Disturbing photos of an employee’s young family member are found stored on his work computer, launching a police investigation led by Detective Carrie. As the case unfolds, she uncovers a startling pattern of predatory behavior and repeated crimes against minors. One of his victims, once young and powerless, has grown up and is ready to fight back. Together she and Carrie work to bring this real crime story to a close and ensure justice is finally served.
What Went Wrong
Before he was Deputy Chief, D.C. Dan was a patrol officer in a quiet small town. When he’s called to a violent stabbing, he’s confronted by disturbing details. What unfolds is a troubling case that ultimately sets DC Dan on the path to becoming a detective.
No One Called
In 1980, officers respond to reports of a body found on the grounds of a community college. For 35 years, the murder of Barbara Mae Tucker remains unsolved. Almost to the day of the anniversary, the cold case lands on Detective Aaron’s desk. To uncover the truth, Aaron must wade through boxes of aging evidence, track down hundreds of potential suspects, and harness cutting-edge DNA technology in a race to finally bring Barbara’s killer to justice.
Dog
Detective Bre first meets Anthony during a heartbreaking case involving a young victim. When a second, eerily similar case with Anthony surfaces, Bre realizes this isn’t a one-time offense…It’s a pattern.
Determined to stop Anthony for good, Bre joins forces with Detective Brian in a high-stakes undercover operation to protect vulnerable young people before it’s too late.
The Wee Man
Surprise! We’re dropping a special preseason bonus episode to get you excited for Season 17! Detective Constable Simon recounts executing an arrest warrant on one of Scotland’s most infamous criminals. …
Misery, Part 2
In part two of this two-part case, former Orange County DA Matt and his team devise a plan to capture their main suspect—who has gone into hiding in Eastern Europe. But just when it seems like justice is within reach, a sudden misstep threatens to unravel everything they’ve built.
As the case takes a dangerous turn, Matt and his colleagues find themselves at risk—and a fiery courtroom showdown looms. In the end, it will take sharp legal maneuvering and the courage of a young woman to finally bring the suspect to justice.
Misery, Part 1
In part one of this two-part case, an above-board marijuana grower is kidnapped and brutally mutilated. Former Orange County DA Matt has a vehicle, a license plate, and a suspect’s wife willing to cooperate. But one major problem remains—the mastermind behind the crime is hiding abroad in a country that won’t extradite him.
Epilogue
In 1973, two seemingly unrelated murders in Toronto leave families shattered and the public searching for answers. Detectives chase every lead, but the case goes cold.
Decades later, Detective Sergeant Steve reopens the investigation, armed with advanced DNA technology. But solving this case isn’t just about science—it requires earning the trust of a remote Indigenous community and holding onto the hope that justice can finally be served.
A Race Against Time
After the end of a rocky relationship, a woman returns to her ex’s home to collect her things. But what should have been a simple exchange spirals into violence. In …
Judas Kiss
A stepfather has seemingly unfettered access to his three young stepchildren—both during his relationship with their mother and long after she leaves him. But when one of the children bravely discloses that she’s been sexually abused, a disturbing truth begins to surface.
Dead Weight
A woman is stabbed dozens of times in her own home and left for dead. With little to go on, Detective Aaron must follow every possible lead—a boot print, a knife, a curiously timed trip across state lines, and a web of forensic evidence.
This case is packed with twists and turns, but in the end, one thing matters most: ensuring the suspects are brought to justice.
Deadlock
Retired Detective Constable Ron is called to a crime scene as a hostage negotiator. A repeat offender facing drug charges has barricaded himself in an attic, refusing to surrender. As a crowd gathers outside, the standoff escalates—the suspect grows more erratic, and his threats against law enforcement become increasingly dangerous.
Unintended Consequences
A man viciously assaults his ex-girlfriend in a brutal, repeated act of violence. Determined to stop him for good, Prosecutor Kristin pours everything into building an airtight case. But once inside the courtroom, the proceedings take an unexpected turn, unraveling in ways she never could have predicted.
With years of experience, Kristin knows how to prepare for trial—but this case proves that even the most dedicated prosecutors are sometimes at the mercy of the very people they’re fighting to protect: the victims.
Square One
When a 9-year-old girl vanishes without a trace in 1984, a rural Canadian town is left reeling. Law enforcement quickly zeroes in on a suspect—a quiet, socially awkward neighbor. But as the case unfolds, doubts about his guilt emerge again and again.
Decades later, Detective Sergeant Steve takes on the cold case. With the power of modern DNA technology, everything once thought to be fact is suddenly back in play. Will the truth finally come to light?
Cold Blooded
After years of adventure on their dream yacht, a retired couple decides to sell it and move closer to their grandchildren. The buyers—a charming young couple with a toddler—seem perfect. …
Justice for Carla Part Two
In the conclusion of this two-part case, Paul Holes turns to DNA evidence in the search for Carla Walker’s real killer. But decades-old lab errors and missing samples threaten to derail the investigation. Despite the obstacles, the case finally reaches a definitive conclusion—answering the question once and for all: Who killed Carla Walker?
Justice for Carla Part One
In part one of this two-part case, our very own Paul Holes explains how a cold case from 1974 landed on his desk. Seventeen-year-old Carla Walker was brutally murdered on her way to a dance, and suspicion quickly fell on her boyfriend as his story kept changing. But when Paul conducts a revealing interview, the investigation takes a shocking turn. Could the real killer have been overlooked for decades? Who killed Carla Walker?
Pokerface
Retired Detective Constable Ron is called to the scene of a fatal car accident. At first, the driver is nowhere to be found. Then suddenly, the driver – a man with marked “prison swagger” – appears on the scene…or reappears, as it were. As Ron works to build a case against this driver, he reveals just how far quiet confidence will go when it comes to wrapping up a case.
2025 New Year’s Resolutions
It’s that time, Small Town Fam! The team of usual suspects are here to share their resolutions for the New Year.
Home Alone
Hey Small Town Fam! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from everyone on the Small Town Team! As a little gift, we decided to unwrap one of our premium episodes and stick it under your Christmas tree.
Hell Bent
A normal day for Trooper Dean means making sure his town’s roadways – and its drivers – are safe. But this day is not a normal day. What begins with an eviction notice and a bomb threat ends with Dean facing down what may be any cop’s worst nightmare. This is the story of that bad day and all the ones that follow.
Trust
Deputy Alia is new to her job, so when she responds to what seems like a standard “person down” call, she is pretty calm – at first. But something about what she finds gets her spidey senses tingling. Despite her lack of experience, she decides to trust her gut.
The Long Sprint
Someone is attacking young boys and Detective Constable Simon is eager to find out whom. But Simon’s partner is less than helpful; and the dynamic he has with his interim boss is getting more complicated by the day. To bring justice to the victims and their families, Simon has to challenge conventions and follow his instincts.
Psycho
A local gang is trafficking underaged girls and Detective Matt is out to find the perpetrator – and to free the victims. Two keys to his investigation: An informant, herself a victim, and his ability to go undercover to infiltrate the gang. This case reveals just how far law enforcement will go to get justice – even if it’s not ultimately served in exactly the way they wish it would be.
Heinous
A young woman finds refuge in her boyfriend’s house while he serves time in prison. But one of her new housemates – her boyfriend’s brother – turns out to be anything but protective. Detective Bre must build trust with a distraught victim and help her build a case against a terrifying subject.
Mine
Detective Brandon is called to the scene of an apparent murder. A young mother is found dead and it’s up to Brandon to figure out what happened. Multiple jurisdictions – …
Running to Ground – Pt. 2
The police are are called to investigate a disturbing incident involving a suspicious man at a grocery store. Later, the same man is spotted with a young girl. Detective Dave starts to investigate, and what he finds out about the man’s past is unsettling to say the least. This the second of a two part story.
Running to Ground – Pt. 1
The police are are called to investigate a disturbing incident involving a suspicious man at a grocery store. Later, the same man is spotted with a young girl. Detective Dave starts to investigate, and what he finds out about the man’s past is unsettling to say the least. This the first of a two part story.
Snakebit
It is Prosecutor Kristin’s first felony case and it’s a tricky one. The suspect is only 13 and is charged with murder. It’s rare you hear from prosecutors on the show and in this episode you’ll follow Kristin’s journey as she works to bring closure to the family of a young girl.
Dragnet
A man wanted for murder in a neighboring state shows up in a coastal city and leads a team of law enforcement on a wild, twenty-mile vehicle pursuit. As Detective Robert explains, the suspect turns out to have excellent aim. The team works together to take down the suspect – with a surprise twist at the end.
Retribution
The puzzle pieces laid in front of Homicide Lt. John are daunting: A forlorn lover, a violent gang, a series of fire bomb attacks, and a shooting in the parking lot of a popular burger joint. His search for justice takes him across the state of California and reveals how far some people will go to get revenge.
Superstar
A girl finds herself at the mercy of the one man she’s supposed to trust the most: her father. Detective Bre discovers the abuse and works to unravel the sinister mystery of the suspect’s past, as well as the inner workings of a family with decades of secrets. Fortunately, Bre is able to help the young victim find a way out.
The Recap!
Ever wonder what Detectives Dan and Dave, Paul Holes, and Yeardley Smith would make of the police work in “Beyond Recognition?” Well, the team recently sat down to discuss all the fascinating twists and turns at the heart of one of the most consequential murder investigations in modern history. Join them as they discuss the momentous strides made in forensic science and crime scene management, the tireless and often inspired work of the detectives trying to solve the grisly case, and a few missteps made along the way.
The Buck Stops Here
Lead prosecutor Joseph Cooksey Jackson sits with his right-hand man, Maxwell Fyfe, discussing their mounting concerns about the forensic evidence. Jackson knows the stakes are high. The success of their case hinges on presenting complex forensic evidence in a way that a jury of laymen can understand. They don’t want any doubts, reasonable or otherwise, sneaking in. Despite the damning evidence against Ruxton, the case is entirely circumstantial, and the defense is poised to challenge the identification of the bodies.
A Case for Forensics
John Milligan, a reporter from the UK’s biggest tabloid, News of the World, finds himself in the home of Dr. Buck Ruxton, now the prime suspect in the disappearance—and likely murder—of his wife Isabella and their nanny Mary Rogerson. Since the women vanished nearly a month ago, Ruxton has spun a web of lies, claiming they ran away to Scotland – or was it Blackpool? But with the discovery of the mutilated body parts found in Moffatt, suspicion has focused squarely on Ruxton. Milligan notes the doctor’s panic as he clings to his fabricated stories, unaware that the police are closing in.
Bodies of Evidence
Peter Rogerson is desperate and furious. His sister Mary, the Ruxton family’s nanny, has been missing for nearly two weeks. Peter, defying social norms, confronts Dr. Buck Ruxton at his doorstep, demanding answers. Despite Ruxton’s attempts to deflect him with tales of theft and a trip to Scotland for an illegal abortion, Peter is not convinced. He fears something terrible has happened and that Ruxton is behind it. Meanwhile, top forensic experts in the UK have begun to unmask the identities of the dismembered bodies discovered in a Scottish ravine. Using groundbreaking techniques, they piece together a puzzle as complex as any in the history of modern forensic science. And, in doing so, they begin to find a tragic answer to Peter Rogerson’s desperate query.
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
In the early morning of September 15, 1935, Agnes Oxley, a housekeeper at the home of Dr. Buck Ruxton, is roused from her sleep by an unexpected visitor. Ruxton, usually composed and well-groomed, stands disheveled and agitated at her door. Oxley finds his nervous behavior and insistence that she stay away from the house for the day odd to say the least. Little does she know, this is the beginning of a macabre tale.
Doctor’s Orders
The leading forensic scientists from Scotland have traveled to the tiny village of Moffatt to examine the body parts discovered in a ravine by a sister and brother out hiking. Authorities do not yet know how many people were killed, or by what method, or where or when; they certainly do not know who the victims are.
Horror in the Ravine
It’s a crisp autumn morning in a serene Scottish town called Moffatt. A brother and sister have gone out for a stroll through the woods. As they cross an old stone bridge, they see something in the dry stream bed below. It appears to be a severed arm, the hand reaching up from the dirt. It looks like it’s waving at them. To their horror, they learn the hand is just one of dozens of pieces of human remains scattered across the ravine.
Beyond Recognition Launches Friday!
Hosted by Yeardley Smith of Small Town Dicks, “Beyond Recognition” is a 6-part series that delves into one of the most important murder cases of the early 20th century. Inspired by a book from famed Scottish police detective Tom Wood, it features the insights of Paul Holes, Dame Sue Black, and other leading experts who not only recount the grisly crime but examine the psychological and forensic aspects of the case.
The World’s End (Again)
Today we bring you a replay of a case from Season 8. It’s called The World’s End and the detective who told us the story is Tom Wood. Tom was part of the investigation and recently wrote a book about it called, “The World’s End Murders: The Final Verdict.”
A Vile Plan
As you know, we take pride in celebrating the diligent work law enforcement performs everyday on Small Town Dicks. But sometimes, it’s the selfless act of a well-meaning citizen who saves the day. And that’s what happened on the day we pick up this case and an older couple decided to step-in when they saw something wrong. This story has everything – a car chase, a remote cabin full of hair-raising evidence, a suspect on the verge of a terrible crime, and, most importantly, a little girl who is alive today because two people decided to do something.
You’re It
Detective Lindsey is back with a case she’s called her “worst nightmare.” An unknown man has committed a series of home break-ins that include terrorizing of victims and violent sexual assaults. Each time, the suspect only gets more brazen and police are anxious to find a lead. Working with a task force of local agencies, and a specialist who has learned the art of tracking human, Lindsey and her team rush to stop the perpetrator before anyone else gets hurt.
Bedeviled
A body discovered in a public green space leaves detectives puzzled – and a community of unhoused folks lobbing blame at each other. As Deputy Brandon investigates, he encounters increasingly wilder stories about what might have happened. A bloody axe, Satanic rituals, and an astonishing discovery made at the bottom of a burn barrel, all come into play to as Brandon delves into this most unusual case.
Among Thieves
No one wants to feel unsafe in their home and no one understands this better than Detective Dan. So when an older couple returns from vacation to find their house has been burgled, he jumps on the case. Dan discovers two young men in the neighborhood whose stories aren’t adding up and he won’t let up until he gets to the truth. Bonus: Dan shares practical tips for anyone looking to protect their home and property.
The Penny Drop
An inexperienced young detective is sent to a small island in Scotland, where he discovers a string of over a hundred assault cases that have yet to be closed. Everyone …
In the Wild
A dangerous American expat living in the cold, unforgiving lands in the extreme north of British Columbia is on the loose after stealing from a fellow survivalist. Keenly aware of the danger this man poses, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police launch a manhunt. This is a place of snow shoes and dogsleds, trappers and hunters. Constable Garry and his team set out to capture this man, known as Oros. It’s late winter, and Oris is armed and dangerous. And he knows the area better than the men charged with catching him.
On The Line
A violent double murder that made headlines in a far away town has Detective Matt going undercover. After hearing the suspect might be on the run in his town, Matt posts up near a seedy motel to track him down. But the suspect escapes with the help of a family member. This leads Matt to do one of the most brazen acting jobs of his career in hopes he can catch a killer.
Before You Go
McNeil Island off the coast of Washington state is inaccessible by any road and not welcome to most visitors. Once the site of a state prison, the island is now home to a most unwelcome and dangerous inhabitant: Violent sexual predators who have served their prison sentences but are deemed too dangerous to return to society. These men have been banished from society and largely forgotten about. And that last part, Detective Lindsey Wade finds out, is a problem. Lindsey specializes in DNA cold cases and she knows that some of the men of McNeil Island might be responsible for other crimes. She wants to test and record their DNA. As she works to make this happen, she stumbles upon a decades-old murder. Will she find the answers on the island of the banished?
Bad Neighbors
Detective Sgt. Robert catches a young man soliciting sex from a middle school girl. A careful investigation leads to the suspect’s arrest and conviction. Robert is hopeful that the victim is now safe but a few years later, he discovers that another man has targeted the same girl. And the identity of the suspect has the detective shaking his head. Fortunately, he is once again able to get the victim a measure of justice.
Duped
Police get what is a far too common call: A grown man has snuck into the DMs of a child and is now soliciting sex. The perpetrator is quickly caught and swears he’ll never do it again and in doing so, he escapes prosecution. Three years pass and Detective Jaime gets another call about an online predator – and it turns out to be the same suspect following the same script. Jaime goes undercover to lure the suspect out for a meeting. Along the way, she dodges close calls that might give away her identity and scare off the predator before he’s caught. Through excellent police work, the detective is able to confirm: Revenge is sweet.
Signs of a Serial Killer Part 2
At the end of our first episode, Lieutenant John had apprehended a suspect in a brutal, but seemingly random home invasion murder. Now, after trying to find out what might have motivated the suspect, John hears an innocent question from a neighbor about what John assumes is an unrelated death. Always the dogged investigator, John starts to piece together a disturbing puzzle. He launches a new investigation and makes a chilling discovery that had been overlooked by local authorities. Now his suspect is looking less like a violent opportunist and more like a calculating serial killer.
Signs of a Serial Killer Part 1
After receiving a 911 call from a concerned neighbor, police come upon a violent home invasion in a normally quiet neighborhood. One person is dead and another is struggling for her life. Lieutenant John, a homicide investigator with the DA’s office, is called out to the scene to help local authorities. In one of the many twists in this case, a chance meeting with a bystander leads John down the foreboding path of a suspect who is far more cunning and dangerous than he first appears.
Married to…
What’s it like to be married to a law enforcement officer? How about being married to a celebrity? Funny thing, two of our Small Town Dick hosts are learning exactly what being “married to” means!
The Criminal’s Code
There is a criminal code. Not the one that’s made up of statutes, but one that is followed by criminals. In today’s special bonus, our usual suspects talk through the rules that criminals crime by, followed by a short discussion about the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in policing.
Your Worst Nightmare
The final episode of the season takes us to a small town in Canada, where a violent suspect named Billy Ray, is on the loose after he attacks his ex-girlfriend, Maria. A manhunt begins but authorities are unable to track him down. When Detective Constable Garry receives a disturbing report that Billy Ray has broken into Maria’s house, authorities continue the search but it turns out they’ve been looking in all the wrong places, as they race against time to save Maria from Billy Ray’s obsession.
Aftermath
Police receive a phone call from a desperate daughter, who says her father is threatening to take his own life. Officers arrive and find the man sitting in his garage with the car running. They risk their own lives to break in and rescue the man. While the man is recovering in the hospital, he starts to mutter “she deserved it”. An alert Detective Bryson is there to hear it and begins to investigate – he quickly finds that the victim is also a suspect.
A Dirty Deal
In quiet, suburban neighborhoods, illegal marijuana grows can be hidden in plain sight – even in states that have legalized the plant. They also are sometimes connected to other nefarious activities, as Detective Nick finds in today’s episode. Through dogged work, Nick and his team discover two substantial illegal marijuana operations and in so doing uncover a dark web of abuse that’s far more insidious and inhumane.
Justice for Wilder
A desperate 911 call leads police to the home of a wealthy man and his live-in girlfriend. What they find is one of the most tragic scenes officers encounter, the death of a child. The adults maintain the death is a terrible accident, but investigators suspect something far worse. Chief Investigator Tye doggedly follows the trail of evidence until he’s finally able to get Justice for Wilder.
Thanksgiving Leftovers: Mother’s Day
Hello, Small Town Fam! Today we share a Small Town Classic, Mother’s Day, which is really an episode about the importance of family and the healing that can come when we choose to open up to one another. Normally we would be off this week for the holiday, but we wanted to give our listeners a little something special as you recover from your turkey hangovers, heat up the cold mashed potatoes, wash a sink full of plates and pans, or prepare to make your way home from wherever it is you celebrated this year. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all, and we’ll be back next week with a brand new episode of Small Town Dicks!