Crawdads and Controversy: The Story of Mark and Delia Owens

"Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens was THE hit novel of 2018, with a popular movie version in 2022. Taylor Swift even wrote a song for the film! However, author Delia and her now ex-husband Mark are still wanted for questioning in a murder case in Zambia. The killing was broadcast on TV in 1996 for a documentary featuring Mark and Delia Owens, American conservationists fighting a battle against poaching in Africa. Join us as we explore the allegations, where a passion for wildlife turned violent. We'll also answer any questions you have about crawdads...

Episode Sources:

“Biographical Sketch of Mark and Delia Owens” from The Owens Foundation Website

“Books by Mark and Delia Owens” from The Owens Foundation Website

“The Hunted” by Jeffrey Goldberg, March 29, 2010, The New Yorker

“Where the Crawdads Sing: Why Author Delia Owens Is Wanted for Questioning in a Real-Life Killing” by Savannah Walsh, July 15, 2022, Vanity Fair

“The Dark History Behind the Year’s Bestselling Debut Novel” by Laura Miller, July 30, 2019, Slate

“What to Know About the Controversy Surrounding Where the Crawdads Sing” by Annabel Gutterman, published July 13, 2022, updated July 14, 2022, Time

“Wanted for Questioning: Who is Delia Owens’ ex-husband, Mark Owens?” by Jennifer Roback, published July 19, 2022, updated July 19, 2022, The U.S. Sun

“Americans Tried to Save Elephants in Zambia. Were They the Good Guys?” by Ruth Maclean and Collins Chilumba Sampa, July 6, 2023, The New York Times

“A Shooting in Zambia” Video, Jeffrey Goldberg discusses a scene from the ABC show "Turning Point," in which a suspected poacher is shot and killed, The New Yorker

“Crayfish (crustacean)” by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, last revised and updated June 15, 2024 by Adam Augustyn, Britannica

“About the Author” on Delia Owens website