54: The Keys She Kept: A Fictional "True" Crime Bedtime Story | True Crime Sleep Stories
A gentle note before we begin
This week’s episode is 100% original crime fiction—a cozy, atmospheric holiday thriller I wrote especially for you. If you’re strictly here for real-life cases, feel free to save this one for a night when you’re in the mood for a creative bedtime story. Next time we’ll return to our usual true-crime format. But if you love a resourceful heroine, glittering empty mansions, and justice served with a side of Midwestern politeness… you’re in exactly the right place.
About the story
Sarah “Sunny” Jensen was once one of Chicago’s most trusted luxury real-estate agents. After a brutal divorce leaves her secretly living in her own vacant listings, one November night in a breathtaking Winnetka mansion she stumbles upon something monstrous hiding behind the Christmas lights: a high-society trafficking ring using the city’s empty homes as staging points.
With nothing but her ring of master keys, and the kind of grit that comes from growing up in the Heartland, Sunny dismantles the operation, saves four terrified girls, loses her real estate license…and accidentally launches an entirely new chapter of her life.
Part thriller, part love letter to women who refuse to stay down.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart
Creating these stories—whether pulled from real headlines or spun straight out of my imagination—is the source of great joy in my life. Knowing you’re here listening, blanket pulled high, means the world to me. Thank you for letting me be part of your wind-down ritual.
About the ads
I keep every ad in the first few minutes so the story itself is never interrupted. Those few ads are what allow me to keep the podcast free for everyone, week after week.
If you’d prefer an ad-free experience (I completely understand!), you can join our Patreon family for just $5/month at patreon.com/kellibrink. This will give you instant access to every episode ad-free the moment it’s finished, plus exclusive bonus stories and behind-the-scenes notes.
Your support in any form keeps the lights on and the stories flowing.
Should “The Keys She Kept” become a full novel (or series)?
Sunny still has an entire key ring of empty houses and a new job recovering missing people…
Let me know in the comments wherever you listen! Reply with YES if you want more of Sunny Jensen’s adventures!
Thank you for being here with me in the dark.
Change your alarm codes this season… just in case.
Sweet dreams,
Kelli ❤️
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Thank You for Listening
If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and recommend True Crime Sleep Stories to your fellow true crime enthusiasts. Follow along for more dark and mysterious tales to ease you into your evening. And as always, stay curious and stay safe.
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México