In 1961, suburban housewife Joan Risch vanished from her Massachusetts home, leaving behind a blood-soaked kitchen and two young children.

But when investigators discovered she’d been secretly researching murders and disappearances for months, the case took a shocking turn. Did Joan become the victim of a brutal crime, or did she pull off one of history’s most elaborate disappearing acts?

This deep dive explores the mysterious case that’s baffled investigators for over 60 years, examining the evidence for staged disappearance, murder, and everything in between. Join us for a compelling look at one of New England’s most controversial cold cases.

## REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

**Primary Sources:**

- Lincoln Police Department Case Files (1961)

- The Boston Globe Archives (1961-1996)

- The Fence Viewer Newspaper (1961)

**Key Resources:**

- “Into Thin Air: What is the Likeliest Explanation for the Disappearance of Joan Risch?” - Medium

- Wikipedia: “Disappearance of Joan Risch”

- Lincoln Public Library Checkout Records (1961)

- Original Police Investigation Documents (PDF archives)

**Additional Reading:**

- “Gone Girl - Joan Risch” - Morbidology

- Various True Crime Podcasts and Documentaries featuring the case

- Contemporary newspaper accounts from Boston-area publications

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