Footnotes on Crime

Dr. Derek Congram - Forensic Anthropologist & Editor of Missing Persons

In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Derek Congram, forensic archaeologist, board certified forensic anthropologist, and co editor of Missing Persons: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on the Disappeared. With experience working across more than thirty countries, Dr. Congram has spent decades investigating missing persons cases in conflict zones and humanitarian contexts, combining science, ethics, and advocacy in the pursuit of truth and dignity for families of the disappeared. About the Episode What does it mean to search for the missing in the aftermath of conflict and violence? In this deeply insightful conversation, Dr. Derek Congram reflects on his work in human rights investigations across the world, discussing the realities of forensic recovery, identification, and the emotional weight carried by families searching for answers. Drawing on years of experience working with organisations including the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, he explores the intersection of forensic science, humanitarian investigation, and professional ethics. Science, Human Rights, and Recovery Dr. Congram’s work highlights how forensic anthropology can play a vital role not only in judicial investigations, but also in restoring dignity to those who have disappeared and providing answers to loved ones left behind. In this episode, he discusses the ethical challenges of working in conflict zones, the importance of empathy in forensic investigation, and the evolving role of science in human rights work. Our conversation is thoughtful, powerful, and deeply human, examining how science and compassion can work together in the pursuit of justice and recovery. One not to be missed. What We Cover * The ethics of forensic investigation in conflict zones * Human rights investigations and disappeared persons cases * The role of science and empathy in forensic identification * Challenges in humanitarian and judicial recovery operations * Innovations in forensic anthropology and archaeology * Supporting families searching for answers and closure Listen Now 🎧 Tune in to hear Dr. Derek Congram’s insights and experiences on Footnotes on Crime.   Purchase the book (Amazon Links) Missing Persons: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on the Disappeared Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4uOgT2D [https://amzn.to/4uOgT2D] Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com [http://www.footnotesoncrime.com] for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA [https://amzn.to/3OewMzA] Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW [https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW] *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact

Jill Bavin-Mizzi - Author of Bible John - A New Suspect

In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Jill Bavin-Mizzi, historian, researcher, and author of Bible John: A New Suspect, a compelling re examination of one of Scotland’s most infamous unsolved murder cases. With a background in academic history and cold case narrative non fiction, Jill brings a fresh and highly analytical perspective to true crime investigation, combining historical research, genealogy, archival analysis, and ethical inquiry in the search for answers. About the Episode Can historians solve cold cases differently from detectives and criminologists? In this fascinating and deeply detailed conversation, Jill Bavin-Mizzi discusses her extensive research into the Bible John murders and explains how her academic approach uncovered new perspectives on a case that has haunted Scotland for decades. Drawing on hundreds of documents, primary sources, interviews, and genealogical research, Jill explores how historical methodology can offer valuable tools in cold case investigations and challenge long established assumptions. Research, History, and Cold Case Investigation Jill’s work demonstrates how the skills of a historian can intersect with criminal investigation in unexpected and powerful ways. In this episode, she reflects on the importance of primary sources, the ethical considerations involved in investigating historical crimes, and the responsibility of revisiting cases involving real victims and surviving families. Our conversation is thoughtful, meticulous, and genuinely eye opening, exploring not only the mystery of Bible John, but the wider question of how truth is uncovered over time. One not to be missed.   What We Cover * The story behind Bible John: A New Suspect * The role of historians in cold case investigations * Primary sources and genealogical research * Ethical considerations in true crime and historical inquiry * Challenging established narratives around Bible John * The intersection of history, research, and criminal investigation. Listen Now 🎧 Tune in to hear Jill Bavin-Mizzi’s insights and experiences on Footnotes on Crime. Purchase the book (Amazon Links) Bible John – A New Suspect Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3PyWTSr [https://amzn.to/3PyWTSr] Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4npq8nt [https://amzn.to/4npq8nt] Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com [http://www.footnotesoncrime.com] for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA [https://amzn.to/3OewMzA] Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW [https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW] *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact

Tom Wood - Author of The World's End Murders: The Inside Story and Ruxton: The First Modern Murder

In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Tom Wood, a bestselling true crime author, podcaster, columnist, and retired Detective with nearly four decades of experience in policing. From leading major investigations to writing some of the most compelling accounts of Scottish crime, Tom brings a rare combination of operational insight and storytelling expertise to the world of true crime. About the Episode In this fascinating and deeply informed conversation, Tom Wood reflects on his career in policing, including his role as Officer in Overall Command of the investigation into the notorious Worlds End Murders. He also discusses his transition into writing, including his bestselling books The World's End Murders: The Inside Story, and Ruxton: The First Modern Murder. Drawing on decades of experience, Tom offers a unique perspective on how investigations unfold over time and how those stories are later shaped for readers. What We Cover * The story behind The World's End Murders: The Inside Story * Revisiting historic cases and long term investigations * The making of Ruxton: The First Modern Murder * Writing true crime from a detective’s perspective * The evolution of forensic science and investigative techniques * The role of storytelling in preserving criminal history Why This Episode Matters This is more than a conversation about crime. It is an exploration of how investigations, history, and storytelling come together to shape our understanding of justice. Tom offers a unique and authoritative perspective on true crime, bridging the gap between investigator and author, and highlighting the importance of accuracy, persistence, and reflection in telling these stories. Purchase the books (Amazon Links) The World's End Murders: The Inside Story Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4ekKhsb [https://amzn.to/4ekKhsb] Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4dg372z [https://amzn.to/4dg372z]   Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4ukFEmI [https://amzn.to/4ukFEmI] Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4mWuMsA [https://amzn.to/4mWuMsA] Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/4ded3d0 [https://amzn.to/4ded3d0]   Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com [http://www.footnotesoncrime.com] for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA [https://amzn.to/3OewMzA] Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW [https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW] *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact

Jane Hamilton - Award Winning Crime Journalist & Author of Peter Tobin: Hunting Shadows

In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Jane Hamilton, award winning crime journalist and author of Hunting Shadows: Peter Tobin - The Truth About the Serial Killer Who Hid in Plain Sight. With years of experience reporting on some of the most disturbing criminal cases, Jane brings a sharp, informed perspective on true crime, media, and the responsibility that comes with telling these stories. About the Episode In this compelling and wide ranging conversation, Jane Hamilton reflects on her career in crime journalism and the process of writing Hunting Shadows, which examines the life and crimes of serial killer Peter Tobin, but with a firm focus on the stories of his victims.   Why This Episode Matters This is more than a discussion about crime. It is an exploration of how media, audience, and storytelling intersect in shaping public understanding of criminal cases. One not to be missed!   Purchase books on Amazon Please note - Footnotes on Crime is an Amazon Affiliate / Associate - Commission is earned on purchases made using these links. Hunting Shadows: Peter Tobin Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/48dFEMN [https://amzn.to/48dFEMN] Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4cnxMuw [https://amzn.to/4cnxMuw] Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/4vEt7fn [https://amzn.to/4vEt7fn]   Tell Me A Story Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4dYVbnh [https://amzn.to/4dYVbnh] Hardcover (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3OQ7xUv [https://amzn.to/3OQ7xUv] Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4tQNynw [https://amzn.to/4tQNynw] Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/4u2vDdU [https://amzn.to/4u2vDdU]   My Mother’s Murder Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4mFeCUx [https://amzn.to/4mFeCUx] Kindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4sIUMsQ [https://amzn.to/4sIUMsQ] Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/3OMpYtg [https://amzn.to/3OMpYtg]   Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com [http://www.footnotesoncrime.com] for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA [https://amzn.to/3OewMzA] Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW [https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW] *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact

N. Jamiyla Chisholm - Journalist & Author of The Community: A Memoir

In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by N. Jamiyla Chisholm, journalist and author of The Community: A Memoir, a powerful and deeply personal account exploring identity, memory, family, and the hidden complexities within community life. Through her work as a writer and reporter, Jamiyla brings a fearless and compassionate voice to stories that sit at the intersection of lived experience, social history, and personal truth. About the Episode How do we tell the truth about the places and people who shape us? Drawing on both investigative rigour and emotional honesty, Jamiyla reflects on writing about her own past, confronting difficult truths, and navigating the responsibility of telling stories rooted in real lives and intimate histories. Memory, Identity, and Narrative In this episode, Jamiyla Chisholm shares insight into the process of transforming her own and her mother's lived experience into narrative, and how this can become a powerful tool for reckoning, healing, and social reflection. Our conversation is candid, searching, and deeply moving, challenging how we think about truth not only in writing, but in how we understand ourselves and the communities we come from. One not to be missed. What We Cover * The story behind The Community: A Memoir * Writing memoir through interviews with her mother * Memory, identity, and contested truths * Ethical responsibility when telling personal and communal stories * The intersection of reporting and lived experience * How storytelling shapes understanding of place and self * Identifying cult behaviour   Why This Episode Matters This is more than a conversation about memoir. It is an exploration of how stories help us confront hidden histories, reclaim voice, and examine the narratives that define us. N. Jamiyla Chisholm offers a profound perspective on truth telling, identity, and the courage it takes to write honestly about the worlds we inhabit.   Purchase books on Amazon Please note - Footnotes on Crime is an Amazon Affiliate / Associate - Commission is earned on purchases made using these links. Paperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4bVhx7W [https://amzn.to/4bVhx7W] Hardcover (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4e1ytL9 [https://amzn.to/4e1ytL9] Audiobook (Amazon – with Audible Subscription) - https://amzn.to/4tmCzCa [https://amzn.to/4tmCzCa]   Visit www.footnotesoncrime.com [http://www.footnotesoncrime.com] for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints. Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month - https://amzn.to/3OewMzA [https://amzn.to/3OewMzA] Sign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW [https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW] *Commission paid by Amazon **Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact