Reviews

This is absolutely the kind of work that crime-related media should learn from: retelling of stories centered around the victims, survivors, the impact of crime and when the justice system/law enforcement fail to do their job, analyses of events that are detailed, surgical, informative as well as educational. It is a much-needed breath of clean air in the murky space of crime genre, setting itself apart from empathy-voided tales of over-sensationalized violence, further exploitation of victims and survivors, glorification or mystification of criminals, or the lack of reflection on the toxic cultures that have allowed them to proliferate. From the qualification of the host Laura Richards to the professional quality of the episodes, from the guests' input to the survivors' many inspirational stories, this podcast is truly remarkable throughout. The issues of violence, abuse, and other crimes perpetrated predominantly by men towards women and children, and the failure of societies to take effective actions to protect them are, sadly, still very much globally relevant in this day and age. Such matters are the core of this podcast, as Laura examines case after case through a critical lens, with no detail too small to spare. Indeed, it's all been going on for far too long. I do believe that, no matter who you are, there is something to be learned from this podcast, but perhaps even more so for the decision-makers, those in power, and men who want to make a difference. For me, it is a difficult listen, for the simple fact that the content of the cases presented can be hard to process emotionally. Though Laura always reminds us that we are lovely and her voice carries a firm, steady and reliable presence, in many episodes, it is a constant exercise to keep the overwhelming feelings of sadness, disgust and rage in check. As Laura says, it can be triggering, and do take care! (My 2 cents: When listening, keep many videos/pictures of animals being cute handy, I know they definitely help me stay calm-ish during the most stressful parts. Also take breaks as needed, remember to do breathwork, and listen to something lighter also helps!)

Huge fan of Laura and her interview technique she’s an absolute amazing woman and what she’s done for other women around the world is amazing.

Laura’s podcast is one of the few I have listened to consistently and have done so from the start. Her depth of knowledge, professionalism, and wealth of experience are second to none. Most importantly, she keeps victims at the centre of their own murder/story so they are no longer forgotten victims and their lives matter. Her guests are compelling in their experiences and knowledge too, and this podcast takes you deep into often familiar crimes, from the victims’ perspective. Laura’s work on coercive control has been instrumental in leading governments in the UK and Australia to change laws that take victims of emotional abuse and stalking seriously. She knows these are early signs of ‘murder in slow motion’ and brings a rare highly trained, female perspective. Laura not only talks the talk but she walks what she believes in. I am certain many women will owe their lives to this and I have huge respect for her. Thank you for the enormous amount of time and effort you put into this podcast, the tireless work you do and the changes you inform in real life.

Crime Analyst has given me incredible passion and purpose! Thank you to Laura for the education and insight her podcast provides. She is truly inspiring and once you’ve listened to an episode or two, you can’t help but see DV, stalking & coercive control with a completely different lens. As a result I was able to make a meaningful impact with a mother and her newborn baby.

Laura is the most outstanding woman dedicatedly and brilliantly leading the way in placing women into view, changing the law on coercive control, an indefatigable, clear as a bell, super-intelligent voice for change. I admire her more than I have admired any public figure. I know her from Real Crime Profile and already know she’s great. But this podcast, oh wow. What isn’t apparent from Real Crime Profile is just what an intelligent, analytical, forensic, all-seeing interviewer she is. I have never heard a better interviewer. She wears all this lightly and is quick to raise up her guests and their achievements. It is a very special thing to hear her get th best out of her guests and the results are fascinating and full of insights you haven’t heard before. Even with subjects that you thought you knew a lot about. I’ve just listened to the Prince Andy Newsnight episodes. They are excellent. Two intelligent women speaking together, not hiding their intelligence and knowledge. Not bantering or giggling. Oh, it’s so rare! Laura asks questions informed by her forensic background, she actually asks what you want to know! She is so incredibly skilled as an interviewer, multi-dimensional. We all know Emily Maitliss did a good job on the Newsnight interview. If Andy ever fancies another go at it, I‘m sure the Crime Analyst’s door is always open. Laura in case you read this you are a hero.

Brazilian listener here and I am a huge fan of Laura and all of her work! I always learn so much from the episodes and to listen to a woman with such knowledge, so intelligent and so compassionate about helping people is something that keeps my soul warm. Thank you, Laura! For all the amazing work that you do and for always shining a light on the victims and not the perpetrators. Because those are the people that really matter and deserve our attention. Keep up with the good work, all the best! Gabi

Laura Richards analysis of Gabby Petito's murder, *femicide*, deserves wide recognition. Gabby's murder illustrates the dangers all women face from domestic violence. Laura's advocacy for our safety is essential--we cannot only warn of "stranger danger", we must also warn of and be able to recognize intimate partner violence and coercive control!

I just discovered this podcast and I have been binging it for the past two days. I can’t stop lifting! also, I find Laura‘s voice very soothing

I’ve always listened to, or watched true crime , it is often uncomfortable, as it should be, but usually for the wrong reasons due to sensationalism, centralising of the perpetrator and diluting the the existence of, and death of the victim. This podcast is refreshingly victim centric and reinforces the wider brutal impact that violence and murder has on not just the primary victim but also family members and others. I applaud Laura for taking the establishment to task and alerting us to the failing’s of what is still a patriarchal system. Well done!

Impressive work on your Gabby Petito series, Laura! The depth of your analysis is so incredible. You allowed Gabby’s story to be heard and the subtleties understood. Thank you for the psychoeducation provided around DV and coercive control. (I work in this field myself). This is such an important conversation that we really don’t seem to be having often enough. Thank you for all you do to give victims in these situations a voice, so their stories can be heard. Love your work!

This podcast opened up the Sophie Toscan du Plantier case with fresh and honest insights. A truly great addition to the work of journalists on this unsolved crime. I live in ireland and I have watched and listened do everything on this case. This was truly refreshing and the analysis thorough, with a much-needed spotlight on the misogyny of the DPP report and the deeply sexist and flippant summing-up of female testimony in particular. The podcast called out the lack of investigation into, or weight given to, the repeated behavioural patterns and personality of the suspect. It exposed the derisory summing up that brushed over contextual evidence and statements. It showed how the DPP decision ignored the underlying fear and consequent bias that underpinned the evidence given from a long term, manipulated and violently abused victim of the suspect. I really appreciated the wider perspective on the experience of women in the suspect’s life and the raw anger at the belittling of domestic violence and sexually predatory behaviour. Highly recommended this podcast and can’t wait to listen to more- thank you for your work.

Love love love love this podcast. I’m obsessed with it! Have learnt so much from listening to it. First heard of Laura Richard’s through The Lady Vanishes and cannot get enough of her since. I want Laura’s words to spread everywhere (especially to law enforcement and governments) like a really virulent virus!

**Facebook Review: 5 Stars** Brilliant! Laura is the best!! She leaves no stone unturned. Her love and compassion really shine through for all her victims and survivors like me. Thank you, Laura, for using your platform to help your viewers get to the truth. I am so grateful for your dedication as a crime analyst. Your #1 fan Colette Martin

Huge thank you Laura for analyzing and deconstructing the Nicola Bulley case (especially your analysis of the College of Policing Review) on the crime analyst youtube channel. The Nicola Bulley case had gained a lot of worldwide attention due to speculation and conspiracy theories. Similar to that, the police said right from the start of the investigation that it was their working hypothesis that Nicola fell into the water with no evidence of crime and third party involvement. The police did not cordon off the bench where Nicola`s phone and the dog`s harness were recovered. There are questions to be asked about the police`s working hypothesis and Nicola`s vulnerabilities that were shared at the 15th February Press Conference which was utterly defensive. Also, Nicola`s case was declared as a critical incident on 16th February. They should have deployed family liaison officers far earlier on. #LeadershipMatters #Leadership #TrustandConfidence #DecisionMaking #Accountability #NicolaBulley #Lancashire

In my top 2 favourite true crime podcasts - detailed, insightful, educational & engaging. Thankyou for sharing your expertise Laura - your courage is contagious!

Laura’s podcast is so informative and her hard work on and off mic, educating the world and those in power about the truth of gendered violence is slowly changing the world. You’re my shero!

Crime Analyst is my absolute favorite podcast! I am constantly inspired by Laura Richards' advocacy for women and victims. Her unmatched expertise and passion are evident in every episode, and her insights are so valuable that I often find myself taking notes and using the information in my daily life. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in true crime and justice! Thank you, Laura!

Unreal breakdowns, smart angles and a presenter that’s fast become my absolute favourite. Laura treats her audience like they’re smart and gives you room to think for yourself. Thank you ! Fascinating beyond any analysis I’ve heard recently… love your work Laura. So happy to have discovered you x

In general, a coronial inquest is similar to a public hearing where the coroner reviews and goes through all the evidence to identify the manner and cause of death. Witnesses were called to give evidence of their knowledge and understanding based on the circumstances of the death. I love your analysis of the coronial inquest and the College of Policing Review in which this was a significant event given the speculation and public interest surrounding this case. #NicolaBulley #Lancashire

I can’t say enough how much wonderful information I have gained listening to this show. It has helped me see things I never would have known to look out for even just a short time ago. Thank you so much Laura. Keep spreading the word!! Thank you so much.

Fascinating insights into the ‘why and how’ rather than merely a gratuitous description of violence.

Not only does Laura give us insight to what she has personally witnessed and done in her career but she also has wonderful guests come on to share their experiences with dealing with coercive control, abuse, stalking, how to profile an individual - to be on the look out! It’s so wonderful to hear from women that have actually experienced and lived through horrible circumstances and made it out! It isn’t easy talking about this kind of stuff - but every woman should know the signs and what to look for and I truly feel that Laura has helped so many of us that are curious and interested in this topic. I can’t say enough about this podcast! LISTEN FOR YOURSELF ❤️

As a researcher some of whose work focuses on GBV including femicide, I have learnt so much from Laura’s compassionate, insightful, and accessible analysis and advocacy for women on this issue that is so often so difficult to talk about and understand.

I have been fascinated by true crime forever but struggled to articulate why until now. As a woman I need to understand why these terrible crimes happen, how perpetrators get away with it and how I can protect myself. Laura Richards answers all of these questions.

I’ve been listening Laura’s podcasts Crime Analyst and Real Crime Profile since 2020, very few true crime podcasts can compare! I just finished Laura’s episode on the harrowing abuse Corey Micciolo suffered. You can hear the concern and care in her voice as she fights tears while telling his story. The knowledge she shares is invaluable and she truly puts her heart into every case she covers!

Laura is an amazing teacher. I arrived here from Real Crime Profile. As a psychologist, I have learned so much from this excellent and articulate host. Such intelligent analysis and understanding is rare in a true crime podcast.

Amazing podcast! Laura has such a wealth of knowledge and is an inspiration to all women everywhere. Her ongoing work to ensure the safety of women is truly astounding and as a woman, I appreciate everything she does.

Laura is a queen - so intelligent, an amazing educator and she sheds light on the issues that everyone should know about. I’ve become a better advocate because of her and this podcast!

This is not only my number 1 true crime podcast, it is my overall number 1 podcast! Why? Because it is sincere, victim centered, detailed, informative, educational and emotional. It doesn’t serve true crime to you as pure entertainment but as something to take seriously. Laura reminds you that real people and real victims are behind these terrible crimes. I really appreciate that there is always something to learn and reflect on from each episode. It is also worth following Laura on social media as she often comments on current cases and events.

Laura, thank you for being a true champion for women and girls. This podcast is so important. You hear women, you see us, you inform us and you validate the feelings that we dare not speak aloud. As you ‘walk the talk’ and continue to push hard for reform and change around the world, I want to thank you for everything you do in the space. With recognition and respect at the heart of your work, I am grateful for your true grit and determination to make positive change.