EPISODE · May 14, 2026 · 1H 8M
Jill Bavin-Mizzi - Author of Bible John - A New Suspect
from Footnotes on Crime · host Colin Mathieson & Katie McGrath
In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Jill Bavin-Mizzi, historian, researcher, and author of Bible John: A New Suspect, a compelling re examination of one of Scotland’s most infamous unsolved murder cases.With a background in academic history and cold case narrative non fiction, Jill brings a fresh and highly analytical perspective to true crime investigation, combining historical research, genealogy, archival analysis, and ethical inquiry in the search for answers.About the EpisodeCan historians solve cold cases differently from detectives and criminologists?In this fascinating and deeply detailed conversation, Jill Bavin-Mizzi discusses her extensive research into the Bible John murders and explains how her academic approach uncovered new perspectives on a case that has haunted Scotland for decades.Drawing on hundreds of documents, primary sources, interviews, and genealogical research, Jill explores how historical methodology can offer valuable tools in cold case investigations and challenge long established assumptions.Research, History, and Cold Case InvestigationJill’s work demonstrates how the skills of a historian can intersect with criminal investigation in unexpected and powerful ways.In this episode, she reflects on the importance of primary sources, the ethical considerations involved in investigating historical crimes, and the responsibility of revisiting cases involving real victims and surviving families.Our conversation is thoughtful, meticulous, and genuinely eye opening, exploring not only the mystery of Bible John, but the wider question of how truth is uncovered over time. One not to be missed. What We CoverThe story behind Bible John: A New SuspectThe role of historians in cold case investigationsPrimary sources and genealogical researchEthical considerations in true crime and historical inquiryChallenging established narratives around Bible JohnThe intersection of history, research, and criminal investigation.Listen Now🎧 Tune in to hear Jill Bavin-Mizzi’s insights and experiences on Footnotes on Crime.Purchase the book (Amazon Links)Bible John – A New SuspectPaperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3PyWTSrKindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4npq8ntVisit www.footnotesoncrime.com for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints.Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month- https://amzn.to/3OewMzASign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW*Commission paid by Amazon**Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact
What this episode covers
In this episode of Footnotes on Crime, we are joined by Jill Bavin-Mizzi, historian, researcher, and author of Bible John: A New Suspect, a compelling re examination of one of Scotland’s most infamous unsolved murder cases.With a background in academic history and cold case narrative non fiction, Jill brings a fresh and highly analytical perspective to true crime investigation, combining historical research, genealogy, archival analysis, and ethical inquiry in the search for answers.About the EpisodeCan historians solve cold cases differently from detectives and criminologists?In this fascinating and deeply detailed conversation, Jill Bavin-Mizzi discusses her extensive research into the Bible John murders and explains how her academic approach uncovered new perspectives on a case that has haunted Scotland for decades.Drawing on hundreds of documents, primary sources, interviews, and genealogical research, Jill explores how historical methodology can offer valuable tools in cold case investigations and challenge long established assumptions.Research, History, and Cold Case InvestigationJill’s work demonstrates how the skills of a historian can intersect with criminal investigation in unexpected and powerful ways.In this episode, she reflects on the importance of primary sources, the ethical considerations involved in investigating historical crimes, and the responsibility of revisiting cases involving real victims and surviving families.Our conversation is thoughtful, meticulous, and genuinely eye opening, exploring not only the mystery of Bible John, but the wider question of how truth is uncovered over time. One not to be missed. What We CoverThe story behind Bible John: A New SuspectThe role of historians in cold case investigationsPrimary sources and genealogical researchEthical considerations in true crime and historical inquiryChallenging established narratives around Bible JohnThe intersection of history, research, and criminal investigation.Listen Now🎧 Tune in to hear Jill Bavin-Mizzi’s insights and experiences on Footnotes on Crime.Purchase the book (Amazon Links)Bible John – A New SuspectPaperback (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/3PyWTSrKindle (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4npq8ntVisit www.footnotesoncrime.com for more information about the podcast, or to sign up to our newsletter and become one of our Footprints.Sign up to Audible* - Select 1 audiobook a month and enjoy unlimited podcasts with Audible Standard at £5.99 per month- https://amzn.to/3OewMzASign up to Riverside FM** - Riverside is the AI-powered platform that lets you record, edit, repurpose, and distribute studio-quality content as easily as if you had a crew behind you. Sign up today - https://riverside.sjv.io/9VVebW*Commission paid by Amazon**Commission paid by Riverside FM / Impact
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Jill Bavin-Mizzi - Author of Bible John - A New Suspect
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