Post by Russell Barnes

Over the last three years, I seem to have changed careers without quite admitting it. I directed a BBC2 history film with Mary Beard about the Roman emperors and a film about Mary Queen of Scots’ coded letters, both for the fantastic Lion TV. But, after a long (long) time making factual television, I’ve found myself now moving deeper into podcasts and writing, telling stories in different ways and without the TV straitjacket. First came Creating History, with Professor David Reynolds: a podcast about power, politics, diplomacy and the human drama behind history. Our third series of conversations will be out this autumn. Then came True Criminals, hosted by Martin Brunt and Helen Fospero and produced by Lee Mann at Audio Bleach Global, which retells the story of crimes that shook the nation, often with the help of detectives and others at the heart of each case. It’s now won two awards at the True Crime Awards. And now there’s a book. On 14 July, I’m publishing a book with former detective Mike Barley. It’s called Suzy Lamplugh: The Inside Story of Britain’s Most Notorious Missing Person Investigation. On 28 July 2026, it will be 40 years since estate agent Suzy Lamplugh disappeared after an apparently routine house viewing. Suzy’s disappearance is one of those stories many people think they know. But the deeper I went, the more it became clear that the real story sits in the gaps: in the missed chances, the witness contradictions, the old police work, the pressure on the investigation from media and family, and the fact that one young woman left work on an ordinary day and never came back. That’s a thread running through all of the work now on podcasts and books. How do you tell a true story with enough clarity and shape to make sense, but also enough honesty to leave the difficult parts intact? Links below if you’d like to listen, read, or share: Creating History: https://lnkd.in/eNy5FxuK True Criminals: https://lnkd.in/edGDCFwg Order the Suzy Lamplugh book: https://lnkd.in/edr9Cnvg The book is out on 14 July. I’d be hugely grateful for pre-orders, shares, reviews, and anyone helping it find the people who still care about this case.