The Investigators

Clare and Margaret both grew up in Chicago, IL. They are first generation Irish American, and come from long lines of curious, dedicated readers and thinkers.  

They’re cousins, sort of. Margaret’s mom’s brother married Clare’s mom’s sister (did you follow that?)  – so they have cousins in common. They grew up going to the same family parties, and somewhere along the way became the best of friends – and now business partners.

Like an interview? Reach out to us at hello@thehistoryofmurder.com 

Executive Producer Clare O’Donohue:

 Clare has spent more than 25 years as a true crime and documentary producer. She’s worked on classic true crime shows such as The First 48 and Forensic Files and produced documentaries on CNN and Peacock, among other networks. She’s conducted hundreds of interviews – with everyone from convicted killers to papal scholars and has also published 10 mystery novels, including Breaking the Dance which was named “Best of 2019” by Suspense Magazine. She performed improv at Chicago’s famed IO Theater. Her degree is in International Studies, and she has a life-long love of history, travel, and the arts.  www.clareodonohue.com 

Executive Producer Margaret (aka Maggie) Smith:

Margaret is a longtime educator with degrees in Elementary Education, Library Science, and Curriculum & Instruction. After decades in school libraries surrounded by curiosity, occasional mayhem, and kids with zero filter, she now channels her research skills into The History of Murder. She brings a librarian’s eye for detail and the narrative sense of a seasoned storyteller, uncovering forgotten truths and overlooked records. She also creates the series’ cinematic AI visuals, blending photography and technology to make the past feel present. Margaret is the proud mother of three and is always chasing the next story, on the page or across the globe.