Hidden City

Thriller novelist Marcus Sakey knows good stories—and bad behavior. Now Marcus goes from city to city to identify three crimes or criminals that reveal the real character of the place.
Marcus on street in front of store, no-blur

Marcus on street in front of store, no-blur

Gleaming highrises, glamorous shopping, gourmet restaurants. If that’s all you see of a place, Seattle’s the same as Shanghai. Cities are more than brick and concrete. They’re made of stories. And the best stories are usually about the worst people.

Thriller novelist Marcus Sakey knows good stories—and bad behavior. To research his bestselling books, he’s traveled the country with cops and killers alike. Now Marcus goes from city to city to identify three crimes or criminals that reveal the real character of the place.

Take Chicago. Marcus tells us how this city is famous for reinventing itself through its checkered past. He’ll look at America’s first—and maybe worst—serial killer, walk in the footsteps of John Dillinger, and dig into the 1968 DNC riots, when protestors clashed with police in a battle royal broadcast live to the world.

But this isn’t just interviews and scenery. This is real life with no restraint. Chicago police were trained in riot control techniques, so he straps on some pads and picks up a baton. And the protestors were hit with Mace—so Marcus takes a blast right in the eyes. And through it all, he interprets the events as a novelist, looking for the plot, characters, and themes that put it all together.

“Who” and “what” tell you everything about “where.” The gallows humor of a South Central gang cop is a better insight into Los Angeles than a studio tour or a trip to the beach. Meet with the Boston FBI in the morning and drink with a Southie bank robber at night, and you’ll see the city in a whole new light.

As Marcus travels, he’s packing his preconceived notions, his attitude, and his willingness to be unimpressed. He’ll walk the streets, meet the characters, and take a few bruises, all to get the stories that reveal the Hidden City.

It’s going to be a wild ride.

Next Up

Hidden City Crossword

Try the crossword puzzle, written by NY Times crossword puzzle creator Byron Walden, featured in the San Francisco episode of Hidden City.

Hidden City Crime File: Seattle

Marcus learns more about 3 crimes in the city of Seattle.

Hidden City Crime Files: LA

Get more information on the Hidden City LA crime stories.

Hidden City Crime Files: Austin

Explore 3 crimes that have occurred in Austin.

Hidden City Crime Files: Chicago

In this Hidden City Crime File we look at 3 stories from the city of Chicago ... H.H. Holmes, John Dillinger and the 1968 Democratic National Convention Riots.

Hidden City Crime Files: Atlanta

Marcus explores 3 crime stories from the city of Atlanta.

Hidden City Crime File: Washington, DC

Explore 3 crime stories from our nation's capital.

Hidden City Crime File: New Orleans

Delve into 3 crime stories from New Orleans.

Hidden City Crime File: Florida Keys

Dive into 3 crimes from the Florida Keys.

What's New from TRVL

On TV

Stream discovery+

Your favorite shows, personalities and exclusive originals. All in one place.

Subscribe Now

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.