A Devil in the Valley

By: Paul Holes, Peter McDonnell

Narrated by: Jim Clemente, Paul Holes

Publisher's summary

This is a true story. In 1994, an aspiring young cold case investigator in California’s East Bay, Paul Holes, puts aside trying to solve the Golden State Killer case as he waits for science to catch up. Paul returns to an old file cabinet at the back of the forensic lab to look for another cold case he can work - something with DNA. He finds one. The 1978 murder of a married mother who went for a morning jog in a nearby park. The original investigators believed that a serial killer named Phillip Hughes was responsible; they just couldn’t prove it. But Hughes was headed to prison for three other local homicides, all because of an unexpected break in those cases. Without it, Hughes might have gotten away with everything. In the years since though, as Hughes sat in prison, so did his secrets. And now he’s coming up for parole. In a race against time, Paul commits to solving the 1978 cold case before Hughes is let out. The victim’s family needs an answer. And, if Paul can prove that Hughes is the killer, he’ll use it as leverage to force Hughes to confess to everything else he may have done. Little does Paul know, however, that the 1978 cold case he opens will take an unexpected turn, lead to other cases and killers he never knew about and haunt him for his entire career. It turns out that the small towns of Contra Costa County were home to a more sinister history than anyone had imagined. But the clues didn’t disappear. They just needed the right person, at the right time, to see them.

©Audible Originals, LLC 2021 (P)Audible Originals, LLC 2021

Love both Jim and Paul. Both are extraordinary

Jim Clemente former FBI profiler, attorney, podcaster and director is simply the best ( other than his brother) behavioral analyst out there. Paul is an excellent and experienced investigator and has hosted crime shows.the story is well laid out, riveting and a great listen if you e joy true crime. Listen to real experts

Thursday August 19, 2021

Shocking! It blows my mind that proven murderers were/still can be released into society. This story & more like it definitely deserve more publicity. Voices need to be heard & justice needs to be served!

Hard to listen to but could not stop

As an ex-cop ( if there is such a thing) hard work of those involved in these cold cases was great to hear about. Definitely feel for the family's of those involved. Very good work from all involved. Recommend.

Moving and Real

Hearing from the family members perspective, recounting the events and understanding the area all of these horrible events took place moved me. Paul Hole’s attention to details and dedication to the families was palpable. Numerous times I had chills reacting to the family’s recollections and the details of the crimes. A huge thank you to the family members who shared. I can only imagine your pain and trauma. God bless you all.

An Exceptional True Crime Podcast

I listened to all 10 episodes back to back while I was doing ranch work and found this to be quite engrossing. If you are interested in physical and behavioral science behind serial murders, this is for you. I found the reference to luridly violent detective publications from the 50s and 60s and how they developed violent fantasy in some men to be quite enlightening. I’m also shocked at the apparent failure of the justice system to keep the public safe from these serial offenders by giving lighter sentences and greater chances at parole. All prisons should be utilizing the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (https://www.rd.com/article/hare-psychopathy-test/) and giving those results to any presiding judge on the serial murder cases. Psychopaths cannot be rehabilitated.

Well done

Poignant story well told. qqqqqqqqqso sad that parents and friends will never know how their loved ones died.

Interesting look behind the scenes of cold cases

This was very interesting and kept my attention. Amazing how in looking into cold cases for one possible serial killer, leads the detective to 2 other serial killers. Boy there are really some psychos out there. Nice behind the scene look at what investigators go through in trying to solve a case or a cold case. Worth the time to listen to all the episodes.

Gripping Storyline

Start to finish it was a great listen! This piece is a work of art.

Fabulous podcast

Excellent writing and fascinating story. Much better than other dramatized productions. Well worth a listen.

Compelling!

NO SPOILERS! This was a really compelling podcasts. It presents a great mystery and provides some good insight into the birth of criminal profiling. I am a big fan of Paul Holes, who relentlessly searched for the Golden State Killer.