Not every murder mystery needs to be overly serious. Sometimes a bit of light humor can make a compelling mystery even more interesting. I’ve found this very true for murder mystery audio dramas. These podcasts are all high-quality scripted stories that will have you impatiently clambering for the next instalment. While humor is subjective, you’re sure to find something that’ll interest you here. All 5 of my favorite options turned out to be British. They are in no particular order.
1. Jackie The Ripper (Dark Comedy)
A modern day story of Jack The Ripper but… the serial killer is a woman and the victims are all men. The story follows the bumbling lead detective of Scotland Yard, Frederick Abberline, as he tries to track down Jackie The Ripper while getting hilariously sidetracked throughout the investigation. This one is laugh-out-loud funny.
2. Victoriocity (Steampunk Comedy)
This story, set in London 1889, follows Inspector Archibald Fleet and journalist Clara Entwhistle as they investigate a murder, and find themselves at the center of a conspiracy. Although set in the past, the technology available to them is from the future. The story is brilliantly written and acted, and is laugh-out-loud funny. I do especially love stories that have a narrator – such as this one.
3. Mockery Manor (Black Comedy)
A story set in a British theme park in 1989, it follows teenage twins JJ and Bette who have just started working there. After getting caught up in a series of mysterious deaths, it’s up to these chaotic teenage twins to catch the killer.
4. Gather The Suspects (Comfy Comedy)
A light-hearted comedic murder mystery set in 2025 after the collapse of society. This audio drama follows serial procrastinator Jack and his roommates Kara and Geraint as they try to solve a murder – using skills learned from watching terrible detective TV shows. It’s basically Only Murders in the Building, but set in a block of flats in Wales.
5. This Mortal Coil (Comedy)
A hilarious story set in the world of theatre. This 6-part series follows actress Elissa and her friend Bailey as they try to catch a killer who has a penchant for Shakespeare. If you know anything about the ins-and-outs of theatre life – such as finance worries and egotistical critics – then this show will be even funnier.
Honorable Mention
6. Sherlock & Co. (Modern Retelling)
A modern retelling of all 56 short stories of Sherlock Holmes. Dr. John Watson is the host of a podcast and tells the story of Sherlock Holmes adventures in a modern-day London. It’s a full cast production with excellent effects, witty banter and lots of humor thrown in.
