In this special bonus episode, Esther and producer Lorena answer listener questions and share their own reflections after a six-week deep dive into the life, death, and murder of Elizabeth Short.

Topics include:

• Who the real Elizabeth Short was versus the myth of “The Black Dahlia”

• Whether her killer was someone she knew or a stranger

• Whether the murderer had medical training

• The possibility of solving the case today with DNA

• Theories on whether more than one person was involved

Esther and Lorena also discuss what surprised them most during the series, how their theories have evolved, and why this case still grips us nearly 80 years later.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more deep-dive true crime investigations.

📚 Sources

Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by John Gilmore

The Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood by William J. Mann (upcoming)

👉 Pre-order the book here: Black Dahlia: Murder, Monsters, and Madness in Midcentury Hollywood

To explore more of William J. Mann’s fascinating work — including his previous bestsellers and a calendar of upcoming appearances — visit his author page on Simon & Schuster.

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✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽

We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure.

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