When the body of 18-year-old Tiffany Valiante was found on railroad tracks deep in the New Jersey Pine Barrens in the summer of 2015, it was all too easy for police to label her death a suicide. More than a decade later, journalist Marie McGovern takes you inside a remarkable four-year investigation into the terrible tragedy that became a frightening mystery.
From Wavland and Street Smart Audio, Cruel Summer: The Violent Death of Tiffany Valiante brings stunning new perspectives on the case and the first in-depth examination of the life, times and horrific death of a young woman with everything to live for.
Latest episodes
Showing 9 · updated from the feed
Run, I Say Run | Chapter 8
We discover the plans Tiffany had been making before she died and the podcast triggers a dramatic step forward in the investigation. There is a warning to those who have
Oct 8 45 min
Cell Phones Don't Lie | Chapter 7
How could Tiffany's cell phone be moving when she was miles away at railroad tracks? That's not the only mystery. Why would she be making arrangements to meet friends at
Oct 1 40 min
How Do You Lose An Axe? | Chapter 6
Marie questions how potentially vital evidence goes missing, as Tiffany's mother finds herself at the center of a shocking development. And Marie uncovers a mysterious ca
Sep 24 32 min
Rule Out Homicide | Chapter 5
The spotlight turns onto the original investigation as someone at the scene comes forward to reveal what she saw that fateful night. Her account shocks everyone as other
Sep 17 40 min
The Download | Chapter 4
Like any teenager, Tiffany's cell phone was the center of her life. Digital detectives unlock Tiffany's phone. And what Marie discovers in the new download is frightening
Sep 10 39 min
Secret Friend | Chapter 3
There was a secret someone special in Tiffany's life. She breaks her silence to reveal her friend's state of mind and cast more doubt on the decision to label her death a
Sep 3 36 min
Summer of Silence | Chapter 2
Tiffany was popular, with a wide circle of friends. Marie is given unprecedented access to Tiffany's social media and reaches out to those who knew her best. She is shock
Aug 27 41 min
Into The Night | Chapter 1
For Tiffany Valiante the summer of 2015 was about enjoying the beach, the pool and parties before she left for college. But after a family gathering, she was found dead o
Aug 20 42 min
Trailer: Cruel Summer: The Violent Death of Tiffany Valiante
When the body of 18-year-old Tiffany Valiante was found on railroad tracks deep in the New Jersey Pine Barrens in the summer of 2015, it was all too easy for police to la
Aug 13 3 min
Chart trend
Position in the overall Apple Podcasts chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#100#199Oct
#78
all-time peak
4
days in the top 100 since Oct 2026
Chart positions
Where Cruel Summer: The Violent Death of Tiffany Valiante ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 27, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
Very thorough and thoughtful investigating and journalism. They uncovered many new FACTS and twists the police did not! Respect.
Kml646 · Oct 2026
True crime investigative journalism. long form podcasts are my favorite. Lately I’ve had difficulty finding any to listen to because I’ve listened to everything so I was excited when I came across this…exactly my vibe!! Unfortunately the background music is to distracting or overstimulating for me, so I could only listen to the first episode:( hoping a version without a background music will become available:) But the host is a great storyteller!
cassondrap · Sep 2026
Fantastic investigative journalism, I was hooked immediately and remember the case from unsolved mysteries. Highly recommend, hoping for justice!
Carb Loaded · Sep 2026
A gripping podcast that pulled me in immediately. Smart storytelling, fascinating details, and top-notch investigative journalism. Like a great book, once you start listening, you won’t want to stop
Jimmy James Louis · Aug 2026
This is not journalism, it’s a woman who seems to know the family who refuses to consider any other alternative to her theory that Tiffany didn’t commit suicide. It was amazing how she glossed over the fact that Tiffany was not well liked, fighting with many people, and stealing credit cards/charging purchases to other people’s cards as if they were no big deal, while featuring her parents who thought Tiffany was the most popular and beloved girl in the town. The statement that Tiffany made “sometimes we charge things to each others cards” regarding her friend that accused her of theft was nonsense. She took her life most likely because she was caught (she wanted her mom yo buy her clothes and her mom said no) and in conflict with her friend group. The fact that no one in her friend group will talk is indicative of the fact that she likely wasn’t their friend. The family should accept this and move on, this podcast is repetitive and one sided. Sad really, but not worth the time to listen.
NYC131313 · Oct 2026
The background music was so inappropriate and intrusive that I had to stop listening. Disappointing because this is clearly a story that needs to be heard.
britinohio · Oct 2026
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
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Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Cruel Summer: The Violent Death of Tiffany Valiante, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
