The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

"Danger with Grainger: Triple X Murders" (EP4826)

Air Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Adam Graham presents an installment of "Danger with Grainger," focusing on "The Triple X Murders." Listeners are taken on a suspenseful ride into a 1950s-era detective drama, where Steve Granger investigates a string of killings marked by the murderer’s signature: three lipstick X’s on each victim's forehead. After the episode, Adam offers commentary on the performances, the plot's construction, and the challenges of creating convincing cross-cultural radio dramas.

Major Story Beats & Discussion Points

1. Discovery of the Triple X Murders

Time: 03:23–04:46

• The episode opens with Steve Granger receiving a call from Graham Dwyer, who claims to have discovered two bodies ("just youngsters") in a car at Pelham Bay Park.
• The trademark three X's, made with lipstick, are found on each victim—a chilling hallmark of the killer.
  • Quote (Steve Granger, 04:16): “Hey, what's the matter, Officer? We're in for a lot of grief. You look at these marks made by a lipstick. Three X's.”

2. Steve Granger Takes the Case

Time: 04:46–07:15

• Granger is approached by Mrs. Martha Morton to help clear her son John, who is under suspicion for the murders.
• John had motive (spurned after losing a coin toss for a date), and circumstantial evidence (shoe and tire prints) aligns with him, but Granger senses reasonable doubt.
  • Quote (Lieutenant Harding, 07:09): "Shoes can be similar. Cut it out. We matched the tires on Morton's car with some tire prints. They were alike, too."

3. John Morton’s Account & Police Investigation

Time: 07:16–08:44

• Granger visits John at police headquarters. John insists on his innocence, explaining he found the bodies but panicked and drove away when the police arrived.
• Granger finds the boy “too logical” a suspect—suspects perhaps a setup or misdirection.

4. Graham Dwyer, Amateur Criminologist

Time: 08:58-09:31

• Dwyer offers to work with Granger, claiming special interest in crime as an amateur criminologist and reasserting John’s innocence.
  • Quote (Graham Dwyer, 09:10): “I offered my services to the Lieutenant here, but he’s refused them. I happen to be interested in crime. I’m an amateur criminologist.”

5. Attack on Granger and Further Investigations

Time: 09:35–13:32

• Granger is nearly shot outside his office; the attacker flees by car.
• He interviews Anna Long, who was with John Morton the night of the murders, but gains no conclusive evidence.
• Police reveal the attack car was stolen, frustrating further leads.
  • Quote (Steve Granger, 13:01): “I’m afraid it won’t make you happy. We checked with the car owner. He left his keys in the car. It disappeared naturally, and it’s still missing.”

6. The Second Triple X Murder and John’s Exoneration

Time: 15:05–16:44

• Dwyer alerts Granger to a new “triple X” murder (this time, a single female victim), which occurs while John is still in custody. This development proves John couldn’t be the killer.
  • Quote (Graham Dwyer, 15:25): “There’s been another 3x murder.”

7. Collaboration, Clues, and Police Frustration

Time: 16:44–18:33

• Granger is instructed to keep John Morton out of trouble but encourages Dwyer to investigate the latest victim’s home (to keep him occupied).
• Granger and Lieutenant Harding discuss the psychological profile of the murderer—an egotist seeking attention.

8. A Trap for the Triple X Killer

Time: 18:33–19:55

• Granger proposes staging a fake 3x killing with police help to lure the real killer, suggesting that the murderer is obsessed with credit for his crimes.
  • Quote (Steve Granger, 19:07): “The 3x killer must be an egomaniac. He loves to see his trademark written up in the papers. Now, suppose somebody comes along and claims to be the 3x killer. The real one gets jealous.”

9. The Climax: The Killer Revealed

Time: 21:11–24:23

• During the staged police operation in the park, Dwyer reveals himself as the original Triple X killer, exposing his ego and need for recognition.
  • Quote (Graham Dwyer, 24:03): “Because I happen to be the original 3X. It was I, you understand?”
• Granger and the police foil Dwyer’s possible attack; he’s wounded and arrested.

10. Aftermath and Reflection

Time: 24:23–25:53

• Harding and Granger debrief. Dwyer’s apartment is found full of crime memorabilia, showing his deep-seated mania.
  • Quote (Harding, 25:23): “He’s insane. When we raided his apartment, we found it was a storehouse of information on murder. Finally went to his head.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Hey, what's the matter, Officer? We're in for a lot of grief. You look at these marks made by a lipstick. Three X's."
  — Steve Granger (04:16)
• “Shoes can be similar. Cut it out. We matched the tires on Morton's car with some tire prints. They were alike, too.”
  — Lieutenant Harding (07:09)
• “I’m afraid it won’t make you happy. We checked with the car owner. He left his keys in the car. It disappeared naturally, and it’s still missing.”
  — Lieutenant Harding (13:01)
• “The 3x killer must be an egomaniac. He loves to see his trademark written up in the papers. Now, suppose somebody comes along and claims to be the 3x killer. The real one gets jealous.”
  — Steve Granger (19:07)
• “Because I happen to be the original 3X. It was I, you understand?”
  — Graham Dwyer (24:03)

Host Adam Graham's Commentary & Additional Insights

Reflections on the Episode

Time: 26:24–29:00

• Adam Graham notes the sharp banter, especially Harding’s put-downs of Granger, reminiscent of classic radio character Sergeant Corbett.
• Observes that the actor playing Dwyer evokes Dink Trout’s style, though Trout himself could not have played the part.
• Graham critiques the mystery's predictability: “I was kind of suspicious of [Dwyer] from the beginning, but then I was certain of it... a lot of this episode was obvious in terms of where the solution was going.”
• Praises the episode’s entertainment value but recognizes its lack of subtlety in concealing the villain’s identity.

Discussion on Cultural Portrayal & Accents

• Adam reads and responds to listener feedback regarding American and British accents in old-time radio dramas, highlighting the challenges of capturing authentic dialogue across cultures.
  • Quote (Adam Graham, 27:20): “It does illustrate the challenge of trying to write about another culture in a way that will be believable.”
• Comments on how these challenges persist, even as technology closes cultural gaps.

Key Timestamps

• Opening & Case Set-Up: 03:23–05:24
• John Morton’s Alibi & Interview: 07:16–08:44
• Attack on Granger: 09:35–10:53
• Another Triple X Murder & John Exonerated: 15:05–16:44
• Granger Proposes the Trap: 18:33–19:55
• The Trap & Dwyer’s Confession: 21:11–24:23
• Host Commentary and Listener Feedback: 26:24–29:00

Tone and Style

• The episode carries the dramatic urgency and clipped dialogue of 1950s audio detective fiction, punctuated by Granger’s wry asides.
• Adam Graham’s commentary provides a blend of analytical reflection and affectionate humor, appealing to fans of classic detective stories and radio history.

Summary

“Triple X Murders” exemplifies the classic private detective audio drama: an atmospheric park slaying, a falsely accused suspect, and a psychologically driven killer ultimately revealed by his own pride. The episode is entertaining, though its central twist is anticipated early by attentive listeners. Adam Graham’s post-show musings enrich the episode with insights into old-time radio production and cultural authenticity. Overall, a satisfying listen for fans drawn to vintage mysteries, radio history, and podcast nostalgia.