A true crime documentary series exploring a 1985 murder and reported ghost sightings has viewers gripped, though some are frustrated by its weekly release schedule.
Pet Cemetery Murders: A Ghost Story is a three-part HBO Max documentary about the death of Dorothy Lou Thompson, owner of the Azalea Pet Cemetery in America. The opening episode has prompted recommendations from fans, while others say they would prefer to watch the entire story in one sitting.
Case reopened after ghost sightings
Dorothy disappeared in 1985. Several weeks later, her body was found in a river, bound in chains, and the investigation eventually went cold. When the case was reopened years later, witnesses reported seeing Dorothy's ghost on land long believed to be cursed. The documentary follows detectives as they uncover disturbing secrets surrounding the case, according to the Mirror.
The official synopsis reads: "Pet Cemetery Murders: An investigation into a 1985 murder turns into a haunting exploration of a bayou community's dark history of violence and bloodshed."
Weekly release frustrates viewers
The first episode premiered on HBO Max on 12 October in the UK. Episodes are released weekly, with the second scheduled for Monday, 19 October, and the third and final instalment arriving on 26 October.
That schedule has left some viewers impatient. One posted on social media: "Just watched the first episode and what the heck was that? I hate that we have to wait for another episode." Another said: "I don't like waiting for the next episode. I would rather binge-watch." A further viewer wrote: "I'm mad I couldn't watch the next episode, yet."
Mixed reactions to supernatural elements
Others have praised the programme's blend of murder investigation and reported supernatural encounters, but it has left them spooked. After watching the opening episode, one true crime enthusiast commented on Instagram: "This is true crime and a ghost story mixed together, what can be better?"
Another wrote: "This is about to become one of the most bizarre true crime documentaries you've ever watched", while a third said: "If you're looking for something creepy and true crime, you cannot miss this."
The trailer features first-hand accounts from specialists and people connected to the case, offering a glimpse of the unsettling story explored across the three episodes. One expert says in the preview: "When you think the story is over, something else always comes up. Every time you turn around, terrible things continue to happen involving this property."
Pet Cemetery Murders: A Ghost Story is available to stream on HBO Max, with new episodes released weekly.
