Poisoned
May 1, 2026 - 38:35
Radio and PodcastLive Radio & Podcasts
Society & Culture
The Mug Book
After a gang leader was murdered in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the only witnesses who would talk with the police were tourists. They looked through so-called “mug books” filled with photographs of Asian men - and pointed...
About This Episode
The Mug Book is an episode from Criminal by Vox Media Podcast Network. After a gang leader was murdered in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the only witnesses who would talk with the police were tourists. They looked through so-called “mug books”...
Podcast
This episode belongs to Criminal.
Listen Online
Use the player on this page to stream the episode online.
Episode Details
Published Feb 27, 2026, 47:38 long, audio available.
Related Episodes
Continue listening to more episodes from Criminal.
The Numbers
Apr 24, 2026 - 50:55
Unwarranted
Apr 17, 2026 - 38:56
Rhinelander v. Rhinelander
Apr 10, 2026 - 40:56
The Longline
Apr 3, 2026 - 37:26
The Formula
Mar 27, 2026 - 33:53
The Quintuplets
Mar 20, 2026 - 54:13
Cecilia
Mar 13, 2026 - 35:25
Questions About This Episode
What is The Mug Book about?
After a gang leader was murdered in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the only witnesses who would talk with the police were tourists. They looked through so-called “mug books” filled with photographs of Asian men - and pointed out a man named Chol Soo Lee. Years later, a journalist decided to investigate his case, and described it as an “unreal, Alice-in-Chinatown murder case." Today’s episode comes from the Smithsonian’s Sidedoor podcast. Julie Ha's documentary is Free Chol Soo Lee. Join our newsletter by 2/28/26 to be entered to win a free year of Criminal Plus: thisiscriminal.com/newsletter. (Additional rules apply.) Say hello on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Sign up for Criminal Plus to get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal, ad-free listening of all of our shows, invitations to virtual events, special merch deals, and more. We also make This is Love and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Where can I listen to The Mug Book?
You can listen to The Mug Book online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.
Which podcast is The Mug Book from?
The Mug Book is an episode from Criminal by Vox Media Podcast Network.
How long is this episode?
This episode is 47:38 long.
When was this episode published?
This episode was published on Feb 27, 2026.
Can I save The Mug Book for later?
Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.
Are there related episodes from Criminal?
Yes. This page shows related episodes from Criminal when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.
Quick Answers About This Episode
Where can I listen to The Mug Book?
You can listen to The Mug Book on this page when the episode audio is available from the podcast feed.
Which podcast is this episode from?
The Mug Book is from Criminal by Vox Media Podcast Network.
What are the episode details?
Published Feb 27, 2026 and 47:38 long