Was a serial arsonist hiding in plain sight? – podcasts of the week
by Hannah Verdier and Danielle Stephens from Technology | The Guardian on (#5MRRY)
Firebug investigates whether a work of fiction was in fact a criminal confession. Plus: Gen Z influencers vent in Pressed, and a high-profile witness speaks out
Firebug
True-crime podcasting turns to the hot stuff with the story of a man who wrote a novel in the 90s about a sad loner who starts fires across California to get kicks. It is described as not a great work of fiction", but investigators fear it might be a real-life confession from a serial arsonist. Film-maker Kary Antholis goes on the trail in true radio drama style, complete with the word incendiary" to describe the action and typewriter sound effects, but can he shed light on the firestarter and satisfy crime fans? Hannah Verdier