The Podcast Killer

by C.K. Smith, Dina Ezzeddine

“The city hides its secrets... but not from me.”

A killer walks in the shadows, exposing the lies buried deep beneath the city’s surface.
Six women missing. One whispered call for help. And a podcast that dares to tell the truth.

Welcome to Whispers in the Dark.
Hosted by the mysterious Ethan Cole, this isn’t your average true crime podcast. With each chilling episode, Ethan pulls listeners into a gripping investigation where corruption runs deep, and no one is safe. The deeper he digs, the more dangerous the game becomes—and someone out there is playing for keeps.

Do you dare to listen?

Because in the dark, nothing is what it seems. And the darkest secrets?
They’re the ones whispered in the dark.

THE PODCAST KILLER is a twisty, psychological thriller perfect for fans of true crime, morally gray vigilantes, and suspense that won’t let go.
Now available in eBook, Paperback, and Hardcover Dust Jacket.

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2025

About the author

Author also writes as Dina Ezzeddine

C.K. Smith is a Canadian writer and the celebrated author of The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor series, a chilling collection that promises to leave readers breathless with suspense and captivated by dark romance. Blending spine-tingling horror with irresistible spicy romance, C.K. Smith creates stories that haunt the mind and stir the soul.

Her latest work, The Aberdeen Manor trilogy, is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Each book in the series is crafted to send shivers down your spine, perfect for horror enthusiasts who crave a touch of the forbidden in their reads. From eerie halls to forbidden desires, this series is an unmissable journey into the depths of fear and passion.

Drawing inspiration from literary legends like Stephen King, C.K. Smith has a unique gift for weaving intricate tales that explore the shadows of human emotion. Her work is a testament to her love for storytelling, delivering an experience that lingers long after the final page.

When she isn’t crafting her next haunting narrative, C.K. Smith enjoys immersing herself in the beauty of Canadian landscapes and discovering the extraordinary in everyday life. With every story, she invites readers to step into her world of thrilling terror and sizzling romance—where the line between fear and desire blurs.

Discover the world of C.K. Smith, where every book is an unforgettable escape. Follow for updates on her latest releases and insights into her creative process. For fans of Stephen King, dark romance, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is an author you don’t want to miss!

Reviews

[iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved, loved.. this book ..

After reading The Haunting of Aberdeen manor, I was hooked on reading another from this Author.

Is it mild man or man or is it the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man?? He’s writing the wrong of a crime against his family.
A tragic event has happened, from the loss appears a man that has started a podcast where he sets out to do what needs to be done.. from the help of his listeners also his son has some very intelligent friends who have skills to help him get information on the filth that is sweeping crime under the carpet, the filth runs deep within the police the people in power. Why is the high drug dealer, the seller getting away with no prosecution?? It runs deep.
A killer is righting the wrongs and which I’ve been routing for him all along so the bad people die, maybe they shouldn’t have been bad !!
The whole concept and the writing of the story was excellent.. well done c.k Smith
People read one of her stories.
My views always

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC. Although there was some redundancy that could be cut out with repeating what the letters say, this was a fast paced and well written thriller. It was very relatable and probably had truth to it. It shows how our justice system can fail us and is unfair. I loved Ethan Cole’s vigilantly work. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Roberta Timmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a change from romance, we picked this as a book club book. I could not put it down it was an amazing book. I can not wait until book two. I highly recommend you add this book to your tbr

[Carly Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan Cole built his reputation by diving into the darkest corners of true crime as the host of a popular podcast, Whispers of the Dark, but when a string of murders begins to mirror the cases he’s covered, the line between storyteller and suspect starts to blur. As Ethan digs deeper, it becomes clear that someone is turning the tables and he might be the next story. Is it all coincidence, or is someone playing a dangerous game with his past episodes as the blueprint?

Alright, thriller lovers — buckle up for this one.

The Podcast Killer completely pulled me in from page one. It feels like you’re inside a moody true crime docuseries, headphones in, heart pounding, just waiting for the next bombshell. This book doesn’t just tell you a story, it immerses you in it. C.K. Smith has a real talent for setting a scene. You can feel the tension in the air, hear the static of the mic, and practically see each moment play out in your head.

And let’s talk about those twists. I’m still thinking about them. The plot takes turns that had me second-guessing everything, which is exactly what I want in a thriller. It keeps you on edge without feeling gimmicky or overdone. Every chapter tightens the suspense, and the payoff is worth it.

The pacing starts off almost as a slow burn, giving you time to get inside Ethan’s head and understand his motivations. Once things start to unravel, though? I couldn’t put it down. The stakes felt high, and the tension was real.

Ethan is such an interesting main character… flawed, human, and just a little too close to the cases he’s built his career on. Watching his sense of control start to slip adds to the psychological edge of the story in such a satisfying way.

This was a 5-star read for me. Super twisty. Completely immersive. The kind of thriller that makes you wonder who’s really pulling the strings — and keeps you guessing all the way to the end. I was given a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

The Vibes it Brings
🎙️ True Crime Obsession
🧠 Psychological Twists
🌫️ Atmospheric and Immersive
👀 Secrets and Lies
📓 Amateur Sleuth Energy
📉 Descent into Darkness
🕵️ Whodunnit Mystery
📺 Feels Like a Mini-Series

Perfect For Readers Who Love:
True crime podcasters turned sinister
Main characters losing their grip on control
Gritty psychological suspense
Stories that read like a Netflix binge

[🐷Shay loves books🐷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is the best thriller i have read in a long time. I am absolutely in love with C.K.’s writing! This woman can write a page turner! I cldnt stop thinking about this book the whole time I was reading it. I wld put it down to do something but my mind kept going right back to it. I had to keep going. It sucked me in and kept me. The twists and turns and the valleys and the mountains! This book take you on an adventure that you didn’t know you needed. I think I have a new love for masked men! Justice was served many times in this book, the end game was glorious!! I have a new favorite thriller author, thank you CK for writing the way you do and sharing your amazing stories with us.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Podcast Killer” is a gripping vigilante thriller that pulled me in from the very first page. It follows a true crime podcaster who digs into the corruption poisoning his city—then pushes his investigations far beyond the microphone. The story is packed with danger, secrets, and deception, creating a tense atmosphere that never lets up. I was hooked from the beginning, eager to see how far he’d go and what truths he’d uncover. A sharp, addictive read for fans of dark, twisty thrillers.

[Marin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Podcast Killer by C.K. Smith

Summary:
Mysterious Ethan Cole, host of very, very popular podcast "Whispers in the Dark", discovers crimes and filth of a city. Through his podcast he sends warnings to them and helps those in need of it.
But, with every new episode all becomes more dangerous, because Ethan is the only one who dares to tell the truth and step on toes of criminals of the city.

Review:

"Podcast Killer" held my atention and held me in suspense from the first page to the last. This book was so tense, interesting, it felt like I was reading mashup of "Law abiding citizen" and "The Punisher". All characters were interesting, I immediatly felt connection to them. Suspence was present all the time, and it just wants you to keep reading to see what will happen next.
I can"t wait for the sequel and to see what C.K. Smith has in store next for Ethan Cole.

[Amy Lismore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved the story; it was incredibly exciting and different from what I've experienced before. I love the characters, and I love
the narrator did an amazing job.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!

It grabbed my attention immediately and I had a hard time putting it down. When I did put it down it is all I thought about.
The author did an excellent job with the characters and the writing. I was pulled in and invested to see what was going to happen next. Even though it was evident who the killer was from the beginning it didn't ruin the book at all. It actually made me keep reading to see who the killer would get next.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one.

[robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this highly recommend

[Hammer Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is fantastic. The narrator, Nathan Westhoff, gave me chills every time he said "whispers in the dark" as Ethan Cole!
y'all, I had to run to see if this was a series because I NEED MORE!! CK Smith has a way with words. This had me emotionally invested in the first few minutes. I felt like I was listening to a real true crime documentary, FROM the unaliver, himself! I loved every second of this book! the plot is realistic, the characters are well thought out and relatable, the execution is flawless, the back story is heartbreaking, and the revenge is so EXCITING!! C.K. also makes sure to add characters from all walks of life into her stories. I love the inclusion. great job... now when can we read book 2?!!!

[Kelly Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced story without any dull moments. Gen X might think this a bit Dexter Meets The Net meets Pump Up the Volume. If you enjoyed Bosch, this is right up your alley. The layers of deceit and the twists keep the story moving. The narrator totally added suspense on the audiobook. I can’t wait for the second book!

[Carol Gulliford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Podcast Killer is an atmospheric and relentless story that holds your attention throughout. The narrator did a fantastic job of building the tension and bringing to life an emotionally charged and unpredictable character, which made this audiobook quite a ride!

I have one small criticism; one phrase during the podcast was repetitive and jarred a little, but it's still a 5-star read/listen from me.

[Natasha Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a thriller, you found it. I was so invested in Dominic and Liam’s story. It’s heartbreaking, and Dominic..aka..Ethan Cole, does what anyone would want to do..he seeks justice and oh does he get it.
This is so well written, you feel the characters feelings..loved it and can’t wait for The Final Podcast.

[Tina Transformation · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Podcast Killer is more than just a thriller—it’s a whispering descent into the kind of darkness we pretend doesn’t exist.

From the moment I stepped into Ethan Cole’s world and hit play on Whispers in the Dark, I felt like I was being dragged under. This isn’t just a story—it’s a slow bleed. Every word, every pause, every breathless moment of that podcast felt like someone breathing down my neck. It’s invasive. Intimate. Horrifyingly real.

The authors don’t just write suspense—they dissect it. The missing women aren’t just victims—they’re echoes, fading too quickly, dismissed by a system too broken to care. And Ethan? He’s not a hero. He’s a man chasing ghosts, clawing through rot and silence to unearth a truth that doesn’t want to be found. He’s haunted, unhinged in the most human way, and you feel it—how close he teeters to becoming the very monster he’s hunting.

There’s no safety in this book. No soft landings. Only sharp edges, blurred morality, and the horrifying realization that sometimes the truth doesn’t set you free—it ruins you. The ending gutted me. It didn’t scream—it whispered. And that whisper is still with me.

If you like your thrillers polished, clean, and tied up with a bow—walk away. But if you want something raw… something that crawls under your skin and stays there, this book delivers.

The Podcast Killer isn’t fiction. It feels like a confession.
And the scariest part?
You’ll want to listen.

[Stormi Nightroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.K. Smith bursts onto the thriller scene with The Podcast Killer, a dark, pulse-pounding debut that blurs the line between truth and terror.

When six women vanish without a trace, the world turns its eyes to Whispers in the Dark—a true crime podcast unlike any other. Behind the mic is Ethan Cole, a host with a voice as captivating as the secrets he exposes. But as his investigation digs deeper into corruption and deceit, Ethan discovers that some stories aren’t meant to be told—and someone will do anything to silence him.

Smith crafts a masterclass in tension and atmosphere. Every chapter crackles with suspense, every revelation pulls readers further into a labyrinth of lies and danger. With morally gray heroes, haunting twists, and a voice that feels all too real, The Podcast Killer proves that sometimes the truth isn’t just dangerous—it’s deadly.

If you love dark thrillers, complex characters, and the electric pull of true crime, you won’t just read this book—you’ll listen for every whisper.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good suspense, thriller.
Ethan Cole is not your usual, typical podcast host. He knows how to get the people going! He covers topics about the injustice in the community and how the law and law enforcement allow the criminals to walk and the people who don't really deserve to be in jail are. But when he starts to cover some murder cases that are happening and start giving way more details than people have knowledge to, Ethan Cole is suspected to of being a vigilante of sorts. No one knows who Ethan Coles' real identity is, though, select few figure it out along the way. And while he's being chased by police for the crimes he's committing to those who are deserving of it, the police dept. is at risk of imploding when accusations of the officers within those very walls are accused of being the criminals. The story is captivating and keeps you hooked for what's to come next. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Jaimie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book 3.75 stars. I listened to the audiobook. And I did enjoy it. It keep me interested and turned out to be a good Thriller story.

Ethan Cole is the host of the podcast, Whispers in the Dark. He is hiding behind several walls of tech to hide his true identity, with the help of his son's best friends and tech guru's. After he tragically loses his wife and daughter, he goes after the system that let him down. And he becomes judge, jury, & executioner to the cities worst and most corrupt members.

While hiding this identity from his son who was also a victim of the system and is bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He finds that not all secrets can be kept secret. So now it's a race to get to his endgame before it all crumbles down around him and he's the one that needs saved.

[Ashleigh Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Podcast Killer in exchange for an honest review. This story was quite interesting and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat as it unfolded. It's always interesting when there's vigilante justice and Ethan's podcast really seemed to fire up his listeners.

As more levels of corruption were revealed, we saw just how much people were hiding from those around them. I liked the different POVs and once I caught on to how the author had structed the changes, it was easy to switch back and forth between the different characters. I couldn't wait to see if everything came together at the end.

If you like a story where the average person takes on crime, you'll enjoy The Podcast Killer.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Podcast Killer by C.K. Smith
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟(4.5 rounded up)

This is a fun and exciting twisty crime thriller!! It’s full of secrets, surprised and lots of suspense!
Ethan Cole has a podcast called Whispers in the dark, where he encourages his listeners to help him look into and solve crimes.
This book feels like it could be a work of non-fiction! People are scary!
This book is a fast paced read and totally sucked me in!
Will the podcast investigation take deadly turns?

This is my first read from this author and I’m excited to read more of her books!
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job!

*Check out this entertaining book!!*
🩸🎤🎙️🎤🎙️🩸

[Terri Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an arc review. It took me a little longer to read, not because of the book but because of life. This book was excellent and I’m glad I was chosen to review it.

This is one book where you might just want to be friends with the serial killer! I honestly cannot wait for the second book to drop.

If I had only one critique it would be the chapters are extremely long. I can’t pick up a book and put it down without finishing the chapter - this limited the amount of reading I was able to do - but this is just a personal preference.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy, clever, and totally binge-worthy—like your fave true crime podcast, if it pulled you into the case.

Host Ethan Cole is mysterious, haunted, and just shady enough to keep you guessing. With six women missing and one whispered call for help, he dives into a dark, gritty investigation—and you won’t want to look away.

The writing? Sharp and immersive. The tension? Chef’s kiss.
5 stars for this twisty, atmospheric thriller. Just don’t listen alone.

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Podcast Killer isn't merely your typical thriller; it dives headfirst into the darkness we usually avoid. Invasive. Personal. Painfully real. The missing women aren't just statistics; they're fading echoes ignored by a callous system. There are no soft landings here. Only sharp edges, blurred lines of right and wrong, and the chilling realization that truth, at times, doesn’t liberate; it destroys. The conclusion left me breathless.

[Kem Verner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder who cleans up the filth? The crime? The miscreants? Is it those sworn to serve and protect? Usually. But what happens when those sworn to protect the people and rid your city of drugs and crime are the very people who are profiting from it? Enter Ethan Cole and his small but mighty band of misfits. This book is a great thriller with twists and turns that leaves you salivating for the follow up.

[Jess Bohanick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was my first book by C.K. Smith, and I am hooked!

My thriller lovers, this one’s for you. You’ll find yourself rooting for the killer and fully understanding why he’s doing what he’s doing (which makes it all the more chilling). I could not stop listening! The layers of corruption being peeled back, the rising stakes, the moral gray areas - I ate it up.

A huge thanks to the author for gifting me an ALC, you’ve officially gained a loyal reader! 👏

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first ARC from C.K. Smith, and although I didn’t get around to leaving a Goodreads review until now, I had to come back and say it — this is exactly how a thriller should be written.

Twists and turns at every angle.
And Ethan Cole? Let’s just say he is justice — he takes matters into his own hands and makes sure people listen.

I loved this book!

Hands down, everyone needs to download it, buy it, and read it ASAP.

— Sophie

[Cylie Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Podcast Killer

As you follow the story of Dominic Graves a devoted loving father to a disabled son who had his whole world shattered when his wife and daughter are murdered then there is Ethan Cole an investigative journalist who host a podcast about the city’s darkest secrets while delivering his own form of justice.

[Angela Taymor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Podcast Killer is a pulse-pounding thriller that feels like listening to a true-crime series you can’t pause. The story plunges you into the world of Whispers in the Dark, a podcast that exposes corruption and hunting those the system ignored, and the tension stays high from beginning to end. The way the plot unfolds kept me turning pages and guessing what would come next.

[Sophia miller242i · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best thrillers I’ve read this year. The writing is sharp, the plot is layered, and the mystery is so well crafted. If you love morally complex characters and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is for you.

[SkySpiritHuggingYou Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy true-crime podcasts, psychological thrillers, or stories with complex, flawed characters, *The Podcast Killer* is a must-read. Its immersive storytelling, chilling atmosphere, and unexpected twists make it a standout in the genre. Just don’t read it alone in the dark.