A bestselling true crime author, and the crimes he’s accused of

In this episode, The Guardian investigates Christopher Berry Dee, the UK's best-selling true crime author, who is accused of a range of violent and abusive behaviors, including sexual assaults on minors. The episode begins by painting a picture of Dee's seemingly idyllic family life in the 1990s juxtaposed with the disturbing environment fueled by his obsession with serial killers. Shirin Kale, the investigative journalist, shares insights from interviews with Dee's family members, former colleagues, and alleged victims.

Dee is revealed to have been physically abusive towards his second wife, Tracy, along with allegations of sexual interest in minors, including his children. Tracy recounts episodes of extreme violence, while their daughters Zoe and Sasha describe a childhood steeped in danger and abnormality. Helen, a victim who met Dee as a child at an art school, narrates her grooming experience and subsequent sexual abuse, detailing how Dee's alleged behaviors mirrored those described in his true crime writings.

Despite the serious allegations and a police report made by Helen in 2006, the authorities did not prosecute Dee, citing legal loopholes and insufficient evidence, which sparked discussions about how society grapples with violence against women and children. The episode concludes by questioning the ethics of true crime consumption in light of Dee’s disturbing actions and analyzing the disconnection between the popularity of true crime and the realities of abuse victims.