The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head

Fifty years ago, on March 26th 1971, the body of a young man was found in a secluded spot, an island in the River Trent with extremely limited access. He was buried in a kneeling position, naked except for socks and a wedding ring. His hands and ankles had been bound.So began one of the UK’s most baffling murder mysteries, a grisly crime that has remained unsolved to this day.

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Recent Reviews
  • josie729
    Fantastic true crime podcast!
    I’ve only recently discovered this podcast and was hooked right away. I thought I’d be listening to it for weeks but binged all 50 episodes and, sadly, I’ve come to the end (though perhaps there are more episodes to come). I love Ken’s affable, charming style, which helps him to connect with listeners and to get all sorts of people to talk to him. An amateur investigator, he is trying to solve the mystery of a man murdered in England in 1971, who has never been identified.
  • Maureen in CA
    Great Podcast
    I heard about this podcast on Bob Ruff’s Truth and Justice podcast. He had Ken Davies on the show recently to share his investigative journey to discover Fred’s identity. And what a story it is!!! I started on episode one and kept going. Ken’s style and skill at digging out details had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a GREAT listen for anyone who enjoys true crime and a good mystery. Looking forward to future episodes…..
  • Brendito69
    My new binge cast
    This podcast was featured on Bob Ruff podcast Truth and Justice. I am hooked and have been binge listening this week. It is not only a murder mystery but educational. I am learning a lot about European history and culture. The host is a very good story teller. I have been listening at 1.5 speed to catch up. I love the crowd sourcing type of true crime. So good!!
  • Quel the belle
    Can’t stop listening!
    So many interesting stories uncovered while searching for the identity of a body found decades ago! Thanks to Bob Ruff of Truth and Justice pod for interviewing the creator of this podcast.
  • Cryssunshine
    Binge worthy
    Found this via my longest and favorite podcast, Truth and Justice, which is also a crowd sourced real time podcast. I started listening just to see what it was about and now I’m on episode 17 and it’s the only thing I’ve been listening to since. I love the mystery of it. I love the rabbit trails Ken goes down and appreciate how thorough he is.
  • Wldchd521
    Great listen!
    This podcast is super interesting and very binge-worthy!
  • crispy fried greasy baekhyun
    There’s a LOT of strands in the rope that makes up this story- but it’s worth it
    I can understand some people’s pet peeves with this podcast- it’s a lot of information. Things come up and don’t come up again until 10 episodes later It can drag a bit at times. In my opinion though, this is a true investigative podcast in the best way. As Ken says, we need to investigate EVERY possible lead, even if it doesn’t go anywhere. The process of following those leads is fascinating. We go on a journey with Ken in this podcast- some of the first few leads end up dead ends. It takes Ken and the team a few tries to land the pieces that really start coming together- as with all investigations. We meet a colorful and eventually familiar cast of characters made up of the people Ken connects with through his investigation- experts, people who were in the area at the time of the murder, relatives of potential leads- we hear everything directly from their mouthes. This is a podcast that will definitely have you thinking, trying to listen for every detail, and if you need everything clearly laid out for you at the very beginning, you likely won’t enjoy it. If you do give it a chance, you’ll feel like you’re part of the investigation as well. I promise it’s worth the listen.
  • the locacious one
    Death by a thousand paper cuts
    I have never been more disappointed by a podcast since I started listening to podcasts a few years ago. That many people on Reddit recommended it & then when I downloaded it was given 4.8 stars & rave reviews just baffles me. The narrator got so bogged down in details that are trifling & of small importance that it was excruciating to listen to. Especially, when it took him FOREVER to get to the point which led to another dead end. I gave up after episode 7 as I couldn’t listen to 31 more episodes of this verbal diarrhea.
  • theMealticket
    Fascinating the extent the creator goes
    About 15 eps in and I’m hooked. Hope there is a conclusion, but worth it either way. Lots of dead ends but worth the journey
  • JaynieJaynie
    Brilliant podcast!
    This is a totally riveting podcast! I’ve been binging! Brilliant presenter!
  • kay siva
    Excellent Deep Dive
    If you’re into real-time investigation, this is for you! I’m also from the US and never heard of the case. I enjoy the details and step-by-step analysis of all the details.
  • Owie16
    Fascinating
    I had never heard of this case before, being in the US, but I was immediately taken in. It’s a deep dive that takes you along on the journey as leads are chased down—it has a real-time investigative approach that I really enjoy.
  • jknash75
    Amazing
    Wry well done. Good Job and I am now invested in Fred!
  • Kourtneyy 1000
    Amazing
    I heard you on Gen Why podcast and have started your podcast. Can’t wait to find out if you solved this. Thanks for doing this.
  • Captain Chris Thomas
    Good considering…
    …that podcaster is finding his way. Narrated by actor Michael Cain.
  • Durst98
    Enjoyable mystery
    Granted, I’m only halfway through the series but the narrator has a style that is keeping me intrigued.
  • O S Smithton
    Wonderful articulate podcast
    I hope to hear more from you through the years. You are a great podcaster. Also hope this poor person is identified soon.
  • leslie_will
    So curious!
    The narrator’s voice is familiar and comforting. When he’s on the trail of a clue, you can feel his excitement yet he’s empathetic and understanding when talking to characters involved in this mystery. I’m loving the twists and turns of the Fred the Head rabbit hole and just know this is going to be solved!
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