As we close out the year, we’re stepping away from a single case and opening the files on Dead Ends itself. This Christmas special is a looser, more reflective episode — a chance to look back at the stories that stayed with us, the moments that shocked us, and the cases we still can’t stop thinking about.

We revisit some of the most memorable investigations we’ve covered this year, share our favourite moments behind the scenes, and reflect on how researching these cases has changed the way we see true crime.

But this episode isn’t just about endings. To balance the darkness, we also shine a light on something we don’t talk about often enough — the people who survived. We explore powerful stories of near misses, quick thinking, and sheer resilience — cases where victims escaped, fought back, or trusted their instincts and lived to tell the story.

It’s a reminder that while many trails go cold, not all stories end in tragedy.

• A recap of the cases we covered this year
• The moments that shocked, frustrated, or stayed with us the longest
• Behind-the-scenes reflections and unexpected discoveries
• Listener interactions and the impact of the community
• Stories of victims who escaped attempted murder
• Why survival stories matter in true crime

This week’s mini episode explores two haunting cases that continue to raise the same question: how can something so shocking remain unresolved?

Erica covers the disappearance of Suzie Lamplugh, a 25-year-old London estate agent who vanished in broad daylight in 1986 after arranging a house viewing with a man she referred to as “Mr Kipper.” Despite a prime suspect and decades of investigation, Suzie was never found — and her case forever changed personal safety practices across the UK.

Pete takes us back to 1912 Iowa, to the Villisca Axe Murder House, where eight people — including six children — were brutally murdered in their sleep. The crime shocked a nation, produced a long list of suspects, and remains one of America’s most infamous unsolved mass murders.

Two cases. Two eras. And suspects that many believe were hiding in plain sight.

This mini episode includes discussion of abduction, murder, and violence against adults and children. Listener discretion is advised.

Do you think these cases had obvious suspects from the start? We want to hear your thoughts.

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On a freezing January night in rural Northumberland, 28-year-old taxi driver Evelyn Foster picked up a male passenger for what should have been a routine fare. Hours later, she was found severely burned beside her smouldering car on a remote stretch of road.

Before she died from her injuries, Evelyn gave a disturbing account of an attack — one involving a mysterious man, a struggle, and a fire that consumed everything except the unanswered questions.

Despite a large-scale investigation, conflicting witness statements, and Evelyn’s own fading testimony, no one was ever charged. This case remains one of the most debated and enigmatic murders in early 20th-century Britain.

• Background on Evelyn Foster and the community she lived in
• The last confirmed sightings of Evelyn on the night of her attack
• The discovery of her burning vehicle and injuries
• Evelyn’s dying account and why it became controversial
• The mysterious passenger: what we know and what doesn’t add up
• Police theories vs. public speculation
• Why this case went cold — and why some believe it was never solved
• Our theories and discussion