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The Crimes of Dorian Gray
This gripping fictional true crime podcast delves into the story of the enigmatic Dorian Gray, a vigilante who changed the world, rewriting history in the blood of her victims. Her targets were the titans of their era—billionaires, movie stars, politicians. Dorian said they had one thing in common: they had all committed crimes against women. They were rapists, abusers, master manipulators. Dorian left evidence of their heinous offenses with their bodies, and then she vanished without a trace.
To some, Dorian was a feminist icon, a #MeToo crusader who single-handedly rebalanced the scales of sexual power. To others, she was the worst terrorist of the 21st century. But who was the real Dorian Gray? A demon or an avenging angel? Was she even human? How did one woman manage to take down the most powerful men of her generation and win?
These and other burning questions echoed through the internet since Dorian's disappearance, until now. Speranza, a relentless young journalist, is determined to unravel the pure and simple truth on her podcast, The Crimes of Dorian Gray. Unfortunately for Speranza, the truth is seldom pure and never simple.
Written and directed by Arvind Ethan David and produced by Prodigal, The Crimes of Dorian Gray is a radical reinvention of Oscar Wilde's gothic masterpiece, exploring the question he asked 150 years ago: what does it mean for the powerful elite to live without consequences? What does it say about the society that allows them? Executive Produced by Milena Govich, Amanda K. Price, and Lexi Underwood, the show’s extraordinary cast includes Lexi Underwood, Lara Pulver, Richard Schiff, and Neil Brown Jr., and an original song by ASCAP winning composer Erran Baron Cohen, performed by Olivier Award winner Lara Pulver.
To some, Dorian was a feminist icon, a #MeToo crusader who single-handedly rebalanced the scales of sexual power. To others, she was the worst terrorist of the 21st century. But who was the real Dorian Gray? A demon or an avenging angel? Was she even human? How did one woman manage to take down the most powerful men of her generation and win?
These and other burning questions echoed through the internet since Dorian's disappearance, until now. Speranza, a relentless young journalist, is determined to unravel the pure and simple truth on her podcast, The Crimes of Dorian Gray. Unfortunately for Speranza, the truth is seldom pure and never simple.
Written and directed by Arvind Ethan David and produced by Prodigal, The Crimes of Dorian Gray is a radical reinvention of Oscar Wilde's gothic masterpiece, exploring the question he asked 150 years ago: what does it mean for the powerful elite to live without consequences? What does it say about the society that allows them? Executive Produced by Milena Govich, Amanda K. Price, and Lexi Underwood, the show’s extraordinary cast includes Lexi Underwood, Lara Pulver, Richard Schiff, and Neil Brown Jr., and an original song by ASCAP winning composer Erran Baron Cohen, performed by Olivier Award winner Lara Pulver.
Audiobook
Published April 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this audio performance. It was a good reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ set within our modern society and somewhat future.
The Podcast-like template of this was fitting, and quite fun. However, I really could have done without the very annoying, and pretty lengthy song/music that plays between episodes.
But above all, this was a good thriller/mystery; with elements of the classic strewn about. I highly recommend this to anyone that is interested in Oscar Wilde, Dorian Gray, thrillers, feminism, or just anyone who loves mysteries.
***Side Note*** I love Lara Pulver, she is forever my favorite Irene Adler from BBC’s Sherlock, and she did an amazing job as Dorian Gray.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️/5
The Podcast-like template of this was fitting, and quite fun. However, I really could have done without the very annoying, and pretty lengthy song/music that plays between episodes.
But above all, this was a good thriller/mystery; with elements of the classic strewn about. I highly recommend this to anyone that is interested in Oscar Wilde, Dorian Gray, thrillers, feminism, or just anyone who loves mysteries.
***Side Note*** I love Lara Pulver, she is forever my favorite Irene Adler from BBC’s Sherlock, and she did an amazing job as Dorian Gray.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️/5
May 11, 2024
What did I just listen to! It had some interesting part; however, I did get lost. I was determined to finish it, though.
June 26, 2024
I've listened to most of this author's books on Audible, they are free and short so I know I won't have to invest too much, but I believe this will be my last one. The story started off promising but due to the length, it felt rushed and I honestly couldn't care for the musical theatrics between the chapters, it was a bit much. It was also quite easy to unravel this retelling of Dorian Gray and didn't need much thought to figure out the mysteries about how all the characters were linked. The ending was supposed to leave me dumbstruck but that failed with me already figuring it out halfway through the book.
May 28, 2024
Strange in a Good Way
After reading a few reviews, I was hesitant to give this a listen. I ended up enjoying it more than I expected. It had a sci-fi feel that is not my usual cup of tea, but I still found it to be very interesting. I love stories told through a true-crime podcast perspective, so that really appealed to me. I also love vigilante storylines. Dorian Gray was definitely on a major revenge tour. I never read Oscar Wilde’s book, so I went into this somewhat blind. This format provided for an entertaining interpretation of the classic book. The only part that really bothered me was the awful theme song that played for each episode of the mock podcast. This story got weird at times, but I’m glad that I had a chance to listen to it.
After reading a few reviews, I was hesitant to give this a listen. I ended up enjoying it more than I expected. It had a sci-fi feel that is not my usual cup of tea, but I still found it to be very interesting. I love stories told through a true-crime podcast perspective, so that really appealed to me. I also love vigilante storylines. Dorian Gray was definitely on a major revenge tour. I never read Oscar Wilde’s book, so I went into this somewhat blind. This format provided for an entertaining interpretation of the classic book. The only part that really bothered me was the awful theme song that played for each episode of the mock podcast. This story got weird at times, but I’m glad that I had a chance to listen to it.
December 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐
Following a podcast style for the telling of what Dorian Gray did. The music in between the podcast episodes were an element I did not think I'd need in this story. Though the first time I heard it I mistakenly thought my audiobook went off and some music started playing. Anyway, everybody in that family had a hand within the case, but grandpa's hand is just the worst one of them all.
Following a podcast style for the telling of what Dorian Gray did. The music in between the podcast episodes were an element I did not think I'd need in this story. Though the first time I heard it I mistakenly thought my audiobook went off and some music started playing. Anyway, everybody in that family had a hand within the case, but grandpa's hand is just the worst one of them all.
December 17, 2024
It started out great, they just got messy the second half and the ending made no sense
June 1, 2024
I was very confused why this was released as an audiobook instead of the podcast this was obviously supposed to be, when Audible obviously hosts podcasts. It didn't make sense to me to "waste" so much of the short time on the title song and recaps of the last episode.
Still, the production is very good and the actors all did a great job.
I liked this take on the story of Dorian Gray, making it about female rage and getting back at your abusers. It's a bit convoluted in turns and some of the plot twists were a bit too obvious, but monsters getting done to them what they've been doing to others? We love to see it.
Still, I feel like the scope could have been a bit bigger and a bit more explanation about the gender wars wouldn't have hurt.
Would still recommend, especially to the "I support women's wrongs" girlies.
Still, the production is very good and the actors all did a great job.
I liked this take on the story of Dorian Gray, making it about female rage and getting back at your abusers. It's a bit convoluted in turns and some of the plot twists were a bit too obvious, but monsters getting done to them what they've been doing to others? We love to see it.
Still, I feel like the scope could have been a bit bigger and a bit more explanation about the gender wars wouldn't have hurt.
Would still recommend, especially to the "I support women's wrongs" girlies.
May 11, 2025
I love the audio production of this and it’s getting a star for that alone. Say what you want about selling your soul to Bezos, it gives you access to beautifully crafted audio like this. It is worth listening to for the idea alone. There is a theme song I would love to be able to hear regularly, not only is it storytelling itself, it is performed by the stunning Lara Pulver.
Dorian Gray and Speranza are both great. Speranza is a smart young woman who is fearlessly looking for the truth. She is conflicted about some of the information she is offered and questions the truth. Dorian is a badass bitch looking for vengeance, trying to make a point, offering apologies to all the assaulted women in the world. Dorian has a fantastic line “No the reason I have you all naked and trussed up is because I like to look at you. You’ve put your talent into work, but you’ve put your genius into your body. As a woman I can appreciate that.” It says a lot about her as a woman, a sexual creature. She is, after all, a female version of Wilde’s Dorian.
The Crimes of Dorian Gray is written in a podcast style and is a young woman, Speranza, trying to find out the truth of one of the big mysteries of her time. Who was Dorian Gray? Why did she massacre the men she did? Speranza does this by accessing public records and using the information only just willingly provided by her father, a retired Police Commissioner and a detective on the case, Hank Wutan. Speranza never gives her real name, only the nickname, which means hope in Italian. There is a seriously predictable element to The Crimes of Dorian Gray. From the time it started, I guessed some it, it’s more about the ride and how Speranza is going to receive and react to the information rather than the information itself.
The story runs in three time frames. At best, guess 2040, when Speranza is creating her podcast. The core crimes happened in September 2019. The framing crimes happened in 1982. This has some moments of extreme violence perpetrated against men who may or may not have deserved it, something that Speranza reminds the listener frequently with the lines “Before we start. Just a warning that this program contains strong language, sexual references, violence and content that some listeners may find upsetting.” Don’t take that warning lightly some of it is upsetting. There is a reason it is included.
As always the cast as listed in the credits. Please forgive any spelling mistakes in my transcription.
• Lexi Underwood — Speranza
• Neil Brown Jr. — Detective Hank Wutan
• Richard Schiff — Detective Augustance Braknall
• Lara Pulver — Dorian Gray
• Jordan Belfi — Basil Hallward, Governor Banning & Alan Campbell
• Samuel Barnett — Baron Klaus Arnheim & Ambassador Chasabl
• Kiran Deol — Baroness Lara Arnheim, Cecily Goring and Maria Hernadez
• Joe Spano — Comissoner Fred Goring & Robert Goangelo
• Kirsty Yates — Ambassodor Luverson
• Brittany Chapman-Holman — Gwendolyn
Dorian Gray and Speranza are both great. Speranza is a smart young woman who is fearlessly looking for the truth. She is conflicted about some of the information she is offered and questions the truth. Dorian is a badass bitch looking for vengeance, trying to make a point, offering apologies to all the assaulted women in the world. Dorian has a fantastic line “No the reason I have you all naked and trussed up is because I like to look at you. You’ve put your talent into work, but you’ve put your genius into your body. As a woman I can appreciate that.” It says a lot about her as a woman, a sexual creature. She is, after all, a female version of Wilde’s Dorian.
The Crimes of Dorian Gray is written in a podcast style and is a young woman, Speranza, trying to find out the truth of one of the big mysteries of her time. Who was Dorian Gray? Why did she massacre the men she did? Speranza does this by accessing public records and using the information only just willingly provided by her father, a retired Police Commissioner and a detective on the case, Hank Wutan. Speranza never gives her real name, only the nickname, which means hope in Italian. There is a seriously predictable element to The Crimes of Dorian Gray. From the time it started, I guessed some it, it’s more about the ride and how Speranza is going to receive and react to the information rather than the information itself.
The story runs in three time frames. At best, guess 2040, when Speranza is creating her podcast. The core crimes happened in September 2019. The framing crimes happened in 1982. This has some moments of extreme violence perpetrated against men who may or may not have deserved it, something that Speranza reminds the listener frequently with the lines “Before we start. Just a warning that this program contains strong language, sexual references, violence and content that some listeners may find upsetting.” Don’t take that warning lightly some of it is upsetting. There is a reason it is included.
As always the cast as listed in the credits. Please forgive any spelling mistakes in my transcription.
• Lexi Underwood — Speranza
• Neil Brown Jr. — Detective Hank Wutan
• Richard Schiff — Detective Augustance Braknall
• Lara Pulver — Dorian Gray
• Jordan Belfi — Basil Hallward, Governor Banning & Alan Campbell
• Samuel Barnett — Baron Klaus Arnheim & Ambassador Chasabl
• Kiran Deol — Baroness Lara Arnheim, Cecily Goring and Maria Hernadez
• Joe Spano — Comissoner Fred Goring & Robert Goangelo
• Kirsty Yates — Ambassodor Luverson
• Brittany Chapman-Holman — Gwendolyn
June 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
May 13, 2024
This short amazing story felt like a podcast and blew my mind in how fascinating it became as I got immersed in this dark world. It felt like any of these events could happen in the real world, the Paranormal Elements felt like female rage personified and I adored the voice actors. Sisters of Gray was such a interesting group ~ the element of female rage was fascinating.
"Before I go further into this river of blood..."
"I am a the angel of vengence."
"Good night abusers, good morning survivors."
Trigger Warning: Discussion of SA, rape, and torture
"Before I go further into this river of blood..."
"I am a the angel of vengence."
"Good night abusers, good morning survivors."
Trigger Warning: Discussion of SA, rape, and torture
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
Estas historias cortas me llaman mucho la atención. Se me hacen muy originales ya que toman algo que muchos conocemos, como la historia de Dorian Gray, y la transforman en algo totalmente nuevo como una asesina que busca venganza contra el patriarcado por eventos de su pasado.
Me encanta que sea en formato detective con un caso viejo y que el personaje que relata conecte en todos los puntos de la historia tanto con la asesina como con algunas de sus víctimas.
Tiene bastantes TW: abuso sexual, tortura, drogas, entre otros.
Me encanta que sea en formato detective con un caso viejo y que el personaje que relata conecte en todos los puntos de la historia tanto con la asesina como con algunas de sus víctimas.
Tiene bastantes TW: abuso sexual, tortura, drogas, entre otros.
November 4, 2024
The podcast storyline of this book was original and was really good. It kept me hooked from beginning to end with all the twists and turns. I was rooting for the sort of villain, a Villian in the sense that she was the antagonist to the “good” guys. The thing is that in a wicked turn of events, good is bad and bad is good. Though it’s not quite that simple is it? The ending was really good as well and I enjoyed it very much. Dorian Grey was the ultimate hero in a way, unconventional sure but she had a good heart for the most part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2024
I really enjoyed the audio version but the podcast format got a little old at times - playing the song between every episode got old fast. The story itself though was very interesting. I like the idea of a female Dorian and what she might be capable of. Interesting and short - I would recommend if you are looking for something a little different. 👩🏻🔪🩸👮🏾♂️🎤
Read
September 5, 2024The podcast format for chapters worked well. I had an easy time following the story and the flow was good. There were interesting concepts included but I wasn't sold on certain elements being necessary for the story and Dorian's motivation to be satisfying. It felt reductive.
Couple of'hmms' out of 5 overall rating and a journey to be taken only once.
Couple of'hmms' out of 5 overall rating and a journey to be taken only once.
June 4, 2024
I really like Arvinds work and really hope they keep popping out short stories. They make me think way more than most books I read and I really love how it is written as well. Plus it is always a topic that makes you really think about your life and how you would react in this same situation.
June 22, 2024
Enjoyed this quick listen. It was set up like podcast episodes, so it was easy for me to listen to one and come back. The mystery of Dorian Gray and how it tied in with the original was interesting and a little twisty (especially in context with the podcaster).
July 1, 2024
This was a great spin on an old tale. Fantastic cast, great storyline, beautiful production. I'm curious about the graphic novel by the same author. I'm going to be checking out more from this author for sure!
May 16, 2024
A story inspired by the original work by Wilde. Interesting. Violent. Not for squeamish readers. But I really enjoyed this.
May 20, 2024
I enjoyed this a lot, wish it was longer but I think they’ll be a part 2.
May 21, 2024
Had such potential and then took a weird turn that was so convoluted I couldn’t wait for it to end.
June 15, 2024
The story had potential but failed. It's a pod cast style story that repeats horrible theme music for each episode and wastes time. The ending couldn't have been more predictable or boring.
June 28, 2024
Not bad.
July 5, 2024
Good! Definitely need an imagination when listening.
July 8, 2024
Kinda wierd
July 11, 2024
A fictional true crime podcast about the vigilante, Dorian Gray, who kills very important men in society who have committed crimes against women. A twisted tale with a surprise ending.
July 14, 2024
Really fun alternative (non-dystopian) future story that includes a new and revised take on Dorian Gray.
I dug it!
D
I dug it!
D
August 8, 2024
Interesting plot. The execution turned out to be very mid IMO
September 1, 2024
The book has many twists and turns. It puts your brain to the test to solve the mystery.
September 24, 2024
It’s not often that I just too reading a book, but I had to stop reading this because it just wasn’t interesting enough.
December 20, 2024
Loved reading this story, I haven't read the original, but I had a great time with this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews