The Idaho Murders

by James Patterson

Go behind the headlines with the gripping new true crime book from a bestselling author and an award-winning journalist, offering unprecedented insight into the 2022 Idaho murders and the subsequent arrest of Bryan Kohberger.

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

"A disturbing, necessary portrait of a killer and his victims... a mesmerizing read and a great detective story, yet sadly all true." THE GUARDIAN

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If you were hooked by Amazon's new docuseries One Night in Idaho, read the full story here...

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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, bestselling crime writer James Patterson and award-winning investigative journalist Vicky Ward finally have some answers.

Published in the US as THE IDAHO FOUR.

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Praise for James Patterson

'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON

'Nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER, author of bestselling crime novel, The Bone Collector

'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD, bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series

‘Patterson is in a class by himself’ GUARDIAN

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

427 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2025

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

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!

[TracyGH · 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 Kaylee 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.

[Ellie Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written!

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Tini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true crime book that honors, not exploits: bearing witness to an American tragedy.

In the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students - junior Kaylee Goncalves, senior Madison Mogen, junior Xana Kernodle, and sophomore Ethan Chapin, soon dubbed "the Idaho Four" - were brutally murdered in their off-campus home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, in a crime that shocked the nation. In "The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy", James Patterson and journalist Vicky Ward reconstruct the events leading up to the killings, the investigation that followed, and the lasting aftermath for the victims' families and the community. Drawing on more than 300 interviews with family members, law enforcement, and local residents (though seemingly not with the surviving roommates), the authors present an in-depth and deeply human portrait of the people and the town forever changed by the tragedy.

Though the book is a journalistic interpretation rather than an official court document, it aims to be the definitive, accurate account of the 2022 University of Idaho murders. It combines new reporting with extensive research, offering both a broad overview and fresh insight into one of the most widely covered true-crime cases in recent memory. What emerges is not just a meticulous reconstruction of a horrendous crime, but also a tribute - a compassionate, humanizing portrait of the four students and their loved ones, told with care and respect.

Ironically, by the time the book hit shelves on July 14, 2025, the case had already reached its legal conclusion: Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to all charges just weeks earlier, on June 30, 2025, and on July 23, 2025 - just days after the book's publication - he was sentenced to four life terms without parole. So while the book's "you are the jury" framing no longer applies, its value lies in honoring the victims and documenting how a community confronted unimaginable loss.

This is not a sensationalized retelling but a thorough, fact-driven work of journalism - detailed, empathetic, and widely sourced. Patterson and Ward succeed in capturing both the investigative complexities and the very real human cost behind the headlines. It’s an emotional, respectful read that feels both comprehensive and necessary.

A vivid, accurate, and deeply humane account - "The Idaho Four" is both a sobering chronicle of tragedy and a moving tribute to the lives that should never be forgotten.

[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.

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t read a lot of true crime, but the occasional book will interest me. I think the book cover with the photo of the four victims is what drew me to it. And overall, I liked that much of the focus was on the four of them, their lives and families. There was necessary information about the killer, but he wasn’t the main part of the book. The aftermath for the families, and how law enforcement worked to solve this horrific crime, these were important inclusions.

Hard to write much more, there were things I appreciated and some I wasn’t sure how they fit, but for this genre I think it was well done, and the narration of the audiobook was good.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disturbing and tragic cautionary tale about the lack of privacy and social media if what they imply is true, that he stalked one of the four victims on social media and then in person before he murdered all four of them.

[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.

[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.

[✨Amanda ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating recount of what happened to the 4 college kids murdered in cold blood! A look inside all aspects of the case, the victims, their families, the investigators, reporters, and even the murderer himself. I couldn’t put it down.

[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.

[Maria L. 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.

[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.

[Carol · Rating 3 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.)

[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.

[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.

[Natalia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little outdated as it was written before Bryan kohberger took a plea deal and was sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Since then many court documents have also been released, which showed some information in the book to be nothing more than speculation. Overall though I'm giving it five stars because I like that the book focused more on the victims and their families and the people closest to the investigation. Definitely worth the read if you are interested in this case.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad, horrific, tragic, but true accounting of four college friends who were murdered in their off-campus home in 2022. Although I’ve heard of this story, it seems like nothing compared to the accounting of it in this book.
What a very sad outcome and story….

We learn about the whole group of friends, as well as those that were killed on that fateful night. Some were friends since Kindergarten. Others only met in college. Two were a couple who had just introduced the other to all the parents…. With the intent of letting them know this was a serious relationship…

The book is told via many, many tidbits of information and interviews that were conducted when all of this occurred, and although it is enlightening, it is also heart-breaking too.

Really makes you think twice about posting on social media… and sharing so much with virtual strangers…
And, keeping routines…

Also opened my eyes regarding the police in a small town. You’d think that they’d have little or no experience when it comes to murder, and yet, this particular one, was very well versed and experienced in so much! It was amazing to learn how and WHY he did things the way he did!

And the kids at the school? I can only imagine how terrified they were to even just leave their own rooms!

And then we have all the affected families…and oh boy, how they wanted to be involved. To see someone take responsibility for these gruesome acts. And fascinating the way some of them just jumped in to take over! And were able to get some results!

Again, very sad…but true story.

***Definitely some triggers in this one revolving around murder… so if that’s not for you, you might want to steer clear. **

5 sad, tragic 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me.

#TheIdahoFour by @JamesPatterson and @VickyWard. Narrated nicely by @ElizabethRodgers.

This one was released a while ago, so you can find it on shelves now!! Thanks to my local library for the lend!

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[Craig Beam · Rating 2 out of 5]

My review is that this was raced to publication. Normally it pays to be first to publish on a wildly followed crime story. I am an avid reader of true crime stories and I should have known better when this was published before a plea agreement had been reached. My bad.

This book was almost entirely about the struggles between the victims families as the case progressed and the amount of damage caused. In a 430 page book they only provided 50 pages of information on the actual trial. Not what I was looking for.

I considered this a waste of time and energy on all fronts.