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Idaho Four
James Patterson

Idaho Four

Quick Answer

Read "Idaho Four" as the 25th book in the Murder Bookshots (Standalone Novellas) sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "American Cops" (Book 24)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 25th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2025448 pp
<b>Instant #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestseller!<br> <br> <br> <br> "A vivid portrait...a sensitive tribute...a paean to youth, community, and the tenacity of local law enforcement." --<i>New York Times </i></b><br> <br> <br> <br> <b>"A mesmerizing read and a great detective story, yet sadly all true...With their book <i>The Idaho Four</i>, James Patterson and Vicky Ward have written perhaps the definitive account of the murders--a disturbing, necessary portrait of a killer and his victims." --<i>Guardian</i></b><br> <br> <br> <br> <b>"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." --<i>Good Morning America</i></b><br> <br> <br> <br> <b>"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." --<i>Town & Country</i></b><br> <br> <br> <br> <b>"A lot of brand-new reporting. Clears up a number of mysteries." --<i>Morning Joe</i></b><br> <br> <br> <br> 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.<br> <br> <br> <br> 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.<br> <br> <br> <br> Now <i>you</i> are the jury. The evidence is in.<br> <br> <br> <br> <b>You've watched the Prime documentary, </b><i><b>One Night in Idaho</b></i><b>, now read the "clearest profile yet of the twisted quadruple killer and his motives" (</b><i><b>New York Post</b></i><b>).</b>
Next Recommended Book

Writer

Book #30 of 51 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Murder Bookshots (Standalone Novellas) conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Idaho Four?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Idaho Four before American Cops?

No. We recommend reading American Cops first. Idaho Four is the 25th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Idaho Four required reading for the Murder Bookshots (Standalone Novellas)?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Idaho Four in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Idaho Four is Writer (Book #30).