TV shows and podcasts to the big screen – has never been bigger, as devotees of the genre even spend their free time trying to solve crimes.
True crime enthusiasts have an abundance of fascinating stories to choose from in the fall. Streaming platforms like Netflix offer shows such as "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story," while podcasts like "Crime Junkie" provide endless content. Popular broadcast series, including CBS News' "48 Hours" and the big-screen film "By Any Means," also cater to this growing audience.
The fascination with true crime dates back to the 1960s, when Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" captivated readers with its gripping account of the Clutter family murders in Kansas. One such chilling case is the 1892 hatchet murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Massachusetts, which remain unsolved and considered a high-profile cold case.
The allure of true crime resonates with many, as it delves into the most intense aspects of human experience, such as mortality and violence. For women, in particular, true crime reflects the most profound emotions within the human condition. Hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark of the popular podcast "My Favorite Murder" discuss their passion for the genre and how it has evolved into a thriving entertainment empire.
True crime fans, known as "murderinos," are deeply invested in the stories and are often motivated to seek out additional information to better understand the cases. CrimeCon, an annual convention for true crime enthusiasts, attracts both content creators and fans, who aim to shed light on real victims and those wrongfully convicted.
Some attendees even dedicate their time to solving these cases using publicly available information, although caution is advised, as some individuals may cross ethical boundaries in their pursuit of answers.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.