This is maybe the most thoroughly researched history podcast I’ve listened to. The topics are interesting. It’s a great mix of hard historical facts and compelling story structure.

Too boring

This is an enjoyable podcast. Most episodes are scripted with the occasional interview or conversation thrown in. Whatever the format, everything is always thoroughly researched and well done. It’s rare to find history writing that is both this intelligent and free spirited. Extremely good work.

Gavin Whitehead tells stories that will pull you in and not let you go. His stories are historical, sensational and creatively written and narrated in such a way that this listener binged all seasons in a day!

This podcast is unparalleled in terms of the way that it presents very deep research in a fun, yet substantive, format. Like many history podcasts, it is scripted with one narrator. One of the best parts of the show is that it is always fresh and surprising. The writer/host keeps coming up with entertaining true stories of the criminal world colliding with the world of the arts. Season 1 is about artists who have historically been accused of being Jack the Ripper. Season 2 is about artists involved in assassinations. Season 3 is about the old-timey criminals depicted in Madame Tussaud’s Chamber of Horrors. The current season is about classic crime stories from New York City history. Personally, I think this show is special and look forward to each new episode.

This concept is genius, however, the monotone voice that lacks character or excitement is a bummer. As he reads, quite literally it feels, from the script…I get lost in translation… it feels like a never ending sentence. And I get it, it might be hard. Would be fun if he had someone else to discuss the story with, though. Happy to see the high ratings nonetheless. Just not for me and I am sad!

Gavin offers up gripping deep dives into the lives and crimes of artists from different cultures and eras. Though very clearly written and entertaining, the podcast is not for easily distracted people with short attention spans. Its vocabulary and atmospheric storytelling are aiming at the kind of audience who values fantastic writing and research over parasocial relationships and empty entertainment. Love it! I recommend this podcast to anyone who enjoys historical true crime, social history, art history and/or artist biographies.

This podcast is my special treat. During most of my “normal” life, all I do is work, clean the house, take care of kids, etc. With so much going on, I sadly listen to chatty, low-stakes podcasts about gossip and true crime. I can turn them on and listen to them in the background while I’m vacuuming or cooking dinner. But this is the podcast I reach for when I have quality time alone for myself. It’s so thoughtful and detail rich that it has to be savoured and thought about. There is a great diversity in the subject matter and tone of the episodes, which I appreciate as well. Some are funny and madcap, others tragic, others mysterious and unsettling. I’ve loved all the seasons, especially the current one about New York City, where I used to live. Outstanding research and writing.

Stayed for the fascinating history. Great writing, energetic narration, detailed stories. What’s not to love?

This has become one of my favorite podcasts. Each of the richly detailed episodes is accompanied by a webpage with exquisitely curated images. I really appreciate the amount of work that obviously goes into the show, which does such a great job of bringing the past to life. I was also pleased to discover that it covers all the arts, not just painting. The host is witty and doesn’t waste your time with pointless banter or true crime sensationalism. A class act.

Is intolerable

This is an excellent history podcast. Gavin writes smart, engaging scripts and delivers them in a personable but no-nonsense way. The current season, which is about art-related and art-adjacent crimes in New York City history, builds on the strengths of previous seasons. It gets better with each one. I think it’s also important to note that this is a tiny, independent podcast that consistently turns out thought provoking, minutely researched episodes about a range of interesting historical topics. There is nothing flashy about it. It’s just quality history told reliably and well.

I’m sorry, I want this to be better given the subject matter but it’s more like a reading of a list of facts than telling a story. A better soundscape and a more deliberate delivery of the narrative would help this a great deal. I love the potential of this so I’ll check back. Don’t mean to be too negative. Don’t give up.

Excellent research and narration.

This podcast takes deep, deep dives into crimes and art each season. A moment of crime expands in the most fascinating directions. The creator and host, Gavin Whitehead, provides new perspectives on what you thought you knew abouut many historical events and the way they have been depicted, often taking you to sometimes mind-blowing places and revelations. The website is itself an archives of this collision between art, crime, and popular culture. Each installment is a piece of work in itself.

Even for history that I know quite a bit about, Gavin comes up with fresh material (as in,I haven’t heard it before), that is well researched, entertaining and just the right length. It’s my new favorite podcast

With his latest series on Madame Tussaud, I have noticed that things are really starting to click. What happens when you incrementally improve across all aspects is you have a noticeable improvement in the overall product. His research is getting more accurate, his delivery is getting smoother, and his humor is getting much more subtle and seamless into the storytelling, much like Mike Duncan, where you say to yourself “what did he say” and rewind to hear it again. Gavin is really starting to bring something to the table in the history podcast genre. I hope he continues to improve his podcast. Thinking it’s time to head to his Patreon page and see what’s up.

Not a big art art person, but this podcast is so great. All these dead people come alive.

I am so glad I found this podcast. Gavin’s take on all of these “true crime” stories is fabulous. Just when you think you know everything about them, you learn something new!

Fun and smart—the research is solid and the story-telling very well-done. Its the first crime podcast I’ve tried, and I’ve already listened to probably 5 episodes in one week!

I am enjoying this show. Great research, and I love matter of fact delivery.

Please if you can expand on the episode about Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Leon Trotsky. Some kind of follow up would be great. I really appreciate the balanced view this episode takes on this fascinating subject that combines art and politics and of course, assassination.

This is a meticulously researched podcast. It respects the intelligence of its audience. There are more than a few history podcasts that assume that listeners like to hear about silly, sensationalized topics in a dumbed down way. This podcast is different. It tackles popular topics in an entertaining way without skimping on hard historical content. Episodes normally run about an hour and are half devoted to the life of the artist and half devoted to the crime(s) that they were accused of. Some episodes place the artists’ life in the context of social or entertainment history and others in the context of political history. The deep research and complex story telling guarantee that, whatever the topic, you’ll learn a lot and use your brain in the process. Overall, excellent.

Loved the concept when I first discovered this podcast and was not disappointed! Well-researched and covers some very fascinating people and interesting topics! This is one of my new favorites and I couldn’t recommend it enough if you enjoy history

It’s a kickass podcast for people who appreciate hard research and good stories. The host is professional without being stuffy and funny without being frivolous. I pretty much listened to the entire first season in one day and quickly moved onto the second. The podcast keeps getting better with each new episode, especially in the sophisticated and entertaining way that it incorporates various kinds of history into its tale of artists who have gone over to the dark side. It has also taught me a lot about painting, music, and theatre.

The voice tone and quality is just so grating. Sounds like that other very dry, poorly read mystery podcast guy. Very disappointing. Impossible to listen to.

Everything about this podcast is first class from subject matter to research to presentation. It is a joy!

Can’t stop listening! Well told, intelligent, witty, phenomenally researched and sources sited, incredibly written, and addicting to listen to.

Delightful and intellectually stimulating. I usually listen twice: the first time with my sister, to enjoy the twists and turns of the artist’s life and the narrative of the crime. Then, a second time on my own, so that I can pay attention and commit to memory the wealth of fascinating facts and insights packed into every episode. Would-be listeners should also know that the podcast covers a variety of “arts”: painting, poetry, playwriting, acting, music, etc. Embedded within each entertaining artist profile are smart observations about the art itself. On my second listen, I always go to the website to see the accompanying images and/or sound clips. Lots of podcasters nowadays waste your hour by going back and forth between chit-chat about their personal lives and paraphrases of wikipedia. This is 100% expertly researched content, 100% of the time, delivered in a lively and accessible way. It deserves all the thumbs up!

What is a crime when the criminal is the executive is head of the State? Poisoning isn’t a crime when it delivers the alleged perpetrators complete immunity wrapped in near total monarchal authority! Love the details roughed in to spice an otherwise beige Mediterranean antiquity. 👍🏼💀👍🏼

Intelligent, intriguing, with lots to say about art and artists of the past. Normally, I do not like true crime. But this more about the ideas and the historical story-telling than the crime element. The podcast is obviously deeply researched. It covers so many different places, time periods

As an artist and a history addict, I can’t recommend this podcast highly enough. The first season centered on Victorian artists who have been accused of being Jack the Ripper. These episodes are so rich in detail, and so evocative of the era that you can sometimes picture yourself entering a Victorian wig shop or music hall. Although this season was perhaps the favorite thing I listened to in 2022, I’m even more thrilled with the second season, which is about artists who were involved in assassinations and assignation attempts. So far, this new series has taken us to post-revolutionary Mexico, New York City in the 1960s, and Ancient Rome. In each case, the episodes excel at world-building and show a real insight into human psychology and many different art forms. The stories superbly researched, and although they focus on individual people, they never lose sight of the artistic and social contexts that made those people who they were. This is not a “normal” true crime podcast, as it is less interested in sensationally whipping up fear and indignation than it is teaching you what crime teaches us about various art forms of the past. It’s highly original and very well made.

I heard about this show from Dark Histories and I’m very happy that I did! There is nothing else out there quite like this podcast. Equal parts educational and entertaining, the host packages university-calibre research into the form of engaging (sometimes even suspenseful) stories. The website and social media accounts for the show also post a rich trove of archival documents, images, and antique sound recordings related to the artist(s) covered in each episode. Going beyond the standard Wikipedia images search, some of these materials are virtually impossible to find elsewhere and they really make the world of the artists that much more vivid. There is also a unique score for each episode—and they are all fantastic. In short, although it’s very new, this podcast is already of the highest quality. If you are an art and/or history enthusiast and you enjoy the slightly seedier side of the past, you can’t go wrong with this deeply researched and entertaining podcast.

I was so excited when I found this show. From the first episode, I couldn’t get past the music/noises in the background. It’s too loud and the tones are annoying… I tried to give it a second try and start with season two and found the same issue. Too loud. Soooo annoying

If you're a fan of true crime podcasts and the art world, "The Art of Crime" is an absolute must-listen! This podcast is a captivating and expertly crafted exploration of some of the most fascinating and intriguing criminal cases in the world of art. One of the things that sets "The Art of Crime" apart from other crime podcasts is its attention to detail. The host of the show, Gavin Whitehead who is clearly knowledgeable about both literature, history, and the mind of a criminal (and those accusing others of being so!), takes his time to thoroughly research and investigate each case, providing listeners with a wealth of information and insights that are both informative and entertaining. In addition to being informative, "The Art of Crime" is also incredibly engaging. The narrator is a skilled storyteller, and knows how to keep listeners on the edge of their seats with his dramatic and suspenseful narratives. Whether you're listening to an episode about the Whitechapel murders or the assassin of Trotsky, you'll be hooked from start to finish (pun intended). One of the things that I appreciate most about "The Art of Crime" is its respectful approach to the subject matter. Gavin never glorifies or sensationalizes the crimes he’s discussing, but instead, approaches each case with empathy, sensitivity, and a keen eye for the inclinations of human mind. This makes the podcast not only informative and entertaining but also thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Overall, "The Art of Crime" is an exceptional true crime podcast that deserves a place in any crime aficionado's podcast library. With its well-researched and engaging storytelling, its respectful approach to the subject matter, and its expertly crafted production, this podcast is a true standout in the genre. Highly recommended!

This podcast has hit upon a fascinating intersection of art, true crime, and history. In that sense it has something to appeal to everyone, but the great thing is that it tells stories that few people know about. The first season offered a brilliant spin on an old subject - Jack the Ripper. It highlighted the various artists who were suspected of being Jack the Ripper - some of them quite famous like Lewis Carrol (author of Alice in Wonderland) and the painter Walter Sickert. Every episode is extremely well researched and artfully produced with excellent music and sound design. I am very excited for the 2nd season about artist assassins. They trailer has me salivating!

Not an enemy of giving people their voice that have been denied it through history, and this is a well-researched, creative podcast. However, just a warning to those listening that are OG millennials and older, there are some elements that might grate a touch. Nothing major, and again, respect to the creators, but I rolled my eyes a few times during episodes 1 & 4.

Delighted to find this podcast! Great reseach, presentation and storytelling.

Thank you Gavin for this! I have been reading about Jack the Ripper and the science behind true crime for 30 years and I am so very happy to have been told about your podcast. My sister sent it to. Give it a try everyone. I don’t want to spoil anything, so just listen. Enjoy!

This podcast is SO GOOD! I already considered myself fairly knowledgeable about Jack the Ripper lore and history, but boy did this podcast prove me wrong (in the best way!). It uses the Ripper murders as a starting point to delve into so many facets of history and art in the 1800s/early 1900s, including pop culture, family dramas, journalism, police practices, socio-economic trends, substance abuse, gender and sexuality issues, and so much more. Incredibly well-written and insanely well-researched, this podcast draws on many primary sources and tons of preexisting scholarship to deliver a truly insightful, often laugh-out-loud funny, sometimes eerie, and rather charming series. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys true crime, art history (including theater, fashion, and literature), politics, the London gas lamp era, mystery, and wit. Gavin Whitehead makes these worlds come alive, as if you’re the one walking down the cobblestones of Whitechapel, hearing the carriages roll by, as a dense fog settles in… Also, the theme music rocks. Five stars! Can’t wait for more!

Whitehead writes and narrates ‘The Art of Crime’ with arterial vigor, delivering a pulsing narrative full of atmosphere, detail, and imagery. Whether describing the morals and mores of Victorian England, or the grislier elements of the Ripper’s “work”, he uses clear storytelling to unveil a new layer to the infamous tale of the Whitechapel Murders. The level of research is obvious but never onerous, due in large part to Whitehead’s stylish diction. I can almost see the early-morning fog surrounding the street lights, hear the shrill of the bobby’s whistle across the cobblestones, and feel the bristles of the wigmaker’s creations as I listen. The theme song thrills me every time. I almost succumb to the anticipation before each episode comes out, and I’m eager to learn where Whitehead takes us in future seasons. A truly gripping podcast for fans of theater, true crime, and all things grim and gory.

This is a genuinely interesting podcast, a unique hybrid of arts education, true crime, and historical documentary. The first season looks at the careers of six artists who have been accused of the Jack the Ripper murders. The host does a great job of weaving the biographies of the artists into the larger story of the Ripper crimes and the Victorian and modern attempts to identify him. It’s a surprisingly entertaining (and educational) juggling act. The writing is lively and witty. The sound design is solid. The podcast’s website also has great supporting materials related to each episode, which makes the content of the show itself that much more vivid and memorable. My sense is that this show will appeal to lovers of history and art history, and to people who enjoy learning about the past through the genre of “historical true-crime.” There’s nothing else quite like it!