A new audio series is analyzing a cold murder case of the namesake for a famed Chapel Hill restaurant.
27 Views is a podcast created by Hillsborough publisher, Elizabeth Woodman, that explores the South through writers and their stories. In the latest 4-episode series released this week, 27 Views explores the decades old unsolved murder of Rachel Crook, namesake of the iconic Crook’s Corner restaurant that closed in Chapel Hill in 2021. Operating a fish market and café out of the of the location that was home to the former Crook’s Corner restaurant, Crook was killed in 1951 at the footsteps of the building, and the murder remains unsolved.
Woodman narrates the series providing historical background with an embedded re-telling of events through the voices of local news and law enforcement individuals involved in the case. These voices are provided by local authors and other Hillsborough residents including Jill McCorkle, Eryk Pruitt, Sam Coleman, Jane Holding, James Rainsford, John Bemis, Pat Revels, and Tom Rankin.
The 27 Views website contains podcast notes and a photo archive of the Rachel Crook story that includes newspaper clippings from the Durham Sun.
You can listen to “Who Killed Rachel Crook?” on the 27 Views Podcast on APPLE | Spotify | Podbean & Other Platforms

Related Stories
‹
![]()
Top Stories of 2021: Local Restaurant Closings and OpeningsTo reflect on the year, Chapelboro.com is re-publishing some of the top stories that impacted and defined our community’s experience in 2021. These stories and topics affected Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the rest of our region. 2021 saw a flurry of restaurant closures and openings – with long-standing establishments shutting their doors after decades of […]
![]()
On Air Today: Bill SmithFormer Crook's Corner chef Bill Smith joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to reflect on the news of the award-winning restaurant closing its doors. Smith shares stories of how he ended up cooking for the Chapel Hill staple and thoughts on what its closing means to the local restaurant community amid a challenging year.

'Sad to See': Social Media Reacts to Crook's Corner ClosingThe Chapel Hill restaurant scene received devastating news on Wednesday when Crook’s Corner announced it has permanently close its doors. “With an incredibly heavy heart, I must share the news that we are closing,” reads a message sent from Crook’s Corner to its customers. “The position we find ourselves in, exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, […]
![]()
Crook's Corner Restaurant to Close After Decades in Chapel HillA staple of the Chapel Hill restaurant community has closed its doors for good. Crook’s Corner, which has long served refined spins on Southern cuisine, announced in an email to customers on Wednesday it is permanently closed. The restaurant at 610 West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill first opened in 1982. “With an incredibly heavy heart, […]
![]()
Longtime Chef: 'Need Not Fear' Big Changes at Crook's Corner Under New Chef, OwnershipIconic Chapel Hill eatery Crook’s Corner is being sold to new local ownership and is bringing in a new chef. The News & Observer highlighted the change in a large story earlier this month. The restaurant situated at the corner of Franklin Street and Merritt Mill Road where Chapel Hill gives way to Carrboro has […]
![]()
Report: Crook's Corner Changing Ownership, Getting New ChefIconic Chapel Hill eatery Crook’s Corner is being sold to new local ownership and is bringing in a new chef, according to the News & Observer. The restaurant situated at the corner of Franklin Street and Merritt Mill Road where Chapel Hill gives way to Carrboro has been a local food staple for more than […]

Flavor of the Week: Crook's CornerSituated on West Franklin Street, Crook’s Corner serves Southern classics with a modern twist. This Chapel Hill staple features flavorful dishes from acclaimed chef Bill Smith and has been named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation. Crook’s just so happens to be the birthplace of modern shrimp and grits, its most popular dish […]
![]()
On Air Today: Tonya Council of Tonya's Cookies and CafeTonya Council of Tonya's Cookies and Cafe spoke with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Monday, December 22. They discussed Tonya's Holiday Meal's available for pickup, which can be pre-ordered this week, and they discussed Tonya bringing back a Mama Dip's tradition with a New Years Day Feast, which will be available January 1, New Year's Day, at the Cafe on S. Elliot Road in Chapel Hill.

Chapel Hill Police: Runaway Teenager Safely Located OvernightUPDATE: The Chapel Hill Police Department shared a message at 1:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 saying Forbes was safely located.

Orange County Communities to Interrupt Services for December Holidays (2025)Communities around Orange County will interrupt their normal service schedules during the upcoming winter holidays. Here’s what customers can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Town of Chapel Hill government offices will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 26. Residential trash collection will not be affected. Yard trimmings will not be collected on […]
›