Podcast Summary: My Victorian Nightmare

Episode: Murder, She Told – Special Preview
Host: Genevieve Manion (Daylight Media)
Guest Voice: Kristen Seavey, Host of "Murder, She Told"
Release Date: April 6, 2026

Overview

This special preview episode of My Victorian Nightmare bridges the gap between chilling Victorian crime and modern true crime storytelling. Host Genevieve Manion introduces listeners to the acclaimed podcast Murder, She Told, highlighting its empathetic, research-driven approach to unsolved cases, with a particular focus on New England. The episode features a dramatic preview segment from Murder, She Told: "Dark: The Case of Peggy Mortimer."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Recommend "Murder, She Told"?

[00:00 – 02:20]

• Genevieve’s Introduction:

  • Expresses a shared fascination with true crime, both historical (Victorian) and contemporary.
  • Praises Kristen Seavey, the host of Murder, She Told, for her careful research, ethical storytelling, and interview work with people close to cases.
  • Notes the focus on unsolved and lesser-known cases predominantly from New England—a region Genevieve herself feels drawn to.

  "Kristen is a certified victims advocate, someone who discusses true crime with empathy and deep understanding, which I really appreciate."
  — Genevieve Manion [00:55]

• Appreciation for Seavey's updates on cases originally featured on Unsolved Mysteries, adding fresh details and context from new research.

  "She has covered unsolved cases that I remember hearing about on that show with so much more detail and information that has come to light since they were first covered..."
  — Genevieve Manion [01:19]

2. Preview: "Dark: The Case of Peggy Mortimer"

[02:20 – 07:31]

• Narration by Kristen Seavey:

  • Recounts the events surrounding the mysterious attack and death of Peggy Mortimer in 1937 Missouri.
  • Story unfolds with detailed atmospheric imagery: "The sun had set at 4:47pm and by 6pm the temperature dropped to the mid-40s, carried by a stiff, biting wind."
  • Describes Peggy's last known movements running errands, interactions with others, and the final moments before the attack.

  "She'd been chatting with friends... At around 6:10pm, Peggy passed the Hoxsey Hotel... just a few blocks from her home."
  — Kristen Seavey [02:50]

  • The attack is chillingly retold, including the witness testimony of Ama Potts, who recounts hearing a scream and fleeing in fear.

  "Ama may have heard the jangle of the 14 interlocking bracelets that Peggy was wearing as she passed. When Ama was a half a block from the Mortimer house, after passing it, she heard a scream, sharp and sudden, and then another, muffled, like someone had clamped a hand over the sound. Then three muffled thuds. She didn't look back."
  — Kristen Seavey [03:30]

• Discovery and Aftermath:

  • The discovery of Peggy's body is dramatized through the eyes of her husband, Burt, and reported using archival quotes.

  "As I came to the driveway, I turned the light on the ground and saw some magazines and a woman's hat. I recognized it as my wife's... I saw a body and ran over and found my wife lying on her back with her feet drawn up. Her stockings were torn and her clothing pulled up over her shoulders and head. Her face and head was covered with blood..."
  — Burt Mortimer (as recounted by Kristen Seavey) [05:17]

• Tragic Conclusion:

  • Peggy Mortimer dies in hospital without regaining consciousness.

  "It was just 10 blocks, a short walk home, but Peggy never made it."
  — Kristen Seavey [06:40]

  • Kristen closes by inviting listeners to explore over 150 episodes of Murder, She Told, signaling the depth and breadth of cases available.

  "If you like that, there's over 150 episodes waiting for you right now on Murder She Told. So I hope you go check it out."
  — Kristen Seavey [07:13]

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

On Empathy in True Crime

"[Kristen] is a certified victims advocate, someone who discusses true crime with empathy and deep understanding, which I really appreciate."
— Genevieve Manion [00:55]

Witness Testimony

"She heard a scream, sharp and sudden, and then another, muffled, like someone had clamped a hand over the sound. Then three muffled thuds. She didn't look back."
— Kristen Seavey, recounting Ama Potts' experience [03:30]

The Husband's Horror

"As I came to the driveway, I turned the light on the ground and saw some magazines and a woman's hat. I recognized it as my wife's."
— Burt Mortimer (as told by Kristen Seavey) [05:15]

Tragic Irony

"It was just 10 blocks, a short walk home, but Peggy never made it."
— Kristen Seavey [06:40]

Important Timestamps

• [00:00] — Genevieve’s introduction and endorsement of Murder, She Told
• [02:20] — Start of Kristen Seavey’s narration: “Dark: The Case of Peggy Mortimer”
• [05:15] — Discovery of Peggy's body, first-hand account by her husband
• [06:40] — Conclusion of the Peggy Mortimer case
• [07:13] — Invitation to explore more episodes of Murder, She Told

Tone and Style

The episode is marked by Genevieve’s genuine enthusiasm for haunting, unsolved stories and Kristen’s evocative, respectful narration. Both hosts share a commitment to telling dark stories with sensitivity—making the podcast engaging for those who appreciate empathy and context in true crime.

Closing Note

This preview elegantly connects the gothic chills of the Victorian era with the ongoing mysteries of modern times, providing both a tantalizing case and a thoughtful endorsement of 21st-century crime storytelling.

For more details and episode links, check the show notes or visit MyVictorianNightmare.com.