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Bone Valley: A True Story of Injustice and Redemption in the Heart of Florida
From Pulitzer Prize-winner Gilbert King, and based on the international smash hit podcast, comes a shocking expose into an egregious miscarriage of justrice - BONE VALLEY.
Leo Schofield has spent the past 35 years in prison, convicted for the 1987 murder of his young wife, Michelle-a crime he has always denied. He narrowly escaped the death penalty and would have been released by now if he just confessed to the killing, but he refuses to do so because he's innocent.
Few seriously considered Leo's claims of innocence until 2004, when previously unidentified fingerprints from the crime scene were linked to Jeremy Scott, a troubled and violent teenager from the same town in Polk County, Florida. Now, Jeremy has confessed to Michelle's murder-as well as three other murders in the area.
Both Leo and Jeremy insist they are telling the truth, but the State of Florida refuses to believe either man.
Based on the hugely successful Bone Valley podcast, which The Guardian named one of the best podcasts of the year, this brand new investigation sheds light on one of the world's most shocking cases.
Leo Schofield has spent the past 35 years in prison, convicted for the 1987 murder of his young wife, Michelle-a crime he has always denied. He narrowly escaped the death penalty and would have been released by now if he just confessed to the killing, but he refuses to do so because he's innocent.
Few seriously considered Leo's claims of innocence until 2004, when previously unidentified fingerprints from the crime scene were linked to Jeremy Scott, a troubled and violent teenager from the same town in Polk County, Florida. Now, Jeremy has confessed to Michelle's murder-as well as three other murders in the area.
Both Leo and Jeremy insist they are telling the truth, but the State of Florida refuses to believe either man.
Based on the hugely successful Bone Valley podcast, which The Guardian named one of the best podcasts of the year, this brand new investigation sheds light on one of the world's most shocking cases.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
129 people are currently reading
6172 people want to read
About the author
Gilbert King
23 books268 followersGilbert Anthony King is an American writer and photographer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
August 24, 2025
Leo Schofield is somehow both the unluckiest and luckiest man I have ever heard of. Let's do a quick rundown:
Unlucky:
1. His wife, Michelle, is murdered
2. He is convicted of the murder
3. He is actually innocent
4. The state of Florida doesn't care
Lucky:
1. He isn't executed by Florida (and Florida loves killing people, but not as much as Texas!)
2. He finds himself a new wife while behind bars
3. He finds a bunch of people who want to free him, including a Pulitzer Prize winner who is the author of the book we're talking about
4. The man who actually killed his wife confesses to it (but to add to the unlucky list, Florida still doesn't care)
(Side note: Never change, Florida. Actually, no, you really need to change, Florida.)
This is not an exhaustive list and for the full list, you will need to read Gilbert King's exceptional Bone Valley. King chronicles not only Leo's life, but also the life of the real killer of his wife, Jeremy Scott. King also explains how the podcast the book is based on came into being, and how it ends up dovetailing directly into the effort to free Leo.
I hesitate to reveal much more from the plot, but I will say that this is not necessarily what you expect from a book like this. I expected a narrative that would excoriate Florida's judicial system and read like a thriller. The excoriation does occur, but King writes this book not as a thriller but as a long journey to catharsis. To use a metaphor, he writes a marathon, not a sprint. However, that doesn't mean it's plodding. King didn't win his Pulitzer by mistake. This is one of the easiest to read books of the year. I don't even know how many pages it was, but they flew by. Most importantly, King was able to humanize (but not excuse) a villain I never expected to care about. I guess the author may need to make room for another award on the shelf.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by NetGalley and Flatiron Books.)
Unlucky:
1. His wife, Michelle, is murdered
2. He is convicted of the murder
3. He is actually innocent
4. The state of Florida doesn't care
Lucky:
1. He isn't executed by Florida (and Florida loves killing people, but not as much as Texas!)
2. He finds himself a new wife while behind bars
3. He finds a bunch of people who want to free him, including a Pulitzer Prize winner who is the author of the book we're talking about
4. The man who actually killed his wife confesses to it (but to add to the unlucky list, Florida still doesn't care)
(Side note: Never change, Florida. Actually, no, you really need to change, Florida.)
This is not an exhaustive list and for the full list, you will need to read Gilbert King's exceptional Bone Valley. King chronicles not only Leo's life, but also the life of the real killer of his wife, Jeremy Scott. King also explains how the podcast the book is based on came into being, and how it ends up dovetailing directly into the effort to free Leo.
I hesitate to reveal much more from the plot, but I will say that this is not necessarily what you expect from a book like this. I expected a narrative that would excoriate Florida's judicial system and read like a thriller. The excoriation does occur, but King writes this book not as a thriller but as a long journey to catharsis. To use a metaphor, he writes a marathon, not a sprint. However, that doesn't mean it's plodding. King didn't win his Pulitzer by mistake. This is one of the easiest to read books of the year. I don't even know how many pages it was, but they flew by. Most importantly, King was able to humanize (but not excuse) a villain I never expected to care about. I guess the author may need to make room for another award on the shelf.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by NetGalley and Flatiron Books.)
October 12, 2025
The first book I've ever read/listened to by Gilbert King, and now I want to read them all. I'm a huge true crime junkie and this one was really fascinating!! I had actually never heard of the Leo Schofield case. The injustice is shocking and mind blowing. In this book, King goes into detail about Leo's case and his life. Leo was convicted of killing his wife in 1987. He has always maintained his innocence, but few people believed him. Then, in 2004, fingerprints that were found at the scene, were finally linked to Jeremy Scott, who was currently serving time for murder. Jeremy even confessed. But they still kept Leo in prison. In this book, King goes into detail about Leo's case and his life, and also gives details about Jeremy's life! There's so much to this story, and I found it so interesting and infuriating! I loved the way King laid out this case, and the research in such a captivating way. If you are into True crime, you will definitely want to read this one.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2025
How far will a legal system and people go to get a conviction?! This question is at the heart of this story. A true story.
This book was fantastic on audio. Filled with snippets of interview clips. I felt like I was listening to a podcast. Indeed, Bone Valley first started off as a podcast and now has been written into a book. The author Gilbert King narrates his own novel. I listened at 1.5x speed.
It is a bit long because there is so much research and information that went into this podcast/book. I was captivated and could not stop listening. You will feel all the emotions with this one.
This true story is for readers who enjoyed Just Mercy and who want a book that is not only about injustice but hope, compassion and forgiveness.
Thank you to Macmillan audio for the gifted audiobook and the opportunity to preview this book. All opinions are my own.
#macaudio2025
October 27, 2025
✨REVIEW: Bone Valley: A True Story of Injustice and Redemption in the Heart of Florida by Gilbert King✨
Release date: October 7, 2025 (Out now!)
🎧5⭐️
I have always been drawn to stories of wrongful convictions. While they can be infuriating, I am thankful for people who shine light on injustice so that it will (hopefully) occur less often.
❤️When I knew I was reading a five star story:
Around the 65 percent mark, this jumped from a 4 or 4.5⭐️ read to 5⭐️. Why? Hearing Leo (the wrongfully convicted man) talk about how his heart changed towards the man who murdered his wife gave this book a moving and redemptive element.
While this began with many details and facts, it ended as an incredible story of two men who both spent years in prison. The themes of forgiveness and transformation reminded me of Anthony Ray Hinton’s biography- one of my favorites.
🥰If you loved The Sun Does Shine, Just Mercy, or The Sing Sing Files, this book is for you!
⚠️Profanity: 2/5 (infrequent- about ten total)
Sexual: 2/5 (a couple of references to sexual abuse and behavior)
Other: Rejection and abandonment by a parent, murder, physical abuse is referenced)
❓Do you enjoy stories of wrongful convictions? Do you have a favorite book or podcast?
Thank you to for my copy of this audiobook! #macaudio2025
Release date: October 7, 2025 (Out now!)
🎧5⭐️
I have always been drawn to stories of wrongful convictions. While they can be infuriating, I am thankful for people who shine light on injustice so that it will (hopefully) occur less often.
❤️When I knew I was reading a five star story:
Around the 65 percent mark, this jumped from a 4 or 4.5⭐️ read to 5⭐️. Why? Hearing Leo (the wrongfully convicted man) talk about how his heart changed towards the man who murdered his wife gave this book a moving and redemptive element.
While this began with many details and facts, it ended as an incredible story of two men who both spent years in prison. The themes of forgiveness and transformation reminded me of Anthony Ray Hinton’s biography- one of my favorites.
🥰If you loved The Sun Does Shine, Just Mercy, or The Sing Sing Files, this book is for you!
⚠️Profanity: 2/5 (infrequent- about ten total)
Sexual: 2/5 (a couple of references to sexual abuse and behavior)
Other: Rejection and abandonment by a parent, murder, physical abuse is referenced)
❓Do you enjoy stories of wrongful convictions? Do you have a favorite book or podcast?
Thank you to for my copy of this audiobook! #macaudio2025
November 6, 2025
Compelling and unforgettable. Wow, what a book! It’s one I’ll be thinking of for some time. Social justice books always get to me. This is the story of the wrongful conviction of Leo Schofield, who was convicted in the murder of his wife, Michelle, in 1987.
It’s frustrating for me to read of egregious cases like this, where a person should never have been convicted. Polk County prosecutor John Aguero’s actions in Leo Schofield’s case were despicable. Leo spent over 35 years in prison for this crime.
“I’m not able to get out of my own story.”
A gripping, unforgettable and emotional story that is so well researched and well written. You will need to listen closely to the audio excerpts included in the book. I think they add to the narrative.
An important part of this story is the aspect of hope and forgiveness. That is something that really resonated with me.
Be sure to put this book on your list for non-fiction November reading. Highly recommend! ✨
CA | Contains some strong profanity.
It’s frustrating for me to read of egregious cases like this, where a person should never have been convicted. Polk County prosecutor John Aguero’s actions in Leo Schofield’s case were despicable. Leo spent over 35 years in prison for this crime.
“I’m not able to get out of my own story.”
A gripping, unforgettable and emotional story that is so well researched and well written. You will need to listen closely to the audio excerpts included in the book. I think they add to the narrative.
An important part of this story is the aspect of hope and forgiveness. That is something that really resonated with me.
Be sure to put this book on your list for non-fiction November reading. Highly recommend! ✨
CA | Contains some strong profanity.
October 29, 2025
full RTC but this is actually 949392458259934483/5 stars
tysm to macmillan audio, Flatiron, Leo, Gilbert King & Kelsey for the #gifted audiobook 🥲
tysm to macmillan audio, Flatiron, Leo, Gilbert King & Kelsey for the #gifted audiobook 🥲
October 13, 2025
True crime books can sometimes feel exploitative and a bit icky, like we’re being entertained at the victims’ expense. Then there are books like BONE VALLEY, which is careful, compassionate, engaging, and a powerful examination of our flawed justice system.
Leo Schofield’s case goes far beyond a wrongful conviction. This was prosecutorial misconduct on steroids. I can’t help but wonder how many other innocent people that prosecutor is responsible for locking away.
It’s important to note that this was a capital murder case. The prosecutor was seeking the death penalty. If not for a single dissenter during the sentencing phase of the trial, Leo Schofield likely would have been executed long before the truth finally came out.
I can’t imagine spending 36 years locked up for a murder I didn’t commit. Leo has every right to be angry and bitter, and yet he’s not. The way he held himself with kindness and grace in the face of adversity is something we can all learn from.
Gilbert King, the author, narrates the audiobook, which I loved. The audio includes snippets of various interviews done over the years. Some of the sound quality isn’t great, due to the circumstances, so be prepared to adjust the volume at times.
The audiobook ends with an interview/discussion between King and Schofield that was done after the book was completed. Don’t miss this. It’s poignant and beautiful and, yeah, my eyes might have leaked.
*Huge thank you to Macmillan Audio (#MacAudio2025) for the free audiobook download!*
Leo Schofield’s case goes far beyond a wrongful conviction. This was prosecutorial misconduct on steroids. I can’t help but wonder how many other innocent people that prosecutor is responsible for locking away.
It’s important to note that this was a capital murder case. The prosecutor was seeking the death penalty. If not for a single dissenter during the sentencing phase of the trial, Leo Schofield likely would have been executed long before the truth finally came out.
I can’t imagine spending 36 years locked up for a murder I didn’t commit. Leo has every right to be angry and bitter, and yet he’s not. The way he held himself with kindness and grace in the face of adversity is something we can all learn from.
Gilbert King, the author, narrates the audiobook, which I loved. The audio includes snippets of various interviews done over the years. Some of the sound quality isn’t great, due to the circumstances, so be prepared to adjust the volume at times.
The audiobook ends with an interview/discussion between King and Schofield that was done after the book was completed. Don’t miss this. It’s poignant and beautiful and, yeah, my eyes might have leaked.
*Huge thank you to Macmillan Audio (#MacAudio2025) for the free audiobook download!*
November 21, 2025
Bone Valley is a true-crime nonfiction book about what it took to get a man falsely accused of murdering his wife, Michelle, released from prison.
Leo Schofield had served more than thirty years of a prison sentence for his wife’s murder when Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative author Gilbert King became interested in the case. As Gilbert and his research assistant, Kelsey, dig further into the crime, they find a man who was convicted on weak evidence. Even worse, physical evidence found in Michelle’s car points to a completely different man—someone serving life in prison for another murder committed a year after Michelle’s. Gilbert documents the case and builds a popular podcast around the efforts to get Leo released from prison and clear his name.
Gilbert King does an excellent job making crimes that weren’t widely publicized and occurred nearly forty years ago feel compelling, all while keeping the people involved at the center. Even though there’s a lot of detail, the story unfolds at a nice pace, and I never got bored or distracted.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration notes: This audiobook of Bone Valley was narrated by the author, Gilbert King. He did such a great job that I assumed it was a professional voice actor.
Disclosure: An advanced listening copy of Bone Valley was provided by Macmillan Audio for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Leo Schofield had served more than thirty years of a prison sentence for his wife’s murder when Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative author Gilbert King became interested in the case. As Gilbert and his research assistant, Kelsey, dig further into the crime, they find a man who was convicted on weak evidence. Even worse, physical evidence found in Michelle’s car points to a completely different man—someone serving life in prison for another murder committed a year after Michelle’s. Gilbert documents the case and builds a popular podcast around the efforts to get Leo released from prison and clear his name.
Gilbert King does an excellent job making crimes that weren’t widely publicized and occurred nearly forty years ago feel compelling, all while keeping the people involved at the center. Even though there’s a lot of detail, the story unfolds at a nice pace, and I never got bored or distracted.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration notes: This audiobook of Bone Valley was narrated by the author, Gilbert King. He did such a great job that I assumed it was a professional voice actor.
Disclosure: An advanced listening copy of Bone Valley was provided by Macmillan Audio for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
November 22, 2025
IG review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRXNWIREd...
WOW. That’s it. That’s the whole review.
I’m always drawn to read stories of wrongful incarceration. I thought this book was phenomenal. “Leo Schofield has spent the past 35 years in prison, convicted for the 1987 murder of his young wife, Michelle-a crime he has always denied. He narrowly escaped the death penalty and would have been released by now if he just confessed to the killing, but he refuses to do so because he's innocent.”
This book is an investigation and an expose of a horrific crime, injustice and the justice system and it’s so well done. The hope and forgiveness that this story brings was beautiful. 5 stars for Gilbert King and Kelsey’s investigation and this book and 1 star for the prosecution and Florida justice system.
🎧I highly recommend the audiobook for this one as we hear conversations with Leo Schofield and the author and some recordings from the investigation.
WOW. That’s it. That’s the whole review.
I’m always drawn to read stories of wrongful incarceration. I thought this book was phenomenal. “Leo Schofield has spent the past 35 years in prison, convicted for the 1987 murder of his young wife, Michelle-a crime he has always denied. He narrowly escaped the death penalty and would have been released by now if he just confessed to the killing, but he refuses to do so because he's innocent.”
This book is an investigation and an expose of a horrific crime, injustice and the justice system and it’s so well done. The hope and forgiveness that this story brings was beautiful. 5 stars for Gilbert King and Kelsey’s investigation and this book and 1 star for the prosecution and Florida justice system.
🎧I highly recommend the audiobook for this one as we hear conversations with Leo Schofield and the author and some recordings from the investigation.
November 16, 2025
It has been days since I finished this book and I can't stop thinking and talking about it. I loved it so much. It was profoundly heartbreaking and infuriating. I don't know if I will ever stop being heartbroken over the injustice of it all. This book will stick with me. It was so well done.
Content: talk about murder, rape, domestic abuse and a handful of F words.
Content: talk about murder, rape, domestic abuse and a handful of F words.
October 25, 2025
Five stars for storytelling, writing, making me feel like I was there in the thick of things reporting with him.
ONE F*CKING STAR for the Florida justice system, are you kidding me?! 36 years an innocent man sat in prison. Absolutely wild, and so sad to know there are more cases like this out there too.
ONE F*CKING STAR for the Florida justice system, are you kidding me?! 36 years an innocent man sat in prison. Absolutely wild, and so sad to know there are more cases like this out there too.
November 3, 2025
This is the first time I've heard of this case and boy was it a doozy. One man accused of murdering his wife and sentenced to life in prison, and potentially the death penalty. And another man who admits to the murder. But yet, the justice system doesn't believe either of them to rectify the unjust sentence.
The book, and particularly the audiobook, was so well done recounting the whole investigative process. Really digging into what happened at the time of the murder and everything after. All the trials, the interviews with both Leo and Jeremy. It was truly captivating and shows how the justice system can really do harm to people's lives.
The book, and particularly the audiobook, was so well done recounting the whole investigative process. Really digging into what happened at the time of the murder and everything after. All the trials, the interviews with both Leo and Jeremy. It was truly captivating and shows how the justice system can really do harm to people's lives.
October 13, 2025
A heartbreaking story of injustice.
Leo Schofield is tried and incarcerated for murdering his wife despite the lack of evidence in this case and despite his desperate attempts to find his wife when she first went missing. I couldn't put this book down. But, the real story is revealed much later. It is the humble humanity of Leo himself. I really cried. How could you not?
Thankful for Gilbert King and his assistant, Kelsey Decker for their dogged analysis of the facts in this case. Their pursuit of the truth is truly admirable.
Leo Schofield is tried and incarcerated for murdering his wife despite the lack of evidence in this case and despite his desperate attempts to find his wife when she first went missing. I couldn't put this book down. But, the real story is revealed much later. It is the humble humanity of Leo himself. I really cried. How could you not?
Thankful for Gilbert King and his assistant, Kelsey Decker for their dogged analysis of the facts in this case. Their pursuit of the truth is truly admirable.
November 9, 2025
In Bone Valley, Gilbert King takes us deeper into the story of a wrongful conviction in Lakeland, Florida. I haven't listened to the Bone Valley podcast, so I was unfamiliar with this case. Like the author himself, I was a little skeptical going into the story, but King really shows why he is a Pulitzer winner. The case is clearly laid out, and it doesn't take long to get emotionally invested in the story. Definitely a must-read for true crime fans.
December 2, 2025
Thank you @macmillian.audio #MacAudio2025 for the free alc 💖.
Leo Schofield spent 35 years in prison for the 1987 murder of his wife, Michelle—a crime he always said he didn’t commit. He could have been released years earlier if he’d confessed, but he stood firm in his innocence.
In 2004, fingerprints from the crime scene were matched to another man, Jeremy Scott, who later confessed to Michelle’s murder and several others. However, even with that confession, the State of Florida still refused to accept either man’s story. This investigation, based on the hit Bone Valley podcast, digs into one of Florida’s most controversial and baffling murder cases.
This story was truly unbelievable! As soon as I saw the premise, I knew I had to listen to it. As a Florida resident, I was especially curious and I had never heard of this case before. It was shocking to learn that an innocent man could spend decades in prison for a crime someone else confessed to, especially when there was evidence linking that person to the scene. Hard to believe, but that’s exactly what happened. Jeremy Scott was the killer, yet Leo was the one serving the sentence. Thanks to the Bone Valley podcast’s investigation and the spread of the truth, Leo’s story finally came to light, and he was ultimately released.
The audiobook runs for 14 hours and 43 minutes and is narrated by the author. It features audio from the original podcast, along with archival recordings and interviews from the investigation, which made the story feel vivid and real. It was engaging, powerful, and a must listen for true crime fans.
Read if you like:
🍊Wrongful conviction cases
🍊Podcasts
🍊Florida setting
🍊True crime
🍊The pursuit of truth
⚠️CW: Wrongful imprisonment, murder/homicide, violence, domestic violence, graphic crime scene details.
Leo Schofield spent 35 years in prison for the 1987 murder of his wife, Michelle—a crime he always said he didn’t commit. He could have been released years earlier if he’d confessed, but he stood firm in his innocence.
In 2004, fingerprints from the crime scene were matched to another man, Jeremy Scott, who later confessed to Michelle’s murder and several others. However, even with that confession, the State of Florida still refused to accept either man’s story. This investigation, based on the hit Bone Valley podcast, digs into one of Florida’s most controversial and baffling murder cases.
This story was truly unbelievable! As soon as I saw the premise, I knew I had to listen to it. As a Florida resident, I was especially curious and I had never heard of this case before. It was shocking to learn that an innocent man could spend decades in prison for a crime someone else confessed to, especially when there was evidence linking that person to the scene. Hard to believe, but that’s exactly what happened. Jeremy Scott was the killer, yet Leo was the one serving the sentence. Thanks to the Bone Valley podcast’s investigation and the spread of the truth, Leo’s story finally came to light, and he was ultimately released.
The audiobook runs for 14 hours and 43 minutes and is narrated by the author. It features audio from the original podcast, along with archival recordings and interviews from the investigation, which made the story feel vivid and real. It was engaging, powerful, and a must listen for true crime fans.
Read if you like:
🍊Wrongful conviction cases
🍊Podcasts
🍊Florida setting
🍊True crime
🍊The pursuit of truth
⚠️CW: Wrongful imprisonment, murder/homicide, violence, domestic violence, graphic crime scene details.
November 20, 2025
Author and narrator Gilbert King takes us on a gripping journey through the case of Leo Schofield, a young rock-and-roll guitarist wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife, Michelle, in 1987. Just six months after their wedding, Michelle was brutally stabbed twenty-six times. Despite Leo’s steadfast claims of innocence, he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Fast forward decades later, and King uncovers a chilling connection to a nearby serial killer. Can he help exonerate an innocent man?
I hadn’t heard of this wrongful conviction case before diving into the audiobook, but Leo’s story hooked me from the start. King meticulously unpacks each step of the investigation, revealing shocking evidence that supports Schofield’s innocence. It’s infuriating to see how the justice system failed him at every turn. With a solid alibi and no physical evidence linking him to the crime, it’s baffling how he was ever convicted.
What struck me most was King’s passionate belief in Leo's innocence and his relentless pursuit of justice. Despite compelling new evidence, Leo’s appeals were repeatedly denied, showcasing a true miscarriage of justice.
King emphasizes that storytelling can be a powerful tool for justice when all else fails. Thankfully, after years of fighting, Leo finally received the justice he deserved.
The audiobook is enhanced by real audio clips from 911 calls and witness interviews, creating an immersive experience. King’s engaging narration makes for a captivating listen.
Bone Valley offers a profound look at a tragic injustice, making it a great listen for anyone intrigued by true crime and systemic failures in our legal system.
I received a gifted copy of this audiobook.
I hadn’t heard of this wrongful conviction case before diving into the audiobook, but Leo’s story hooked me from the start. King meticulously unpacks each step of the investigation, revealing shocking evidence that supports Schofield’s innocence. It’s infuriating to see how the justice system failed him at every turn. With a solid alibi and no physical evidence linking him to the crime, it’s baffling how he was ever convicted.
What struck me most was King’s passionate belief in Leo's innocence and his relentless pursuit of justice. Despite compelling new evidence, Leo’s appeals were repeatedly denied, showcasing a true miscarriage of justice.
King emphasizes that storytelling can be a powerful tool for justice when all else fails. Thankfully, after years of fighting, Leo finally received the justice he deserved.
The audiobook is enhanced by real audio clips from 911 calls and witness interviews, creating an immersive experience. King’s engaging narration makes for a captivating listen.
Bone Valley offers a profound look at a tragic injustice, making it a great listen for anyone intrigued by true crime and systemic failures in our legal system.
I received a gifted copy of this audiobook.
October 30, 2025
I surprised myself by requesting this book from the Macmillan Early Listener program because I’m not a true crime or podcast junkie. The synopsis sounded interesting and I was intrigued by the premise and took a chance trying something different. Stepping outside my normal genres paid off in a big way.
This is the story of Leo Schofield, a man wrongly convicted of killing his young wife in Lakeland, Florida, and the people who worked hard to prove his innocence and obtain his freedom. It is compelling, hard hitting, infuriating, and above all else—hopeful. The book is full of details about the crime, investigation, and legal system and it’s told in a manner that presents those facts while keeping the listener engaged.
Narrated brilliantly by the author; I could not stop listening. I was completely invested in Schofield’s fate and found myself infuriated at the circumstances and misuse of power that combined to work against him.
Through it all, however, I was inspired and moved by Leo Schofield himself. His ability to keep his heart from hardening when all hope seemed lost is remarkable.
This is my first book by Gilbert King and it will not be my last. His investigative and storytelling skills are outstanding. It’s easy to see why he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
This is the story of Leo Schofield, a man wrongly convicted of killing his young wife in Lakeland, Florida, and the people who worked hard to prove his innocence and obtain his freedom. It is compelling, hard hitting, infuriating, and above all else—hopeful. The book is full of details about the crime, investigation, and legal system and it’s told in a manner that presents those facts while keeping the listener engaged.
Narrated brilliantly by the author; I could not stop listening. I was completely invested in Schofield’s fate and found myself infuriated at the circumstances and misuse of power that combined to work against him.
Through it all, however, I was inspired and moved by Leo Schofield himself. His ability to keep his heart from hardening when all hope seemed lost is remarkable.
This is my first book by Gilbert King and it will not be my last. His investigative and storytelling skills are outstanding. It’s easy to see why he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
November 18, 2025
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for gifted access to this audiobook. All opinions below are my own.
I love a good true crime story. This is the story of a man falsely accused and convicted of killing his wife in Florida. Gilbert King decided to investigate the case and recorded a podcast trying to change the narrative around the accused, Leo's, story. There was clear evidence that someone else had done the crime. If Gilbert could get the alternate suspect to confess, perhaps Leo could go free. The book takes on the journey from the first investigation, through many reinvestigations and the politics of the area that made overturning a conviction a very unlikely prospect.
I enjoyed the journey of this story. And while, I agree, an innocent person should not be incarcerated wrongly, the early narrative of Leo made it hard to root for him. His evolution in prison and ultimate forgiveness for the real perpetrator brought me around on him for sure. It's a great listen if you like true crime and there's a great interview at the end between Gilbert and Leo on the audiobook.
I love a good true crime story. This is the story of a man falsely accused and convicted of killing his wife in Florida. Gilbert King decided to investigate the case and recorded a podcast trying to change the narrative around the accused, Leo's, story. There was clear evidence that someone else had done the crime. If Gilbert could get the alternate suspect to confess, perhaps Leo could go free. The book takes on the journey from the first investigation, through many reinvestigations and the politics of the area that made overturning a conviction a very unlikely prospect.
I enjoyed the journey of this story. And while, I agree, an innocent person should not be incarcerated wrongly, the early narrative of Leo made it hard to root for him. His evolution in prison and ultimate forgiveness for the real perpetrator brought me around on him for sure. It's a great listen if you like true crime and there's a great interview at the end between Gilbert and Leo on the audiobook.
December 21, 2025
Bone Valley
By Gilbert King
Social justice books are becoming some of my favorite non fiction reads. This one ranks towards the top of the list. It was compelling and heartbreaking. In 1987, a young man is accused of murdering his wife. He’s sentenced to life in prison while declaring his innocence. There is evidence showing that he wasn’t involved, but he is still found guilty.
His story is a powerful reminder of why having good defense lawyers is so important to the justice system and why everyone deserves a fair trial regardless of the evidence or lack thereof.
This started out a little slow for me, but once I got through the initial set up, I was hooked. Even though I knew how it ended, getting to that ending was frustrating and compelling. I was infuriated at the complete disregard of justice and the breakdown of the system that allowed an innocent man to languish in prison for years.
I especially appreciated the thread of faith that came through. It was a minor part of the overall story, but it helped me understand how those who are innocent but imprisoned can continue to fight for and believe in justice.
I feel like this book and those that are similar to it are eye opening and important. I’m reminded of why our judicial system is necessary.
The audio of this is fantastic. It includes actual recordings that become more a part of the dialogue the further into the book.
This book contains scattered strong profanity.
By Gilbert King
Social justice books are becoming some of my favorite non fiction reads. This one ranks towards the top of the list. It was compelling and heartbreaking. In 1987, a young man is accused of murdering his wife. He’s sentenced to life in prison while declaring his innocence. There is evidence showing that he wasn’t involved, but he is still found guilty.
His story is a powerful reminder of why having good defense lawyers is so important to the justice system and why everyone deserves a fair trial regardless of the evidence or lack thereof.
This started out a little slow for me, but once I got through the initial set up, I was hooked. Even though I knew how it ended, getting to that ending was frustrating and compelling. I was infuriated at the complete disregard of justice and the breakdown of the system that allowed an innocent man to languish in prison for years.
I especially appreciated the thread of faith that came through. It was a minor part of the overall story, but it helped me understand how those who are innocent but imprisoned can continue to fight for and believe in justice.
I feel like this book and those that are similar to it are eye opening and important. I’m reminded of why our judicial system is necessary.
The audio of this is fantastic. It includes actual recordings that become more a part of the dialogue the further into the book.
This book contains scattered strong profanity.
November 1, 2025
Not a true crime book by any means. More an exploration of a wrongful conviction and a beautiful examination of the reality that every incarcerated person is just that — a person. Had the added bonus of featuring many people I work with and admire.
October 13, 2025
This was masterfully done, King did a wonderful job incorporating himself and Kelsey into Leo's story. I learned so much about Florida's correctional process and Polk county as well!
November 9, 2025
Thank you so much Macmillan Audio for my gifted audiobook
Full RTC but this is an absolute MUST LISTEN
Full RTC but this is an absolute MUST LISTEN
December 30, 2025
Not a big true crime reader, and I didn’t follow this podcast. The book was recommended by someone whose opinion I respect and it was an engrossing read.
November 17, 2025
gosh this was a depressing but very well written book. The flaws in the Florida justice system on FULL DISPLAY.
November 20, 2025
Listen to the podcast! (plugging a podcast on a reading site, how dare I) I felt hopeless and devastated by Leo and Michelle's story. I still can't imagine how it feels to be wrongfully locked up for 30+ years. Fuck the "justice" system.
December 28, 2025
Best of narrative non-fiction in the same category as Bad Blood. Also calls to mind, The Sun Will Shine.
October 31, 2025
I’ll read anything Gilbert King writes. Each of his four books has been 5 stars for me.
October 10, 2025
This country is in dire need of prison and court reform. This book points out why in a sad and frustrating story of prosecutorial misconduct and the rusty wheels of justice.
October 22, 2025
DNF. I hate it when a book reads like a podcast. Listening to the audiobook and the narrative is exactly like a podcast then it pauses to play live audio clips. This is not a true crime book it's a podcast sold as a book.
August 29, 2025
A retired judge asks a true crime podcaster/journalist to help get a man, who he believes is innocent, released from prison. For over 30 years Leo Scholfield had been sitting in a Florida prison convicted of
killing his wife. In all that time he had never wavered from maintaining his innocence. What the author and his assistant uncovered over several years was a tragic mishandling of evidence, witness tampering and incompetence. They found the true killer who confessed to the murder and they still could not get Leo out. An amazing story of faith even in the face of wrong doing, a broken system and the enormous effort by a small but dedicated group who believed in the innocence of a man that the system had given up on. Readers of true crime and nonfiction about the justice system will find this horrific and humbling. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
killing his wife. In all that time he had never wavered from maintaining his innocence. What the author and his assistant uncovered over several years was a tragic mishandling of evidence, witness tampering and incompetence. They found the true killer who confessed to the murder and they still could not get Leo out. An amazing story of faith even in the face of wrong doing, a broken system and the enormous effort by a small but dedicated group who believed in the innocence of a man that the system had given up on. Readers of true crime and nonfiction about the justice system will find this horrific and humbling. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
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