#97
Sea of Lies
CBC
Canada
Sea of Lies sails through true crime’s murkiest waters with the tone of a thriller and the curiosity of a gossip, unearthing maritime mysteries that feel almost too cinematic to be real. It’s pulpy, propulsive, and occasionally self-serious—but like any good sea tale, it knows when to lean into the storm.
"Host Sam Mullins and team take the listener through every twist of this dark, intriguing tale with the professionalism of a journalist at The New Yorker and the populist appeal of an HBO series. An excellent demonstration of long-form, narrative storytelling at its best."
- Doug Slawin, Campside Media
Sea of Lies is a masterfully crafted true-crime podcast that begins with the mysterious discovery of a body off the coast of Devon—and quickly transforms into an enthralling, globe-trotting detective story. Journalist Sam Mullins, known for his narrative flair and deadpan wit, guides listeners through the astonishing true tale of Albert Walker, an unassuming accountant from rural Ontario who turns out to be one of the world’s most notorious con men. Across nine gripping episodes, Mullins deftly weaves together murder, stolen identities, art fraud—and even a diaper stuffed with gold bars—unfolding the saga like a high-stakes thriller.
What sets Sea of Lies apart is its tonal balance: dark subject matter filtered through sharp, unexpected humor and elegant pacing. The sound design is cinematic, the storytelling deliberate, and the emotional stakes deeply human—from the shock of discovery to the complex impact on those left behind. By the end, you’re not just hooked—you’re haunted by the sheer audacity of one man’s life in layers of deception.