The Haystack Murder

The Haystack Murder

Author: Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts February 4, 2026 Duration: 1:05:48

In this week's episode, Kate and Paul take us back to 1920s rural California, where a large fire is reported and ultimately where a body is found. After investigators identify the remains, the suspicious nature of the scene intensifies. 

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In Buried Bones, a historical true crime podcast, journalist Kate Winkler Dawson and retired cold case investigator Paul Holes unearth forgotten crimes from the distant past. Their collaboration is a unique blend of narrative storytelling and forensic scrutiny, where each episode digs into a specific mystery that time has nearly erased. Kate provides rich historical context, drawing listeners into the era and its social landscape, while Paul analyzes the evidence-or often, the lack thereof-through the perspective of modern investigative science. Their conversations are less about definitive answers and more about a thoughtful exploration, pondering how these cases would be handled today with advanced technology and contemporary investigative standards. Listening to this podcast feels like sitting in on a compelling dialogue between two experts who respect both the gravity of their subjects and each other’s distinct professional backgrounds. They discuss the evolution of forensic techniques, the challenges of historical research, and the human stories that remain poignant across centuries. The dynamic between Kate’s meticulous historical research and Paul’s grounded, practical experience from a career solving real-world crimes creates a fascinating tension and synergy. It’s for anyone intrigued by the intersection of history and mystery, offering a fresh lens on old tales that proves some questions, no matter how buried, continue to demand examination.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes
Podcast Episodes
Axed PT 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:31
In this week's conclusion of a two-parter, Kate and Paul follow the investigation of what turns out to be connected cases involving some very gruesome elements. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals a…
Axed PT 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:36
In this week's episode, the first of a two-parter, Paul and Kate head to 1912 Iowa where an entire family and its guests are found murdered in their home. The ensuing investigation sets off one of the most notable cases…
Untold Motives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:31
On today’s episode, Kate and Paul head to post WWI Liverpool, where a husband returns home to find his wife murdered. After a very involved crime scene investigation and a dramatic trial, a shocking verdict is handed dow…
Turn Back the Page: The Three Emmas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:42
In this week's episode, Paul and Kate head to 1914 San Antonio, Texas where a wealthy man's wife has an accident and becomes bedridden. After hiring nurses and caregivers, a murder takes place that has multiple suspects…
Turn Back the Page: The Christmas Mystery  [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:58
On today’s episode, Paul and Kate take us to 1945 West Virginia where a family of 12 is awoken on Christmas Eve by a fire in their home. An investigation of the scene reveals much more than simply what could have started…
Till Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:47
In this week’s episode, Paul and Kate head to 1956 Southern California where a home invasion leads to a suspicious death. When a sequence of atypical fatalities form a pattern, a dastardly suspect emerges. Support this p…
Out Cold PT 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:57
In this concluding episode of a two-parter, Kate and Paul return to Siberia to analyze the mysterious deaths of a group of experienced hikers. With hundreds of theories about this case in existence we learn more facts an…
Out Cold PT 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:50
In this week's episode, the first part of a two-parter, Paul and Kate head to frigid 1959 Russia where a team of adventuring students goes missing while their tent is left in shambles. But as investigators start to recov…
The Lady of the Dunes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:53
On today’s episode, Kate and Paul travel to 1974 Cape Cod, Massachusetts where a body is discovered but unidentified. The case becomes well known and documented as more suspects and victims become connected. Support this…
Dead Weight PT 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:52
In this concluding half of a two-parter, Paul and Kate return to an investigation started by the discovery of two bodies in 1931 Los Angeles. After a suspect is apprehended, a harrowing investigation and court case lead…