The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy

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· Hachette Audio · Narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers
3.7
3 reviews
Audiobook
10 hr 57 min
Unabridged
Eligible
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About this audiobook

Instant #1 New York Times bestseller!

“A mesmerizing read and a great detective story, yet sadly all true…With their book The Idaho Four, James Patterson and Vicky Ward have written perhaps the definitive account of the murders
a disturbing, necessary portrait of a killer and his victims.” –Guardian

“New revelations…James Patterson and Vicky Ward reveal new details and attempt to lift the veil of secrecy that has shrouded the Idaho college murders case for more than two years.”  Good Morning America

"This is much more than a true crime book. It’s a vivid exploration of the range of human response when faceless terror strikes. It’s a portrait of America in this polarized moment." –Town & Country

"A lot of brand-new reporting. Clears up a number of mysteries." –Morning Joe

The murders of four innocent college students attending the University of Idaho left us all with so many questions. Now, after more than 300 interviews, James Patterson and prize-winning journalist Vicky Ward finally have the 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, Goncalveses, Kernodles, and Chapins. And we have the backstory for Bryan Kohberger, brilliant grad student, loner, apparent incel.

Now you are the jury. The evidence is in.

You’ve watched the Prime documentary, One Night in Idaho, now read the “clearest profile yet of the twisted quadruple killer and his motives” (New York Post).

Ratings and reviews

3.7
3 reviews
Jac Jr
July 16, 2025
This book basically repeats what we already know. Don't bother. Wait for the animal to get bored and start talking. He may not be able to make any money, but his family can. And from the looks of it, they will need it.
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Laura Houle
July 18, 2025
I regret buying this audiobook. I didn't learn anything new about the case. The information was presented in a disjointed way and often repeated the same information.
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Amanda Mumm
July 23, 2025
I thought this book was extremely well done because it focused a great deal on who Xana, Ethan, Maddie, and Kaylee were and how they are much more than simply victims- in learning about the lives they led we can better appreciate the significant loss their deaths result in but also what legacy they would want to live on. I know this book has gotten some questionable reviews because readers have thought there are tricky bits (like Emily's dream of what she believes happened/why Maddie became targeted,people apparently were confused that this was a dream. even as an audiobook listener, it was clear to me this was a dream/a thought of what possibly happened) but I think this was REALLY well done in that it took a terribly tragic event and helped humanize Kaylee, Maddie, Xana, and Ethan as well as their friends, family, and the future they were robbed of. Stacy Chapin has said it well but above anything else we really ought to remember the kids! keep their legacy alive!
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About the author

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.
Vicky Ward is a New York Times bestselling author, a magazine columnist, and an investigative reporter. She is the author of the bestselling books The Liar's Ball, The Devil's Casino, and Kushner, Inc. The Idaho Four is her first book with James Patterson. Read her Substack newsletter, "Vicky Ward Investigates," at vickywardinvestigates.com.
 

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