Content warning: This interview features content that some readers may find distressing.
Beyond Recognition: The Ruxton Murders, the latest podcast from Yeardley Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson) and the makers of the hit series Small Town Dicks, promises to captivate true crime enthusiasts with an in-depth exploration of the infamous 1935 Ruxton murders.
Based on the forensic science bestseller Ruxton: The First Modern Murder by detective Tom Wood, this six-episode series will delve into the disappearance and gruesome deaths of a glamorous young mother and her dutiful maid, unravelling one of the most significant investigations in forensic history.
The case led to groundbreaking forensic techniques that forever changed how violent crimes are solved.
Interview with Yeardley Smith and Tom Wood
Q: What drew you to the Ruxton case, and why did you decide to create a podcast about it?
Yeardley: I’m always fascinated by people who take a chance and for whatever reason — either instinctually or out of necessity — decide to take a different approach to something that’s been done the same way forever. On top of the motive for the Ruxton murders being as old as dirt, the way the police investigated the crime was brand new and laid the groundwork for how we handle crime scenes today.
Tom: I knew about the ‘Ruxton’ story from forensic and detective training, but in the early 2000s, I came across some old papers, unseen for 70 years, that threw new light on the case and showed that there was more to the case than publicly known. I was determined to write a new book about the case (‘Ruxton: The First Modern Murder’), which was well-received and became a bestseller. The podcast takes the story even further, enhancing it with further analysis and context.
Q: How did you both come to collaborate on this project?
Yeardley: Tom had been a guest on the podcast I co-host, Small Town Dicks, many times and was already a favorite among our listeners because he’s a great storyteller. So when he brought us his book Ruxton: The First Modern Murder, we were eager to see what we could do with it.
Tom: I met and worked with Yeardley and Small Town Dicks on other podcasts. I was struck by their professionalism and was delighted when they showed an interest in my book and the Ruxton story.
Q: What do you hope listeners will take away from this series?
Yeardley: As a person who consumes a lot of true crime, I keep thinking that one day I’ll be able to understand why human beings are capable of such depravity and cruelty towards each other. Maybe someone who listens to this series is close to figuring that out and can tell me. Or maybe someone listening will see themselves in Isabella’s situation and get out of a bad relationship before it’s too late. Another takeaway is that we take so many crime-solving techniques for granted now, and this series is a little window into where a lot of it began.
Tom: I hope listeners will learn to question the orthodox view of history — question and analyse for themselves.
Q: What impact do you think true crime podcasts have on public perception of historical crimes and forensic science?
Yeardley: Whether a crime is 90 years old like the Ruxton murders or it just happened yesterday, people want to know ‘who, what, why?’, and when those questions can’t be answered, it feels like unfinished business. In terms of Ruxton, the police went way out on a limb to put together a damning but risky, circumstantial case. I can’t help but wish the cops had been similarly inspired 40 years earlier when Jack the Ripper was on the loose.
Tom: I think true crime podcasts, when done well, prove that real life and real people are stranger than fiction. They also teach us valuable lessons.
Q: Yeardley, your career spans acting, writing, and producing. How do these diverse experiences influence your approach to creating a true crime podcast?
Yeardley: For me, the number one rule in podcasting is to listen. I’m not a fan of podcasts where people constantly interrupt each other. I also don’t believe you can fake being interested in someone. The person, and your audience, will always be able to tell. Luckily, I really love knowing how people do what they do and why.
Q: Between this and your work on Small Town Dicks, what is it about true crime that makes you as heavily interested as you are?
Yeardley: The majority of true crime listeners are female, and I think part of that is because we’re so often the victims. There’s a little bit of “There, but for the grace of God, go I,” every time I watch or listen to a true crime case, but also, I want the good guys to win. So, if there are people out there who make it their business to harm others, I want to know that there’s another group of people out there who are equally dedicated to stopping them.
Q: What was the most surprising thing you learned about the Ruxton case while working on this podcast?
Yeardley: That they used to use jackal fur on women’s coats! Kidding aside, I was surprised that despite the many ways the investigation advanced forensic science, the case has all but been forgotten, even in the UK.
Q: Having listened to the first episode, it sounds like you enjoy the role of a narrator. How does this kind of experience compare to other voice-acting work, such as on The Simpsons?
Yeardley: HA! The direction I was given when we were recording was, “Imagine you’re telling this story to all your favourite people at a dinner party.” So, I tried to do that and not sound flat. But when I listened to the final edit, I cringed a little because I don’t love the sound of my own voice. When I watch The Simpsons, there’s obviously a strong resemblance between my actual voice and Lisa Simpson’s voice, but Lisa’s voice sounds totally different and perfect to me. Plus, Lisa is eight. She’s supposed to sound like a child! I’m a long way from eight and I often wish I sounded more grown up.
Q: Tom, as the author of Ruxton: The First Modern Murder, what inspired you to write the book and now turn it into a podcast series?
Tom: Podcasting adds to the story of the book by questioning conclusions in the written narrative. Done well, the podcast enhances the story and takes it to a new audience who may not be attracted to the book.
Q: Buck Ruxton was known as the “Savage Surgeon,” the worst since Jack the Ripper. You had grown up aware of the Ruxton case; what aspects of your investigation into him and the murders did you find most compelling or unique?
Tom: The ‘Savage Surgeon’ title is a misnomer. Ruxton’s actions in dismembering the bodies of his victims were purely pragmatic and logical, given his skill set. What attracted me to the story was not the murders but the coming together of a remarkable group of people who combined in groundbreaking work.
Q: You claim that the Ruxton case is a turning point in the history of forensic science and that anything post-Ruxton could be considered “modern forensics.” Can you elaborate on the groundbreaking forensic techniques that emerged during the Ruxton case and their significance in modern forensics?
Tom: The Ruxton case was remarkable in that it set the standard for science-led criminal investigation. The specialisms of forensic entomology, dermal fingerprinting, and facial superimposition were all developed for the first time in this case. In addition, the case established the model of the independent forensic expert.
Q: Sgt. Robert Sloan carried out a surprisingly thorough investigation when many officers at the time would have not demonstrated much forensic ability. His actions were pivotal to the solving of the case and the preservation of evidence at the scene. If you could ask him any question over dinner, what would it be?
Tom: I would love to have met Sgt. Sloan and congratulated him on his performance. I would ask him how he managed to carry out such a perfect ‘crime scene management’ exercise when he had no experience, no training, and no equipment. It was a brilliant exercise and, given the circumstances, quite remarkable. Sgt. Sloan set the standard which we all tried to live up to.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects or cases you’re considering exploring next?
Yeardley: Season 15 of Small Town Dicks drops in September, and we have some great cases in store for our listeners. I have a new chat podcast coming out in early 2025 called Can’t Yeardley Wait! where I invite my guests over to my house for some homemade hors d’oeuvres and great conversation, which begins with them telling me a personal story that they enjoy telling. The story can be about absolutely anything, and I’ve heard some great ones as I’ve interviewed actors, writers, athletes, and comedians. It’s been the highlight of my spring and summer. Since we launched our podcast network, Audio 99, this past spring, we’ve been taking pitches for other new podcasts — true crime and otherwise.
Tom: Yes. I have just finished a new book about a famous murder investigation that I was directly involved in. The World’s End Murders – The Inside Story tells the story of the long hunt for the killers of two 17-year-old girls from Edinburgh. My next project is a collection of short stories, then I intend on writing a new study of the crimes of Burke and Hare — the famous body snatchers.
Beyond Recognition: The Ruxton Murders promises an exploration of a truly landmark case in forensic history, offering listeners a blend of both historical intrigue and scientific discovery. Be sure to tune in every Friday to uncover the secrets and groundbreaking work that forever changed forensic science.
Words by Kieran Webb
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