Well-told, unique stories full of detail!
I’m a true crime fanatic and am subscribed to nearly every major true crime podcast, never missing an episode and this is one of my favorites. Esther is a great storyteller who covers cases I haven’t heard before and includes a ton of interesting information.
- high maintenance murderino
- July 7, 2020
One of the Best Out There
I've been listening for over two years, and heard many other true crime podcasts. Esther's is probably the most consistent, most sincere, and best researched. I rely on it most for my true crime fix. She strikes a good balance between friendly/interesting and factual. Also representing as a WOC in a pretty white dominated genre. Love your work Esther!! Big fan ❤️❤️
- ktlasagna
- July 2, 2020
Great Podcast!
I just discovered this Podcast! I’m starting from the first episodes and working my way through! Great job! Love it!
- Tinanixon118
- July 1, 2020
Not Sissy Spacek!
In Tilll Death Do Is Part, you mentioned the movie Urban Cowboy. John Travolta was in the movie, but Debra Winger played his girlfriend/wife, whose nickname was Sissy.
- KC Idaho
- June 30, 2020
Great Podasts
Hi. On today’s episode you mentioned Durban Cowboy. In error you stated Sissy Spacek costarred with John Travolta. Actually Debra Winger was the costar.
- MargieGiggles
- June 29, 2020
- MrsMarshieP
- June 23, 2020
Well researched, unpretentious
I appreciate this podcast for its sincerity and unbiased presentation of cases. Many of the cases discussed are ones that I have never heard of before listening. The host is on point, and articulate. If you want a no-nonsense true crime podcast that does not bombard you with f-bombs or off-topic personal rants, you may like this one.
- szhcat
- June 21, 2020
- nlmeyer21
- June 15, 2020
Great research and storytelling!
Love that I haven’t heard of all of these cases and can’t wait to work my way through the back Eps!
- barbi85
- June 15, 2020
- jen2497
- June 9, 2020
- Maytena
- May 27, 2020
Language
Love the stories, but please modify the language to “has a disability” instead of using the “r word”
- Josie7714
- May 25, 2020
A wonderful storyteller!
This is a fantastic narrative podcast! Esther is a wonderful, thoughtful storyteller. The top shelf she covers in the form of mini-series are broad-ranging and interesting. There is something for everyone. I love the way Esther presents the stories, especially when she adds interesting extra detail, offers her take on circumstances, and my favorite is the occasional sarcastic remark. He voice is soothing and so even- like an audiobook. Simply the best!
- ADWauters
- May 17, 2020
Great pod!
Finally had a chance to listen to the Aileen Wournos deep dive from January. That was amazing!! I’ve heard that story many times but never with that much detail. This was already one of my favorite pods but now I like it even more.
- shamrock'smom
- May 16, 2020
A good listen
This podcast is a good podcast its more of a audio book type of podcast there one host and it’s just her talking about the topic there’s no banter or chemistry with a second host so it’s not what I look for in a podcast but very well researched and executed good topics it’s worth a listen
- Hdbdhh
- May 7, 2020
- Markyanddan
- May 6, 2020
Research and quality
I don’t like podcasts that get “chit chatty”. I just want an amazing voice with well researched facts woven in to a story type monologue. Esther hits all those! Excellent podcast.
- cchdraper
- May 3, 2020
- Tara TheGreat
- May 2, 2020
So well researched...
Once Upon A Crime is my favorite podcast, true crime-related or otherwise. Host Esther Ludlow is a great storyteller, she does her research, and the focus is on the narrative, not comedy (but when she does throw in a one-liner, it's gold). People have noted that it sounds like she's reading a script, and that's true. But I much prefer her level of preparation to someone who just wings it but doesn't get their facts right.
- SaltpeterJohn
- April 28, 2020
One of my favorites
I really enjoy this podcast. The stories are engaging and thorough without being too dense to enjoy. The narrator has a pleasant voice and a warm and casual demeanor. This has quickly become a favorite!
- poofmonger
- April 28, 2020
Thorough assessments
This podcast provides a thorough assessment of both familiar and unfamiliar criminal acts. The host shares the information in a very calm manner but has a subtle way of adding in her assumptions via attitudes, style, and alternative theories. Without being in-your-face, the subtleties are well worth the listen.
- Obgirl76
- April 27, 2020
Once upon a Crime, Takeout, and Wine
Talk about a perfect way to wind down after a long day. I have always loved true crime and learning about social deviance but her background in psychology and ability to not only talk about the crime, but breakdown the story of their life leading up to it, really paints the full picture for me. Love this. I've been binge listening to it and will be back each week!
- Bella Ronda
- April 26, 2020
What took me so long to review this excellent podcast??
I have been listening for ages and recommend it all the time to friends. Finally reviewing it here. Such an accessible, straightforward telling of the craziest stories. Esther never focuses on the gore of even the grisliest crimes, but instead reveals interesting facts and details in a way that never feels ghoulish. Love how the oddest stuff is punctuated with a “Really??” or sometimes a “yeah right.” (Often my thought at that exact same moment.) My go-to podcast for when I feel like hanging out with a cool friend. Easy 5 stars.
- iPhoneUser3100
- April 15, 2020
A bit dry but...
This podcast is a bit dry and clinical but I like it much better than the podcasts where hosts chat it up, laugh & swear and laugh some more, droning on instead of getting down to it!...This is definitely a 4.5
- Emmiecarrot
- March 27, 2020
I Love OUAC!
Esther was probably one of the first true crime shows I listened to! I love her show because she gets straight to the point. I love her seasons because we always know what kind of case to expect (and she doesnt cover too many cases that are high profile). But she is always surprising us! Keep it up! I look up to you so much! -Margot
- Margot f/Military Murder
- March 22, 2020
Love it!!!
Perfectly done! I just discovered this podcast and joined to support ! I’m on episode #36. It’s the only podcast I have dove full into and never want it to end 💕
- fiji2002
- March 17, 2020
Great content
One of the few true crime podcasts of this style that I enjoy. Usually I find the podcasts where multiple people discuss a case to be the most engaging, but I really enjoy Once Upon a Crime. Excellent research and she often covers cases that I’ve never heard of. (I have a long work commute and spend the hours listening to true crime podcasts and audiobooks so I’ve heard a LOT of cases. lol)
- Melissa4983
- March 8, 2020
I love Esther!
When I found this Podcast I couldn’t binge the episodes fast enough. I started listening at work and that escalated to me listening all the time in my car! I love how she makes the stories her own and actually does her homework! Thanks for an awesome listening experience!
- penguin.king
- March 3, 2020
I love Esther
I’m so overdue in providing a review, I truly appreciate the amount of research & thought that goes into all of the OUAC podcasts. Esthers background as a social worker adds to the podcast in its own way. My second favorite podcast is Let’s Taco Bout True Crime.
- sfhnjjk
- March 2, 2020
Love Once Upon a Crime!
I only started listening last year but I’m already hooked. It’s one of my favorite podcasts! You can really tell that Esther puts a lot of time and effort into each episode. I look forward to new episodes!
- Mrs. Robinson11
- Feb. 27, 2020