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Idaho Fall: A twisty whodunit
4.5 (8 ratings)

Idaho Fall: A twisty whodunit

An entrepreneur with a startup valued at one billion falls from a balcony on the eve of the company going public. Was it an accident? Or was she pushed?

Rita Burch is a rising star. The founder of a huge clothing brand, she is on the brink of financial nirvana. Her company is set to go public with an astronomical valuation when her body is found broken and unconscious, a victim of an apparent accident. Comatose, and fighting for her life, determined to wake, she learns she can leave her body.

Following the detectives as they investigate her accident, probing for clues, Rita learns disturbing details about herself and others.

Shocked by her life, she faces a dilemma. Even if she could, would she want to live?

Love for Idaho Fall from advanced readers

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œI was super impressed! Fast-paced read, relatable characters with character growth.”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œThe characters were perfectly written. I loved Hank and Joyce. I feel like I need to know more about them or have more stories of them solving cases.”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œTo be honest, after trying all these suggestions for books from people I was worried I wouldn't like it. I was hooked the first few pages, and it didn't slow down. It is a very fast read. I finished it in a day.”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œThe story is packed with secrets, and just when you think you’ve figured out the mystery, it throws you off the trail again.”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œI can say I have honestly NEVER read a book like this and I was hooked from the beginning - seriously (I started reading it yesterday evening and finished this morning).”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œThis wasn’t a typical thriller/mystery as the ending made me cry and made me question some things in my own life. I guess that’s apart of good writing though to feel the characters come to life.”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œThis book will have you on the edge of your seat starting with the 1st chapter! So many different twists. You have to read the bonus chapter at the end. It's amazing! You'll never guess the ending. I will definitely be reading this again.”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œIt’s been a while but for the first time in a few months I found a book that I couldn’t put down.”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œThis was the first book I have read from D.J Maughan. After reading this one, I will definitely be reading more of his books!”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œI was immersed in this book! I laughed, I cried (yes I did don’t you dare judge me!), and it had me in a choke hold! It kept me guessing and I enjoyed every minute! This is a must read for anyone who likes fast paced thrillers!”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œI wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on this masterpiece! Definitely 5 ⭐️ Great job to D.J. Maughan for writing such an incredible read for everyone to enjoy!”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œThe perspective of the main character was so unique in a thriller and it really had me thinking outside the box! I read this in one sitting and it had me guessing the entire time! ”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œOk wow! I really didn’t know what to expect going into reading, but the twists and turns had me on edge I almost felt like I was a detective in the book.”
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β€œI never usually write book reviews, but I have to say this book deserves five stars and a written review. Pick it up and read it, I read it in one setting (almost... I did stop for dinner!).”

Reader Reviews

4.5

8 ratings

Charlene M.

Apr 18, 2026
A pretty good whodunit with a bit of a paranormal bent

Beth .

Mar 15, 2026
I was provided an ARC by the author, in exchange for an honest review. So here it is!

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The author kept me guessing for quite a while as to who the killer was, which isnÒ€ℒt always the case. The story flowed smoothly and resolved nicely, and while it had a bit of a supernatural storyline, it was believable. A quick and satisfying thriller. IÒ€ℒd read more by this author.

Mandy S.

Feb 8, 2026
Idaho Fall is a thrilling, fast-paced novel with a compelling supernatural angle. Just as Rita Burch is about to take her billion-dollar company public, she falls from a balcony and ends up in a comaβ€”though her spirit remains alert. Watching the investigation unfold, Rita uncovers shocking truths about herself and those close to her. Suspenseful, emotional, and deeply engaging, this story had me hooked from start to finish.

Carol G.

Feb 8, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of Idaho Fall and the narration was fantastic. It had an unusual storyline which gripped me from the beginning and kept me interested throughout.

Rita has a fall and is in a coma, fighting for her life. She learns she can leave her body and follow the detectives around while they investigate her apparent accident.

This story is character driven and I immediately cared about Rita, her husband and sons. I enjoyed finding out what Rita was like before her accident. This was a well written, exciting story and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

Matt D.

Feb 8, 2026
On the eve of her business going public, Rita has a mysterious accident that may put all the plans in limbo. As police and detectives work to try to untangle the mystery, Rita gains new insights into friends and family as secrets start to unfold.

What would you do if you could help solve your own case?

This book was so unique with how the story is told. I was gripped from the start to the end!

Arline G.

Feb 8, 2026
This is the first of D.J. Maughan's works I have delved into. A woman falls off her balcony. Medical staff is giving up hope of her recovery. This journey is from different perspectives to find out what really happened - the victim, her husband, detectives, her children. By thinking of an individual the victim can "transport" to where they are. She learns so much about herself. Mainly the bad & ugly. Just when I thought I had it figured out...another twist! I will be reading more of his works for sure!

Keeley W.

Feb 8, 2026
Rita Burch is an entrepreneur with a startup business valued at one billion dollars. She falls from a balcony on the eve of her business going public. Is it a convenient accident for some, or was she pushed?

Found broken and unconscious, she's left comatose and hanging onto life. She realises in this state that she can leave her body and listen in on the ongoing investigation. There are a heap of suspects in this twisty whodunit, and Rita learns some home truths about herself and others.

Will she remember what really happened? And if she does, can she wake up before it's too late? This is a truly unique concept for a story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the investigation, guessing, and some very touching, heartfelt moments, too. Great job, D J Maughan! A very easy 5 stars!

Brittany F.

Feb 8, 2026
What a perspective this book has. Watching your own investigation takes place and seeing how others view you. Like being the fly on a wall. Learning so much about yourself. D.J did an awesome job capturing emotions and all the "what ifs" in this story.

About the Author

D.J. Maughan
D.J. Maughan is an avid reader, father & husband, and award-winning thriller author of novels like Idaho Fall, Freeing Nicole, One Desperate Life, and the six, and counting, Peter Andrassy novels. D.J. prides himself on writing clean thrillers that both shock and inspire the reader. He seeks inspiration everywhere, especially while studying and visiting diverse places and cultures. Whether jumping from a cliff in Hawaii or hiking the Plitvica Lakes in Croatia, he's in heaven as long as his wife and four sons are at his side.

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