Crime Writers On...True Crime Review

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The original true crime review podcast that looks at other podcasts, TV, and pop culture. True crime authors and real-life couple Rebecca Lavoie and Kevin Flynn hold a pop-culture round table with noir novelist Toby Ball and journalist-turned-investigator Lara Bricker. The panel chats about other podcasts (including 'Serial') as well as journalism, storytelling, TV shows and films, and the special segment, 'Crime of the Week.' Show website: crimewriterson.com. Follow the show on X @crimewriterson. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/crimewritersonpodcast. Email the show at crimewriterson@gmail.com.

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Recent Reviews
  • Tdtlt
    Basically a podcast of ads with little content
    Sell, sell and sell some more. I think 15 minutes is devoted to the actual review out of 40 minutes. The actual reviews seem to come second to the chatting about themselves, the cringy, dull banter and of course the ADS. Not worth the time. Unsubscribing
  • WaterNymph12
    Round your rating up 0.3 stars
    Been a listener for years and this show is great! The group dynamic is enjoyable and varying perspectives is helpful when vetting what to watch or listen to next. I’ve come to learn how well I align with each host when it comes to what podcasts and shows reviewed I’ll enjoy. As always, round up an extra 0.3 stars from the average because any time a great a show has a woman host, the incels won’t rest until they bring down the rating.
  • OllieandBear
    Why all the swearing?
    😏
  • Capitola Tess
    Best of the best
    The four participants are outstanding. I look forward to this one every week, and wish the summer season didn't mean fewer shows...I miss them! And I love that Rebecca talks like a real person. If she lived on redwoods and ocean parts of the left coast, she’d fit right in. 💜
  • Isaac2023
    Too many f bombs
    I am left to assume Rebecca had a bad day? Too much unnecessary swearing.
  • Joan Gold
    Rebecca is a nasty person
    Why does Rebecca have to ruin the discussion by constantly swearing? The swearing doesn’t make you cool.
  • LeighInSF
    So bummed
    I’ve been listening to your podcast since its inception and counted it as one of my faves for years. Today, I listened to the Patreon Readathon ep with Maggie Freling and was really caught off guard by the comments about Gaza. It’s a very complex situation that has been reduced to lightening terms like genocide and colonialism and plagued by antisemitic rhetoric. So disappointing to hear the same from Rebecca whom I’ve admired and respected for so many years. Heartbroken in SF
  • katrin213
    Just no…
    I can’t listen anymore. Why does rebecca have to compulsively correct everyone on the panel? It’s so hard to listen to. She directs sarcastic abuse towards Lara for some reason. Lara was excited to rent an an office - rebecca laughs at her and says Lara doesn’t need an office. Lara talks about rosé - Lara laughs at her and says Lara has no idea how wine is made. Why? It’s not funny. It’s mean. I like outspoken woman - I am one. You can be outspoken and confident, but also considerate and respectful of other people. Rebecca hasn’t learned that yet.
  • PC Junkie
    NUNS ... teachers
    i graduated from 12 years of catholic school in 1971. teachers, one lesb woman, one gay man, and the nuns. never occurred to me to think about their sexuality. not my concern. AND if you see a faculty meeting with nuns, and lesbian, and gay ... they're all making decisions about EDUCATION - MY education. and, BY EXAMPLE , educated / modeled all that i'd need to grow up without prejudice of that kind. ❤️ yo nana
  • Jimmy Neutronic
    Yeah
    Racist middle aged white people being racist middle aged true crime critics. What could go wrong? It’s exactly what you think it is.
  • Jack Mack from Hackensack
    rebecca your hair is ugly
    vapid witch rebecca lavoie called boston one of the most racist cities in the whole world. She also called James Renner a conspiracy theorist. This witch has no integrity. james renner is an award winning journalist you grifting glorified ad reader. rebecca you make a living profiting of tragedy. rebecca youre a failure whos only skill is reading advertisements. rebecca i hope you pay for your immorality.
  • esk334
    Favorite podcast
    Love this podcast! Laura Bricker is my fav! The rest of them are good too... :) Bring back these are their stories!
  • BlamelessAphid5
    Want to Like You…
    …but Lara Bricker is annoying, frustrating and usually wrong. I’d love to have drinks & dinner with the rest of you, though.
  • MrsBedor
    Language
    As a true crime lover, I do like listening to this podcast, and I appreciate their opinions; however, Rebecca Lavoie’s language is, basically, ridiculous. She’s got to be a highly educated and intelligent person, yet, such frequent and unnecessary use of the F word; it’s distracting and keeps me from wanting to listen more.
  • Pandafet
    Cringey
    Wow. Insufferable. Disorganized. Taking 5 minutes to sum up what could be conveyed in one sentence. Horrid personalities. Who listens to this drivel?
  • omg clay aiken
    Horrible
    Did you hear about your friend Marisa Jones from vanished she got a dui she was so drunk she hit parked cars and the cops had to follow the leaking fuel tank to her house lol somehow she blames the cops for this I blame people like Rebecca who always trash cops it gives morons like Marisa justification to blame them when she is the moron who drove very drunk
  • Glynda Gudwhich
    Wanted to love this…
    But I can’t.
  • Mama2StanleyTheDog
    A classic for a reason
    Have been a fan of CWO since 2015. Just realized I’ve never written a review so here it is - So grateful for the thoughtful and insightful discussions about each true crime property. I feel like I’ve been with the show as it’s evolved and it’s the only one I’ve stuck with this long. Will always appreciate the discussions and have felt like I’ve grown up with Kevin, Rebecca, Toby and Lara!
  • rachelpiso
    Perplexed
    I really enjoy the hosts but every episode feels like a trailer for longer show. I think banter in general is ok, but the show starts wrapping up as soon as it gets going. There are too many voices on mic…so many reactions to so little information. It’s tough to listen to criticisms of other podcasts with these shortcomings. I would love the current format if there was a half hour about the case in the middle.
  • Adeerable
    Great recaps
    Prefer the podcast to the shows half the time
  • Lucky Black Cat
    Love Rebecca’s laugh!
    Such a pleasure to listen to these four. Always time well spent. I cut way back on podcasts I spend time with but I binge on CWO to get caught up on what is on Netflix, etc. I find the reviews insightful and entertaining. Just keep doing what you do.
  • UrluKat
    Tulle
    Tulle is pronounced “tool.” LOL
  • 14639
    Thoughtful Reviews
    Whether I agree with them or not, they always give thoughtful reviews. I enjoy the banter, except for the part where Rebecca constantly talks over Kevin, but hey, nobody’s perfect. Also wanted to thank you for explaining your views on ON/OF. I’m sure that wasn’t easy, but it provided a lot of clarity for me.
  • Jig2b
    Get to the point
    You are all over the place. You have too many ads. You don’t stay on topic. Please just talk about what your topic is!
  • Soto Mizer
    Dumb show and woke host
    The show’s host are real losers and the fans on there Facebook pages are even worse they think men can have babies lol
  • Kellyandyogi
    Come for the reviews, stay for the therapy!
    I like the 4 different perspectives from these 4 hosts; the reviews are helpful as I weed through my true crime listening choices. The bonus for me is that Rebecca is a total narcissist and so very dismissive to the others. Sadly, I can be this way myself at times, but hearing her do it teaches me to improve my bad habits before I end up with no friends at all. So thanks Rebecca!
  • Eric2311
    Great reviews and really fun to listen to.
    I love their banter and very much appreciate their reviews. A great group of people.
  • cmdm
    so fake…
    they both think they’re so cute…they’re not…
  • music bomb
    Ghost Story
    Love the show but I think you (and many others ) , missed the point . Father was definitely guilty according to every detective EXCEPT a white male of a certain age . Everyone just ignored the fact that he was a serial liar and the poor brother was a war hero who was blind. How could a blind man land 2 perfect shots to the eyes . Go back and listen to the detectives.. and also , pay tribute to this wonderful woman
  • F.A. Greg
    The OG true crime review pod!
    I love this podcast so much. I discover new content through their reviews and really get a feel for whether or not something is worth checking out. I also love hearing others perspectives on a piece of media that I’ve consumed. I always listen as soon as the episodes drop. I highly recommend joining the CWO fam!
  • CentsibleLife
    Highlight of my week!
    CWO is always the highlight(s) of my week. There is so much content out there and they’ve helped introduce me to great new gems and provide helpful and thoughtful insights into the material they are covering. Rebecca as a host is my fave - she keeps the group moving and provides a much needed structure for the show. I also happen to love her speaking voice and laughter. I will often go listen to or watch things they’ve been ‘thumbs sideways’ or mixed reviews on to ensure I’m giving it fair play but 95% of the time I’m in agreement. Not only does this show offer a critical and thought-provoking look at crime media it also provides a look behind the scenes of the industry of podcasting and in particular true crime podcasting world when needed. As a longtime listener this remains one of the shows I’ve stuck with over the years.
  • artfordays
    Scamanda episode
    My initial foray into this podcast… I found the experience somewhat frustrating. My anticipation was for fresh and engaging perspectives on a podcast series I greatly admire. However, the episode largely focused on critiquing the length of the Scamanda series, labeling it as excessively long. It’s worth noting that many listeners, including myself, actually appreciate longer podcasts for their immersive qualities, especially during routine activities such as long drives or workouts. Personally, I’d prefer an eight-hour blend of storytelling and interviews over forty-five minutes of negative commentary.
  • TereseGallen
    Absolutely love!
    One of my favorite podcasts! All of the hosts are thoughtful, knowledgeable, and genuinely funny!! Have lead me to many podcasts and documentaries I might never have known about.
  • Tollie527
    Annoying
    I tried. Really, really tried. And I appreciate the five or six minutes you all put into this but life is way to short to waste it listening to this trash. Peace out.
  • cassikayeiam
    Not Garbage
    Came for the review of Obsessed Fest but after listening to their coverage of some of my favorite documentaries I’m hooked. And they’re not garbage so that’s lovely.
  • FridaK55
    New Patreon member
    Listen to your free patron episode, explaining your response to the Obsessed Network toxic work environment accusations. I appreciate your honesty, especially Kevin. I’ve been a free subscriber, but now feel comfortable donating to the Patreon as I feel your show has some integrity.
  • Jennygirl_7
    Thoughtful
    I love the dedication to thoughtful analysis.
  • Jules1-2-3-4-5
    Love it
    I just recently discovered this podcast and so far I love the dynamics and I love it!
  • Penny D H
    Honest reviews
    I don’t always agree with the reviews, but it’s heartfelt When all four agree it’s a thumbs up-it is great! I have found excellent podcast and documentaries through them and avoided some stinkers
  • Luckystarad
    New listener and new fan!
    Very excited to go back and listen to all of the episodes I’ve missed! Happy to have found you.
  • AlexaF654
    My Fav Podcast Buddies
    Been listening since the first episodes and it just gets better and better. It’s like having a book club on all the media I love with the smartest and wittiest insiders. Come for the interesting analysis, stay for the parasocial relationships and the along the way giggles. Also - I am shocked by all the negative Rebecca comments in other reviews - literally the point of this podcast is to review and opine and all four of the hosts do it in such a thoughtful way! I wish they’d be more judg-y sometimes lol. Must be something else going on…. Keep it up, y’all!
  • Vonnie M
    Good reviews, I don’t agree most of the time
    I’m not a crime writer, but I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts and I don’t always agree with their takes on the podcasts they review. However I know they come to the reviews from their zones of genius. Sometimes I wish they had people of color as part of their panel. When they’ve discussed podcasts that are about POC I felt this panel has lacked that voice. I do get great recommendations of podcasts to listen to from their reviews.
  • ncmcal
    3 good hosts
    Rebecca is just so judgmental and biased. She must not realized how offensive she is sometimes.
  • Annie Dee Bee
    Music in the business section is making me insane
    I wrote my original review of this fantastic podcast a few years back. I still love the podcast but a while back they changed the music played during the “business portion“ of the show. Maybe it’s just me, but all I can hear is that song “The Look of Love.” It’s as if the needle is stuck, skipping over the first couple lines over and over. It’s absolutely crazy making and makes me want to skip over the business section. Which I don’t want to do, because I want to show to support the show’s sponsors. So hey guys, maybe it’s time for a new background for the business section? And now onto my original review… Okay, before I say anything, I must advise that this show could be addictive. It is for me—andI’m sooo happy about it. The four hosts each bring a different take from the world of writing about crime—and the four varied personalities mix, mesh, don’t mesh, mesh a little more. The results are highly entertaining. And to those reviewers who don’t like Rebecca’s laughter—get over yourself. That laughter is sometimes the only thing that keeps me hanging on these days. If you are into true crime podcasts and TV shows, you will get the best reviews here. I only wish they could record the show in my kitchen, so I could bake them all my famous chocolate chip cookies while they tape.
  • SpikeTzu
    👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
    I’ve been listening and enjoying for years and just had to give Rebecca a round of applause after listening to her comments following the review of shiny happy people. She is absolutely correct in her evaluation of how the normalization of people like the Duggars has led to the rise of fascism in the US. It’s a scary time and I’m glad there are people like Rebecca that see it clearly and hopefully provide a positive influence on others so we can save ourselves. Thank you CWO!!!
  • BennyBlanco18
    Tony 5/5 Kevin 4/5 Lara 3/5....Rebecca 0/5
    it was once very good...then got REALLY bad.Rebecca is the worst kind of insufferable WOKE (& I was always left leaning...& have never voted other than Demo...which may change now that the far left(millennials) have captured the democratic party & turned it in to a cult of sorts)...Amongst her greatest hits are saying that women lying about abuse "isn't a thing". While obviously not the norm , to say it's "not a thing"? she may want to look in to the Duke LaCrosse case & of course Heard vs Depp. I wouldn't be surprised if she still actually believes the women in those cases She's condescending to everyone else on the panel including Toby(who is by far the star of the show). I don't know how Kevin does it? Poor dude. Also everyone needs to earn a living but the ads. GOOD GAWD!!! For Premium subscribers(at least)there should be a rule limiting how many ads creators can put in each show , the banter during doesn't make the ad breaks excusable or entertaining...just longer. Perfect example of a podcast that started good but was lead astray by the ego , politics & bad decisions of its apparent decision maker(would have been in better hands if Toby took the reins🤷🏻‍♂️)
  • UBAMROCKS!
    Been listening for YEARS might be done
    The hosts are so closed minded. Sadly, they think being inclusive means excluding.
  • NuclearWintre
    not respectful of victims
    They do have some interesting insights, but I was appalled at them cracking jokes about severe child abuse and then armchair diagnosing people. True crime has a responsibility to do right by the victims. You can be funny without being mean.
  • Adolph Hotdawgbuger
    What a joke
    If you think the host are losers just join the fb group to see just how pathetic their fans are
  • mrsjoetaylor
    Just can’t
    Just cannot enjoy this group of people. They push the narrative that they are super cool and “with it” and its just too much. Rebecca talks like she is the supreme, all knowing, “only my opinion matters” person in the space. I just can’t.
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