FAQ

A: The Crime Scene Society is a true crime blog focused on in-depth documentary reviews. We cover solved cases, under-the-radar stories, and criminal justice trends with a critical but accessible voice. While The Crime Scene Society primarily focuses on true crime documentaries and docudramas, we also cover forensic science, criminal justice trends, ethical concerns in media, and cold case culture.

Our content includes:

• Documentary Reviews

• Watchlist Wednesday: Documentary recommendations and older must-sees

• Motive Monday: Case summaries and motive breakdowns

• Forensic Friday: Deep dives into forensic techniques and controversies

• Surveillance Report: Get notified of all the upcoming true crime documentary new releases and true crime premieres

• Various other Articles & Essays: Opinion pieces, genre trends, and curated collections

Whether you’re looking for honest reviews, forensic insights, or news on what’s coming next, we’ve built this site for curious minds and skeptical viewers. Head over to The Docket to see all the latest blog posts.

A: The site is created and curated by The Emerald Sleuth, an independent writer with a background in psychology and a lifelong fascination with true crime, forensic science, and documentary storytelling. For more on the voice behind the reviews, you can read The Full Story in the Confidential Dossier.

A: The Emerald Order is our private discussion group for true crime fans, documentary watchers, and forensic-minded thinkers. It’s a space to analyze cases, debate ethics, share theories, and react to current crime news without the chaos of typical comment sections. View the Emerald Order here.

A: You can join The Emerald Order directly through our site (here). Membership is free, but we ask that all participants follow our Code of Conduct to keep the discussion focused and respectful.

A: Right here. Our reviews skip the sensationalism and focus on how stories are told, what’s missing, and whether the production treats victims with respect. Each post is organized, spoiler-aware, and full of commentary you won’t find in a star rating alone. View all the true crime documentary reviews on The Docket.

A: Yes, in the best way. Every review is written by a human being with a point of view, a brain, life experience, and a moral compass. The rating system is clearly outlined in Weighing the Evidence, so readers know exactly what’s being judged and why.

A: The Crime Scene Society doesn’t follow a rigid publishing schedule, this is not a true crime review sweat shop. Reviews and posts appear as time and health permit, ensuring quality over quantity. Want to know when something new drops? Keep an eye on the homepage, join The Emerald Order , or sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates (very bottom of the homepage).

A: You can make a donation through the Buy the Sleuth a Coffee page. Donations are processed securely through Ko-fi, no account required. It’s a quick way to help keep the site ad-free, accessible, and fully independent. Donations are entirely optional but always appreciated, and every bit goes toward keeping this site running ad-free and accessible.

Donations help cover the real-world costs of keeping The Crime Scene Society running. That includes everything from the website platform and domain, design tools to streaming services, internet access, and the tech that makes it all possible. This isn’t a hobby run on fumes, it’s an independent project built with time, care, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes expenses. Every contribution helps keep the lights on and the case files open.

If donating isn’t doable right now, no pressure. There are plenty of other ways to support The Crime Scene Society: leave a comment, share a post, recommend the site to a fellow true crime fan, join the discussion in The Emerald Order, or follow us on social media. Every interaction helps keep the investigation alive, one clue at a time.

A: We track all known new releases in our Monthly New True Crime Doc series located in The Surveillance Report. Sign-up to the newsletter to be notified about all of next month's true crime documentary new releases on the bottom of the homepage.

In our Watchlist Wednesday posts we discuss must-see new premieres as well as older must-watch docs. We cover what’s worth your time, and let you know what to skip.

A: A good true crime documentary builds its case with care: it presents verified facts, offers meaningful context, and includes multiple perspectives, especially those of victims and experts. It respects the weight of real events and doesn’t shy away from complexity.

A manipulative documentary tells a story, not the story. Some examples of tactics that manipulative/bad docs use are: cherry-picking evidence, distorting timelines, skipping key interviews/not including all relevant parties, and trading substance for spectacle. It might even rehash a case that’s been covered a dozen times already, offering nothing new, just noise dressed as narrative all for a buck.

A: The Crime Scene Society focuses primarily on true crime documentaries and docudramas, but that includes a wide range of formats: from new releases to underseen classics. You'll also find forensic explainers, commentary on trends in crime media, and discussions about ethics in storytelling. Not just reviews; investigations into how true crime is told, examined in detail throughout The Docket.

A: No. This site is independently operated and not affiliated with any agency. But that independence allows for unbiased commentary, in-depth critique, and honest analysis without the red tape or agenda. You’ll find both praise and criticism, depending on how each documentary earns it.

A: My primary focus is currently true crime documentaries and docudramas, which you can browse in The Docket. But I may expand into other formats in the future. Got a must-see or must-hear recommendation? Send it my way.

A: I focus on how stories are told, not just what happened. That means breaking down direction, pacing, forensic accuracy, interview choices, and whether the victims are given the dignity they deserve.

A: This site is intended for adults 18 and older. While the tone may occasionally lean cozy or clever, the subject matter never does. I cover real crimes, real victims, and often disturbing material, none of which is suitable for children or teens. Age verification is in place to protect younger viewers from content that isn’t just inappropriate, but potentially harmful.

A: Yes, with proper credit and boundaries. You’re welcome to share short excerpts of written content with attribution and a direct link back to the original post. Please do not repost full articles, remove my name, or pretend it’s yours.

If you're a student, journalist, or fellow blogger and want to reference a post, just cite The Crime Scene Society and include the URL. For anything beyond that (syndication, republication, etc.), contact me directly.

A: For my sanity, mostly, but also for clarity. Unsolved cases often lack closure, verified facts, or confirmed timelines, which makes responsible analysis difficult and speculation inevitable.

Here at The Crime Scene Society, I aim to dissect truth, not chase ghosts. Solved cases allow for a deeper dive into the ethics, storytelling, and forensic elements without risking harm to ongoing investigations or real-world survivors. That said, I occasionally discuss high-profile unsolved cases in other formats, but full reviews typically stay in the solved lane.

A: Possibly, but tread carefully. You may quote short excerpts of my reviews with clear attribution and a verbal or visual mention of The Crime Scene Society (and a link in the show notes or description).

Do not lift full reviews, use my graphics, or paraphrase my work without credit. If your podcast or video is commentary-based and adheres to fair use, we’re likely fine; but misrepresentation, scraping, or duplication will be flagged faster than you can say “defamation.”

When in doubt, ask. I support ethical creators, but I protect my work like it’s evidence in a cold case.