In a groundbreaking shift for true crime storytelling, Small Town Dicks co-creator Yeardley Smith and former detective Tom Wood have unveiled a riveting new podcast series, Beyond Recognition: The Ruxton Murders. The series delves into the infamous 1935 case that revolutionized forensic science, marking a pivotal moment in criminal investigations. This unique mini-series is produced by Audio 99, a division of Yeardley Smith’s Paperclip Ltd., and represents a new direction in storytelling for the company, pushing the boundaries of the true crime genre.
A Landmark Case in Criminal History
The Ruxton murders, which occurred in 1935, were not only shocking due to their brutality but also because they became a landmark in the history of forensic science. Dr. Buck Ruxton, a jealous husband, murdered his wife and their maid, an act driven by a combination of rage, pride, and desperation. The case is often cited as the first instance where forensic science played a central role in solving a crime, fundamentally changing investigative procedures worldwide.
A New Era for Small Town Dicks
Yeardley Smith, known for her role as the voice of Lisa Simpson on The Simpsons, narrates the podcast. She shares that after reading Tom Wood’s book, the production team initially intended to create a single episode for Small Town Dicks. However, the depth and significance of the story compelled them to expand it into a limited series.
“We had never done anything like this before,” says Yeardley. “The Ruxton case was so intricate and groundbreaking that we knew it deserved more than just one episode. This series is something I’m incredibly proud of—not because I narrate it, but because every aspect of it, from the music to the interviews, is so meticulously crafted.”
The Story Behind the Podcast
The idea for the podcast began when Tom Wood, a seasoned detective with a career spanning decades, sent copies of his book Ruxton: The First Modern Murder to the Small Town Dicks team. He was pleasantly surprised when they decided to turn it into a podcast instead of just a single episode.
“When I sent the books, I thought they might end up as makeshift table props,” Tom jokes. “But to my delight, they actually read them and recognized the potential of the story.”
Tom, who has collaborated with Small Town Dicks on several occasions, was initially apprehensive about how his work would be translated into a podcast. His fears were quickly allayed when he heard the final product.
“Podcasting has a unique ability to bring stories to life in a way that television often fails to do,” says Tom. “The voices, the atmosphere, the detail—everything was spot on. It even enhanced my book.”
A Case That Shaped Modern Forensics
The Ruxton case is crucial not just for its gruesome details but for its revolutionary impact on forensic science. Before Ruxton, forensic methods were considered supplementary in criminal investigations. This case changed that, integrating forensic science into the core of criminal investigation practices worldwide.
“This was the first time forensic science became the foundation of an investigation rather than just the icing on the cake,” Tom explains. “It set a new standard for every investigation that followed.”
Tom, who started his career as a detective in the 1970s, was unaware until he researched his book just how much the Ruxton case had influenced modern investigative procedures. The case was a turning point, marking the end of archaic methods and the beginning of modern, scientific approaches to solving crimes.
Crafting a Narrative That Resonates Today
One of the biggest challenges the team faced was making a nearly 90-year-old story feel relevant and compelling to today’s listeners. Yeardley and Tom both acknowledge the difficulty in striking the right tone without making the narrative feel outdated or forced.
“People are always fascinated by true crime because it taps into something primal within us,” says Yeardley. “Even though this murder happened almost a century ago, the motivations—love, money, pride—are timeless. The challenge was to tell the story in a way that feels immediate and engaging, despite its age.”
Tom adds, “When you’re dealing with characters as complex as those involved in the Ruxton case, you want to ensure their voices are authentic. The team did an incredible job with that, especially when it came to the accents. I was worried they might sound like parodies, but they nailed it.”
Beyond the Podcast: The Book’s Revival
Interestingly, the podcast has also sparked renewed interest in Tom Wood’s book. Since the series launched, listeners have reached out to Tom, sharing stories passed down through their families and expressing their newfound interest in the case. The podcast has given the book a second life, enhancing its narrative with additional layers of context and storytelling.
“The podcast has not only reached new audiences but also added value to the book,” Tom notes. “It’s a fascinating cycle—people listen to the podcast, then read the book for more details, which in turn deepens their understanding of the case.”
A New Chapter for True Crime
Beyond Recognition: The Ruxton Murders is more than just a podcast; it’s a milestone in true crime storytelling. It showcases how podcasts can take historical cases and make them relevant for contemporary audiences, all while respecting the integrity of the source material. For Yeardley Smith, Tom Wood, and the team at Audio 99, this series represents a significant evolution in their approach to storytelling.
With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to authenticity, the podcast not only honors the legacy of the Ruxton case but also sets a new standard for how true crime stories are told. As listeners immerse themselves in this gripping narrative, they’ll discover that the echoes of the past are still profoundly relevant today.
Key Takeaways
Impact on Literature: The podcast has reignited interest in Tom Wood’s book, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between different media in true crime storytelling.
Pioneering Forensics: The Ruxton case was the first to fully integrate forensic science into a criminal investigation, setting a global standard for investigative procedures.
Evolution in Storytelling: Beyond Recognition: The Ruxton Murders marks a significant departure for Audio 99, showcasing a more in-depth and serialized approach to true crime storytelling.
Timeless Themes: Despite being nearly a century old, the case’s themes of love, pride, and jealousy remain as compelling as ever.
