The Art of Crime

The Art of Crime is a history podcast about the unlikely collisions between true crime and the arts. New theme each season. The Art of Crime is a product of Drum and Monkey Media, LLC.

The Witch of New York (Beach Reads) 08/05/2026

The Witch of New York (Beach Reads) Today, I'm joined by Alex Hortis, author of The Witch of New York, a riveting account of the 1843 trials of Polly Bodine. A resident of Staten Island, Bodine was accused of murdering her sister-in-law and her infant niece, sparking public outrage. Bodine went to trial not once, not twice, but three times for the crimes, and Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, and P.T. Barnum variously took part in the attendant media circus. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/42320970

Born in Flames (Beach Reads) 07/22/2026

Born in Flames (Beach Reads) Today, we're joined by historian Bench Ansfield to talk about their breathtaking book, Born in Flames. It's about the arson wave of the 1970s, during which hundreds--yes, hundreds--of landlords in the Bronx set fire to their property to collect insurance. These crimes displaced thousands of Bronxites and killed a few, too. The crisis gae rise to a genre of sensationalist films Bench calls Bronxploitation that foreground poverty and vice in the borough. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/42176215

Hollywood Double Agent (Beach Reads) 07/08/2026

Hollywood Double Agent (Beach Reads) Today, we're joined by historian Jonathan Gill to talk about the amazing life of Boris Morros. After the Russian Revolution, Morros immigrated to America from Eastern Europe and became a big-time Hollywood filmmaker. To an outside observer, his life would have seemed all glitz and glam, but what the public didn't know was that Morros was risking his neck every day as a double agent, spying for both the Soviets and the Americans throughout the 1940s. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/42000105

The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum (Beach Reads) 07/01/2026

The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum (Beach Reads) This week, I'm re-releasing my 2024 interview with Margalit Fox, author of The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum, a biography of the notorious nineteenth-century New York crime boss, Fredericka Mandelbaum. Next week, we're back with a brand-new interview. Until then! If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/41912820

The Man Who Stole the Gods (Beach Reads) 06/17/2026

The Man Who Stole the Gods (Beach Reads) Today, I'm joined by award-winning journalist Matthew Campbell to talk about his new book, The Man Who Stole the Gods. For decades, the Bangkok-based Brit, Douglas Latchford, bought priceless Cambodian artworks that had been looted from ancient religious sites. Some of these pieces made their way to the collections of museums as august as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. In The Man Who Stole the Gods, Matthew shines a light on the looters who stole this art and the international team of sleuths who helped return these works to their native country. If you'd like to support the show, please consider beocming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/41672730

The Rankings (Spy vs. Spy) 06/10/2026

The Rankings (Spy vs. Spy) We've rated the spies, now it's time for the rankings. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . Full transcripts at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/41589630

The Most Beautiful Woman of the Nineteenth Century: Countess of Castiglione (Spy vs. Spy) 06/03/2026

The Most Beautiful Woman of the Nineteenth Century: Countess of Castiglione (Spy vs. Spy) Virginia Oldoini considered herself the most beautiful woman of the nineteenth century. In the 1850s, a high-ranking Italian official deployed her to France on a secret mission to seduce Emperor Napoleon III for political reasons. After her stint as a spy, the Countess emerged as a poioneer of photography, leaving behind one of the most stunning bodies of photographic self-portraits of the 1800s. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . For show notes and full transcripts, please visit . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/41516005

School for Scandal: Anthony Blunt (Spy vs. Spy) 05/20/2026

School for Scandal: Anthony Blunt (Spy vs. Spy) Anthony Blunt was about as much of a rock star as an art historian could be. Then, in 1979, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher exposed him as a Soviet spy on the floor of Parliament, destroying his reputation. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . Show notes and transcripts available at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/41356285

Leonora Carrington's Surreal World War (Spy vs. Spy) 05/09/2026

Leonora Carrington's Surreal World War (Spy vs. Spy) Today, we're joined by art historian Grace Anna, host of the fabulous ArtMuse podcast, to talk about surrealist painter and writer Leonora Carrington. After Carrington fell in love with the famed German painter, Max Ernst, the couple moved to the south of France, where they lived happily. With the outbreak of World War II, however, both Leonora and Max were arrested on espionage charages, triggering a mental breakdown for Leonora. If you'd like to support he show, please consider becoming a patron at . For show notes and transcripts, visit . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/41234285

Leonora Carrington's Surreal World War (Spy vs. Spy) 05/06/2026

The Renegade Chevalière: Beaumarchais Part Two (Spy vs. Spy) 04/22/2026

The Renegade Chevalière: Beaumarchais Part Two (Spy vs. Spy) The decorated French soldier, diplomat, and spy, the Chevalière d'Éon, loyally served the French crown for decades. But then she decided to blackmail the king. With nowhere to turn, the French monarch enlisted Pierre Beaumarchais to talk the rogue chevalière out of it. For show ntoes and full transcripts, please visit . If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/40729265

A Real Figaro: Pierre Beaumarchais, Part One 04/08/2026

A Real Figaro: Pierre Beaumarchais, Part One Pierre Beaumarchais made a name for himself as a watchmaker, working for none other than Louis XV. But Beaumarchais was a man of many talents, including espionage, and when Louis found himself blackmailed by a rogue pamphleteer, the king dispatched Beaumarchais on a secret mission to find the blackmailer and stop him. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . For show notes and full transcripts, please visit . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/40766765

Mata Hari, Fatal Lover (Spy vs. Spy) 03/25/2026

Mata Hari, Fatal Lover (Spy vs. Spy) Mata Hari rose to fame as an exotic dancer in Paris before beocming a double agent in World War One, spying for both the French and the Germans. Mata Hari is often remembered as a super spy, but how much of that was true? Today, we're joined by Julie Wheelwright, author of The Fatal Lover, a book about Mata Hari, who can help us separate fact from fiction. If you'd like to suppor the show, please consider becoming a patron at . For show notes and full transcripts, visit /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/40402310

The Royalist (Spy vs. Spy) 03/11/2026

The Royalist (Spy vs. Spy) In the late eighteenth century, Grace Elliott became a royal courtesan, famously sharing a bed with the Prince of Wales, later to reign as King George IV, and the Duke of Orléans in Paris. When the French Revolution broke out, she sided with the royalists and risked her life to sneak aristocrats out of the country. For show notes and full transcripts, please visit . If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/40372445

Chapter One: Wax to the Max (Raven) 02/25/2026

Chapter One: Wax to the Max (Raven) Today, I'm releasing episode 1 of my new podcast, Raven. Please subscribe on your podcasting platform of choice so you don't miss forthcoming episodes. Hope you enjoy! If you'd like to suppor the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/40142015

Raven - Trailer 02/18/2026

Raven - Trailer This week, I'm sharing the trailer for my brand-new podcast, Raven! Go check it out and make sure to subscribe, so you don't miss any episodes. /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/40141770

The Den of Illustrious Thieves Re-Release (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors) 02/11/2026

The Den of Illustrious Thieves Re-Release (Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors) Today, I'm re-releasing episode 1 of Queen of Crime: Madame Tussaud and the Chamber of Horrors. More information--plus some very exciting updates--in the intro to the episode. I hope you enjoy, and if you haven't already, go back and listen to Queen of Crime--it's season 3 of this podcast! For show notes and full transcripts, visit . If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/40066615

The Nazi and the Psychiatrist 01/28/2026

The Nazi and the Psychiatrist Why did the Nazis commit their atrocities? After the end of World War II, American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley tried to answer this question at Nuremberg prison. During his time as chief psychiatrist there, Kelley examined high-ranking Nazis, including Hermann Göring, as they waited to stand trial for war crimes. Today, we're joined by Jack El-Hai, author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, a book about what Kelley learned from his conversations with Göring. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/39910325

Atto the Castrato (Spy vs. Spy) 01/14/2026

Atto the Castrato (Spy vs. Spy) In the early seventeenth century, Atto Melani gained international renown as a castrato singer, used his stature to spy on French courtiers, and even played a role in electing a new pope. Today, we're tjoined by Dr. Roger Freitas to talk about this remarkable figure. For show notes and full transcripts, visit . If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/39667295

Mission: Implausible, Part Three (Spy vs. Spy) 12/17/2025

Mission: Implausible, Part Three (Spy vs. Spy) Having scored a trove of top-secret intelligence, Eppler and company desperately try to radio their findings to the German military. Unfortunately, their efforts explode in their face, to spectacular effect. Show notes and full transcripts available at . If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/39428290

Mission: Implausible, Part Two (Spy vs. Spy) 12/10/2025

Mission: Implausible, Part Two (Spy vs. Spy) Having made it to Cairo and forged an alliance with megastar belly dancer Hekmet Fahmy, Nazi spy Johannes Eppler began snooping around for intelligence that could be of use to the Germans. Thanks to Hekmet, Eppler got his first major breakthrough in the case. For show notes and full transcripts, visit If you'd like to support the show, please consider beocming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/39225305

Mission: Implausible, Part One (Spy vs. Spy) 12/03/2025

Mission: Implausible, Part One (Spy vs. Spy) From an early age, Johannes Eppler yearned for adventure. It was for that reason more than any other that he agreed to spy for the Nazis. In 1942, he embarked on a dangerous mission to enter Egypt by way of the Western Desert, hoping to gather intelligence for the German military. Show notes and full transcripts available at . If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/39225095

Princess, Singer, Actress, Spy: Asmahan (Spy vs. Spy) 11/19/2025

Princess, Singer, Actress, Spy: Asmahan (Spy vs. Spy) In the 1930s, singer and actress Asmahan became one of the most beloved performers in the Arabic-speaking world. After the outbreak of World War II, she embarked on a secret mission to Syria to aid in the fight against Hitler. For show notes and full transcripts, visit . If you'd like to suppor the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/39068445

The Art Spy (Spy vs. Spy) 11/05/2025

The Art Spy (Spy vs. Spy) Today, we're joined by Michelle Young, author of a the brand-new nonfiction book, The Art Spy. It tells the amazing true story of Rose Valland, a museum professional who spied on the Nazis as they looted priceless artworks. To learn more about The Art Spy and the rest of Michelle's work, visit . If you'd like to supprt the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/38885705

Introducing Season 6 . . . 10/01/2025

Introducing Season 6 . . . Introducing season 6 . . . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/38244770

Introducing History Daily: The Cold War Spy Swap 09/24/2025

Introducing History Daily: The Cold War Spy Swap Today, I'm sharing an episode of History Daily, where they do history, daily. Every weekday, host Lindsay Graham (American Scandal, American History Tellers) takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history. In this episode:At the height of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union conduct a spy exchange. If you like what you hear, make sure to follow History Daily wherever you get your podcasts. /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/38243910

The Ardlamont Mystery, Part One (Murder by the Book) 09/17/2025

The Ardlamont Mystery, Part One (Murder by the Book) Today, I'm releasing part one of a three-part miniseries that was previously available exclusively to patrons of The Art of Crime. It's all about the fatal shooting of a British hunter at a Scottish manor house and the authorities' efforts to determine whether the vicitm died by accident or by design. If you'd like to hear how it all ends, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/38243380

Remembering Elliott Speer With a Very Special Guest (Murder by the Book) 09/03/2025

Remembering Elliott Speer With a Very Special Guest (Murder by the Book) Today, we're joined by a very special guest to remember the life of Elliott Speer. If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/38031055

Fact and Fiction (Murder by the Book) 08/20/2025

Fact and Fiction (Murder by the Book) Today, we look at how the conventions of detective fiction informed--and misinformed--the investigation into the murder of Elliott Speer. Show notes and full transcripts available at . If you'd like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/37869680

The Trial (Murder by the Book) 08/06/2025

The Trial (Murder by the Book) In 1937, former Mount Hermon employee S. Allan Norton was ambushed at home by a trespasser with a shotgun. Norton identified his attacker as Thomas Elder, prime suspect in the unsolved murder of Elliott Speer. Members of the community held their breath as Elder went to trial for the attempted murder of Norton, hoping that proceedings would shed light on the shooting of Headmaster Speer. For show notes and full transcripts, visit . If you'd like to support the show, please consider beocming a patron at . /episode/index/show/de00127b-8a71-4658-bb15-23909fa44790/id/37667405

The Art of Crime

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