The only question bigger than “Who is the Isdal Woman?” is “Who’s keeping her identity secret?” Found in 1970, her body was burned beyond recognition. And what started as a murder case quickly led to a web of international crime rings, espionage, and conspiracy.
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May 27
The Marconi Mystery: 22 Scientists Die Mysterious Deaths in Britain
In 1986, two young British defense scientists died under mysterious circumstances, sparking theories of foul play. Not only because both specialized in underwater defense systems; they also worked for the same company, Marconi Electronic Systems. Which was one of several defense ... Show More
45m 14s
May 20
Peter Bergmann, the Mystery Man of Sligo
On June 16th, 2009, a dead body washes ashore on Rosses Point beach, Ireland. The Irish police force learns the deceased’s name is Peter Bergmann. Or is it? Because everything “Peter” did while alive seemed shrouded in secrecy. He gave his hotel a fake name, a fake address, and h ... Show More
41m 45s
May 13
The Psychic Search for the Ark of the Covenant
In 1988, a covert team operating within the Defense Intelligence Agency sought out the legendary Ark of the Covenant. Only, their search didn’t take them out in the field, Indiana Jones-style. Project Sun Streak sought out the lost relic using Remote Viewing – the reported abilit ... Show More
45m 30s
Apr 2019
“The Queen of Mean” - Leona Helmsley
Born in 1920 to poor, Jewish immigrants, Leona Helsley spent the first 30 years of her life doing whatever it took to rise above her humble origins. She changed her name, bullied her competitors, and, if necessary, skirted the corners of the law, engaging in blackmail and fraud. ... Show More
42m 16s
Feb 2024
Lady Killers: what murder scandals reveal about Victorian society
What can brutal murders reveal about society at the time they were committed? And what additional insights can we gain when those killings were committed by women? In today's Long Read, Rosalind Crone, historical consultant on the BBC series Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley, reveal ... Show More
20m 49s
Jul 2023
Death in Ice Valley: The Isdal Woman
The Isdal Woman (Norwegian: Isdalskvinnen, c. 1930–1945 – November 1970) is a placeholder name given to an unidentified woman who was found dead at Isdalen ("The Ice Valley") in Bergen, Norway, on November 29th, 1970.
Although police at the time ruled a verdict of likely suicide, ... Show More
47m 29s
Aug 2020
"The Hippie Skyjacker" Pt. 1: Cathy Kerkow
Before she hijacked a plane in 1972, Cathy Kerkow was simply a young woman from Oregon with a penchant for risk and scandal. Days of aimless rebellion reunited her with a man from her past, who enlisted her in a brash scheme to free the imprisoned political activist, Angela Davis ... Show More
41m 21s