Why are we so fascinated by true crime?

In this episode of Wondering About, we’re going down a rabbit hole to figure out why so many of us are drawn to stories about murder, mystery, danger, and the darker side of human nature.

Is it morbid curiosity? Are we trying to learn how to protect ourselves? Do we like the thrill of being scared from the safety of our own couch? Or are we simply wired to want to understand things that frighten us?

And then there are the people who take it a step further—the “keyboard detectives” who research cases, connect clues, develop theories, and sometimes become determined to help solve a crime.

We’re wondering why true crime has such a hold on us, why women make up such a large part of the audience, and what psychology can tell us about our fascination with the stories we probably shouldn't be listening to right before bed.

It’s a little creepy, a little fascinating, and a whole lot to wonder about.

Come wonder with us.

Notes:

Dru Sjodin case in North Dakota

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Dru_Sjodin

Lindsay Clancy case (still active)

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/trial-of-lindsay-clancy-the-mom-who-killed-her-3-children-enters-second-week-of-testimony

True Crime blog-

https://truecrimenews.com/

Citations:

Vivanco Carlevari, S., Scrivner, C., & Oosterwijk, S. (2025). [Article title]. British Journal of Psychology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13353251/Alfaro‐Beracoechea, L. , Puente, A. , Da Costa, S. , Ruvalcaba, N. , & Páez, D. (2018). Effects of fear of crime on subjective well‐being: A meta‐analytic review. European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Contexts, 10(2), 89–96. 10.5093/ejpalc2018a9Harrison, M. A. , & Frederick, E. J. (2022). Interested in serial killers? Morbid curiosity in college students. Current Psychology, 41(6), 3768–3777. 10.1007/s12144-020-00896-w