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A Devil in the Valley

By: Paul Holes, Peter McDonnell
Narrated by: Jim Clemente, Paul Holes
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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.

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What listeners say about A Devil in the Valley

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moving and intriguing throughout

Paul Holes has had an amazing career from catching the Golden State Killer to identifying numerous other murderers and serial killers. As usual, he deals with the disturbing facts in this case with sensitivity and respect at the same time teaching the reader what they need to know. Everyone in this podcast is the same. Well worth listening to, just a shame these things happen at all.

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Fascinating, disturbing and so sad!!!

I really enjoyed this, totally fascinating seeing how cold cases can be revisited with current science!! Tragic though listening to all the family losses.

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Interesting story - good narration

Very interesting case - one can only hope the families can find some peace after everything they went through. There must be hundreds of cold cases that don't get solved, so it's great to find a couple of people trying their best and succeeding every now and then. Though it won't bring their loved ones back, this clarity must come as a relief to the relatives and friends...

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Excellent

Started following Paul Holes work since hearing him on STD, and just think he’s amazing.
I really hope these families can can get the justice they deserve.

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An engrossing listen for any fan of Paul Holes

A broader examination of how this criminalist has brought relief to many families. Excellent listen

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Moving and absolutely engrossing

This was a heartbreaking listen. The families of the victims deserve to know what has happened to their loved ones. It’s so sad, tragic. This Original was really sensitively done - it was well researched, informative as well as extremely moving with a clear story throughout.

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Love Paul holes and Jim Clemente

Very professional - would make a great tv show if it isn’t already and sheds light on a lesser known awful serial killer

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Interesting & Informative

Narration very good. A great insight into investigation and makes you think just how important the advance in DNA is now. Just such a shame it wasn't around in the 70's when all these evil monsters were murdering innocent women and children.

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Dedicated Investigators

If you're interested in true crime there is nothing to dislike. Paul and Jim are easy to listen to and describe painful details with kindness and compassion. There is nothing sensationalist about the presentation, each case is explained with respect for victims and their families. In times when the actions of some damage the integrity of public office in many walks of life, it is reassuring that there are superheroes out there doggedly seeking new ways to ensure justice and prevent further crimes.

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Excellent

A Really interesting case and story, you will not be disappointed in listening to this.

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