Best Kim Ess Podcasts (2025)

1
BONUS: Fortune Teller Killer Louisa Lindloff 14:32

2M ago14:32

14:32

What would you make of a psychic medium who used their gift to foretell the deaths of those around them? Pretty spooky, right? But, what if they used this gift to take out life insurance policies shortly before those predicted death dates? Now, it feels a little less spooky, and more suspicious. That is exactly what happened in the case we’re cover…

1
A Poisoner's Tale: History of Aqua Tofana (PATREON PREVIEW) 10:31

3M ago10:31

10:31

A GOOD NIGHT SNACK exclusive Patreon series from A Good Night For a Murder. This is an episode PREVIEW. Listen to the full episode in the Housekeeper & Butler tier on PATREON. When I sit down to do episode planning, I do often try to align with the seasons and the holidays, but February, which includes Valentines Day, can be a challenge when one co…

1
Black Widow Louise Vermilya 22:01

3M ago22:01

22:01

At the end of every episode, I usually ask you, the listening audience, to let me know what you thought about the the story I just told… But tonight, I really want to know what you think. On the surface, it’s a “black widow” story. Or is it? I’m not so sure, but, as usual, I have done my best to separate fact from fiction and give you the full stor…

1
Tombstone, AZ: The Town Too Tough to Die (PATREON PREVIEW) 12:20

4M ago12:20

12:20

A GOOD NIGHT SNACK exclusive Patreon series from A Good Night For a Murder. This is an episode PREVIEW. Listen to the full episode in the Housekeeper & Butler tier on PATREON. I realized there’s this entire sub genre of Victorian era true crime that I’ve never really covered before, which is the American Old West! And I wanted to learn more about i…

1
The Last Thing Sarah Jane Roberts Saw 24:53

4M ago24:53

24:53

Towards the end of 2024, I released a lot of fun bonus content, a compilation episode covering multiple stories, and even strayed in to the Edwardian era a little bit. But tonight, for the first episode of the new year, I want to get back to the show’s roots with a classic Victorian murder case, where some very interesting investigation methods wer…

1
BONUS: A Victorian Horror Story for Christmas 18:21

5M ago18:21

18:21

This is a special bonus episode to celebrate Christmas the Victorian way. In the winter and especially during the Christmas season, Victorian’s enjoyed gathering with the family around the fire at night and telling ghost stories. So tonight, I am going to tell you, in my own words, one of my favorite Victorian era ghost stories. This story was firs…

1
Most Haunted Victorian Houses (PATREON PREVIEW) 8:08

5M ago8:08

8:08

A GOOD NIGHT SNACK exclusive Patreon series from A Good Night For a Murder. This is an episode PREVIEW. Listen to the full episode in the Housekeeper & Butler tier on PATREON. Similar to the regular episode and bonus content earlier this month where I covered a handful of Victorian Christmas true crime stories in one episode, this is also going to …

1
Victorian Murder at Christmastime 39:48

6M ago39:48

39:48

This is the Christmas episode! Nothing says holly and jolly like the Victorian macabre after all. Tonight, as my holiday season gift to you, I don’t have one story to tell you, I have FOUR Victorian era Christmastime murders to share with you. And they get crazier as we go. So be sure to stick around and listen to all four. Follow along on Instagra…

1
A Conversation With Epoch Preservation, Grave Conservator 44:37

6M ago44:37

44:37

I invited a guest on the podcast to talk about something I find super interesting, which is cemeteries and gravestone conservation. We talked about what a grave conservator does, how to get in to the line of work, things you should and should not do as an aspiring grave conservator, views on cemeteries and mourning then and now, mourning traditions…

1
The Canary Girls (PATREON PREVIEW) 8:32

6M ago8:32

8:32

A GOOD NIGHT SNACK exclusive Patreon series from A Good Night For a Murder. This is an episode PREVIEW. Listen to the full episode in the Housekeeper & Butler tier on PATREON. Earlier this month, I covered the Radium Girls on the regular podcast feed, then the Matchstick Girls as bonus content here on Patreon. In keeping with that theme, tonight’s …

1
The Radium Girls 44:26

7M ago44:26

44:26

Tonight’s story comes to us from the US in the 1920s and 30s. It’s one of the stories that actually inspired me to start the podcast in the first place, and one I think a lot of you will be familiar with. So I hope I do it justice, and more importantly treat the victims with the respect and grace they deserve. This is the story of the Radium Girls.…

1
BONUS: The Legend of Stingy Jack 10:06

7M ago10:06

10:06

This is a special bonus episode to celebrate the best night of the year, Halloween! This is the legend of Stingy Jack. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts.By Kim Ess

1
The Truth About Bathsheba Sherman (PATREON PREVIEW) 6:59

7M ago6:59

6:59

A GOOD NIGHT SNACK exclusive Patreon series from A Good Night For a Murder. This is an episode PREVIEW. Listen to the full episode in the Housekeeper & Butler tier on PATREON. One of the reasons I started this podcast is because as much as I love a ghost story, I always want to know the true story behind the story. And I was often surprised how far…

1
Locked Away: Blanche Monnier 20:40

8M ago20:40

20:40

Tonight’s story is nothing short of a real life Victorian horror story. It’s what happens when the societal pressure of Victorian era ideals go way, way, WAY too far. One mother’s sense of right and wrong became so monstrously twisted, that she locked away her own child for over two decades. This is the story of Blanche Monnier. Follow along on Ins…

1
Mirror Lore & Superstitions (PATREON PREVIEW) 8:37

8M ago8:37

8:37

A GOOD NIGHT SNACK exclusive Patreon series from A Good Night For a Murder. This is an episode PREVIEW. Listen to the full episode in the Housekeeper & Butler tier on PATREON. This episode is dedicated to mirror lore and superstitions! In the Victorian era, it was common practice to cover all of the mirrors in the house when someone in the home die…

1
Spring-Heeled Jack: Phantom or Prankster? 30:47

9M ago30:47

30:47

So far as I’m concerned, spooky season starts in September. Tonight’s story is one that caused Victorians to lose sleep for over 65 years - and is still a mystery to this day. This is the story of Spring-heeled Jack. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you lis…

1
Confidence Queen Bertha Heyman 28:09

10M ago28:09

28:09

Tonight’s story is about a Victorian con artist. A female con artist, at that! She was known as the “Confidence Queen” and was considered by the New York City police department to be - quote "the boldest and most expert of the many female adventuresses who infest the country.” Let’s get to know her, shall we? This is the story of Bertha Heyman. Fol…

1
The Red Inn Affair 17:12

11M ago17:12

17:12

Tonight’s story takes us to the countryside of France where unspeakable things were said to have taken place at a quaint roadside inn. This is the story of the Red Inn Affair. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts.…

1
Victorian Bonnie & Clyde: Lavinia and John Fisher 29:41

12M ago29:41

29:41

The subject of tonight’s story is often cited as “America’s first female serial killer.” Now, whether or not that is true, any story that could make such a claim is a story worth telling. In my opinion though, what we really have here, is the story of a true Victorian era Bonnie and Clyde. This is the story of Lavinia and John Fisher. Follow along …

1
Serial Poisoner Dr. Thomas Neil Cream 38:56

1y ago38:56

38:56

Welcome back for season 3 of A Good Night For a Murder podcast! In terms of notoriety, this case belongs alongside the likes of HH Holmes and Jack the Ripper. His name usually comes up in both of their stories, but the truth about him is comparatively lesser known. This is the story of Dr. Thomas Neill Cream. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or Y…

1
A Good Night For a Murder: Season 3 Trailer 1:23

1y ago1:23

1:23

A good night for a murder is a dark night. It’s a night where things that are usually very familiar to you, suddenly don’t look familiar anymore. In the Victorian era, they didn’t really have street lights, or light flooding the streets from homes or shops. It was just dark. And if there was a steady rain, or fog, or wind howling down the streets -…

1
Christiana Edmunds 23:58

1+ y ago23:58

23:58

This is the Valentines Day episode. If there’s one thing you can count on in A Good Night For a Murder on Valentine’s Day, it’s a love triangle and a poisoning. This is the story of chocolate cream killer, Christana Edmunds. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever…

1
Dorothy Harriet Camille Arnold 27:28

1+ y ago27:28

27:28

Tonight’s story is one that left people wondering, “Was there even a crime committed here?” But I think you’ll agree, there most certainly was. As one source describes the case, “She disappeared from one of the busiest streets on earth, at the sunniest hour of a brilliant afternoon, with thousands within sight and reach, men and women who knew her …

1
The Red Barn Murder 34:34

1+ y ago34:34

34:34

Tonight’s story may arguably be the one most prolifically retold Victorian true crime stories of all time. It has inspired plays, publications, music, films - I mean it must be a wild story to stand the test of time like that right? It even includes a bit of a supernatural twist. This is the story of the Red Barn Murder. Follow along on Instagram, …

1
William Mumler 23:51

1+ y ago23:51

23:51

A favorite holiday and winter pastime for Victorians, was telling ghost stories. Many Victorians wholeheartedly believed our deceased loved ones remained around us in spirit, just as much as when they were alive. Many were also skeptical, but those who believed, made it their mission to find proof. In tonight’s story, we’re going to talk about one …

1
The Bermondsey Horror 25:05

1+ y ago25:05

25:05

Tonight’s story was actually a listener request from a while back. I did not document where this request came in or who sent it, but it’s a good one. It’s got a love triangle, sex scandal and murder, and it was the first execution of a husband and wife in England in nearly 150 years. So thank you to the listener who recommended this case. If you ha…

1
Smuttynose Murders 27:46

1+ y ago27:46

27:46

Tonight’s story takes place on a dark, isolated island off the coast of New England. This is the story of the Smuttynose murders. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts.By Kim Ess

1
Re-Release: Mistletoe Bough 9:06

1+ y ago9:06

9:06

This is a re-release of one of my favorite Victorian ghost stories. I had to take a little break from podcasting for the past couple of weeks, and publishing a re-broadcast for the second episode for this month will really help me continue to get caught up. This is a story that was set in the 17th century and was passed along verbally, but really g…

1
Beecher-Tilton Scandal 27:50

1+ y ago27:50

27:50

On this podcast, I cover all sorts of Victorian true crime stories. Many are murder cases, but I’ve also covered the exploits of famous con men and con women - and even a Victorian cult in season 1. While tonight’s case is not something one could have been criminally prosecuted for in the Victorian era, it was something one could bring a civil case…

1
Eliza Fenning 20:17

2y ago20:17

20:17

Tonight’s story is a classic arsenic poisoning case… or was it? I think the answer is very clear, but you’ll have to let me know what you decide. This is the story of Eliza Fenning. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts.…

1
The Euston Square Murder 25:31

2y ago25:31

25:31

we’ve spent the last few episodes stateside, but for our story tonight we’re headed back to good old London, England for a classic Victorian lodging house scandal and murder. Plot twists and colorful characters abound in tonight’s case. This is the story of the Euston Square murder. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @agoodnightforamurde…

1
Sarah Maria Cornell 27:01

2y ago27:01

27:01

Tonight we’re going back to Fall River, Massachusetts, nearly 60 years before the infamous Lizzie Borden trial would take place. Before the murders of Abbey and Andrew Borden, the town played host to a scandalous case involving murder and a disgraced minister. This is the story of Sarah Maria Cornell. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @…

1
Charles Ponzi 23:17

2y ago23:17

23:17

Tonight we’re actually covering a Victorian-era adjacent story, of one of the most famous con men in history. And I bet a lot of you are familiar with this story, as I was myself when I first set out planning this episode. But through out my research, I was surprised to learn that I made a lot of assumptions about this person that turned out to be …

1
Belle Gunness 29:07

2y ago29:07

29:07

tonight’s case is about a strong, independent woman - who some might also describe as an enterprising young woman - who also became one of early America’s most prolific female serial killers. This is the story of Belle Gunness. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where e…

1
Texas Servant Girl Annihilator 36:16

2y ago36:16

36:16

Tonight’s case is about an early American serial killer whose crimes and reign of terror rival that of Jack the Ripper. This is the story of the Texas Servant Girl Annihilator. A Good Night for a Murder is now on YouTube! Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever yo…

1
Getter's Island 18:31

2y ago18:31

18:31

Tonight’s story is one where so much has changed in true crime since the Victorian era, but so much also stayed exactly the same. You’ll see what I mean. This is the story of Getter’s Island. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts.…

1
Jane Toppan 30:30

2y ago30:30

30:30

In this season opener we’re going to cover a case that encompasses something that I think is a lot of people’s worst fears. And if it isn’t a fear you already have, it might become one after hearing this case. Sometimes called Angels of mercy, or angels of death, this story is about what happens when someone trusted with the care of others, abandon…

1
A Good Night For a Murder: Season 2 Trailer 1:01

2y ago1:01

1:01

Hello everyone, my name is Kim and I host a Victorian true crime podcast. In season 1 I covered the true stories behind notorious cases like HH Holmes, Madame Delphine LaLaurie, Jack the Ripper, and more. I also covered lesser known - but equally fascinating cases - such as Dr. Crippen, the first murderer to be caught by the aid of wireless telegra…

1
Patreon Preview: Madame Rachel 8:09

2y ago8:09

8:09

A Good Night For a Murder is currently in between seasons. This episode was initially created only for Housekeeper and Butler tier Patreon subscribers as the bonus content for the Cassie Chadwick episode. In it I cover Victorian mourning customs, clothing, and why Victorians seemed so obsessed with death in the first place. Learn more about Patreon…

1
Victorian Society Tip Compilation: Part 2 37:58

2y ago37:58

37:58

A Good Night For a Murder is currently in between seasons. This episode revisited Victorian Society Tips from season 1 with reactions from host, Kim and guest, Hayley. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts.…

1
Patreon Preview: The Victorian Cult of Death 12:29

2y ago12:29

12:29

A Good Night For a Murder is currently in between seasons. This episode was initially created only for Housekeeper and Butler tier Patreon subscribers as the bonus content for the Agapemonites episode. In it I cover Victorian mourning customs, clothing, and why Victorians seemed so obsessed with death in the first place. Learn more about Patreon. F…

1
Victorian Society Tip Compilation: Part 1 32:16

2y ago32:16

32:16

A Good Night For a Murder is currently in between seasons. This episode revisited Victorian Society Tips from season 1 with reactions from host, Kim and guest, Hayley. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts.…

1
Delphine LaLaurie 24:32

2+ y ago24:32

24:32

In a nod to the wrap up of Mardi Gras this week, we’re headed to New Orleans. This is the story of Madame Delphine LaLaurie. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts.By Kim Ess

1
Cordelia Botkin 22:19

2+ y ago22:19

22:19

Welcome to the Valentine’s Day episode! We’re going to be talking about flowers, and chocolate, and murdering your lovers wife... This is the story of Cordelia Botkin. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe where ever you listen to podcasts.…

1
The Stratton Brothers 17:47

2+ y ago17:47

17:47

To continue with the theme of Victorian true crime firsts in celebration of the new year, tonight’s story covers something that nowadays we just consider to be fact. But in the Victorian era, it was all brand new. And that something is fingerprinting. Tonight’s story is the first murder case solved by the use of fingerprint evidence. This is the st…

1
Dr. Crippen 24:00

2+ y ago24:00

24:00

Seeing as it’s the first month of 2023, in this month’s episodes I’m covering two Victorian true crime firsts. Tonight’s episode is about the first murderer who was arrested with the aid of wireless telegraphy. This is the story of Dr. Crippen. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subscribe …

1
Mary Rogers 18:09

2+ y ago18:09

18:09

Did you know that the first detective mystery story was actually written by Edgar Allan Poe, and that it was inspired by true events? In 1841 there was a murder in New York City that captured the fascination of the public and Poe alike. This is the story of Mary Rogers. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightfora…

1
BONUS: The Legend of Mistletoe Bough 7:17

2+ y ago7:17

7:17

Victorians loved telling ghost stories at Christmas and I’m here to tell you one of their favorite tales. This is a story that was set in the 17th century and was passed along verbally, but really gained popularity in the 1830s when a song was written about the tale. Now you may have heard this tale told a little differently but I’m going to relay …

1
Swift Runner 16:31

2+ y ago16:31

16:31

Telling scary stories is a Victorian Christmas tradition. And tonight I have what I’d consider more of a Victorian horror story for you. It comes to us from the cold, snowy forests of North America. This is the story of Swift Runner and the wendigo. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @agoodnightforamurder or www.agoodnightforamurder.com, and subsc…

1
Harriet Buswell 20:21

2+ y ago20:21

20:21

Tonight we have a Christmas Eve murder that was described by one local paper as follows: “Darkness reigned among the shrouded streets of Bloomsbury that sinister Christmas night: as little children lay dreaming of reindeer, sleigh-bells and the delight of Christmas presents, and their parents dreamt of turkey, pudding and the delight of Christmas f…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Kim Ess Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen