The allure of the unexplained mystery never fades. While true crime podcasts often focus on unsolved murder cases, there are plenty of shows that delve into the more ambiguous realm of disappearances. These six podcasts chronicle a range of intriguing vanishings, including tragic crimes that expose systemic failures and elaborate escapes orchestrated by desperate individuals.

‘The Evaporated: Gone With the Gods’ is a captivating series that explores the phenomenon of ‘evaporated people’ in Japan. The hosts delve into the motivations behind these disappearances, the ‘night moving’ companies that assist in vanishings, and the unique circumstances that make it easier to pull off in Japan.

‘Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo’ focuses on the disturbing history of forcibly removing Indigenous children from their families in Canada, as well as the unsolved disappearances of Indigenous women and girls. The podcast traces the story of Cleo Nicotine Semaganis, a young girl who was taken from her mother and later believed to have been murdered.

‘In the Dark’ presents a deep dive into the botched investigation of the abduction of Jacob Wetterling. While the podcast’s premiere coincided with the arrest of Wetterling’s killer, the focus remains on the failures of the initial investigation that allowed the perpetrator to remain at large for 27 years.

‘The Lady Vanishes’ follows Sally’s quest to uncover the truth behind her mother Marion Barter’s disappearance. Despite authorities concluding that Marion voluntarily abandoned her life, her family is convinced that something more sinister occurred. The podcast unravels the complexity of Marion’s case and offers a compelling narrative.

‘Father Wants Us Dead’ delves into the chilling story of John List, an accountant who murdered his entire family and managed to evade capture for 18 years. The podcast explores the experiences of List’s family leading up to the tragedy and sheds light on his ability to adopt a new identity and live a seemingly ordinary life.

‘Missing in Alaska’ takes us back to the Watergate era and explores the mysterious disappearance of Rep. Hale Boggs and Rep. Nick Begich. Despite extensive search efforts, their plane was never found, leaving behind a story filled with twists and political unease. The second season examines the case of a young doctor who went missing in downtown Manhattan before 9/11, suggesting a connection to the World Trade Center attacks.

These podcasts offer compelling narratives and shed light on the haunting world of unsolved disappearances, from intriguing mysteries to profound tragedies.