When the Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders

by Howard Blum

The definitive, inside story of the Idaho murders from bestselling author Howard Blum, whose groundbreaking coverage of the story was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Timed for a trial that will capture national attention, When the Night Comes Falling examines the mysterious murders of the four University of Idaho students. Having covered this case from its start, Edgar award winning investigative reporter Howard Blum takes readers behind the scenes of the police manhunt that eventually led to suspected killer, Bryan Christopher Kohberger, and uncovered larger, lurid questions within this unthinkable tragedy.

Reminiscent of the panoramic portraiture of In Cold Blood and The Executioner’s Song, When the Night Comes Falling  offers a suspenseful, richly detailed narrative that will have readers transfixed.  

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Crime, History, Psychology, Thriller

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2024

About the author

Howard Blum is the author of New York Times bestsellers including Dark Invasion, the Edgar Award–winner American Lightning, as well as Wanted!, The Gold Exodus, Gangland, and The Floor of Heaven. Blum is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair. While at the New York Times, he was twice nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting. He is the father of three children, and lives in Connecticut.

Get in touch!
Website: www.HowardBlum.com
Email: Howard@HowardBlum.com
Facebook: Like Howard Blum on Facebook
Twitter: @HowardBlum and @FloorOfHeaven

Reviews

[Bon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty much as expected, a very short book and cash grab by this writer who obviously didn't expect a drawn-out road to trial (set for a year from now as of this writing), nor the gag orders.

I found it ironic he mentions this book being money for him, yet he was reluctant to pay informants to defy the gag orders. The introduction made me laugh grimly - people are barred from talking but he 'could tell from social media things that happened or they were thinking', etc. and that is what makes up the book.

Beyond the obvious distasteful fact these rights were signed so early on, there was also off-putting language used to describe the young female victims throughout, and a seeming general lack of geographical social context for here out west. The book pulls in old or cold cases from the general region, seemingly both to fill pages and somehow present an argument that murder is in peoples' blood out here in the PNW. And the reach for material to fill pages was so blatantly obvious at times, it was pathetic. Put the book on hold if your hands are tied by the specific legal tools at work in this case, rather than put out a book purporting to know specific truths based on "inferences" from peoples' facebook posts. Lmao. There were also factual errors - for example, Xana ordered Jack in the Box, if I recall correctly, the night of the crime, rather than Burger King as the book asserts.

The TLDR - nothing new here if you followed this case via Reddit, Youtube etc. as news broke. I grew up where Ethan was from and we found ourselves invested, and apparently more in the know than this book and writer.

Got this audiobook from the library - no one should be spending money themselves on it.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I do believe this is superb writing and exactly what I want from a true crime book, I cannot rate it higher as he’s profiting off the tragedy of these families. After reading the book I found some articles stating the families do NOT approve of this book and that the author doesn’t have all his facts straight. Seems yucky to write a book about the tragedy but to not put proceeds towards a charity of the families choice or working with them for more info so they feel their children are properly portrayed.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written narrative of facts, information and supposition about the Idaho Student Murders. It's inclusive of the victims, their families, the alleged suspect and his family, law enforcement and the community. I've read some negative things about the book and author on social media before it was released. What I can tell you is for me; this was a book I didn't want to put down and couldn't wait to get back to.

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outdated (and inaccurate) at this point, I only read it because there's a quirk in my brain that makes me want to read every single book about a subject or case that interests me.

When the Night Comes Falling was written too soon, one of the victims' families even said it's a fictional story (which I just saw mentioned in a few reviews), and I'd be inclined to agree. Is it well written? Yes, but that doesn't excuse all the speculation.

There's a hugeeee focus on Kohberger, the victims are barely in the book, and some random crimes that happened in the area are given unnecessary page time instead.

There's one theory I thought was too niche to be mentioned (it wasn't in the other Idaho Four books either), so I was very surprised when Blum did just that. I know there's a good chunk of people who believe in it even now, and for all I know there may be nothing to it, but I like that it was included anyway.

But the way the information was gathered doesn't make this book a reliable source on the case. So, I will, once again, recommend the One Night in Idaho mini series, for the most accurate info.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

On November 13, 2022 four University of Idaho students were brutally murdered. Just 6 weeks later an arrest was made in Pennsylvania. Bryan Kohberger a criminology student is suspected of the crime.

Did he do it?

What was the motive?

Did he act alone?

I had obviously heard of this case as a True Crime lover but I haven't been following the case closely. I have been following a related case which is that of the Tik Tok psychic who accused a U of Idaho professor of committing the crime. That woman is unwell. Other than that I've mostly been uninterested in the case.

When The Night Comes Falling is a rather rushed book about the case. It's extremely short only being 212 pages and truthfully this could have been an article. Obviously the author wrote several articles about the case but I just think he should have waited until after the trial to publish. The book is mostly about the investigation of the case and talks far more about the accused killer than it does about the victims. I just finished this book and I already can't remember the victims names. They seemed to be more of an afterthought. When the female victims are mentioned the author tends to sexualize them....even when describing how there bodies were found. Maybe it's just me but the way he talks about the female victims made me feel uncomfortable.

I didn't enjoy this book but it has made me more interested in the upcoming trial. I want to know more about the alleged motive and the odd behavior of the unharmed people in the house. One woman saw the killer but instead of calling 911 went to sleep and then waited 9 hours to tell a friend who than called police. This book also states that a second person in the house heard the killings but just went to sleep. I understand people experience shock and fear in different ways but the behavior of those 2 people is nevertheless weird.

I don't recommend this book. In couple of years I'm sure a better book about the case will be released.

[Scott Rhee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t been following the case. Not that there is much of a case to follow, as it has been continuously postponed. (A trial date has been set for June 2025.) To be honest, I didn’t know much about it until I read this book. And while Howard Blum’s book “When the Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders” is a concise encapsulation of the events and an attempt to answer some of the questions raised by the crime that happened on November 13, 2022, the book leaves much to be desired.

It’s not necessarily Blum’s fault. He’s done an excellent job of compiling the facts of the case, assembling them in some coherent order, and providing a break-down of the arguments for both the prosecution and defense, but in some intangible way, it’s not enough. Maybe that’s the point.

How (and why) did four young people die so violently and pointlessly? Four college students, all with vibrant lives ahead of them. And the alleged perpetrator is a young man who seems to check every box in terms of an absolute slam-dunk sure thing, except for one thing: motive. Why the fuck did he (allegedly) kill these people? What is their connection?

Maybe there is no answer to “why?”

Maybe horrible things just happen, and they can’t adequately be explained. Maybe Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, were simply fated to die that night in their off-campus apartment not far from the campus of the University of Idaho, where they were all students. And maybe Bryan Kohberger, the young criminology student with an awkward past, was simply meant to be there that night, with a knife. The stars simply aligned, and no other outcome would suffice. The gods demanded it.

The gods demanded a sacrifice, and those children were chosen.

Well, fuck the gods, then.

[JS · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this is the second Howard Blum book I’ve read, and I gotta say - he is not my kind of author. He overwrites, is far too verbose and is just kind of a dork. I’m really following this story, and writing a book on it right now seems kind of weird. The trial hasn’t even started yet. So that just makes me think he’s trying to meet a deadline and sent in this short, unsatisfying book. If you took out all the unnecessary adjectives and adverbs he used, the book would have been 75 pages long. Anyway,;the book offers nothing that a few Reddit threads or reputable podcasts could tech you, and you wouldn’t be supporting this authors dumb cash-grab

[Karla · Rating 1 out of 5]

audio3.75 stars**
Narrator Zac Aleman

[heyysamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do you “rate” the retelling of one of the most heinous crimes in recent history? I will say that as a voracious true crime reader, I couldn’t help but devour this.

Critiques:
- I know the author is a respected reporter, but there were times when his writing style felt unbearably outdated.
- The family of one of the victims released a statement denouncing the book, calling it a work of fiction. Blum and his publisher stand behind their research, but tread with caution.

[Richelle Kimball · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed this case from the beginning and I think this book gave so much more insight into things. A lot more detail I had not gathered before from documentaries and interviews.

[Dachokie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the story of these murders has saturated all media and the trial is now delayed until Sept. 2025, I found this book providing a good summary of events without being overly sensational.

Howard Blum is a good storyteller and his writing style keeps the reader engaged and wanting more; it is not a tedious or boring read. Chapters are brief, succinct, and organized under general themes.

Of course, writing a book on such a sensationalized subject matter that has so many aspects and facts hidden by gag order will draw the inevitable eye-rolling and “just trying to make a buck off a tragedy” scrutiny. Blum is a seasoned writer and knows his use of anonymous sources is simply a necessary aspect of getting information that isn’t already widely available.

Having been fascinated by this case since news broke of the murders, I’ve digested everything from news shows to podcasts that covered the basics of the case to the far-fetched conspiracies. I found this book neatly tying the facts together and serving as a great primer to the trial. I also like how Blum adds his perspective as to why he believes Bryan Kohberger is the murderer, who he targeted and why. A worthy read.

[Jeanette DeSantis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing book. Rudimentary writing at best. I didn’t feel like it was a well written book at all. Lots of gratuitous adjectives thrown in for good measure. Way too much focus on what the female victims and survivors looked like and what they were wearing. I found that to be extremely tasteless and honestly cringe. Learned nothing new at all. I found a lot of the writing to be conjecture, rumors or just plain misinformation. Kaylee Goncalves was NOT the middle child of a family of five as stated in the book. She was the middle child of five children in a family of SEVEN! What else has this author gotten wrong? He needed to get his facts straight. But then, I��m sure he didn’t even speak to the families. There’s NO WAY they would have confided in him or had anything to do with this book. I was really bored with so much of this book. I wound up skipping to the end after laborious pages and chapters that put me to sleep. Bottom line, not one bit of new info that I hadn’t heard already. All of this is already out there. So why did this person write this book? Was it to make money off of the pain and suffering of the victims and their poor families? Sure, seems so. Disgraceful. This book was nothing but exploitation. I read that the money for this book is not going to the grieving families or to any charity related to murder victims. Shame on him. Just another reason to not read this book.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author states in his into that there was a gag order on everyone that actually had any information. Some people were willing to violate the gag order for money, but he rejected that route. So, he filled the book with endless hearsay and background information- whether it was interesting or not.

[Kate Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible writing, short on facts, timed to profit off a trial that won’t start for a year (oops), and published against the wishes of many of the victims’ families, which I didn’t know until after I had wasted two hours skimming through it. Skip.

From a local TV station:

“Blum said Tuesday that the book also talks about how the murders changed the victims families forever, however, he acknowledges that he never directly spoke with the family members.

In a statement sent to NonStop Local, Kaylee Goncalves' parents said, "Mr. Blum’s book in our opinion is fiction. We have never spoken with Mr. Blum about the contents of his book. As a seasoned writer Mr. Blum has learned to write in a way that as long as he claims his information came from a source, he is protected. But all this book does is tell a STORY by Mr. Blum, a version made up by him relying on sources that have no responsibility or duty to speak the truth. Just another book and another dollar to be made on the deaths of 4 young college students. Thank you again for your support of our family and we appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers."”

[Sara MG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody should have two occurrences of the world “avuncular” or “ebullient” twice in any book. Otherwise this was a really good exploration of this case. This author was able to round out the facts we already know with information from relatives, friends, law enforcement, and others connected with the case. No you will probably not learn a bunch of new facts if you already follow the case. However, it gave me answers to questions I had about the accused and a little bit more insights into the lives and personalities of the four students.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never write reviews however I must tell you this is such a heinous cash grab. Here’s the highlights:
- sexualizing and infantilizing the female victims
- continually boot licking small town cops
- manages to purple prose everything including a wal mart
- clearly have nothing to add to the investigation from either a human or journalist POV

This book felt like a cash grab and just grasping at anything to fill pages to make money. Honestly shame on everyone involved.

[Cate Cosgrove · Rating 2 out of 5]

will probably edit for a more thorough review but lol screw this guy and his note about sources. made me want to bang my head into the wall. While Idaho Slept has a much better approach and framing of the four very real people who lost their lives senselessly and who they were outside of the end of their lives. This is so blatantly a cash grab to beat out other people in covering the story and the author has no shame.

[Carrie Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I have been following this case so this is another interesting read, and particularly has some information on the murderer and his father and their car ride. Also Blum has a thesis of who the real target is. As the case is ongoing, there is not a lot of conclusive evidence. That will come during the trial. But it is a fast paced listen. Good narrator on Audible.

[Kaitlin B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read - discusses a lot of what the public already knows, but it’s nice to see it organized in one spot. I appreciated his epilogue as well. Glad I read it.

[Kaia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll start this review with the acknowledgement that I thought the man accused of these murders had died (whether by police or suicide) prior to the arrest. Not sure where I gathered that sense, but it was indeed incorrect. And upon learning the correct information about a third of the way into this book, I began to doubt how effectively a 'truthful telling' of this open case could be accomplished. This doubt was amplified by the way this narrative was delivered, and cemented by the author's note regarding gag orders and refusal to pay for interviews, as if he isn't profiting off the tragedy.

The least insulting aspect of this book is that the author wrote like he had a minimum word count. There were numerous side stories that could have easily been left out, and doing so would have contributed to the overall clarity. It's also a morally grey product. Pretty off-putting to think about the families being in disagreement with this book, and the author proceeding anyway. And then the way he describes the young women - sexualizing them is a weird choice. I'm not familiar with any of this man's other work, but he should probably learn not to sexualize crime victims.

[Tiana Gregg-holmes · Rating 1 out of 5]

A tour de FARCE. Not only has the trial not even taken place yet, but I'm truly curious about how the author did the research for this book.

Having lived very close to both Pullman and Moscow for over 20 years and being very familiar with both universities, I'm wondering if the author even visited either town or the area. He set it up to make Moscow sound like some kind of back woods, wild west watering hole where people can't help but commit crimes and it's not like that at all.

The U of I and it's admissions rate has nothing to do with the guy who came from the other side of the country to go to school at WSU and then murder four children, who were just living their lives at college. The story should be about how a psychopath thought he could get away with this in a small town and nothing else.

These towns are close knit, and this was a horrific event that has changed us forever. Howard Blum should be ashamed of himself and this selfish money grab.

[Laurie Lukasik-robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand the major complaints I’ve read about this novel, and it’s probably true with all journalists who cover true crime: the authors, the reporters, the readers, the audience - they’re all exploiting the tragic events and victims of the crimes. And as a true crime enthusiast, I am often challenged and conflicted by my true crime media consumption.

But this book was simply riveting. I literally did not want to stop reading it. I was already fairly familiar with the case, so I do agree with the other major complaint about the book which seemed to be, “tell me something I don’t already know.” But Blum tells the story from a standpoint that honors all major players, with the clear exception of the accused (which perhaps an argument could be made that the book literally convicts him before a trial has even started).

Well written. Respect Blum as a writer.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This known non-fiction author went to Moscow, Idaho shortly after the murders of the four Idaho students in November, 2022. It was before a suspect was named and arrested. He was able to interview people from the small town, including law enforcement, to subsequently paint a picture of a town with secrets to hide and a suspect who on the surface showed a lot of promise but who has a troubling persona.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I am interested in this case as I live where Kohberger's trial will be held, I can't help but feel like this book is a cash grab.
The author admits there's a gag order in place. And his sources make it so this is a lot of hearsay and things pulled from social media pages.
Maybe someone will do a better job on a book once the trial is over.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting read. I kept up w this case when it was unfolding so it was interesting to read as a story with all the pieces put together. Howard Blum is a great writer and I thought this book showed all dimensions of the case including the families involved. I really wonder what those behind this case are holding back from the media

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing Account of Idaho Murders

I read this in a few hours. It’s really absorbing and the account of the manhunt is really something I was unable to put down. The defense account and epilogue are less interesting as not as believable. The criminal investigation is great and the meat of the book.

[DancingMarshmallow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall: 3 stars.

A perfectly fine true crime book that was just a bit meh. The first half is interesting, covering the killer's movements after the murders, more about Kohberger's backstory, a lot about the victims and their families as well as Moscow, Idaho, in general. But then, the book sort of just condenses into bland mush as the author switches to covering the investigation in a very generalized overview (which is fine, but it's a weird shift from the detailed approach of the book's first half), and then just straight up wildly conjecturing about a hypothetical trial. Which, if the dude had just waited a damn minute before publishing his book, he would've seen DIDN'T HAPPEN. Didn't see that one coming, did you, Howard?

So yeah. It's a perfectly fine introduction to the case and really centers on 1) the killer and his family, and 2) the victims and their families. If you're into true crime that focuses more on the investigation, you're just getting the barebones here. I think it was a fine book for someone like me who wanted to learn more about the case but doesn't like true crime documentaries as much. Just don't expect a true crime writing masterclass here.

Also just note that the author states that he interviewed a ton of people for the book, but since some wouldn't talk to him, he essentially internet stalked them. Which...is fine for journalism, but I dunno, it still feels a little icky. Still, the only person who ends up looking bad in this is Kohberger, so 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Kassandra • · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to on audio.

Same info presented differently.

I do think, because it was one of the first works out there on this horrific crime, some of the speculative info turned out to be incorrect.

This case riveted me, because I have college aged daughters. 😱

Can’t imagine the nightmare it was for these young people on that night - the victims and the two survivors (and the nightmare it continues to be for those two young women).

The murderer’s parents - what must they be going through!

My heart goes out to all these families.

[Nancy Yager · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read When the Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders by Howard Blum for two reasons; one, I am a true crime buff and two, I have always been a fan of Howard Blum’s reporting. From the beginning of the murders until today, I have followed every news story on the subject.

The Idaho4 is, by far, one of the most modern haunting criminal cases in American history. This gripping narrative explores the tragic events surrounding the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022. Howard Blum masterfully weaves together a tale of fear, intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Howard Blum does an excellent job of discussing the four University of Idaho students who lost their lives: Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Each of these young individuals’ lives were full of potential.

In "When the Night Comes Falling," Howard Blum presents a compelling case for why Bryan Kohberger is for the murders of the four students. Unfortunately, he seems to forget one major factor; in the United States of America, all are innocent until proven guilty.

Blum highlights several key pieces of evidence that point to Kohberger's involvement but lacks the evidence to back them up. For instance, Blum discusses his proximity to the victims' residence around the time of the murders and his behavioral patterns that according to investigators, suggest a calculated approach to the crime. But he cannot back these up with true evidence, the prosecution has yet to produce Kohberger’s cell phone data.

As for behavior patterns or personality traits, all of Blum’s accounts are second and third hand coming from distant relatives or friends from high school. Blum often speaks in the voice of Kohberger’s father yet admits that he never interviewed him.

Furthermore, Blum analyses Kohberger’s background in criminology, suggesting that his academic pursuits may have contributed to his desire to commit such heinous acts. The author reflects on the psychological profile of the suspect, suggesting that Kohberger's motives may stem from deep-seated issues, such as a desire for control and notoriety. Since when did becoming a better person and having a desire to improve one’s life become a prerequisite to a quadruple murder?

Through interviews with law enforcement and psychological experts, (despite a gag order in the case) Blum constructs a false narrative that illustrates Kohberger as more than just a suspect; he is portrayed as a complex figure embodying the darkest aspects of human nature. I find it sad that these professionals still judge people in such trivial ways. It is as if they are making fun of a High School rival.

While Blum's storytelling makes this a compelling read, the facts of the case tell a different story. The allure of his narrative, marked by vivid dramatizations and character development, captivates the audience but also risks blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Readers may find themselves swept away by the emotional weight of the tale, yet it is crucial to approach Blum's work with a discerning eye, recognizing the distinction between his engaging prose and the actual events. In the end, the true essence of the Idaho4 deserves a thorough and factual examination, one that remains anchored in the realities of the case rather than the embellishments of a narrative. Events that will eventually be proven in a court of law.