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The Riddle of Emmon Bodfish cover art

The Riddle of Emmon Bodfish

By: Paul Holes, Peter McDonnell, Josh Sanburn
Narrated by: Paul Holes, Jim Clemente
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  • Summary

  • The amazing true story of a mysterious murder.

    In 1999, Emmon Bodfish was murdered in his home in the wealthy enclave of Orinda, California, just east of San Francisco. For the young crime scene analyst Paul Holes, it quickly became the most bizarre and surprising case of his storied career.

    It was immediately clear how Emmon had died: by being hit over the head with a heavy object. What wasn’t clear was who did it and why. Each clue was like a doorway to an expanding labyrinth of leads—leads involving pagan ceremonies, stolen artwork, a mysterious disease, an elusive shoe pattern, entomology, a blue demon, a family inheritance, an enigmatic child, a struggle for identity, and passages written in a secret language throughout two decades of Emmon’s diaries.

    No matter how deep Paul went into the tunnels of the mystery, the shapeshifting shadow of Emmon’s antagonist stayed just out of reach. Paul had never faced anything like it. He became obsessed with solving it. For himself, and for Emmon.
    ©2021 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC
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Episodes
  • Episode 1: The Riddle

    Episode 1: The Riddle
    May 13 2021
    When crime scene analyst Paul Holes begins investigating a man’s homicide that took place in a surprising location, each clue he uncovers adds to a strange and confounding mystery that will become the most unusual case of his career.
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    20 mins
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  • Episode 2: The House

    Episode 2: The House
    May 13 2021
    For three days, Paul forensically investigates the odd and intricate crime scene puzzle at Emmon Bodfish’s house, while Detective Mike Hubbard discovers that Emmon’s closest family member is missing.
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    16 mins
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  • Episode 3: Gold

    Episode 3: Gold
    May 13 2021
    Paul believes he can figure out what day Emmon was killed, but he’ll need a specialist’s help. Then, as Paul examines the potential murder weapon left behind at the crime scene, Emmon’s attorney calls to say there’s something hidden at the house.
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    16 mins
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Murder
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What listeners say about The Riddle of Emmon Bodfish

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Profile Image for Mrs. J. M. Galor

Unique story

Never heard of a case quite like this: fascinating character study and complicated, intricate case.

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Profile Image for KBotelho

Very good true life story of an unsolved murder

Well told by all participants incorporating intrigue, mystery, sadness and loss. The nature of the book shows the meticulous Syria taken by those trying to solve the case, often with very little to go on.

The only thing I didn't care for was how the book was separated into 11 very mini chapters. For some reason, my auto play wasn't working so I had to physically and change to the next chapter, in spite of having them all downloaded. Some were only 15 mins long, so a bit of a hassle as I was trying to cook our tea!

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Profile Image for Trantoms

Great intriguing read

Loved this story. Well told and I loved the use of different narrators. Paul Holes narration is great, honest and straightforward.

An intriguing mystery that gets you thinking and wondering.

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Profile Image for Jane

Fascinating read

Good narration. If you like crime stories this is definitely worth a listen. Unusual characters and good cold case story

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Profile Image for Amy

very long for content

this could have been three thirty minute episodes, rather than lots of varying length. There's a lot of repetition and dramatic interpretation of what is, ultimately, an unsolved and now likely unproveable case. Good contributions from various people but overall it comes across as an attempt to sensationalise and overcomplicate an admittedly strange death, by turning it in to something conspired at by many.

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4 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Caroline Berridge

Twists and Turns

I trust Jim Clemente wouldn't narrate something which wasn't sound. A well told, rich story of fascinating people with ample levels of torment and the drive to grow beyond it.

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1 person found this helpful

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Profile Image for OldnCreaky

Fascinating story.

So easy to listen to, but so sad. Proof that money is nothing in the absence of love. Amazingly complex detective work. Really interesting, but gruesome.

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Profile Image for Kitty P

Fascinating and interesting

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. Would highly recommend to anyone that is in to true crime.

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Profile Image for Waywardsister22

worth a listen

Paul Holes is brilliant, he's one of those responsible for the capture of the Golden State Killer. in this series he must be really frustrated. it's interesting and thought provoking.

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

cold case

very interseting and also very disturbing to listen to. Maybe in years to come the advances in pathology will answer many more of the, up to now, unanswered questions.

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