Where innocence meets injustice—one of Britain’s most haunting unsolved murders.

In this episode we delve into the heartbreaking and perplexing case of Helen Bailey, the eight-year-old girl whose murder in Great Barr, Birmingham, shook the nation in 1975. From the shocking discovery in "Magic Wood" to decades of investigative dead ends, a botched initial inquest, and the dramatic resurgence of the case thanks to forensic breakthroughs, we trace the twists and turns that continue to haunt Helen’s family and baffle true crime enthusiasts. Join us as we explore the enduring impact of this unsolved crime, the advancements in cold case investigation, and the lessons Britain still needs to learn about justice.

A quiet country lane, a scattered bicycle, a nation gripped by questions.

On a summer afternoon in 1978, 13-year-old Genette Tate disappeared while delivering newspapers in rural Devon. Despite massive searches, decades of investigation, and national headlines, her fate remains one of Britain’s most enduring mysteries. This episode explores the timeline of her disappearance, the tireless hunt for answers, and the shadowy suspects, including the chilling theory connecting serial killer Robert Black. We reflect on the case’s profound impact on Genette’s family, the local community, and British society. Join us as we unravel the story behind one of the UK’s most perplexing unsolved disappearances.

 Two lives, two journeys, one chilling mystery, unsolved for over 50 years. 

In 1970, the brutal murders of Jacqueline Ansell-Lamb and Barbara Mayo rocked Britain. Both were young, independent women last seen hitchhiking alone. Both were sexually assaulted and strangled. And both were found near motorways, staged eerily by their killer.

Dubbed the work of the "Motorway Monster," these cases spurred nationwide media attention and one of the largest manhunts of the pre-DNA era. From the distinctive blonde wig worn by Jacqueline to the iconic "Barbara’s ghost" police reenactment, every detail has haunted investigators and the public alike.

While a DNA profile was eventually found in Mayo's case in 1997, no definitive link has been established between the two crimes. Over 50 years on, these cases remain cold but far from forgotten.

🔎 Join us on our latest podcast episode of Echoes on the Motorway as we dive into the files, revisit witness testimonies, and reflect on how these cases shaped modern British criminal investigation.