This book was so good. I don't think I have been so captivated by a true crime book in so long. The author did so much research and did so well writing this story. You really felt like you were there experiencing what the town and families felt.
This tells the story of gruesome murders, but also what was going on in the community leading up to it and after. It was so interesting to see how this was different based on the social media involvement.
It definitely is not something you want to read at night because i got startled and jumped so high. I really hope that as the court cases go on, the families get justice for those that were lost.

While Idaho Slept by J. Reuben Appelman is a chilling true-crime account of the shocking 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students in the quiet town of Moscow, Idaho. Appelman, known for his investigative prowess, dives into the gruesome details of the case, the police investigation, and the aftermath that gripped the nation. The book meticulously reconstructs the events, from the night of the murders to the intense hunt for the killer, while also exploring the impact on the local community and the country’s obsession with high-profile crimes.

Appelman's writing is haunting and empathetic, balancing the tragic loss of young lives with a deep look into the darker undercurrents of society. While Idaho Slept is not only a gripping narrative but also a thoughtful examination of violence, justice, and media sensationalism in modern America. It’s a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the psychological and societal factors at play in such cases.

It feels a little bit #first since the case isn't over yet in May 2024. It's interesting enough, but I think because of the timing it's brief and feels incomplete.

I like true crime and was excited to read this book. I feel like the book was respectful of the victims and provided a bit more information into how the alleged killer was apprehended. While it covered basic information that was already in the media, it is good for those who want it all composed in one location.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I really tried to get into this story but I failed. Maybe it's too soon after the crime? Might have been better if the case had a conclusion from a trial? Not sure what exactly was missing from this book.

I didn't really learn anything from this that I didn't know before, but could be good for someone wanting to learn about the case.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
While it’s a bit soon for a book considering a trial hasn’t even happened yet, this one does give us some more insight on that horrific night.
We also get to learn a bit more about the victims themselves.
Not much new info but at least it puts it all in one place.

While it seems a little too soon for there to be a book about the Idaho murders, this book did give more information about each of the victims. Overall, I would say this book is more about the people impacted than the murder itself. I am sure there will be several books published in the future, but for now, this book did a wonderful job of describing the lives of the victims and providing more information about the suspect. It was a fast read, but I was expecting a bit more.

I found this book very interesting. I remember hearing about this case on the news from time to time, but I never really got all the details.

I think maybe I can't read / listen to True Crime in the way I used to be able to. This was too much for me.

Very good, nothing really groundbreaking that hasnt been discussed ad nauseam in the media, however i did like how it respectfully told the story of who the 4 victims were and their lives. I think it gives an important perspective about how online sleuths can do more harm than good. I feel so bad for the 2 surviving roommates who got dragged through the mud.

This book goes into great detail explaining all the events that led to the murders and victims. The book is a really good account of the whole story and how the families dealt with everything. The town and officials want answers and this book helps explain all of that. The book was a very informative read.

To be honest, this didn’t really tell you much. If you follow this case, you already kind of know everything there is to know so I thought that this book was made a little bit prematurely since we haven’t even gone to trial yet I read it anyway because I really Care about the victims and their family so overall I would say pass the read if you’re familiar with this case And wait until after the trial to get more depth into what happened, etc. but if you’re new to the case and wants a little bit more background without having to YouTube or look it up I would say definitely pick it up because it does cover majority of what is already available to the public

This book is a true crime deep dive into the Idaho college murders. It reveals more info about the victims and their families along with more info about the killer and the timeline of events.
I feel so awful for these families and I just can't wrap my head around what the killer was thinking when he made the choices he did. How and why will never make sense.
I recommend this book to folks who are interested in true crime stories.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

While Idaho Slept is a great deep dive into all the information released, interviews with family members that have been done on national TV, interviews with the town that then got so tired of reporters that they shut the media out, that has been released up until the arrest of a suspect was announced to America. If you have been following the story online, there is still some information here that hasn't been reported elsewhere as J. Reuben Appelman has done some investigative work of his own. It's set up introducing each of the four individual victims and their personal stories, really bringing them to life for those who didn't know them personally, and finally settles on the suspect himself and his personal history as well. Since the trial has yet to start, the book ends on a note of more to come. Excellent investigative work.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks and Harper Paperbacks for the sneak peak of this book. It's so hard to review true crime books - because it's real life. It's someone's real life horror. This was a truly horrible crime and this book provided a lot of insight into what happened and the lives of the victims. This is a must read for true crime readers.

While I didn't learn anything new that I hadn't already read from media coverage, it is nice to have the story in one place. Thank you for the chance to review early.

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” 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.

A digital copy of this book was provided to by NetGalley, Harper Perennial and Paperbacks and Harper Paperbacks. The opinions are my own and freely given.

This is the story of the Idaho College Murders, where four college students were murdered in their beds.
The story starts in the few hours leading up to the four students coming home for the night. It then tells us about the two students that were home and survived the attack. The author, in my opinion, stuck to the facts of what has been released to the public since we learned of the events of that dreadful night. It does not name the accused as the murders are taking place, nor does it point to things that might not have happened that night. As the accused is still awaiting trial and is innocent until proven guilty. I was wondering how this book could be written when the trial hasn't taken place yet and was worried it would taint any jury. But I felt that this book was very factually written and there is still more to come out at the trial, for both the prosecution and the defense. I recommend this book. Especially if you are intrigued by true crime.

A book revealing more about the young victims, their families, & how this horrible event affected everyone’s lives even today. I felt for all the families & friends touched by this tragedy. As well as giving the reader more information about the killer & his background.