Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling
Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling, both true crime enthusiasts, host a weekly podcast where they delve into captivating crime stories. Each episode focuses on a different case, exploring details of murder, mayhem, and betrayal while maintaining a lighthearted tone. The podcast is available on BBC Sounds and encourages listener interaction via email and social media.
Episodes
132: The Woman by the River
On a Summer’s evening in 1932, a farmer in The Like District spots a woman lying underneath an umbrella. Her name is Wai-Sheung Sui – she’s originally from China, but now lives in New York. The farmer gets a strange feeling… Should he go back and check if she’s ok? Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an ep
131: The ‘Bait & Switch’ Bank Heist
1975, London – intelligence officers are carefully watching the Davies Street branch of The Bank of America. But, the wool is about to be pulled completely over their eyes.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
130: The Rose Man of Sing Sing
New York, 1918. A notorious New York newspaper editor sends a disturbing note to his boss. MTW returns after the Summer break with a case involving The Titanic, burnout & roses.Details of help and support with suicide and feelings of despair are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so yo
129: The Gentleman Jewel Thief
Iain explores a case from 1920s New York that could have be ripped straight from the pages of The Great Gatsby. Think criminals clubbing with future kings, thousands of pounds of missing diamonds, and a love so strong it inspires a prison riot. Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at la
128: The Witches of Belvoir
It’s 1618, we’re in the midst of King James I’s obsessive vendetta against witches. When another child falls sick at Belvoir Castle, Cecily Manners – the lady of the castle – wonders if witchcraft could be to blame. Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
127: The Postal Poisoner
A poisoned hangover cure is delivered with a handwritten note. The investigation and trial that follows will have a lasting impact on the city’s legal system.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
126: The Amy McNeil Kidnapping
Thirteen year old Amy McNeil is kidnapped on her way to school. What follows is an ill-timed car break-down, a major shoot-out, and a police chase that goes down in Texas history.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
125: The Ballad of Gentle Johnny
Iain explores the explosive tale of Johnny Ramensky – a notorious Glaswegian safe-cracker, whose criminal expertise also proved useful in the fight against The Nazis.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
124: The Clan na Gael Murder, Part 2
Laura wraps up this 19th-century murder case involving false trails, strange clues, and scandalous cover ups.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
123: The Clan na Gael Murder, Part 1
It’s 1889 and a trunk of bloodied rags, discovered on a Chicago roadside, is about to unlock a murder case like no other.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
122: The Debonair Bandit
Iain has the chance to show off his Norwegian as he tells Laura about a notorious Norwegian bank heist. The case involves an Edvard Munch enthusiast, an accomplice disguised as a dog, and millions of kroner being weathered in a swimming pool.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at laura
121: The Paranormal Tip-Off?
When a woman is murdered in her home in 1970s Chicago, detectives struggle to identify a possible suspect. Until… they receive a strange paranormal tip-off.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
120. The Powderhouse Blast
Iain looks at the unbelievable true story of the Powderhouse Blast, which took place in South Dakota in 1936. It’s a story involving a dynamite explosion, an heroic escape, and a man on the run.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
119. The Butcher of Barnes
London, 1879 and a mysterious box shows up on the shoreline of the river Thames. Its contents prove puzzling for the police. Laura follows the trail to explore the gory story behind the case.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
118. The Hippy Smuggler, P2
In part two, Gary finally has to face the music. Having caught the attention of not only Pablo Escobar but the CIA too, things are about to get a *whole* lot scarier.
Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
117. The Hippy Smuggler, P1
In the first of this two-parter, Iain uncovers the origin story of Gary Betzner, a cropduster pilot from Arkansas who got himself embroiled in the dangerous world of drug smugglingMurder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
116. The Pin-Up Extortion Plot
Laura looks at a series of extortion plots that targeted the most famous star in 1940s Hollywood: pin-up girl Betty Grable.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
115. The Overnight Outlaws
Iain looks at two FBI Most Wanted criminals who had a very unusual MO when it came to robbing banks.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
114. A Scandal in Beacon Hill
It’s 1901 and Boston is abuzz with gossip. A high-society man named Sumner Paine has just been arrested for chasing his daughter’s music teacher down the street with a pistol. Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
113. The Demon of the Belfry
Iain looks at a double murder case that revolves around a San Francisco church.Details of help and support with sexual violence and abuse are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
112. The Natural History Museum Heist
A collection of precious jewels goes missing from New York’s Museum of Natural History. The thieves are smooth operators – but prosecutor Maurice Nadjari will stop at nothing to put them away.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
111. The Prince of Poisoners
Iain looks at the story of Dr William Palmer, a man whom Charles Dickens described as “the greatest villain that ever stood in the Old Bailey".Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
110. The Doe Roberts Disappearance
A strange kidnapping case in Tennessee leaves the FBI scrambling for answers.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
109. The Outlaws on the Train
Today we’re heading to the Wild West to learn all about a famous 1870s outlaw – Sam Bass – and his gang, the Black Hill Bandits.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
108. The Scamming Madame
Laura looks at the story of a prolific French fraudster: Thérèse Humbert.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
107. The Independence Day Escape
Seven prisoners escape a high-security facility in New Mexico. They’re armed – and extremely dangerous. Can the police catch them before anyone gets hurt?Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
106. Evelyn, the Vampire Queen
A 1900s case involving a high-society woman who gets caught up in a life of crime after a traumatic event.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
105. A Deadly Aphrodisiac
An office manager poisons two typists who work for him – one of whom he has been trying (and failing) to woo. Is it a tragic mistake? Or an act of pure evil?Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
104. The Sock in the Snow
In January 1982, the bodies of two women were discovered in the snowy hills of Colorado. The police thought they knew who did it… but they wouldn’t find the real killer for almost 40 years.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
103. The Antwerp Diamond Heist
In 2003, approximately $100-million dollars-worth of loot was stolen from a high-security vault in Antwerp. Iain digs into this case, which was solved – in part – by a half-eaten salami sandwich!Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds.Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
102. The Blackout Ripper
In February 1942, in the midst of the WW2 blackouts, four women are found brutally murdered in their homes. Laura explores whether the crimes are linked. And, if so, who was behind them?Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
101. The Toyshop Fugitive
This week, Iain looks at the true story that inspired Channing Tatum’s 2025 film ‘Roofman’. We’re diving into the story of Jeffery Manchester, including the unusual hiding place he chose after escaping from prison. Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
100. The Real Roxie & Velma
Happy centenary, Living Legends! We’re celebrating with a Chicago-themed case, looking at the real-life women who inspired the characters of Roxie Hart & Velma Kelly.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
Encore: Charles Manson, Part One
We’re back in the MTW archives today for the first of our Charles Manson two-parter.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
Encore: The Missing Mona Lisa
We’re travelling back through the MTW archives to bring you Iain’s episode about the OTHER Louvre heist. Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
99. The Heineken Kidnapping
Get ready for Iain’s distinctly non-Chrismassy Christmas episode. This week, we’re looking at the 1983 kidnapping of Freddy Heineken and his chauffeur Ab Doderer.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
98. The Dandelion Poisoner
The infamous tale of Herbert Rowse Armstrong, a 20th-century solicitor accused of murdering not only a professional rival – but also… his own wife.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.ukDetails of help and support with suicide and feelings of despair are available
97. The Eiffel Tower Conman
Laura looks at the life of Victor Lustig, an ambitious 1920s conman who ‘sold’ both the Eiffel Tower and Tower Bridge to gullible businessmen. Plus, he built a fake ‘money printing machine’ AND he swindled $5,000 from history’s most notorious gangster, Al Capone.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episo
96. The Tommy Ball Shooting
It’s November 1923 when a young Aston Villa player is shot to death by his neighbour. Iain looks at what happened between Tommy Ball and George Stagg and explores why their dispute turned deadly.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
95. The Mám Trasna Murders
In August 1882, a remote community in West Ireland is thrown into turmoil by a brutal massacre – followed by a shocking miscarriage of justice.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
94. The Bootleg King, Part 2
In this second part of this case, Iain tracks George Remus’ dramatic downfall and explains the circumstances that led to the brutal murder of his wife Imogene.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
93. The Bootleg King, Part 1
In the first half of a two-part case, Iain introduces us to one of history’s most successful bootleggers. A man so rich that he lit his cigarettes with £100 bills.
92. The Giggling Granny
Laura digs into the shocking story of serial killer Nannie Doss, a woman who is said to have killed five of her five husbands as well as her own mother, two of her children and one of her grandchildren.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
91. The Bolton Forger
Iain looks at the life and crimes of Shaun Greenhalgh, a master forger from Bolton.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
90. The Murderous Marquise
Laura looks at a 17th-century, Parisian scandal involving vengeful lovers and home-brewed poisons.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
89. The Pastor & The Poison
Iain looks at a case involving a lovesick nurse, a family tragedy… and some very suspicious blackberries.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
88. An Anarchist at the Observatory
Laura’s case this week is a little bit different. She’s looking at the mystery of Martial Bourdin and his attack… on time?Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
87. The Kentucky Book Heist
Iain looks at a case involving a group of hapless university students who try to pull off a multi-million-dollar heist.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
86. The Nuremberg Foundling
Laura is in her element this week, digging into a 200-year-old mystery involving a young German boy with a seriously intriguing backstory.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk
85. The Monkshood Murderer
This week, Iain looks at an historic poisoning case in Wimbledon. When Percy Malcolm dies in his bed at Blenheim House boarding school, his teachers and fellow pupils are horrified. But his headmaster thinks he knows what happened – and he thinks he witnessed it happening…Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never mi
84. The Texas Flapper Bandit
We’re back! To kick things off after our summer break, Laura is digging into the story of Rebecca Bradley, a woman who earned herself the moniker of “Texas Flapper Bandit” after a rather unusual bank heist.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
MYW Mailbag: Bluetooth Crimes & Bug Heists!
Laura and Iain dive into the mailbag to uncover a £50k bug heist, a Bluetooth inspired podcast obsession, and a listener traumatised by Shrek!Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
83. Murder on the Brighton Express
Iain takes a look at a 1881 murder case on a moving train. When 22-year-old Percy Lefroy arrives at Preston Park station, covered in blood, the police jump into action to find his attackers. But, as their investigation unfolds, Percy's story keeps changing. And soon the police realise that things are not what they seem.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a we
MYW: Cornwall’s Murderous Love Triangle
Iain tells the story of an 1844 love triangle that ended with the infamous murder of Charlotte Dymond; the girl with the green dress.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
82. The Jedi Heist
In 1983, a college freshman in Kansas stole some coveted Return of the Jedi movie reels at gunpoint.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
MYW: Essex’s Range Rover Case
Laura takes a look at a shocking triple murder case that took place on a countryside road in Essex in 1995.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
81. The Farmhouse Murders
Iain tells the chilling story of Belle Gunness – a prolific American serial killer whose own death is surrounded in mystery.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
MYW Mailbag: A Ransom Note Has Arrived...!
A ransom note has arrived at the Murder They Wrote HQ. Plus, DB Cooper theories – and a very upright dog.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
80. The Barbara Mackle Kidnapping
Barbara Mackle was your average university student. Until she was snatched in the middle of the night and forced, by her kidnappers, to hide out in the most terrifying place imaginable.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
MYW: Coventry’s Last Public Execution
Listener Julie has sent in a famous Coventry case involving a very unhappy marriage and a chilling murder. Plus, Iain explains the legend of Lady Godiva.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
79. The Slippery Life of Soapy Smith
Iain dives into the life and crimes of Soapy Smith, a 19th-century con artist who earned his nickname by mastering the art of ‘The Soap Game’. Hear about how Soapy went from a small-time crook to the leader of a major criminal empire in America’s Wild West.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Em
MYW: The Isle of Man’s Missing Postie
Laura heads to the Isle of Man to investigate a 159-year-old unexplained murder involving a horse-drawn cart. And Iain tells a story about a famous Manx witch… with an unexpected ending.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
78. The Chorus Girl Mystery
Three friends are exploring an abandoned mineshaft in Wales when they stumble upon a human skull. As the police arrive to search the area, they continue to make a number of gruesome discoveries. And they find something else: a diamond engagement ring.Did these three young men just accidentally crack a 42-year-old cold case? Laura and Iain dig into the eerie 1919 disappearance of Mamie Stuart.Murde
MYW Mailbag: Puddings, Poodles & Pulled-Down Pants!
From jam-filled Yorkshire puddings to famous dogs and unexpected trouser mishaps, the Murder You Wrote Mailbag delivers again.Plus, Laura and Iain need your help cooking up the ultimate true crime-themed dinner party. Got a pun-filled course idea?If you want a chance to be featured in our next mailbag episode, email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
77. Riot at the Hate Factory
When a prison riot breaks out inside Scotland’s Peterhead Prison, two officers are taken hostage and the SAS are secretly called in. But the truth of what happened wouldn’t come out for years...This is the story of a brutal prison, a high-stakes rescue mission, and the man who survived it all.For pictures of the destruction of D Block, see here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-41397881Murde
MYW: Southampton’s Secret Sea Chest
Listener Cat sends Iain a case involving her husband’s distant family, taking him to Southampton 1924 when a 15-year-old family secret involving a hidden sea chest comes to light and shocks the authorities.And Laura tells Iain a story about a cockerel and ‘torture’.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an ep
76. A Fire in Room 66
A late-night fire tears through Room 66 at a hotel in Margate. One guest runs for help, another is pulled from the smoke, but it’s already too late. As investigators begin to piece together what happened that night, a different kind of story starts to emerge.Laura and Iain dive into a case that rocked 1920s Britain, where the truth may have been lost in the flames.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whit
MYW: York’s Ski Masks, Stolen Stamps & Skulduggery
Laura heads to York to unravel Craig Townend's £1m art gallery heist leads to even more bizarre thefts in England's most haunted city.Plus, Iain shares York's weirdest theft stories: a replica skull stolen from the city's most haunted pub on New Year's Eve, and the tale of a German student who "liberated" an organ pipe from York Minster in 1969.Murder You Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirlin
75. The Goatfell Murder
In 1889, Edwin Rose vanished on a hike up Goatfell. His body is later found hidden under a pile of rocks. Was it a tragic fall, or something more sinister?All eyes turn to John Annandale, the man who last saw Edwin alive. But when John suddenly vanishes and reappears under a different name, the case takes a bizarre turn.Iain takes us to the Isle of Arran to retrace the steps of this Victorian myst
MYW Mailbag: Guinea Pigs, Geography Gaffes & Getting Corrected (Again!)
Guinea pigs, mistaken towns, and a 100-year-old rabbit! Laura & Iain open the inbox for wonderful tales (and tails) from our Living Legends.Plus! There’s a pun so good it had to be written in and listener corrections that keep us on our toes (as always!)If you want a chance to be featured in our next mailbag episode, email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk.
74. The Brown Palace Murders
A love triangle erupts into a gunfight at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel, exposing a scandalous affair that ends in a double murderIain unpacks the heated rivalry between Frank Henwood and Tony von Thul, two men competing for the affections of socialite Isabel Springer. When flirtations turn to threats and threats escalate to gunfire, the fallout sends shockwaves through Colorado high society, leavin
MYW: Bradford’s Deadly Delicacies
Iain transports us to 1858 Bradford – then the world's wool capital, where confectioner William Hardaker ("Humbug Billy") unknowingly sold arsenic-contaminated sweets that resulted in one of Britain's most devastating mass poisonings.Plus your emails feature a burglar delivered to police by Batman, a theory about D.B. Cooper, and the street poet who challenged developers with a can of spray paint!
73. The Kidnapped Duke
Iain takes us back to the swinging 60s to revisit the theft of a portrait that had been hanging in London’s National Gallery for just 19 days before it vanished.At first, no one believes it’s been stolen – but when a handwritten ransom note arrives, detectives are forced to take the case seriously.Iain uncovers how this case baffled police for years and eventually ended up inspiring a film starrin
MYW: Lurking in the Lake District
Laura takes us to the hauntingly beautiful Lake District and uncovers three chilling murders. Meanwhile Iain digs up tales of thieving pensioners, bad parking and a Viking church mistaken for a public toilet.The Lake District might be stunning, but it hides more than just hills and hikes.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now
72. The Green Bicycle Case
Laura retraces the twists of one of Britain's most debated unsolved cases. In 1919, a farmer found the body of a young woman on the side of a quiet country road, lying next to her bicycle. While first deemed an accident, it soon becomes clear she’s been shot.A witness recalls a man on a striking green bicycle seen with her just hours earlier, but when police search for the rider, the truth becomes
MYW Mailbag: Pronunciation Debates – Milngavie, Bearsden, Gotham… Tortoise!?
Laura and Iain dive into the inbox and face a full on tribunal from Living Legends across the UK. Is it “Mull-guy”? What about "Gotham"? And how do you say “tortoise”? Iain’s mum, Allison, might just have the final word.Plus! Mystery bananas left on a Nottingham street, fake olives in Italy, and the world’s oddest dental appointment...If you want a chance to be featured in our next mailbag episode
71. Public Enemy No.1
Iain takes us to the 1930s to uncover the twisting tale of Pretty Boy Floyd, a young outlaw that escapes a prison train and vanishes into the hills. Follow this smooth-talking fugitive who charmed the public and was named Public Enemy No.1 by the FBI.When a mysterious ambush leaves multiple people dead, the hunt intensifies. With law enforcement closing in, Floyd’s story becomes a legend of escape
MYW: Croydon’s Conundrum – Poison, Plots & Piles of Rubbish?
Listener Simon sends Laura to Croydon for a trio of tales: unsolved family poisonings, a 1930s airport gold heist, and a fly‑tipper with a skip-load of nerve. Plus, cardboard box–loving cats, a recovering Jack Russell-Corgi cross and an avocado bathroom renovation?Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an epi
70. The Cameo Cinema Murders
Laura revisits the shocking case of The Cameo Cinema Murders, a deadly robbery that shook Liverpool in 1949. When a cinema manager and his assistant are shot dead, police rely on the testimony of questionable witnesses to build their case. But with strong alibis, conflicting accounts, and physical evidence that doesn’t quite fit, doubts begin to mount. What follows is one of the most controversial
MYW: The Lost Lord Lovat of Inverness
Iain dives into the wild story of Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, a tale packed with betrayal, dramatic beheadings, and the mystery of his missing remains. Meanwhile, Laura explores the curious world of Loch Ness Monster insurance. Plus, listeners from Inverness send in their own local stories (and plenty of pet pics, of course!).Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice
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