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While Idaho Slept: The Hunt for Answers in the Murders of Four College Students
The author of the acclaimed true-crime memoir, The Kill Jar, tells the inside story of the “University of Idaho Murders,” offering a memorable, thoughtful dive into our societal fascination with true crime, the media’s seeming blood-frenzy, and the future of homicide investigations, while cultivating an intimate look into the minds and hearts of the victims and their suspected killer alike. Just after 4:00 am on November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students were viciously stabbed to death in an off-campus house. The killings would shake the small blue-collar college town of Moscow, Idaho, dominate mainstream news coverage, and become a social media obsession, drawing millions of clicks and views. While a reticent Moscow Police Department, the FBI, and the Idaho State Police searched for the killer, unending conjecture and countless theories blazed online, in chatrooms and platforms from Reddit and YouTube to Facebook and TikTok. For more than a month, the clash of armchair investigators and law enforcement professionals raged, until a suspect — a 28-year-old Ph.D. candidate studying criminology—was arrested at his family home 2,500 miles away in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania on the day before New Year’s Eve. While Idaho Slept is a thought-provoking, literary chronicle of a small-town murder investigation blistering beneath the unceasing light of international interest, as traditional investigators, citizen sleuths, and the true-crime media acted—sometimes together, often in conflict—to uncover the truth. As J. Reuben Appelman brings this terrible crime into focus, he humanizes the four victims, examining the richness of their lives, dissects the mind and motivations of their presumed killer, and explores the world of northern Idaho, a rugged, deeply conservative stronghold steeped in Christian values and American patriotism. Going deep inside the case, Appelman addresses a crucial With so many millions of citizens armed by access and hungry to take part in a true crime hunt of their own, has the nature of homicide investigations permanently changed? Rising above the sensational, While Idaho Slept illuminates the intrinsic connection between today’s media, citizen sleuths, our societal mania for murder tales, and an impatient public’s insatiable appetite for spectacle as never before. Running beneath, the pulse of the story is a heartbreaking narrative of the people we love, the dreams we all share, and the uncertain time left for sharing them.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2023
514 people are currently reading
9482 people want to read
About the author
J. Reuben Appelman
6 books113 followersJ. Reuben Appelman has published across genres. He executive produced Children of the Snow, the Hulu-streamed docuseries based on his research for his true-crime memoir, The Kill Jar, about the Oakland County Child Killings. The Kill Jar was named among the best true-crime books of the year by the New York Times Book Review, Elle, Oxygen, Bustle, Crime Reads, and others. His most recent work, While Idaho Slept, is due for release by HarperCollins on October 3, 2023. Kirkus Reviews on While Idaho Slept: "Riveting reenactments, intimate human-interest profiles, and urgent prose combine to create a tale of horrific butchery and a must-have exposé for readers following the still-ongoing developments...A chilling, balanced, meticulously reported true crime story."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 630 reviews
October 4, 2023
I’m sorry. But this book was awful to read.
Firstly, publishing a book about a case that hasn’t even gone to trial should be illegal.
The book is full of rumors. It’s like reading the Moscow murders sub on Reddit or the humongous Facebook group.
There’s no proof the defendant followed and wrote to the victims on Instagram. There’s nothing in the official documents supporting that. There’s no meta warrants for the defendants accounts whatsoever and there’s the defense saying in official court documents, that there’s nothing linking the defendant to the victims. You cannot lie about that in official filings.
This was a heavily biased book that should not have been published in the first place.
Firstly, publishing a book about a case that hasn’t even gone to trial should be illegal.
The book is full of rumors. It’s like reading the Moscow murders sub on Reddit or the humongous Facebook group.
There’s no proof the defendant followed and wrote to the victims on Instagram. There’s nothing in the official documents supporting that. There’s no meta warrants for the defendants accounts whatsoever and there’s the defense saying in official court documents, that there’s nothing linking the defendant to the victims. You cannot lie about that in official filings.
This was a heavily biased book that should not have been published in the first place.
November 9, 2023
J. Reuben Appelman explores the behind the scenes investigative efforts in While Idaho Slept: The Hunt for Answers in the Murders of Four College Students. Moscow, Idaho had not had a murder for the previous seven years when four college students were murdered in November 2022.
With exceptional help from the FBI, state police, and $1 million in funding from the Idaho state governor, the quadruple murder case had multiple resources which helped them determine the killer. Appelman adeptly covers the media reaction, arm chair sleuths, and the digital investigation into many social media sites of the victims as well as potential suspects.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of this horrific situation.
With exceptional help from the FBI, state police, and $1 million in funding from the Idaho state governor, the quadruple murder case had multiple resources which helped them determine the killer. Appelman adeptly covers the media reaction, arm chair sleuths, and the digital investigation into many social media sites of the victims as well as potential suspects.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of this horrific situation.
October 10, 2023
Well researched and written in mostly chronological order. A lot of it was common knowledge if you are following the case closely, but it cleared up a lot of incorrect information. It also added personal details about the victims and their families.
August 8, 2023
I've been very intrigued by the heart-wrenching story of the Idaho college murders which occurred in November 2022. It was an incredible relief to finally hear (in late December) that the suspected perpetrator of this horrific crime was arrested. There have been sporadic news articles about the case which is going to trial in October 2023, but this is the first book I've seen on the case.
The author did a good job covering all aspects of the case. Using current available data coupled with interviews, he speculates how the murders occurred- which was riveting. He then backtracks to perform a biographical profile of each of the murdered students, including commentary from teachers, family and friends. The details of the murder suspect's moment of arrest was particularly fascinating as he was caught in suspicious activity at that moment. We hear about the funerals, court appearances, and the intensive evidence gathering. This was an interesting, informative and well-written account of these murders prior to the case going to trial.
Thank you to the publisher Harper Perennial and Paperbacks who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
The author did a good job covering all aspects of the case. Using current available data coupled with interviews, he speculates how the murders occurred- which was riveting. He then backtracks to perform a biographical profile of each of the murdered students, including commentary from teachers, family and friends. The details of the murder suspect's moment of arrest was particularly fascinating as he was caught in suspicious activity at that moment. We hear about the funerals, court appearances, and the intensive evidence gathering. This was an interesting, informative and well-written account of these murders prior to the case going to trial.
Thank you to the publisher Harper Perennial and Paperbacks who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
October 23, 2023
That was one of the worst true crimes books I've ever read. The writing was sub-par and just.. cringy. He repeats stories a couple times in different chapters. Lots of speculation and repeating rumors from the Internet-- some of which were already debunked. Most of the book was taken from news articles and news interviews with the family; no new information. The author did dig up some people in the periphery of the victim's lives to talk to -- a kindergarten teacher, a middle school friend, an old gymnastics coach, etc I guess he interviewed one of the surviving roommate's fathers and that was probably the only information in the book that already has not been covered.
This is a cash grab, nothing more. I am ashamed I bought the book.
This is a cash grab, nothing more. I am ashamed I bought the book.
December 18, 2023
If I’m murdered, please don’t let someone profit off sensationalizing my life.
I mean that sincerely.
Also, if one of my former students was murdered, I cannot imagine telling an author stories about that student.
This hasn’t gone to trial. I don’t know how an unbiased jury will be found.
A lot of this bugged me.
The sensationalist tone especially. I wish I hadn’t read it.
I mean that sincerely.
Also, if one of my former students was murdered, I cannot imagine telling an author stories about that student.
This hasn’t gone to trial. I don’t know how an unbiased jury will be found.
A lot of this bugged me.
The sensationalist tone especially. I wish I hadn’t read it.
November 28, 2023
Yet another case I've been following since the start, it was good to go through all that happened once again. If you don't know anything about it, and don't feel like digging up news stories, then this could be the perfect read to catch you up to speed.
We learned some background about the victims, and they were the main focus which I liked. It's also a quick read which is another bonus.
But this book suffers from the same issues as most true crime books that came out too fast do, it's incomplete.
I get that people want to be the first to break a story, or in this case write a book about it, but please wait until the trial is done at least so readers can have all the facts in their hands and don't need to go checking for updates because the book is incomplete.
So if you are planning on reading it, I'd suggest you do it soon because there's always new things coming out, so this version of the book may not be fully relevant as time goes on.
We learned some background about the victims, and they were the main focus which I liked. It's also a quick read which is another bonus.
But this book suffers from the same issues as most true crime books that came out too fast do, it's incomplete.
I get that people want to be the first to break a story, or in this case write a book about it, but please wait until the trial is done at least so readers can have all the facts in their hands and don't need to go checking for updates because the book is incomplete.
So if you are planning on reading it, I'd suggest you do it soon because there's always new things coming out, so this version of the book may not be fully relevant as time goes on.
November 25, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
“While Idaho Slept: The Hunt for Answers in the Murders of Four College Students” by J. Reuben Appelman tells the true story of the night four young people were brutally murdered, in cold blood, while their roommates slept just feet away. Before the suspect was arrested, the entire college town of Moscow, Idaho is in an uproar and no one felt safe. Appelman goes behind the scenes and highlights the grisly murders by highlighting the beautiful, promising young people that were taken that night, and the families they left behind.
“Slept” is a true crime novel that actually focuses, almost solely, on the victims. Appelman talks positively about the three young women (and one young man) who were murdered, through the eyes of the people that loved them. Of course, he discusses how the police investigation played out, with all of its trials and challenges, that led to the arrest of a suspect (still awaiting trial). I enjoyed Appelman’s unique storytelling, as most true crime novels centre around the monster who committed the atrocities, leaving the victims in the dust as afterthoughts, while Appelman took a far more empathic and human approach.
I am a fan of true crime and am guilty of wanting to know every minute detail of the suspect, and yet this novel did not leave me disappointed. Appelman did talk about the suspect, beyond simple identification and he even portrayed the suspect’s family as heartbroken and humble, still managing to generate sympathy from readers, while allowing the utter hatred and disgust for the perpetrator to remain.
This case took place two years ago and the perpetrator is still in jail awaiting charges (although the death penalty is on the table if he is found guilty). I did not know anything about this campus house murder, but it was devastating to hear about the young people whose hopeful, bright lives were shut out by a monster. I pray that all of the victims’ families and friends find peace, and I respect Appelman for writing a story that will help and heal, instead of exploit.
“While Idaho Slept: The Hunt for Answers in the Murders of Four College Students” by J. Reuben Appelman tells the true story of the night four young people were brutally murdered, in cold blood, while their roommates slept just feet away. Before the suspect was arrested, the entire college town of Moscow, Idaho is in an uproar and no one felt safe. Appelman goes behind the scenes and highlights the grisly murders by highlighting the beautiful, promising young people that were taken that night, and the families they left behind.
“Slept” is a true crime novel that actually focuses, almost solely, on the victims. Appelman talks positively about the three young women (and one young man) who were murdered, through the eyes of the people that loved them. Of course, he discusses how the police investigation played out, with all of its trials and challenges, that led to the arrest of a suspect (still awaiting trial). I enjoyed Appelman’s unique storytelling, as most true crime novels centre around the monster who committed the atrocities, leaving the victims in the dust as afterthoughts, while Appelman took a far more empathic and human approach.
I am a fan of true crime and am guilty of wanting to know every minute detail of the suspect, and yet this novel did not leave me disappointed. Appelman did talk about the suspect, beyond simple identification and he even portrayed the suspect’s family as heartbroken and humble, still managing to generate sympathy from readers, while allowing the utter hatred and disgust for the perpetrator to remain.
This case took place two years ago and the perpetrator is still in jail awaiting charges (although the death penalty is on the table if he is found guilty). I did not know anything about this campus house murder, but it was devastating to hear about the young people whose hopeful, bright lives were shut out by a monster. I pray that all of the victims’ families and friends find peace, and I respect Appelman for writing a story that will help and heal, instead of exploit.
November 16, 2023
J. Reuben Appelman lost me in the prologue when he wrote this sentence:
"There is hardly any crime in this little village. There are drug-related crimes, like everywhere else, but not terribly newsworthy ones - crimes of petty theft, shoplifting, and of course domestic assaults, which are violent but statistically stem from addiction and poverty, America's crimes of the broken heart and soul."
I object strongly to this characterization of intimate partner violence. It affects people of all economic backgrounds and situations, first of all. Secondly, describing violence against women and people of marginalized genders as "America's crimes of the broken heart and soul" both romanticizes it and lets abusers off the hook. I hated it.
Things don't improve much after this very first page. This book was clearly written in haste, before the accused could go to trial. It's clear that the author didn't have much more information than what is available from journalists and on social media. I do not recommend this book at all.
"There is hardly any crime in this little village. There are drug-related crimes, like everywhere else, but not terribly newsworthy ones - crimes of petty theft, shoplifting, and of course domestic assaults, which are violent but statistically stem from addiction and poverty, America's crimes of the broken heart and soul."
I object strongly to this characterization of intimate partner violence. It affects people of all economic backgrounds and situations, first of all. Secondly, describing violence against women and people of marginalized genders as "America's crimes of the broken heart and soul" both romanticizes it and lets abusers off the hook. I hated it.
Things don't improve much after this very first page. This book was clearly written in haste, before the accused could go to trial. It's clear that the author didn't have much more information than what is available from journalists and on social media. I do not recommend this book at all.
May 14, 2024
"This book would not exist if it hadn't been for the brutal murders of four very real people who deserved to live full and beautiful lives. My goal in writing it was to elevate public memory of the victims."
The author succeeded in doing this. In my opinion, media tends to sensationalize true crime and often the memory of victims gets lost in the folds. This book primarily focused on the four lives lost; who they were and the impact they made on those around them. It did include details of the crime and the accused perpetrator, however it was done in a way that was presented factually and not dramatized for emotional affect.
The author succeeded in doing this. In my opinion, media tends to sensationalize true crime and often the memory of victims gets lost in the folds. This book primarily focused on the four lives lost; who they were and the impact they made on those around them. It did include details of the crime and the accused perpetrator, however it was done in a way that was presented factually and not dramatized for emotional affect.
November 21, 2023
#ad I received an advanced gifted copy of this book - many thanks @harpercollins
A harrowing and heart-breaking true story of the murders on King Rd Idaho. This book doesn’t mainly focus on the presumed killer, but the lives of those who were slaughtered that early morning of November 2022.
With insight from teachers, friends, and family we get a much larger picture of who these people were and what their lives meant to others.
I will say this is a hard book to get through - it’ll rip your heart out and not put it back together. There’s real photographs that you won’t be able to get out of your head. Blood running down the side of the house from one of the bedrooms - pictures of the search and news media.
While the book focuses on the victims it’s also a complete picture of what happened that night - giving us an inside look into the killer also.
May you all rest in peace and may your family and friends find some healing in this world. Although it’s almost impossible. A great book I recommend you read if you like true-crime like one of the victims, Kaylee, did.
Forever in our hearts: Kaylee, Maddie, Ethan and Xana.
A harrowing and heart-breaking true story of the murders on King Rd Idaho. This book doesn’t mainly focus on the presumed killer, but the lives of those who were slaughtered that early morning of November 2022.
With insight from teachers, friends, and family we get a much larger picture of who these people were and what their lives meant to others.
I will say this is a hard book to get through - it’ll rip your heart out and not put it back together. There’s real photographs that you won’t be able to get out of your head. Blood running down the side of the house from one of the bedrooms - pictures of the search and news media.
While the book focuses on the victims it’s also a complete picture of what happened that night - giving us an inside look into the killer also.
May you all rest in peace and may your family and friends find some healing in this world. Although it’s almost impossible. A great book I recommend you read if you like true-crime like one of the victims, Kaylee, did.
Forever in our hearts: Kaylee, Maddie, Ethan and Xana.
March 25, 2024
‼️TW: murder, violence, blood in photos ‼️
This book is broken into 11 parts and they all tackle different aspects of this tragic case. There are photos included in the middle of the book for context. I cried MULTIPLE times!!! The chapters I most appreciated are of those of the victims. These chapters made me tear up because we all know it’s horrific, but the more personal details and quirks you learn about each of them makes it even more heartbreaking to know what they went through.
I followed this case religiously and there was still things I learned from this book i.e. food robots on campus, just how long the blade was, DNA storage of non- criminals collected at crime scenes etc. Even if you know the case, it’s good to get the facts without the theories/speculations/rumors that are still circulating online.
If you are a fan of true crime or you followed this case - I highly suggest the read!
This book is broken into 11 parts and they all tackle different aspects of this tragic case. There are photos included in the middle of the book for context. I cried MULTIPLE times!!! The chapters I most appreciated are of those of the victims. These chapters made me tear up because we all know it’s horrific, but the more personal details and quirks you learn about each of them makes it even more heartbreaking to know what they went through.
I followed this case religiously and there was still things I learned from this book i.e. food robots on campus, just how long the blade was, DNA storage of non- criminals collected at crime scenes etc. Even if you know the case, it’s good to get the facts without the theories/speculations/rumors that are still circulating online.
If you are a fan of true crime or you followed this case - I highly suggest the read!
October 22, 2023
Review: True crime does captivate often and this one did. This one was well written, The short chapters and nice organization made it fly by. There was some new info for me that I didn’t know about the case and the detailed info on each victim was respectful and a nice tribute. I was most happy to learn that the victim’s dog has a booming IG page and upset to learn that the accused killers siblings have both lost their jobs since his arrest.
Recommended For: True Crime enthusiasts.
December 12, 2023
DNF - I got through 50% and it was literally all just personal anecdotes about the victims. This case hasn’t even gone to trial yet and it’s clear that the entire book is just a summation of news articles. This is lazy, bad writing and “journalism”
January 3, 2024
This book.. this case haunts me. When it happened a year ago, I remember reading about it the morning the students' were found and I've been following it since.
This case is a case from your worst nightmares. Do not dive into it unless you're ready for the nightmares, the fear, and the constant double checking to make sure your doors are locked, and that's probably not even close to a quarter of the fear Xana, Maddie, Kaylee and Ethan had on November 13, 2022.
For those who don't know much about the case, the victims lived in a off campus house, all roommates besides Ethan, who was dating Xana. After a night of partying and drinking in a local club or a local frat, the four came home and prepared for a normal night of sleeping off a Saturday night. Unfortunately, someone sinister had other plans for the four and slaughtered the four young college kids in their beds with a knife. Two roommates who were home, were left unharmed, and apparently did not hear a thing. The bodies of the victims were not discovered until eight hours after the attack.
It's pretty easy to see why this case immediately got worldwide attention, as it stumped law enforcement and crime sleuths alike. It would be over a month before an arrest was made - a University of Washington phd student, Bryan Kohberger - who apparently had little to absolutely 0 ties to the victims. Leaving everyone still asking why. Why brutally end the lives of four people you don't know? Why leave two surviving roommates? Why did it take so long to call 911? How had they not heard anything?!
Accusations flew and continue to fly, whether at a friend who escorted Maddie and Kaylee to the Grub truck, or at Kaylee's on again, off again boyfriend, or at the surviving roommates who in their own right are victims as well.
I think everyone just wants answers, and with the gag order on the case, we may not ever get all the answers. The only ones who know exactly what happened that night are Maddie, Kaylee, Xana and Ethan, and the murderer. The current accused pleas not guilty.
Did Bryan Kohberger do this? I personally don't know, but I do lean toward the guilty verdict given the DNA and the phone records. As a girl who lived in a party house throughout college, with a dog.. our doors never locked, I think I can relate to the safe feeling I felt, that I was untouchable. Maybe that's why this case hits so hard home, because it could have been me.. it could've been any of us.
At first I was concerned this book was distasteful and a bit too soon, given the gag order and the lack of a trial currently, but upon reading the proceeds go to victims' families, I decided to give it a shot. No new information is in the book, but the way he narrates it, gives the backgrounds of the victims and their families, and puts everything in chronological order it clears some of the rumors up. The author captures the Moscow community's vibes before and after, and really encaptures the small town atmosphere that surrounded King road. He also gives you a glimpse of the small town police department, who are not used to homicides, let alone four. My heart just breaks for everyone involved in this case, the victims, the families, the first responders, the friends and roommates.. all of them.
Godspeed, Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan, rest in paradise.
This case is a case from your worst nightmares. Do not dive into it unless you're ready for the nightmares, the fear, and the constant double checking to make sure your doors are locked, and that's probably not even close to a quarter of the fear Xana, Maddie, Kaylee and Ethan had on November 13, 2022.
For those who don't know much about the case, the victims lived in a off campus house, all roommates besides Ethan, who was dating Xana. After a night of partying and drinking in a local club or a local frat, the four came home and prepared for a normal night of sleeping off a Saturday night. Unfortunately, someone sinister had other plans for the four and slaughtered the four young college kids in their beds with a knife. Two roommates who were home, were left unharmed, and apparently did not hear a thing. The bodies of the victims were not discovered until eight hours after the attack.
It's pretty easy to see why this case immediately got worldwide attention, as it stumped law enforcement and crime sleuths alike. It would be over a month before an arrest was made - a University of Washington phd student, Bryan Kohberger - who apparently had little to absolutely 0 ties to the victims. Leaving everyone still asking why. Why brutally end the lives of four people you don't know? Why leave two surviving roommates? Why did it take so long to call 911? How had they not heard anything?!
Accusations flew and continue to fly, whether at a friend who escorted Maddie and Kaylee to the Grub truck, or at Kaylee's on again, off again boyfriend, or at the surviving roommates who in their own right are victims as well.
I think everyone just wants answers, and with the gag order on the case, we may not ever get all the answers. The only ones who know exactly what happened that night are Maddie, Kaylee, Xana and Ethan, and the murderer. The current accused pleas not guilty.
Did Bryan Kohberger do this? I personally don't know, but I do lean toward the guilty verdict given the DNA and the phone records. As a girl who lived in a party house throughout college, with a dog.. our doors never locked, I think I can relate to the safe feeling I felt, that I was untouchable. Maybe that's why this case hits so hard home, because it could have been me.. it could've been any of us.
At first I was concerned this book was distasteful and a bit too soon, given the gag order and the lack of a trial currently, but upon reading the proceeds go to victims' families, I decided to give it a shot. No new information is in the book, but the way he narrates it, gives the backgrounds of the victims and their families, and puts everything in chronological order it clears some of the rumors up. The author captures the Moscow community's vibes before and after, and really encaptures the small town atmosphere that surrounded King road. He also gives you a glimpse of the small town police department, who are not used to homicides, let alone four. My heart just breaks for everyone involved in this case, the victims, the families, the first responders, the friends and roommates.. all of them.
Godspeed, Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan, rest in paradise.
May 7, 2024
I just didn’t love this 😬
Too much life history, not enough murder investigation IMO
Too much life history, not enough murder investigation IMO
July 8, 2023
This was so respectfully written first and foremost, something I always admire!
I’ll admit when I first picked this up I wondered why this was written before trial, but I kept an open mind and I am glad I did! This took a very deep dive into all 4 victims lives. It was so nice to hear about their backgrounds and families as opposed to all the crap you hear on the media. There was also a background on Bryan’s and his family.
I think he was so respectful in his writing in regard to the families. It was written on facts and not bias from either side. Lastly, I commend the work he did with the background of the police officers. I feel they were scrutinized by the media while everything was very methodically done. Loved this one!
Thank you to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, the author, and NetGalley for this digital ARC!
Publication date: 10/03/23 ☺️
I’ll admit when I first picked this up I wondered why this was written before trial, but I kept an open mind and I am glad I did! This took a very deep dive into all 4 victims lives. It was so nice to hear about their backgrounds and families as opposed to all the crap you hear on the media. There was also a background on Bryan’s and his family.
I think he was so respectful in his writing in regard to the families. It was written on facts and not bias from either side. Lastly, I commend the work he did with the background of the police officers. I feel they were scrutinized by the media while everything was very methodically done. Loved this one!
Thank you to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, the author, and NetGalley for this digital ARC!
Publication date: 10/03/23 ☺️
April 23, 2024
Listened to on audio. It was informative because it gave a clearer picture of the victims, got to see them as young people who had lives, dreams, childhoods, families etc. Also, painted a more complete picture of the guy that is accused of slaughtering them, showed him as person (a very odd person) too. Narrator Was ok, just a bit dry.
December 11, 2024
It’s ok to not write a book about something.
November 1, 2024
I do not encourage readers to pick up this book for multiple reasons.
TLDR: the book is a lazy cash grab with questionable legal ramifications considering the case hasn't been to trial
1) the trial is not set until August of 2025.
2) author did not interview the families, law enforcement, or anyone significant for that matter
3) the police and legal system have a gag order in place to protect the integrity of the case and to attempt to get an impartial jury for the trial. The publication of this book by a major traditional publisher prior to the trial is abhorrant. The trial location has already been changed post publication due to national media attention as rural Idaho does not have the bandwith for the security they anticipate needing (trial location change literally reported on by the New York Times). “In essence, due to the intense media interest in the King Road homicides, Judge Marshall was shutting out the media going forward in order to maintain the integrity of the case and to ensure an unbiased jury, should the case go to trial.” And yet this book was written and published?!
4) so much of this book is filler because of the lack of information that is available due to the timing of this publication. The author describes instagram posts from all four victims in extreme detail on multiple occasions. About 90% of this book is information the author took off the internet and provided no new information in regards to this case. Reading a NYT article provides the same amount of info in a more consise format.
5) there is so much speculation in this book and a lot of the details are taken from social media, news reports, public court documents, and general observations. The author speaks about how justice needs to be served and how much the families have advocated for it on a National scale but the mere publication of this book jepordizes it. With so much media attention how do they expect to get an impartial jury? The author and publisher should have considered this with the timing of publication.
6) I read / listen to a significant amount of true crime and this book is the first time the literature itself it has ever really disgusted me. Most true crime is incredibly informative and largely focused on law enforcement procedures and case development. Typically they are very tasteful in how they portray the victims without feeling like the authors harrassed the family or invaded the privacy of the family or victims themselves. This book really sensationalizes the crime, the victims, and continues to spread internet rumors that have either not been validated or even debunked. Including rumors about the surviving friends and roommates. Then the author proceeds to talk about the harrasment of those friends and roommates.
TLDR: the book is a lazy cash grab with questionable legal ramifications considering the case hasn't been to trial
1) the trial is not set until August of 2025.
2) author did not interview the families, law enforcement, or anyone significant for that matter
3) the police and legal system have a gag order in place to protect the integrity of the case and to attempt to get an impartial jury for the trial. The publication of this book by a major traditional publisher prior to the trial is abhorrant. The trial location has already been changed post publication due to national media attention as rural Idaho does not have the bandwith for the security they anticipate needing (trial location change literally reported on by the New York Times). “In essence, due to the intense media interest in the King Road homicides, Judge Marshall was shutting out the media going forward in order to maintain the integrity of the case and to ensure an unbiased jury, should the case go to trial.” And yet this book was written and published?!
4) so much of this book is filler because of the lack of information that is available due to the timing of this publication. The author describes instagram posts from all four victims in extreme detail on multiple occasions. About 90% of this book is information the author took off the internet and provided no new information in regards to this case. Reading a NYT article provides the same amount of info in a more consise format.
5) there is so much speculation in this book and a lot of the details are taken from social media, news reports, public court documents, and general observations. The author speaks about how justice needs to be served and how much the families have advocated for it on a National scale but the mere publication of this book jepordizes it. With so much media attention how do they expect to get an impartial jury? The author and publisher should have considered this with the timing of publication.
6) I read / listen to a significant amount of true crime and this book is the first time the literature itself it has ever really disgusted me. Most true crime is incredibly informative and largely focused on law enforcement procedures and case development. Typically they are very tasteful in how they portray the victims without feeling like the authors harrassed the family or invaded the privacy of the family or victims themselves. This book really sensationalizes the crime, the victims, and continues to spread internet rumors that have either not been validated or even debunked. Including rumors about the surviving friends and roommates. Then the author proceeds to talk about the harrasment of those friends and roommates.
January 19, 2024
I try not to let myself be interested in true crime anymore, but I felt completely in the dark about this case despite being interested. This case hit home for me as someone who has lived all over the PNW and Intermountain West. I know people in Moscow and worried about them.
While I feel better informed about the case, I feel like this book comes too soon and really ought to have waited until after sentencing. There's no doubt that there will be another book about it, rendering this outdated before necessary. That's really the only reason I'm giving it three stars.
While I feel better informed about the case, I feel like this book comes too soon and really ought to have waited until after sentencing. There's no doubt that there will be another book about it, rendering this outdated before necessary. That's really the only reason I'm giving it three stars.
July 22, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
If you’re familiar with this story, there’s not much new here. I thought the book started and ended decently, but the middle was absolutely ridiculous. It starts with a summary of the murders - nothing new, but it makes sense to start here and the book captures the facts. It ends with a fair amount of detail about the alleged murderer and the state of things as he awaits trial. The middle though? It’s obvious that the beginning and end weren’t enough to make a book and the author chose a filler approach by deep diving anything available to the public. The entire middle is trying to paint a personal picture of everyone by literally describing Instagram photos in minute detail and basically transcribing snippets of interviews and anything else that could be found in the public domain. Given this, there just wasn’t enough to support a book and this was probably better left unwritten in my opinion.
If you’re familiar with this story, there’s not much new here. I thought the book started and ended decently, but the middle was absolutely ridiculous. It starts with a summary of the murders - nothing new, but it makes sense to start here and the book captures the facts. It ends with a fair amount of detail about the alleged murderer and the state of things as he awaits trial. The middle though? It’s obvious that the beginning and end weren’t enough to make a book and the author chose a filler approach by deep diving anything available to the public. The entire middle is trying to paint a personal picture of everyone by literally describing Instagram photos in minute detail and basically transcribing snippets of interviews and anything else that could be found in the public domain. Given this, there just wasn’t enough to support a book and this was probably better left unwritten in my opinion.
July 15, 2023
AHHHHHH. Okay. I am so thankful to Harper Perennial Paperbacks, J. Reuben Appelman, and Netgalley for granting me advanced access to this horribly alarming and yet trending narrative depicting the facts and know-what for the Idaho Four (gag-ordered) case. While Idaho Slept is projected to publish on October 3, 2023, yall better get your pre-orders in for this one ASAP, especially since so little is being communicated as far as this ongoing case goes.
I'm sure the world has heard the gruesome tale of the events that took place back on King Road in November 2022 -- the tragic murders of four college students shook the surrounding areas, especially as no immediate answers were captured in light of such awful loss.
The author does a great job at analyzing the murderer (who I will not be naming out of respect for the victims and their families), breaking down his routine stalker-like movements and odd characteristics leading up to the murders and after the fact.
I felt this book was well-produced and sourced accurately from a journalistic standpoint.
I'm sure the world has heard the gruesome tale of the events that took place back on King Road in November 2022 -- the tragic murders of four college students shook the surrounding areas, especially as no immediate answers were captured in light of such awful loss.
The author does a great job at analyzing the murderer (who I will not be naming out of respect for the victims and their families), breaking down his routine stalker-like movements and odd characteristics leading up to the murders and after the fact.
I felt this book was well-produced and sourced accurately from a journalistic standpoint.
January 12, 2024
In the middle of the night on Nov. 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students were brutally stabbed to death in off-campus housing. This book highlights the lives of the young victims, dissects the media frenzy and police investigation, and speculates about the suspect who has been arrested and is awaiting trial.
—
This book was okay at best. I didn’t follow this case much after it initially broke, so I didn’t know much about the (suspected) killer or that the suspect was still awaiting trial. I’m not sure I would have picked up the book had I known he hadn’t been tried yet because it feels weird to have published a book midstream. Still, it was interesting to read about the investigation and circumstances leading to an arrest. Beyond that, the writing was not my favorite. The author’s descriptions of some things were, for lack of a better word, weird. He included details about contacts with people from the victims’ childhood that seemed like their only purpose was to take up space.
⭐️⭐️✨💫 (2.75)
—
This book was okay at best. I didn’t follow this case much after it initially broke, so I didn’t know much about the (suspected) killer or that the suspect was still awaiting trial. I’m not sure I would have picked up the book had I known he hadn’t been tried yet because it feels weird to have published a book midstream. Still, it was interesting to read about the investigation and circumstances leading to an arrest. Beyond that, the writing was not my favorite. The author’s descriptions of some things were, for lack of a better word, weird. He included details about contacts with people from the victims’ childhood that seemed like their only purpose was to take up space.
⭐️⭐️✨💫 (2.75)
December 13, 2023
This is still an open case, so based on the information available to the public, I rate this 5 stars.
I learned quite a few things from this book that I have yet to see mentioned in the mainstream media. For this reason, I found it very insightful and definitely adds to my suspicions that they arrested the right guy.
Example 1 - Page 205 : At approximately 11:40pm on Saturday November 12th 2023, there was a drunk driving hit and run crash outside the accused killers WSU apartment. It was swarming with police & crime scene reconstructionist with 2 victims being severely injured. The accused left his apartment and returned after the murders all in eyeshot of the police. Upon return around 530am, the police were just wrapping up their investigation.
I learned quite a few things from this book that I have yet to see mentioned in the mainstream media. For this reason, I found it very insightful and definitely adds to my suspicions that they arrested the right guy.
Example 1 - Page 205 : At approximately 11:40pm on Saturday November 12th 2023, there was a drunk driving hit and run crash outside the accused killers WSU apartment. It was swarming with police & crime scene reconstructionist with 2 victims being severely injured. The accused left his apartment and returned after the murders all in eyeshot of the police. Upon return around 530am, the police were just wrapping up their investigation.
November 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Normally I probably wouldn't read a true crime book that's published before the trial is over but this case happened in the state I live in.
The author does a nice job of giving focus to the victims' lives and does so tastefully.
The information on Kohberger was succinct and shows both sides of his potential guilt or innocence.
Normally I probably wouldn't read a true crime book that's published before the trial is over but this case happened in the state I live in.
The author does a nice job of giving focus to the victims' lives and does so tastefully.
The information on Kohberger was succinct and shows both sides of his potential guilt or innocence.
July 22, 2023
I received a free copy of, While Idaho Slept, by J. Reuben Appelman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I think almost everyone has heard about the Idaho College students murdered in the college town. Madison Mogen 21, Kaylee Gonclaves, 21 , Xana Kernodle 20, and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin also 20. This book takes toy through the crime but also, tells about the victims, who they were to their family and friends. Such a needless tragedy.
September 17, 2023
I think we are all turning into true crime junkies thanks to the news. And this one was certainly horrific enough to occupy our news feeds for days. So, I was interested to learn more. However, I really did not. I expected a deep dive into this crime rather than a cheap novel-like story. Maybe it is too early for a book like this, but it was very surface-level.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
February 23, 2024
did a really good job of highlighting the victims lives! definitely cried a few times. hope those families are doing well. hate how the media and amateur sleuth people just need to touch grass but that's life ig. well written but it was hard to get thru at times, was also written prematurely in that the outcome of kohbergers arrest hadn't been released yet 🤨
April 13, 2024
True crime without a final outcome since the killer hasn’t gone to trial yet. When this happened I remember everyone talking about it and wondering how the police had nothing. Well that wasn’t true and I’m so glad I read this. You get to know the victims through their family and friends. So tragic. I can’t wait for the trial.
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