The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy

by James Patterson, Vicky Ward

The murders of four innocent college students attending the University of Idaho left us with so many questions. Now, after over 300 interviews, James Patterson and prize-winning journalist Vicky Ward finally have some answers.
                
We know what it was like to live in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022, the day of the cold-blooded killings. 
 
We know what the local police and FBI did right. And what they did wrong. 
 
We’ve learned so much about the four heartbroken families—the Mogens, Goncalves, Kernodles, and Chapins.
 
And we have the backstory for Bryan Kohberger, brilliant grad student, loner, apparent incel—now indicted and facing trial.
 
Now you are the jury.
 
The evidence is in.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Crime, Book Club, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

448 pages, Hardcover

Published July 14, 2025

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Daniela Soria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this was controversial given it was written during the time this was supposed to go to trial, but I thought it was an excellent look into this case.

I followed the case closely, but not so close that I knew every single detail. This gave an insightful look into the friends and family of Maddie, Kaylee, Ethan, and Xana, but also into those who knew Bryan Kohberger.

It was interesting to hear what was going on behind the scenes and the dynamics of everyone working to solve the case.

I thought the book was respectful of everyone involved which I feel is important when it comes to true crime.

I highly recommend this to those who are interested in the Idaho Four Case. It was hard to put down and I finished the audiobook within 36 hours of pressing play!

[Tracy GH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think we need to rehash the storyline because unless you are living under a proverbial “rock” we know the tragedy that enfolded in Moscow, Idaho.

What you get is a very specific, detailed background from the beginning to the trial date. I learnt some new facts that I did not know, and once again felt strong compassion for the victims and their families. Is everything accurate? Probably not. Will any publishing of this case be entirely accurate? Also, probably not. Many variables, and four victims make some facts convoluted for sure.

I did really appreciate the section about the Chapin family and their response to their son’s murder. They seem like a class act and genuine people.

While I was listening to this audiobook, BK was sentenced. I had hoped he would ask for forgiveness or show remorse. Yet again, the callous nature of this murderer had me chilled. Dead eyes, no emotion and arrogance. He can spend the rest of his life is jail contemplating how he committed something so heinous.

May Xana, Ethan, Maddie and Kayla continue to show us their spirit. 😇 😇 😇 😇

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first true crime book I have ever read and it is absolutely fascinating and horrifying at the same time. The four college students murdered by a sociopath in Idaho are typical college students, enjoying football games, life, socializing and looking forward to their futures. Then the evil that has been stalking at least one of them cuts their lives short, in just minutes of terror and unbelievable rage. This is a true story, so I don’t believe that I am spoiling anything with the revelation that Bryan Kohlberger was gifted graduate student, but he was also a murderer from the beginning, planning and executing his vicious plan and using his graduate studies to assist him. The interviews conducted by the authors are revealing and comprehensive, from the friends and family of the deceased to the classmates of Kohlberger and even his professors when he studied criminology. This is a compelling story that captivated my attention and held it as I read the minute details of his plans for killing them even while the college kids were going about their normal lives. The fact that this could happen in a small town in Idaho is scary and eye-opening, a warning to everyone to be aware of the people around you because there are evil people just waiting to carry out their schemes. I found the college students relatable because my grandchildren are in college. I thought the professors seemed to be somewhat clueless as to the seeds they were planting and sowing, but I also saw that they were just fulfilling their responsibility and it was the fault of the killer who misused the information in order to harm others. The book is non-fiction, but the short chapters and the way the book is divided up into the separate stories of the victims and the killer was a riveting way to hold my attention just as a fiction book always does. I only wish that the story were fiction because of the horrors faced by the families and friends of the deceased and the lack of remorse of the killer. This book proves that evil truly lurks in the hearts of some and when it is not even expected, it strikes and destroys. The book captured the events, the emotions, and the aftermath and effects of what happens when innocence meets evil face to face.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Olive Fellows (abookolive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty thorough overview of the 2022 murders of four college students in Idaho with a clear focus on the victims and their families. Those familiar with the case likely won't learn much from this book, but the structure of the book facilitates a better understanding of the situation as a whole (in my opinion, anyway).

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Idaho Four was a good overview of the case, filled with lots of details, so I would recommend it if you haven't followed everything closely. If you have, you might not find much new here.

Also, if you've watched the One Night in Idaho mini series, pretty much everything you've seen there is in this book too. I'd recommend the show over the book, because you get to see the family members and friends discussing their loved ones, it's even more victim focused than this.

Now, there was a lot of speculation about certain things that just rubbed me the wrong way, because it was presented as fact. The authors' personal opinions bled through more often than not, which is something that shouldn't happen in true crime, unless if they clearly stated "hey here's what we think".

There was even a scene where one of the victims meets her killer, which, again, we can't claim happened, because law enforcement found no direct connection between them.

The book is written like a fiction novel, and it's very gripping, I can see why Patterson is so popular as an author (this was my first book by him), but it's not perfect, nor would I say it's the one and only definitive account of what happened.

And obviously they should've waited until everything was over so they could update accordingly, but that's a general problem in true crime, it's not only this book.

I'm choosing to round up my rating, because overall I did enjoy it (as much as you can enjoy a true crime read), the audiobook was a great listen, just keep in mind what I said when you're picking it up.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following this case since the beginning. After seeing the news, documentaries and reading other books on this topic I think this work added greatly to an understanding of the people whose lives are forever changed. Sentencing is tomorrow morning. The pain never ending. We can only hope that it fades.

[Diane in Australia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars = Okay. Not sorry I read it.

Interesting account of this tragedy. Most of the emphasis was on the victims, which was nice. But it is very speculative, which wasn't so nice.

If you're a true crime fan, you'll want to read it.

[Emily Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who didn’t follow this case, I found this book to be very informative. It encouraged me to dig further into the case by watching documentaries and reading other information online. If you are someone who followed this case in depth, you may not find a whole lot of new information here. But, the format of the book - following the timeline of the case through the lens of different people involved - kept me engaged and wanting to know more.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off the top Vicky Ward the co-author years ago wrote several puff pieces about Jeffrey Epstein...after he was a convicted sex offender.

In November 2022, 4 college kids were brutally stabbed to death, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Maddie Mogan, and Kaylee Goncalves. It was a case that took the world by storm. I actually remember exactly what I was doing when it was announced that the killer Bryan Kohberger had been caught, I was on the phone with my bank because someone had tried to steal my identity. It only took 6 weeks to catch the killer but the media was acting like it had been 6 years.

The Idaho Four is a very detailed account of the killings, how their families coped, how the community was changed, and what may have led the killer to commit these acts. The Incel community is I think mostly well explained to the normal people in this book(I'm brain broken so I know too much about the incel/red pill community).

I had planned to watch the trial but obviously there won't be a trial so probably this book and future books will be the only way we can find out what actually happened. Unless the killer decides to talk I don't think we will ever find out what the motive was. Dateline also did a very good episode about the case.

Overall this is a very sad story. These 4 kids had their whole lives ahead of them. Violent crime is currently at an all-time low but cases like this and the constant fear-mongering of the news make us feel like no place is safe. These 4 were killed by a stranger but most homicides are committed by an intimate partner or family member.

If you are a True Crime enjoyer then you have to add this to your tbr.

[Amber Kays · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is wildly inaccurate. Public court documents, especially phone records, directly contradict much of what is written. The timeline is wrong and the narrative is full of opinion, not fact. The authors clearly did not fact check. The way Xana is portrayed is also unflattering and disrespectful. She deserved better. I expected a well researched account but got speculation and errors instead. Lazy and misleading!

[Kassi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Completely under-researched, rushed, and entirely speculative. This is a very dangerous misdirection that perpetuates innacuraties. Despite it being a social science, Criminology is still a science and there are enormous databases and statistics that show very clearly what is most probable in this case (See Gary Brucato, Ann Burgess, and Chris McDunnough, etc.. on The Interview Room's errily accurate profiling before the perp was caught).

I hate that stuff like this exists and that people (yes, like me) are drawn to it. I just hope that readers have the critical thinking to recognize what this author is doing, trying to create a narrative ahead of the actual information, and perpetuating rumors and speculation that has nothing to do with the case. I highly recommend Dave Cullen's Columbine as a great lesson in false narratives for additional reading.

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson, the prolific master of page-turning narratives, teams with investigative journalist Vicky Ward to deliver what may be their most haunting collaboration yet. "The Idaho Four - An American Tragedy" transforms one of America's most shocking recent crimes into a meticulously crafted exploration of violence, community, and the ripple effects of unthinkable evil.

The book tackles the November 13, 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students—Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison "Maddie" Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves—with the precision of a forensic investigation and the emotional depth of a memorial. What emerges is neither exploitation nor sensationalism, but rather a profound examination of how a single night of violence can shatter not just lives, but entire communities.

A Symphony of Voices in Six Movements

Patterson and Ward structure their narrative across six distinct parts that read like acts in a tragic play. Part One: The Innocents introduces us to four vibrant young people whose lives were brutally cut short. Here, the authors excel at humanizing the victims beyond mere statistics, painting intimate portraits through interviews with family members and friends.

The storytelling technique mirrors Patterson's signature style—short, punchy chapters that maintain relentless momentum while allowing for deep character development. Ward's investigative journalism background becomes evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the breadth of sources consulted. The authors note conducting over 320 individual interviews, and this exhaustive research pays dividends in the richness of the narrative.

Part Two: Inception delves into the background of Bryan Kohberger, the accused perpetrator, tracing his journey from the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania to Washington State University's criminology program. The authors walk a careful line here, providing context without sympathy, insight without excuse. Their portrayal of Kohberger's troubled past, including his apparent connection to incel ideology and references to mass killer Elliot Rodger, is chilling yet necessary for understanding the case's broader implications.

The middle sections chronicle the investigation's painstaking progress, from the initial shock of discovery through the first six weeks of intense scrutiny. Patterson and Ward excel at capturing the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Moscow, Idaho, as a small college town grapples with unprecedented media attention and community fear.

The Human Cost of Investigation

Where the book truly distinguishes itself is in its unflinching examination of how the investigation affects everyone involved. Chief James Fry emerges as a compelling central figure—a God-fearing small-town police chief thrust into the spotlight of international media coverage. The authors capture his steady professionalism even as the case threatens to overwhelm his department's resources.

Equally powerful are the portraits of the victims' families, particularly Steve and Kristi Goncalves, whose public advocacy for their daughter Kaylee becomes both a form of grief processing and a source of tension within the broader victim community. The contrast between the Goncalves family's media-savvy approach and the Chapins' preference for private mourning highlights the different ways people process unimaginable loss.

The book's treatment of the surviving roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, demonstrates particular sensitivity. Rather than sensationalizing their experience or questioning their delayed call to 911, the authors present their trauma with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the impossible situation these young women found themselves in.

Narrative Technique and Stylistic Choices

Patterson's influence is unmistakable in the book's structure—brief chapters that often feel cinematic in their focus and pacing. Many chapters span just a few pages, creating a rhythm that propels readers forward while allowing for careful attention to individual moments and perspectives. This approach serves the material well, preventing the narrative from becoming bogged down in procedural details while maintaining emotional engagement.

Ward's investigative expertise shines through in the book's comprehensive scope and attention to detail. The authors successfully balance multiple storylines: the victims' lives, the investigation's progress, the suspect's background, and the community's response. The narrative never feels scattered despite its broad canvas, a testament to the authors' skill in weaving disparate elements into a coherent whole.

The writing style adapts to match the gravity of its subject matter. Gone is Patterson's typically breezy thriller prose, replaced by a more measured, respectful tone that never loses sight of the human cost at the story's center. The authors resist the temptation to sensationalize, instead letting the facts speak for themselves in all their stark horror.

Strengths That Elevate the Genre

Several elements distinguish this work within the crowded true crime landscape:

Comprehensive Perspective

The book avoids the common true crime pitfall of focusing solely on the perpetrator. Instead, it provides a 360-degree view of the case, examining its impact on law enforcement, the university community, local media, and the broader public fascination with the crimes.

Ethical Reporting

The authors demonstrate remarkable restraint in their treatment of sensitive material. They refuse to reproduce graphic crime scene details or exploit the victims' suffering for dramatic effect. Even their portrayal of Kohberger, while unflattering, avoids dehumanization.

Investigative Depth

The extensive interview process and access to key figures provides insights unavailable in typical media coverage. The book benefits from cooperation from law enforcement officials, university administrators, and family members who shared their experiences with remarkable candor.

Community Focus

By examining the case's impact on Moscow, Idaho, and the broader Palouse region, the authors illuminate how violent crime reverberates far beyond its immediate victims. The book captures the loss of innocence in a small college town and the way tragedy can both unite and divide communities.

Areas for Critical Consideration

While the book succeeds admirably in most respects, some elements warrant closer examination. The narrative occasionally feels constrained by legal considerations—understandable given Kohberger's pending trial, but frustrating for readers seeking complete answers. The authors acknowledge this limitation, noting that the book "does not offer a view on what the verdict will be."

The extensive cast of characters can occasionally overwhelm readers, particularly in the early sections where numerous friends, family members, and officials are introduced in rapid succession. While the authors provide context for each person's relevance, tracking relationships and roles sometimes requires careful attention.

The book's treatment of online communities and social media speculation, while necessary for completeness, occasionally feels tangential to the central narrative. The lengthy discussion of Facebook group dynamics, while illuminating about modern true crime culture, sometimes distracts from the core story.

Technical and Research Excellence

The authors' commitment to accuracy and thoroughness becomes evident throughout the work. Their acknowledgments section reads like a phone book of sources, from law enforcement officials to university administrators to local business owners. This extensive research base provides the book with authority and credibility often lacking in rushed true crime publications.

The legal and procedural details are handled with admirable precision, reflecting Ward's experience as an investigative journalist. The authors successfully explain complex legal concepts and police procedures without overwhelming general readers, striking an effective balance between accessibility and accuracy.

Final Verdict: A Haunting Achievement

"The Idaho Four - An American Tragedy" succeeds as both compelling narrative and important document. Patterson and Ward have crafted a work that honors the victims while providing meaningful insight into a case that captivated and horrified the nation. The book avoids the sensationalism that often plagues true crime writing, instead offering a measured, respectful, and ultimately devastating account of lives cut short and communities forever changed.

This is true crime writing at its finest—carefully researched, sensitively told, and ultimately meaningful beyond its immediate subject matter. While the book cannot provide the closure that many readers might seek, given the ongoing legal proceedings, it offers something perhaps more valuable: understanding. In an era when violence often feels incomprehensible, Patterson and Ward provide context and insight that help readers grapple with the unthinkable.

[Beth Tuley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars- an interesting and in-depth true crime novel but rushed, and it feels extremely speculative.

This book makes claims that all information in it is true, but some things directly contradict the FBI. This book claims that Maddie declined to go out with Brian when he asked her out at the Mad Greek, which was the reason for the killings, (a likely theory, IMO,) but the FBI claims there were no ties between the killer and the victims. Until things have been proven I think they had no business being published.

Thus book was published way too early, especially since the case never ended up going to trial- I think everything was mostly handled with the sensitivity it deserved, but also James Patterson was looking for another quick buck and wanted to beat a potential rush of other true crime novelists/podcasters/tiktokers etc. Comes across as kind of ambulance-chaser vibes.

Mixed feelings.

[Hannah Brinser · Rating 2 out of 5]

Misinformation galore and poorly written.

[Whitney Stock · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is by far NOT the most definitive account of anything except for spreading misinformation and fluff about the victims we didn’t even need to know. Shame on the authors for touting “most definitive recount” because it is nowhere near close. You’ve done a great job of giving people false hope that they would get answers.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a detailed account of the Idaho Four tragedy- providing accounts and details gathered from victim’s friends, surviving family members, law enforcement and school administrators and professionals.
This book covers the events leading up to the trial and includes information about the pre trial hearings.
This book really focused on giving a voice to the family and friends of the victims- which is not always the case.
When I first started reading this, the content literally gave me chills.
I learned a lot about Kohberger that I did not know.
This was my first book by Patterson and I loved the short chapters.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from my library and as we all know now “The Murderer” confessed his guilt. He took the lives of 4 beautiful young people. His brutality is beyond comprehension and he would never have taken the stand and looked their family and friends in their eyes. If he did. He would have just lied.

I understand why the DA made a plea deal.

Trials are tricky and even with the evidence they had something… even a small thing could have gone wrong and he could have gotten a hung jury, a mistrial or even acquitted. Let’s not forget OJ, Casey Anthony or Zimmerman. They were all guilty, but they all got away with murder. ( my opinion)

I think the DA put the death penalty on the table to force “The Murderer” to take that deal. Since he got 4 consecutive Life without the possibility of parole sentences the families will not have to appear before parole hearings. He is not getting out and he will die in prison. Probably like Dahmer did.

I still feel like I wanted to know Kaylee, Xana, Ethan and Maddie more. I would have liked to have learned more about them as people and not just murder victims. I DO think the authors rushed to get this book out much too soon. They should have at least waited until the actual trial date was set to see if he took a plea and since he did much of the book is muddled. They spent far too much time on the court appearances just trying to get a date. All that was needless. No useful information there.

There was a lot of wasted time on the Facebook Internet Account page ran by two friends. It began to feel like they had actually forgotten the victims and were just trying hard to get enough Likes and Donations to start a podcast. I found them to come off as greedy. I’m not sorry that it all imploded on them. Putting dollar signs on murder victims is disgusting.

I do also think that Steve Goncalves hindered the courts by trying to rush a court date. I am so sorry for his loss, but the judicial system is a slow process. So many details that have to be worked out. A rush to trial could have ended badly. But I do understand the family wanting to get things moving.

I have much respect for the way the Chapin family handled themselves, especially Stacy, Ethan’s mother. Her strength was and still is amazing.

I am glad that house was torn down. I felt they did it too soon, before a trial. That could have caused many problems, but now that there will be no trial it’s good that the house is gone. A haunting reminder of 4 lost lives and the many other lives destroyed by their senseless losses.

4 lives of 4 young, innocent people who had so much joy to give and life left to live.

Rest in Peace
Zana, Ethan, Kaylee and Maddie

*I read the hardcover book and there are no photos or diagrams so I did find myself googling a lot while reading because I’m a very visual person and I like to know the layouts of the house and watch videos and just look at photos of the victims while they were living their lives. I don’t have a need to see autopsy photos or crime scene photos. Those things stick in my mind and it’s hard to get them out of my head.)

[Gabi · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I agree that the motive is probably incel related, the ties to Elliot Rodger’s crimes are written as fact when there is really no evidence to substantiate that. The authors should have made it clear that this is their THEORY and not the truth. The authors also purported that BK had interacted face to face and through social media with one or more of the victims, but investigators have stated they found NO connection between BK and the victims. This book was definitely published in a rush and a lot of it has been debunked now that the gag order has been lifted and more information has come to light…

There was also a lot of info (eg., the issues with the church) included that wasn’t relevant to the Idaho 4 case, in my opinion. Maybe the authors thought they were building context around the town/time, but it really didn’t need to be included. I also didn’t need to know so much about the personal lives of the two women who ran the Facebook case discussion page - the page itself was necessary to talk about bc of the Pappa Rodger stuff and Alivea using it for leads and to advocate for the family, but the stuff about the two women’s jobs, etc was not necessary. Maybe they were just adding fluff to try to be unique and put their own spin on a story that really didn’t bring anything new to the forefront (you can get all this info from a documentary, a true crime podcast, tik tok, etc.)

I did appreciate the effort taken to portray how unique and loved Kaylee, Maddie, Xana, and Ethan all were and how they continue to be remembered for who they were and not just what happened to them. The perspectives of the families were also a positive point of this book.

[Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have now read The Last Days of John Lennon, What Happens in Vegas, James Patterson’s Memoir: The Stories of My Life, and The Idaho Four.

Of these the Vegas book is just a long ad to visit Vegas. The Lennon book was good as was the memoir. The Idaho Four is right in the middle. About 25% could of easily have been cut out. This is somewhat true with the other above books with the Vegas book being 70% cut.

I could easily tell 75% of this book was written by Vicky Ward. If not more. The first 50 pages goes into detail about college males being hunks. (I don’t think James wrote that or edited that part.) I pushed on anyway and once the case unfolded I was interested again. Chapters follow the crime then chapters go into too much detail about the partying and dating hook ups. Then back to the crime and the evidence. Later it’s fascinating what little we discover about Bryan the accused killer. I did like the short parts about teachers at Bryan’s college, his hair salon, and at the DMV etc., realizing they had briefly met Bryan.

It was interesting how the police handled the case and how they caught Bryan. I liked the little interaction someone had with Bryan’s father later on and how the father was handling the situation.

I recommend this book to anyone that has been as curious about the case as I was. I followed the online YouTube updates and knew a lot about The Idaho Four already. This book does fill in a lot of background information.

[Alicia Young · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. The worst amalgamation of garbage I have picked up in a while. I love the parts where the author has insight into the mind of the killer. I would give this o stars if I could.

[Stay Fetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

”It’s a chill they all feel now. Their instinct tells them to run. Get the hell out of Moscow, get as far away as possible. Run. Run.”

Okay, I’ll be honest here, I’m not a fan of James Patterson… like at all. Was at a Library conference in NYC and he was there. I made his publicist frown because I didn’t want to meet him. That’s a story for another day though. Today we’re talking about a true crime case that turned my coworkers and I into super sleuths.

I read a lot of true crime books and watch tons of true crime docs, so not a lot gets to me, I can honestly said that this one was different. This one hit me hard.

The Idaho Four murders shocked not only their little community but communities around the country. Who would have thought that someone would be evil enough to commit such a heinous crime. With very limited information released to the world, it made me a lot more interested in this case. I won’t lie, when it took the MPD a month to capture the killer, I was skeptical about if they got the right guy or if they picked some random weirdo to take the fall. After reading this, they got the right bastard and I hope he rots.

This was a great read and the authors put a lot of thought and care into their words. They told the story the way it was supposed to be told without being harmful. I’m glad that their story was told. People need to understand that you never really know a person. They could be hiding deep dark secrets in their closets. Just be careful out there.

[MKF · Rating 1 out of 5]

This case has dragged on for so long that authors aren't waiting until after the trial to publish their books. How can you write a definitive account when your account is incomplete and inaccurate? The recent plea deal has released tons of new information that gives us better information on this crime and yet it's not part of this book. Instead the author's creates their own theory about the killer and the crime. Then they took what information was available and a bunch of interviews and created this huge book. It's almost 500 pages with 138 chapters but luckily the chapters are really short which is a good thing even though it provides less information.
Issues include things being repeated over and over with the biggest being past cases the cops solved. I figured the author's did this to prove that the cops were competent enough to handle the case. I couldn't figure out why else we had to hear about the same crimes over and over since they're not important to this case.
Another issue is that the way they portrayed the victims didn't always seem flattering. I don't know how the families feel about this book but I don't think I would like my child portrayed as a party kid who drank a lot. Yes, it's a college thing but when your kids whole college experience is listed as sororities, parties, and drinking it's not a pretty picture. Did the author's really need to mention that the girls wore skimpy clothing?
Other issues is on how accurate the information in this book is because it doesn't always match with what we do know. There were times I looked up information from this book and found completely different things. There were also information that the newly revealed documents proves incorrect which shows the author's should have waited at least another few months to publish their book on the crime.
This book also shows how easy it is for complete strangers to quickly become part of the story to boost their own careers. It bugs me watching and reading crime stuff that promote Youtubers, podcasters, and others as if they're important to the story. All they're doing is advertising these people's pages, videos, and podcasts even though they have nothing to add to the story.
Even though it has many issues and the information isn't always accurate it's a quick, easy read.
I think it's an easy read because it doesn't really read like most true crime book though but more like a fiction novel.

[Jessalyn Basden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve seen a lot of criticism of this book floating around on the true crime Facebook pages I follow, but I personally really enjoyed it. What stood out to me most and what I truly appreciated was how much I learned about each of the four victims: their lives, their personalities, their families, their friendships. That human focus is what made this book powerful for me.

James Patterson is a master of his craft for a reason, and it really shows here. I felt like he told their stories with care, and I could feel the depth of respect in the way their lives were portrayed. You can also clearly see how much the families contributed to this book. Their voices and memories added a layer of emotional depth that’s often missing in true crime books.

I highly recommend this story if you’re looking for more layers to the victims!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many inaccuracies to what’s been published in court documents and from what their people have said online since … I liked the way it was written but it seems like a lot of fluff and of course zero insight into the mind of anyone.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compellingly written but without a ton of new information. And anyone even remotely familiar with this incident or the area will note the numerous fact checking errors which makes you wonder what else was missed or slap-dashed together here. What I did find interesting was the portraits of two of the families and how they are coping with loss, grief, the media circus and the criminal case.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your lives mattered. And the world is a much dimmer place without you in it. Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, and Xana Kernodle <3 RIP Angels.

A comprehensive and compelling read. Monsters live among us. Safety, true safety, is an illusion.

WHY I had SUCH an issue with the book This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead:
👇🏻

“Her voice quavering with emotion, Stacy pressed on, explaining that she hadn’t watched the presentation but had a message for the room: in their fascination with crime, they should not forget the victims. ‘These were four of the greatest kids, and all of the great things that you read about them [are] legitimately true… Don’t forget these kids. They were amazing, amazing kids in the prime of their life.’” (p. 390)

My issues with THIS book:

1. Chapter 137 is dated 2022 - two months before the brutal slayings - yet somehow it has BK being transported from jails? Editing much?

2. The book was published July 14. On July 2, BK pleaded guilty. Yet it still says “innocent until proven guilty.” I understand books are printed in advance of publication, but for a book of this caliber, this should have been updated before release. I bought my copy almost a month later, and it still reads like nothing changed.

The book itself:

One crime can rip a community apart.

This was a difficult book - Patterson brings the victims to life so vividly that you feel like you truly get to know them. I especially appreciate that the families and friends were involved in bringing this book to completion. It’s emotional, brutal, and yet so beautiful.

I’m not usually an overly emotional reader, but this one hit me: goosebumps at times, a pit in my stomach at other times, tears at times, and a constant lump in my throat. Dread fills every page.

I do wish it included the photos mentioned in the text (not the crime scene ones).

It reads like fiction - but it’s not. True crime and even fiction lovers will find it gripping. “Enjoy” might not be the right word here, but you get my point.

One thing I didn’t know or had forgot was that BK had found the girls online and had liked several of their posts. Yet another reason Instagram doesn’t need a map feature.

Patterson lays out with precision how a small college town was shaken to its core - the media swarm, the fear, the way life was split into “before” and “after.” It’s a gripping and compelling read. Written expertly. It’s a horrendous yet well put together book.

And the sickos in this world! People DM’ing those affected, pretending to be the killer? You’re SICK WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU????

We need more officers, detectives, and chiefs like Fry.

Random and unforgettable:
• Xana and how she’d sometimes do her assignments 😂👏🏻 I love her!
• The beard as a symbol of the murders
• When the friends would impersonate each other

Recommend this book and audiobook. And let’s all maybe think a little harder about the victims and their families when writing fiction and using their murders as your plot. It’s disgusting enough copying the crime step by step - but then you can’t even SAY THEIR NAMES!? (Rant from the beginning of my review - ie: This Book Will Bury Me.)

[Maria Simonetti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the details from this book are already known to someone who has followed this case. I think we have to stop giving so much credit to Facebook discussion groups and cyber sleuths and armchair detectives who mostly hinder not help the case. As you know in this case the actual professionals held back a lot of information from the media for this very reason. Yet, here we are still giving them light for their own disruption of the community and making false claims against innocent people. Hopefully those readers will understand the harms they’ve done and they are not in fact professionals or have the slightest knowledge how the criminal justice/criminology field operates.

[&#x1d622;&#x1d62f;&#x1d628;&#x1d626;&#x1d62d; ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

since this book was released before the plea deal was made— here is a statement from Kaylee’s sister, Alivea Goncalves to BK at his sentencing.




“I’m not here today to speak in grief. I’m here to speak in truth, because the truth is my sister Kaylee and her best friend Maddie were not yours to take.

They were not yours to study, to stalk or to silence. They were two pieces of a whole, the perfect yin and yang. They are everything that you could never be: loved, accepted, vibrant, accomplished, brave and powerful.

Because the truth about Kaylee and Maddie is they would have been kind to you. If you had approached them in their everyday lives, they would have given you directions, thanked you for the compliment, or awkwardly giggled to make your own words less uncomfortable for you.

In a world that rejected you, they would have shown mercy.

Because the truth is I'm angry. Every day I’m angry. I’m left shouting at the inside of my own head everything I wish I could say to you. The truth about me is when I heard the news, I didn’t cry. I listened for them. I promised them I would, that I would fight for them, that I would show up no matter what it cost me. I swore I'd never let them feel alone.

Because you see, I've always been their heavy weight. I've always been the one to fight the battles they didn't feel ready to fight themselves. All it ever took was a call and they know I would handle it for them, no matter the time, no matter the cost.

They could wave their white flag because they knew I would never back down. Not for them, and not even death could change that. Somewhere along the line, I started to think about what I would say to them if I was given just one more last chance. If I could gather enough heartbreak or love or sacrifice or whatever it took to get just one message across.

What would I say?

Throughout this entire process, I’ve written my feelings down at every moment, my wishes, my love, my denial, my anger. And as one final act of love, I’d planned to read these thoughts, even jarring and discombobulating and not even making sense. Because for me, that was true love as bare and as naked as it could be, not laced in pretty words or dressed for the occasion, but written through bleary eyes at 2 a.m. with clenched fists angry at this reality.

My true final act of love was to continue on without them for them. That dream to read aloud my love to them, to bring meaning through pain, was the latest blow in realizing you don't deserve it and Kaylee and Maddie don't need it.

Kaylee and Maddie have always known my love, and they would never ask me to prove it by further victimizing myself to a defendant who has shown no guilt, no remorse, no apprehension. They would say to me, "Why would you give the satisfaction of showing vulnerability now? You promised that you would never back down."

And for that clarity, I'm thankful.

I won't stand here and give you want you want. I won't offer you tears. I won't offer you trembling. Disappointments like you thrive on pain, on fear and on the illusion of power. And I won't feed your beast.

Instead, I will call you what you are: sociopath, psychopath, murderer. I will ask the questions that reverberate violently in my own head so loudly that I can’t think straight, most any day. Some of these might be familiar. So, sit up straight when I talk to you.

How was your life right before you murdered my sisters?

Did you prepare for the crime before leaving your apartment?

Please detail what you were thinking and feeling at this time.

Why did you choose my sisters?

Before making your move, did you approach my sisters?

Detail what you were thinking and feeling.

Before leaving their home, is there anything else you did?

How does it feel to know the only thing you failed more miserably at than being a murderer is trying to be a rapper?

Did you recently start shaving or manually pulling out your eyebrows?

Why November 13th?

Did you truly think your Amazon purchase was untraceable because you used a gift card?

How do you find it enjoyable to stargaze with such a severe case of visual snow?

Where is the murder weapon, the clothes you wore that night?

What did you bring into the house with you?

What was the second weapon you used on Kaylee?

What were Kaylee’s last words?

Please describe, in detail, the level of anxiety you must have felt when you heard the bearcat pull up to your family home on December 30, 2022.

Which do you regret more: returning to the crime scene five hours later or never, ever going back to Moscow, not even once after stalking them there for months?

If you were really smart, do you think you’d be here right now?

What’s it like needing this much attention just to feel real?

You’re terrified of being ordinary, aren’t you?

Do you feel anything at all, or are you exactly what you always feared? Nothing.

If you’re so powerful, then why are you still hiding? Defendant, you see, I’m here today as me, but who are you?

Let’s try to take off your mask and see. You didn’t create devastation. You revealed it, and it’s in yourself. And that darkness you carry, that emptiness, you’ll sit with it long after this is over. That is your sentence, and it was written on the wall long before you ever pled guilty.

You didn’t win. You just exposed yourself as the coward you are. You’re a delusional, pathetic, hypochondriac loser who thought you were so much smarter than everybody else. Constantly scolding, turning your nose up to grammar mistakes, nitpicking and criticizing others.

You wanted so badly to be different, to be special, to be better, to be deep, to be mysterious. You found yourself thinking you were better than everyone else, and you thought you could figure out the human psyche and see through it, all while tweaked out on heroin. Lurking in the shadows made you feel powerful because no one ever paid you any attention in the light.

You thought you were exceptional all because of a grade on a paper.

You thought you were elite because your online IQ test from 2010 told you so. All of that effort seem important, it’s desperate.

There is a name for your condition, though your inflated ego just didn’t allow you to see it: wannabe.

You act like none can ever understand your mind. But the truth is you're basic. You're textbook case of insecurity disguised as control. Your patterns are predictable. Your motives are shallow. You are not profound. You're pathetic.

You aren’t special or deep, not mysterious or exceptional. Don’t ever get it twisted again.

No one is scared of you today. No one is intimidated by you. No one is impressed by you. No one thinks that you are important. You orchestrated this like you thought you were God. Now look at you, begging a courtroom for scraps.

You spent months preparing and still all it took was my sister and a sheath.

You worked so hard to seem dangerous, but real control doesn’t have to prove itself.

The truth is, the scariest part about you is how painfully average you turned out to be. The truth is, you're as dumb as they come, stupid, clumsy, slow, sloppy, weak, dirty.

Let me be very clear. Don’t ever try to convince yourself you mattered just because someone finally said your name out loud.

I see through you.

You want the truth. Here’s the one you’ll hate the most, if you hadn’t attacked them in their sleep, in the middle of the night, like a pedophile, Kaylee would have kicked your f------ ass.”

[Nancy Yager · Rating 1 out of 5]

James Patterson (one of my favorites) is well known for his ability to write a story that reads quickly and smoothly, and in The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy that style is evident. The book flows like one of his crime thrillers, with short chapters and a pace that makes it hard to put down. Unfortunately, the substance of the book suffers greatly from the contributions of co-author Vicky Ward, who claimed to have approached the project as an investigative reporter.

The problem is that Ward’s “research” doesn’t actually bring anything new or valuable to the table.
Most of the information she includes has already been widely reported in the media—much of it long since disproven. Instead of using this opportunity to dig into the deeper questions surrounding the case—the rights of the accused, the way law enforcement handled the investigation, the media frenzy, and what it means for all Americans—Ward chose to focus narrowly on only two interview subjects. She then painted them in an almost angelic light, rather than providing balanced, multi-sided perspectives.

The result is a book that promises insight but fails to deliver. Readers looking for credible investigative journalism will be disappointed. Instead of uncovering new details or raising thoughtful questions, the book feels like a retelling of already familiar (and often debunked) headlines. Patterson’s gift for narrative makes it readable, but Ward’s lack of depth and rigor undermines the credibility of the project.

Overall, The Idaho Four reads more like a rushed attempt to capitalize on a tragedy than a carefully researched work of nonfiction. I wish the authors had taken more time to explore the complexities of the case and the broader implications for justice and civil rights. As it stands, it’s entertaining in a superficial way, but it adds little value to the ongoing conversation.

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste)]

Excellent audiobook listen by one of my favorite authors. While reading I felt like it was written as a fiction book. Unfortunately we know that it is true crime and highlights one of the most gruesome murder cases our generation will ever see. I followed this case since the beginning so when I saw James Patterson wrote out a book about it I was very eager to read. I almost always listen to nonfiction so this was no different - an excellent, informative, and fast paced audiobook. I do not rate non fiction but highly recommend this one whether you follow the case or you don't. I learned a lot of things I did not know.