Picture a storyteller who weaves chilling true crime tales with the precision of a historian—meet Kate Winkler Dawson! This American journalist-turned-author has captivated readers with her knack for unearthing forgotten crimes and breathing life into history’s darkest corners. From her gripping books to her hit podcast, Dawson’s work is a thrilling blend of meticulous research and narrative magic.
The Making of Kate Winkler Dawson
Born with a curiosity for stories, Kate Winkler Dawson honed her craft through a dynamic career in journalism. With a bachelor’s from Boston University and a master’s from Columbia University, she cut her teeth as a field producer for Fox News in San Francisco, covering high-profile cases like the Chandra Levy murder. Her father, a criminal law professor at the University of Texas, sparked her fascination with justice, while her early teaching stint at Fordham University at age 28 sharpened her storytelling skills. Returning to Austin in 2005, Dawson began blending her journalistic rigor with a passion for historical true crime.
Kate Winkler Dawson’s Unforgettable Stories
Dawson’s debut, Death in the Air (2017), intertwines the 1952 London Smog with the chilling crimes of serial killer John Reginald Christie, showcasing her ability to braid environmental history with suspense. Her follow-up, American Sherlock (2020), dives into the life of forensic pioneer Edward Oscar Heinrich, whose groundbreaking methods shaped modern CSI. All That Is Wicked (2022) explores the psyche of Gilded-Age murderer Edward Rulloff, while her latest, The Sinners All Bow (2025), reexamines a 1832 murder that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. Dawson’s style is vivid yet empathetic, using archives and primary sources to craft narratives that feel both cinematic and humane.
Beyond books, Dawson hosts Tenfold More Wicked, a podcast delving into obscure historical crimes across 12 seasons, and Wicked Words, where she interviews true crime authors like Patricia Cornwell. Her podcast Buried Bones, co-hosted with forensic expert Paul Holes, dissects cold cases with wit and insight. Each project reflects her commitment to stories that illuminate human nature and societal shifts.
Why Kate Winkler Dawson Matters
Kate Winkler Dawson has redefined true crime by focusing on lesser-known stories that resonate with modern audiences. Her work bridges history and journalism, offering a 21st-century lens on issues like justice, gender, and morality. Both Death in the Air and American Sherlock have been optioned for television, signaling her growing influence. As a University of Texas professor, she inspires the next generation of journalists, while her podcasts keep true crime fans hooked. Dawson’s empathetic storytelling ensures victims are never forgotten, making her a vital voice in the genre.
About Kate Winkler Dawson
- Key Works: Death in the Air, American Sherlock, All That Is Wicked, The Sinners All Bow
- Podcasts: Tenfold More Wicked, Wicked Words, Buried Bones
- Role: Associate Professor of Journalism, University of Texas at Austin
Ready to dive into a world of mystery and history? Snag American Sherlock or tune into Tenfold More Wicked for a dose of Kate Winkler Dawson’s thrilling true crime tales!