Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I really enjoyed this podcast. I listen to hundreds of podcasts - mostly true crime - so this unique take on New York’s first murder trial was right up my alley. I appreciated the focus on Elma and who she was as that has been lost over the many years. As a lawyer I also appreciated the significant impact this case had on our current criminal system and how the host weaved those details into the story. Much has certainly changed over the decades but, tragically, the scales of justice are still vulnerable to the power of privilege and money. That story still needs to be told! Well done!

I don’t usually like dramatizations, but this podcast did a great job interpreting 200-year-old testimony to bring this trial to life. The frequent ads are annoying, but the series makes up for it with good writing and a constellation of talented actors for all the many witnesses. I especially appreciated the historical context added by the host’s narration, and how she always circles back to centering Elma’s story, which got lost in the trial itself. Then ending was especially poignant. I think a lot of listeners were expecting a more erudite delivery, but this series encapsulates the motto “show, don’t tell” – it’s more of a radio show than historical nonfiction.

Not sure why this didn’t get a sold five stars. While I am an editor, a lover of Victorian era fiction, and a stickler for historical accuracy, the point of this pod is not just to present historical events…. It’s to entertain, and to evoke the same reactions/feelings onlookers of the time would have had. Modern language and references make these feelings more accessible. I’m now inspired to do a deep dive on Hamilton, Burr, and the earliest days of the American judicial system. Well done!

Fantastic story telling. Not only sharing the story of Elma but also a look into the history of our judicial system

I find this story interesting from a historical and true crime perspective, but I couldn’t stand the use of modern colloquialisms and accents. I don’t understand why some characters from the 1800s sound like valley girls or surfer bros. It really pulled me out of the story…

honestly, I feel robbed! I was basically jumping with joy reading the synopsis of this podcast, only to turn it off within the first 15 minutes of listening. there is modern language in place of the actual words people were recorded to have spoken, as well as a general misunderstanding of what the phrase “historical” means when it comes to… telling history. the lack of well researched historical quotes or full interviews with knowledgeable historians is disappointing!