Audible logo, go to homepage
Audible main site link

True Crime Stories from the UK That Will Leave You on the Edge of Your Seat

True Crime Stories from the UK That Will Leave You on the Edge of Your Seat

Whether you’re an avid fan of true crime documentaries, unsolved murders, or epic criminal cases, this list of British true crime stories is the perfect way to dive into some new real-life crime stories. This list is the perfect fix for true crime fans in need of a new listen and will offer a wide range of crime stories, from murder cases to night stalkers and so much more. There is something for every avid true crime listener to dive into so listen on Audible today.

Murder Mile UK True Crime

Considered one of the best true crime podcasts in Britain, Murder Mile covers a wide range of murder cases and crime stories, including some 300 or more of London’s darkest stories. Dive into the biggest police investigations, unsolved cases, and twisted tales that rocked England. This podcast takes a unique look at true crime and is a great alternative for anyone who feels they have listened to all the top crime podcasts. With Murder Mile, you can walk a mile in the shoes of a criminal and listen to the scene painted around you in re-enacted time. An immersive and different experience, it is a great new way to learn about some of the biggest crime stories in British history.

Real Crime Profile

Real Crime Profile is a podcast that analyses the behaviours of criminal cases and investigates crime scenes. Experts in the field Jim Clemente and Laura Richards, as well as Lisa Zambetti, use their backgrounds in the FBI, Scotland Yard and Criminal Minds TV series, respectively, to dive into a variety of criminal stories. Each new episode focusses on a criminal or event and peels apart the stories behind the tale. Each episode looks at true crime from a different angle, including eye-witness accounts, deep dives into cold cases, or interviews with family members. If you’re looking for a variety of crime stories that cover all the bases, this is a great place to start.

Yorkshire Ripper - The Secret Murders

You may have heard of the terror that swept northern England at the hands of the Yorkshire Ripper, but not everyone knows the full story. This audiobook goes into all the details - those that were covered and not covered by the media at the time. It is about the true story of serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. Thought to be one of the most notorious criminals in Britain within the last 100 years, it’s still unclear all that the Ripper was involved in. Learn about the deadly and awful acts he committed, the issues with the case, the justice system, and the problems that delayed justice and left many questions along the way. An interesting but dark story, Yorkshire Ripper is a great listen for fans of real crime stories.

The Mammoth Book of the Jack the Ripper

Any true crime enthusiast worth their salt has heard of Jack the Ripper, the even more famous “ripper” than the one of Yorkshire. Thought to be the first noted serial killer, he was made all the more famous because we still don’t know who he was. Listen to theories, evidence, and hypotheses about who this killer was, uncover all the details of the cases and crimes, and decide for yourself who you think it was. This audiobook doesn’t so much aim to answer whodunnit but presents the possibilities of who it may have been to let you decide. It is an intriguing deep dive into the Victorian murders that are still talked about today.

The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins

Another excellent addition to the list is the story of the Kray twins: Ronnie and Reggie. This true story crime drama took place in 1960s London and features all the hallmarks of the underworld elite. From swindling politicians to scams, con artists and extorting the stars, the Ray twins had a handle on it all and terrorised the city for years. Relive the craziness in this audiobook by John Pearson that looks into the life, conviction and eventual death (in prison) of the brothers, from their rise to power to the mistakes that landed them behind bars. Martin Shaw narrates, bringing clarity and drama to the story that heightens the tension of an already unbelievable story.

Fred & Rose

Get "The Full Story of Fred and Rose West and the Gloucester House of Horrors" in this chilling audiobook. This dark and disturbing story is not for the faint of heart and details the marriage and crimes of the Wests and their many victims. Later known for having tortured, dismembered, and killed a number of young women who were buried under their Gloucester home, this is a fascinatingly horrendous story. For those that can stomach extreme violence and perversion, this audiobook details the murder trial, forensic data, and childhood backgrounds of the guilty couple, painting a horrifying picture of crimes and death.

I Let Him Go

One split second changed her life forever. Powerful, moving, and heartbreaking, I Let Him Go by Denise Fergus addresses true crime from a whole new angle. Denise tells the story of a shopping trip gone horribly wrong when her young son, James Bulger, was abducted from the New Strand Shopping Centre. Initially hopeful since he was seen on a security camera with other kids, the story took a tragic turn as her young child was murdered. With courage and honesty, Denise details not only that horrible day but the fight she embarked on in finding justice for her son and changing the way in which the law views minors, as the killers were the youngest convicted murderers in the UK. Insightful, deeply moving, and unquestionably powerful, this story is an absolute must-listen for any true crime fan looking to learn more about the justice side of criminal proceedings.

A Different Class of Murder

Discover this dynamic story of privilege, high class, and murderous rage in A Different Class of Murder. This audiobook by Laura Thompson tells the story of nanny Sandra Rivett’s death and Veronica, Countess of Lucan’s assault by 7th Earl of Lucan Richard John Bingham. This Belgravia-based crime is steeped in scandal, money, and deceit. Thompson re-opens the case for a look at this high-profile story that rocked 1970s Britain. Though the case was solved, according to the law, you may uncover new truths and accounts of the brutal incident that showed that crime has no class or status.

Notorious

Another unique take on the true crime drama is the shocking story of Notorious. This autobiography-style audiobook by Raphael Rowe is a powerful listen that will change the way you view justice. Convicted (for 12 years) of a murder he did not commit, Rowe never stopped fighting for truth and freedom. His determination and outspoken nature eventually led to the truth, and his release, which then propelled him into an unexpected world of investigative journalism, spearheading other similar fights for justice. From prime suspect to host of the critically-acclaimed Netflix series Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons, Rowe leaves nothing out in this open, honest, and raw look at his remarkable and admittedly notorious life behind bars and beyond.

From Crime to Crime

Go behind the crimes in Richard Henrique’s audiobook From Crime to Crime. He takes us deep into the criminal proceedings and trials of some of the most famous criminal cases in Britain, from Harold Shipman to the Morecambe Bay cockle pickers, the killers of James Bulger and over 100 other cases. Henrique has seen many of the most high-profile stories, and now you too can learn all about these cases from the side of the judicial court. Insightful, educational, and highly entertaining, learn all about the systems of justice and all the ways to catch a criminal and, more importantly, prove their involvement. A unique and intriguing listen, this is a must for any crime fan.

Manhunt

Levi Bellfield was a notoriously brutal murderer who was eventually found guilty of killing at least three young women in Britain. But in the early 2000s, the murders of these women weighed heavily on law enforcement and public opinion, as no valid leads seemed to be found in the search to find the killer. Manhunt follows the story of how Special Investigation Police Officer Colin Sutton headed up the search and eventual capture of the man behind the murders. This audiobook, now also a major TV show, shows the investigative proceedings and goes into the background of the killer himself, offering a full picture of the horrifying crimes that shocked the nation and brought fear to all in the weeks and months leading up to Bellfield’s capture.

Unnatural Causes

See the world of true crime through the eyes of a forensic pathologist in Dr Richard Shepherd in Unnatural Causes. This is an interesting and informative audiobook that tells the stories of the victims of crimes after their untimely deaths. Learn how coroners and forensic doctors read the signs and determine which deaths were the result of foul play, natural disasters, or simply accidents. Shepherd has worked on some of the most high-profile cases, where evidence from a victim's body played a major part in uncovering the truth behind the loss. Follow along for an eye-opening experience that will change how you view crime stories.

The Great Train Robbery

This fictional story pulls on historical facts in this Victorian-era caper about a high-class Londoner who sets up a daring plan to steal a fortune of gold and hijack a whole train. Exciting, dynamic, and explosive with action and tension, this is a great alternative to true crime. Though fictionalised, author Michael Crichton roots all his works in a strong sense of reality, creating sound historical context, relevance, and atmosphere. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole way through this adventurous tale of danger, deception, and greed. A heist story like no other, The Great Train Robbery is a truly explosive audio experience.

Agent Zigzag

Next on the list is a memoir of a spy. Agent ZigZag is ”The True Wartime Story of Eddie Chapman: Lover, Traitor, Hero, Spy”. This audiobook takes an inside look at crime in a dynamic and exciting story that will captivate listeners from start to finish. Follow along this winding, twisting tale compiled from diary entries, correspondence, and former MI5 files that tell the story of this interesting man. Was he an impeccable agent? A double agent? A traitor? Or a combination of all three? Decide for yourself in this intriguing biography by Ben Macintyre, performed by narrator Peter Wickham.

Top Girl

Looking for a shocking true story of a good girl gone bad? Top Girl is the true tale of a would-be happy West Londoner, Danielle Marin, and her downward spiral into drugs and gang life. Shrugged off by the police after being brutally raped, she turns to the safety of gangs and finds she holds a place there, eventually becoming a top girl in a drug ring. From there, she becomes a key player in a trafficking scheme that gets her deeper and deeper into the dangerous world of violence and crime that comes with the London drug trade. Shocking, gritty, and dynamic, this is a gripping story. Danielle narrates the story herself, giving a raw and emotional account of her experiences. Will she see the light and make a change, or was crime always her calling?

A History of British Serial Killing

A History of British Serial Killing is a true crime fan's dream. It covers all the major stories, crimes and killers throughout British history. Listen to these gruesome stories of violence from serial killer expert David Wilson. He gives an informative and educational overview of what makes a serial killer. He outlines some of the most notorious stories and shocking tales of murder the nation has ever seen. This audiobook experience is both a history of crime and death in Britain but also a political statement about the state of prisons, the justice system, and social reforms. This audiobook is a great overview for anyone looking for a guide to all things crime in Britain.

West Cork

West Cork is a shocking, intriguing, and at times infuriating true crime series that looks at the death of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in the small sleepy town of Schull in West Cork, Ireland. Both a lookback and a docuseries-style show, this podcast covers all angles of the unsolved story, from shifting prime suspects to investigative journalists, townspeople bent on keeping secrets, and the man who seems to be at the centre of it all. Journalist Sam Bungey and documentary series creator Jennifer Forde host the show and take you through all the twists and turns and doubling back of this truly shocking and brutal act.

Body of Proof

If you love a good “innocent until proven guilty” story, you will love Body of Proof. This audio series investigates a confusing and questionable case of a missing woman and the man accused of her murder. The twist? He is adamant that he is innocent and that the Scottish justice system let him down. Follow the hosts as they talk with the accused and learn of omitted evidence, witnesses who didn’t come forward, and some shocking information that just might turn the tides. Listen along and decide for yourself: was an innocent man wrongly accused, or was justice served that day?

Death at Deepcut

A shocking secret never heard until now. A military-level scandal is covered up with dark and deadly implications. Death at Deepcut investigates the apparent suicides of four soldiers on guard duty at the military trainee camp known as Deepcut. The official stories don’t seem to add up quite right, and families started to ask questions. Listen along to this shocking account of life in a brutal and lawless training camp and discover the dark secrets that were uncovered there. Gripping, disturbing, and full of tension, this show will have you guessing all the way through to the very end.

The Messenger

The Messenger is a dramatic and emotional story of betrayal and deceit. When BBC correspondent Shiv Malik is betrayed by a source, he spends the next 15 years trying to figure out what really happened. This exciting and danger-fuelled podcast features reflections, evidence, and even live recordings of past events that tell the story of Shiv and Hassan, the seeming friends turned enemies. A story of police, terrorists, and ever-shifting trust, this is a true crime story with a dramatic flair. You’ll be on the edge of your seat along with Shiv, trying to get to the bottom of everything that happened all those years ago.

Tags