Outstanding and Remarkable
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“REDRUM is an excellent and fascinating series of crime podcasts written and presented by Grace Cordell and produced by Russ Clark and Grace.
Most of the episodes are available on Apple Podcasts and can be listened to for free. For those who wish to support this important project and have the means to do so, there are additional episodes on Patreon, which can be accessed in return for a monthly subscription. This is available at three price levels.
By definition, the subject matter of REDRUM is distressing. Many people will choose not to listen to these podcasts and Russ himself says that caution is advised. Listening to a true crime podcast is not like reading a detective novel, in which we experience the feeling almost of a happy ending when the perpetrator is caught by the clever detective. It would be inaccurate to say there are no happy endings in these podcasts at all as (slight spoiler) not all the victims die. But even in these cases, the effects of what happened, both physical or mental, remain. Also, despite the diligence (or due to the incompetence, or even corruption) of the police, the perpetrator is not always caught. Not in real life.
I haven’t read many true crime stories, but those I have read were presented in a similar way to crime fiction. The focus was on the villain. Their plans and their psychology. Their cleverness and their flaws. The one mistake that seals their guilt beyond doubt. The victim can become almost an incidental; someone we barely get to know at all. The villain becomes the focus and perhaps even, in a terrible way, the star.
REDRUM looks at the stories from a different angle. Grace does talk about the attackers: their history, their methods and their possible reasons and motivations. She does consider, where appropriate, that there might be an explanation far more complicated than a desire to hurt someone. But they are not usually the main characters. (And when they are, the situation is considerably more complicated than it first appears.)
The main characters are the victims (though it seems wrong to call them that; they are so much more than victims, yet, tragically, we cannot call most of them survivors). Grace’s careful and detailed research gives us the opportunity to learn quite a lot about her subjects’ lives, often going back to their early childhood. We learn about their roles in society and their interests. Their families and their place in them. Their plans for a future which either didn’t happen or was radically changed forever. We get to know – and to care for – these human beings, who should be nowhere near the ends of their lives (and I most certainly include the eighty-one year old in that). They are people whom we almost feel we know as we slowly learn their horrifying stories, yet we are only feeling a fraction of what those who knew them must have felt.
Grace’s presentation of the stories is truly exceptional. She writes each story clearly and well. They are easy to follow, even if it is a difficult experience emotionally. Grace does not shy away from the facts and there are details of injuries which were intentionally and brutally inflicted (the first Patreon episode is particularly explicit), but she says no more than she needs to in order to make her point and explain what happened. The facts are presented plainly and simply.
Yet there is nothing plain in Grace’s delivery. She is professional enough to keep her emotions at bay, but they are there, under the surface. She is not detached; she is emotionally present for every word. There is a strong sense that each story means a good deal to Grace. Researching was probably intensely painful, but my impression is that it was a labour of love; a need for these tragic but important stories to be told. They are told with sincerity, honesty, respect and compassion, by someone who truly cares.
The stories are tragic and terrible, but they need and deserve to be told. The important people in the stories deserve to be remembered. Those who listen to these beautifully-written and well-presented podcasts will remember the people and their stories and keep them in their minds and their hearts. We can never bring them back. But we can remember them.
REDRUM is a truly outstanding and remarkable piece of work, which is enhanced by poignant piano music, composed by Benjamin James. If you like true crime podcasts (or if you’d like to give them a try, as I have) and you feel that, mentally, you are in the right place to listen to them, Grace’s podcasts are beautiful, moving and exceptional. They could not be more highly recommended.”
Sophie (Mobile Theatre) via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
01/16/21
More reviews of REDRUM true crime
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“Love this podcast. Not only is the show well written, but it also dives into the ideologies and social norms that contribute to these crimes being committed. I will be continuing to support this podcast.”
Irmairmz via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/14/20
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“I’ve been listening to Redrum from the start and I LOVE it. Grace honours each and every victim so well, telling their story fairly and sensitively. I love the single narrator style, and if it wasn’t for the topics covered would be a very soothing listen! Highly recommend!”
Beatx😃 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/13/20
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“A podcast which I have recently added to my subscribed list.
I would describe it as a soothing listen similar in style to a hypnosis tape, but with much darker content.
Highly recommended 👌”
British Murders via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/08/20
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