These low reviews are mad it was marketed as True but couldn’t tell it was false. Well it makes it a great story. The mixes of true and false make it a fun horror story and almost believable. Thankfully voices from other horror podcasts were used so I knew it was false but mannnn does it make you question it.

Not true crime but marketed as such.

It’s all lies and not even done well. Spoiler alert, the “niece” plays “real footage” from the murder of her aunt and it’s so disturbing and unbelievable. Who would do this?! This podcast is marketed as true crime but it’s all scripted and unconvincing. The acting is bad and within minutes it becomes clear it’s all fake.

I’m not sure why so many did not understand this is fiction. It’s a sort of found footage style of audio dramas. It’s written as a true crime horror story. It’s highlighting the real life crimes often overlooked by people in places like USA. It highlights the real issues of crimes against the marginalized and Mia bringing it to the attention of those that overlook it. It’s a fantastic story. Don’t let those who misunderstood and down rated it. - written by a 3,300 year old alien vampire.

It is not true crime.

Mislabeled as True Crime. I do love the idea and storytelling.

Our minds process things differently when they’re presented as fact, even if some will say that it’s “clearly fake”. It doesn’t matter. This was presented as something true, and there will always be some people who won’t be able to tell the difference. This can be damaging - Reminiscent of the BBC Halloween fake-special controversy. The voice acting fails at accurately imitating a True Crime Podcast, the characters aren’t really interesting. Fails as both fiction and nonfiction, committing to neither and poorly imitating both. Would have enjoyed if it was clearly fiction from the beginning. That way, it can go all in on capturing reality without hurting people.

It clearly says fiction. Right at the very top. Don’t give a bad review because you neglected to actually read. And this was sooooooooo good!

It was entertaining but I mean... why market it as true crime?

Yes, it is not a terrible podcast, it’s so-so. But they mis-marketed it as true crime and that has consequences. Also, it feels like they are exploiting the truly sad situation in Ciudad Juárez to supplement their fictional story.

They should really tell people it's fictional

If you go into it knowing it’s fictional, it’s fantastic!!

People who are complaining this shouldn’t be in true crime need to shut up. its a interesting take on a fiction true crime podcast and brings an interesting story to the genre. No reason to review it bad on that alone. Loved the voices and storyline!!

So disappointed this podcast was advertised by Up and Vanished. There should be a disclaimer that this is not true crime but just a made up story. I was suspicious from the start because of the unique crime that is never heard of but also the whole thing is entirely scripted. There should be an opener stating that the entire podcast is fabricated.

Pochas ridiculas!!

I get it they shouldn’t have called it true crime but it’s really good. Give it a chance.

This is a horrible podcast. There were WAY better ways to tell this story without making it KNOWN it was being read off a script. This isn’t true crime and shouldn’t be in this category.

her thing): Love the show! These girls rock! Their investigation is well researched and easy to follow. Their voices are pleasant to listen to and the content is always interesting and delivered a tasteful, informative manner. Highly recommend to any true crime fan out there!

The story would’ve been better if it wouldn’t intercut the episodes with ads for socks and deodorant. The acting was not good. Lots of over acting. Too much filler with information and clips of other real life murder cases like Bundy and Kemper. Not sure if the intent initially was to pass this as a real case, but it would explain a lot.

Awesome storytelling!

I listen to a ton of podcasts due to my job and this isn’t the worst one I’ve heard. It’s actually pretty well done. I don’t entirely get how anyone would have thought this was a non fiction pod after hearing high quality sound from footage of a woman being decapitated in the first ep. If you listen to Sword and Scale or other pods that play sound from 911 calls, videos etc. the sound is never that great. Anyway, I really don’t think it deserves the terrible rating it has. Give it a chance! I’m glad I did.

Amazing!

The story was ok. The acting was meh. But the most annoying part is that probably around 1/3 of the show is advertising.

I like the mix of true crime and audio drama. Never heard anything quite like it and don’t know why it’s so lowly rated. Thanks for the free entertainment!

This podcast sets the standard for every future unsolved murder podcast. It’s professionally produced and very polished. Magdalena and Monica know how to tell a story, and feel they are very honest about their experiences. I also enjoy the insight brought to the case by Thomas Hargrove, Sheriff Arvin Gardner, Johann Hari, and Juan Espada. Can’t wait to see how the season ends!

The story is fiction but marketed as true crime so a lot of people gave it a poor rating but the story is fiction and not a real story, but the story is good and it keeps you on your toes.

If you go into this knowing it’s just a fictional story, it’s pretty good. Yes, it sounds scripted. Yes, Jane the Virgins mom is one of the main characters. Also, when you have time to kill, it’s good to have some distraction.

What a great podcast! It was well researched and performed. It reminded me of Limetown in that it modeled itself after real podcasts and presented itself so well. I recognized Andrea Navedo and Danny Trejo right away but would love to see a full cast list.

The story could have worked. But the lack of emotional support from the “readers” is 5th grade talent show at best. Marketed like a true crime podcast. But it’s fictional with campy writing.

This made my commute just breeze by!

I love the story but I’m stopping listening to it because the acting is so bad. I just can’t take it. It’s poorly scripted and the actors sound like they are reading.

...

One word: disappointing

Yes, at times the voice acting is a little corny but I’m not sure why everyone is so upset about it being a fictional story labeled as true crime, there’s plenty of fictional true crime TV shows, (CSI, Law and Order, Castle) it’s meant to be the same genre. I’m excited for season 2.

It is hard enough to distinguish fact & fiction in media today. Betting on that and deliberately creating fictitious content and promoting it as real is just corny. It’s not innovative; it’s reductive.

...and was cool with listening to fictional story, but the audio was cringeworthy. Especially the SERIOUS overuse of over dramatic Spanish inflection on certain words.

I made myself finish this because I felt it was going to get better. It had to, right? No. No, it didn’t.

I love this podcast. I’m really looking forward to season 2.

Horrible acting, really mad that it’s fiction. I suspected this early on, but pushed onward hoping for a few minutes of redemption that never came. Terribly disappointed.

What happened in the 3rd episode???? It started out awesome and quickly turned into a fiction bed time story. One question, why not use the actual recording from your interview with Mrs.Doyal?

Really enjoyed the tv novela dramatics balanced out with the Mexican American vibe. More episodes/stories please!

Really good listen!

From the first episode I was under the assumption this was a true crime podcast. Until I listened further and realized how scripted this podcast really is. Such a let down. I don’t know why it wasn’t advertised and fiction to begin with

Really bad acting and so obviously fake. Previews were billed as true crime and not fiction which was very annoying and disappointing given the typical production value of Tenderfoot.

Great story telling, great voice acting, and excellent at drawing you into their story. Not sure why people are so upset about this being "fake". I'm happy that this is fake. If you like audio drama, please give it a try. We need more quality story telling like this.

Not a true crime podcast. It's implied that it is, but it is not. In that sense, it is using grief and crime victims to sell it's drama. No bueno

To be fair, I assumed this was fake going into it. There were actually parts when listening to this I thought “wait is this real?” Because it was so convincing. I see people comment on the acting and the interviews, but have they not seen Dateline? The ID Channel? Real life can sound more scripted then written skits. A lot of awkward goes into those real life moments. Also, some people say it was the way that it was promoted was an issue, but come on. Google it.

This is one of the best audio dramas I’ve listened to! I love the “investigation journalism“ feel. The production is outstanding, the story is gripping, and every episode leaves the listener wanting more. 2.5 stars (at the time of this review) is completely unreasonable! Are some listeners upset because they were fooled? Because it certainly isn’t the story, the sound quality, or the voice acting that is an issue.

If you thought this was real beyond 5 min in to episode 1...please send me your credit card info so we can fund an investigation into these Goldbergian crimes!!

Another example of a podcast having to find the truth, clearly 'too hard' for law enforcement