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The Idaho Murders

The unputdownable true crime story and Sunday Times bestseller

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The Idaho Murders

By: James Patterson
Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Based on extensive research and first-hand interviews, this true crime novel offers unprecedented insight into the 2022 Idaho murders and the subsequent trial.

On 13th November 2022 in the small quiet town of Moscow, Idaho, the unthinkable happened.

Four innocent college students were murdered in their home.

In the ensuing investigation, the local police and FBI did a lot right. But what did they get wrong?

We’ve learned about the four heartbroken families – the Mogens, Goncalves, Kernodles, and Chapins.

We have the backstory for Bryan Kohberger, brilliant graduate student, loner, apparent incel.

Now, after over 300 exclusive interviews and in-depth reporting, James Patterson and prize-winning journalist Vicky Ward finally have some answers.

_________________________________

PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON

'Nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER

'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD

'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN

‘Patterson is in a class by himself’ GUARDIAN

© James Patterson 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 Americas Crime Fiction Murder State & Local True Crime United States Heartfelt Student
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It's an ok book but it's too long, not well paced, and is boring in parts. The voice actor gets close to droning on at times.
A friend in Idaho ~ her granddaughter was close friends with the four victims and often stayed at the house. Fortunately, she went home to Boise that weekend. She's absolutely devastated, of course. Our hearts can only ache for these four beautiful souls. I'm in Australia but I'll never forget these kids and the tragedy that occurred.

VERY SLOW

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I never followed this story when it happened. I havent watched any docs or news reports so I came to this entirely fresh. I found this a really good introduction to the families and key characters and it offered considerable insight into the different aspects that led to, and followed, this terrible crime.

Un-put-down-able

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★★★★☆

The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy by James Patterson and Vicky Ward is a detailed and accessible account of the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. Drawing on hundreds of interviews, the book reconstructs the lives of the victims, outlines the investigation, and examines the background of the accused, Bryan Kohberger, presenting the known evidence while allowing readers to form their own conclusions.

One of the strongest elements is the structure. The narrative moves in parallel timelines—following Kaylee, Maddie, and Xana in the lead-up to the murders, while also tracing Kohberger’s history years earlier. This approach is effective, giving depth to the victims while contextualising the accused without becoming confusing or disjointed.

The emotional impact is particularly powerful when the focus turns to the families. Their frustration over inconsistent communication from authorities feels understandable, and the book captures the tension between maintaining investigative integrity and providing transparency.

That said, certain aspects feel underexplored. Key investigative methods—such as touch DNA and forensic genealogy—are introduced but not examined in depth, particularly regarding their limitations and legal complexities. Some portrayals also feel uneven, with certain figures depicted more sympathetically than others. Additionally, the book occasionally drifts into tangents, and at times it feels as though it may have been published before the full scope of the case had unfolded.

The discussion of incel culture and comparisons to past cases adds context, though some of those connections lean toward speculation rather than firmly established evidence.

Overall, this is a compelling and clearly structured true crime audiobook. While it sometimes sacrifices depth for pace and presents a few uneven perspectives, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking account of a tragic and still deeply impactful case.

A Compelling but Premature Account of a Tragic Cas

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This was a very interesting deep dive into this case, proving perspectives from different people and groups who were impacted and involved. It did not contain gratuitous violence or in depth detail of the injuries which I appreciated.

Interesting deep dive which provided different perspectives and insights

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It’s sad that lives can be taken so quickly and for no reason. I can’t imagine the horror for the friends, emergency personnel and families and what they endured.
May the memory of their vibrant, beautiful lost souls be remembered forever.

A parents worst nightmare

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