Once Upon a Crime
Quick take
True crime fans who appreciate beautifully told stories over rapid-fire case summaries; listeners who want to encounter cases they haven't already heard about.
Verdict: Good if niche interests you. Once Upon a Crime brings a literary sensibility to true crime — Caila Bhagat writes and narrates cases with the precision of a novelist and the seriousness of a journalist.
About this podcast
LA-based host Caila Bhagat presents meticulously researched true crime stories in a cinematic, storytelling-focused style — bringing a novelist's eye for character and atmosphere to crimes from across the world, with particular interest in lesser-covered international cases.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is Once Upon a Crime?
- True crime fans who appreciate beautifully told stories over rapid-fire case summaries; listeners who want to encounter cases they haven't already heard about.
- Is Once Upon a Crime worth listening to?
- Good if niche interests you. Once Upon a Crime brings a literary sensibility to true crime — Caila Bhagat writes and narrates cases with the precision of a novelist and the seriousness of a journalist.
- Where can I listen to Once Upon a Crime?
- Once Upon a Crime is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
- Where should I start with Once Upon a Crime?
- Start with: Any episode is a good entry point — the storytelling format works standalone
- What format is Once Upon a Crime?
- Episodic — approximately ~45-60 min per episode; large backlog; regular releases each.
- What type of crime does Once Upon a Crime cover?
- Once Upon a Crime covers Murder, Cold Case, Serial Killer, Organised Crime.
Quick facts
- Format
- Episodic
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Cinematic, serious, compelling
- Episode length
- ~45-60 min per episode; large backlog; regular releases
- Binge factor
- 8/10
- Best to start
- Any episode is a good entry point — the storytelling format works standalone
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