The Deck Investigates - Podcast Rankings and reviews

This is quite possibly the best show I’ve ever listened to- and that’s saying something because I love ALL of Ashley Flowers’ work!! As always, Ashley and the Audiochuck team’s excellent storytelling and genuine care for the real people behind the story shines through. Their investigation is bold and thorough, and I really think this podcast will do so much to bring closure to Darlene Hulse’s family. I really liked the serial format - I’ll admit it, I binged the whole series in about 3 sittings! I really hope Ashley and the team will do another season!

I’ve listened to a lot of true crime podcasts because I’m a travel nurse and drive A LOT. This podcast was so well put together and so mind-boggling with the twists and turns that it kept me hooked through all 15 episodes in one 10-hr drive. I’m infuriated that the evidence hasn’t been tested against every suspect and that the ball seems to have been dropped time and time again by investigators. But the last episode is what really made this podcast special. I bawled like a baby after hearing those recordings. The line that “Darlene was a victim one day of her life but was a mother, sister, friend for 28 years before that” just really resonated with me as a true crime listener. I’m signing the petition to get evidence tested and sending the link to everyone I know!

Just finished. It’s a podcast I couldn’t put down. Such a compelling story told with so much heart. There were moments when I’d blurt out a, ”What?”, and go back to rehear and clarify. The 15th episode was my favorite. I enjoyed how you filled us with Darlene’s life, as so much of her story was about her loss, it was heartening and appreciated to pause with the telling and move forward with heart and hope for resolution.

Ashley and team leave no stone unturned and keep you captivated for all 15 episodes. This story is heartbreaking yet beautifully told. I hope this lights a fire under law enforcement to take action. The prosecutor did himself no favors and should be ashamed.

As Ashley stated, “Darlene Hulse spent one day of her life as a victim. But she had 28 years of being a friend, sister, a daughter and a wife. And a wonderful mom” Her family deserves answers.

It's a story deserving of coverage and I've enjoyed listening to the other "The Deck" series... but they really made me cringe when they took a victim interview and used slasher movie-type sound effects to "enhance" it. When the victim quoted her attacker, HER voice was modified, just in those specific lines, to sound like a Halloween monster. Horribly disrespectful way to exploit the audio of an attack victim. Just cringe. Come on guys. Fix it! Redeem yourselves! Take that garbage out, reupload, and youll have a great podcast!

This story was told well and while I empathize with the family, many of the theories and “suspects” are discussed seem far reaching. I imagine that those that were accused and are actually innocent have been negatively impacted. Narrowing down on a suspect (or suspects) would keep the podcast more on track and less scattered. Also, the host seems to blame authorities and their work ethic which felt uncomfortable. I hope that the family finds peace after all of this time.