Listener Reviews
Phenomenal
Admittedly, I am super late to the game listening to this podcast. I've listened to other podcast episodes about Leo Schofield and knew about his case. But the work done for this case on Bone Valley is amazing! I honestly do not believe that Leo would be where he is today if it weren't for the investigative journalism done on this series. If I'm ever wrongly accused of anything, I want Gilbert King to investigate.
Season 1 - A Must Listen
This story is unbelievable.. devastating to hear how the system has failed Leo every step over 3+ decades. Incredible reporting. Will be praying for Leo and Jeremy.
Bone Valley FAQ from Lava for Good
Hi, we’re the team at Lava for Good, we make the Bone Valley series. We’ve seen some frequently asked questions and subjects come up in these comments. Here’s answers to some of them. Hope this is helpful and thank you all for listening and commenting. 1. Does Bone Valley use AI-generated voices? - No. The BV feed currently has no AI voices. If future seasons of BV use AI voices, we will clearly identify them for listeners. 2. Why are there so many ads? - Ads help cover the costs of making these shows. For the most part, our partners at iHeart place those ads. If the ads are too much for you, consider subscribing to Lava for Good Plus on Apple Podcasts. It's just $2.99 a month, and there are no ads. 3. Is Bone Valley one-sided / advocacy journalism? - No. We vet cases carefully, and while we advocate for the cases we cover, we do so with empathy and understanding for all sides. 4. How does Bone Valley fact-check its reporting? - Bone Valley combines original reporting with trial records, police files, contemporary news coverage, and research; an outside fact-checker and a law firm review every episode script against all interviews and documents for factual accuracy, fairness, and context. 5. Why does every season have a different host/style? - After most of the reporting is completed, it still takes close to a year to make each season. While one host is working with our team on their next season, we're working with another on theirs. Gilbert King is an Executive Producer on all of them, in addition to hosting his own. 6. Why are the seasons so long? - The story sets the length. We go where the work takes us, and some cases simply need more space and time to achieve the depth and perspective that the evidence, issues, characters and circumstances demand. 7. What real-world impact has Bone Valley had? - Every case we cover has incredibly talented and dedicated attorneys and advocates working as well, so we would never claim the impact as all our own, but we always see some movement in a case after our release. Some examples include: Leo Schofield is out of prison, though not yet exonerated. Multiple witnesses recanted in Quincy Cross' case, and Josette Wright's case has been reopened 8. Why does the show sometimes identify someone’s race? - Race, gender, and class are all factors that play into wrongful convictions, police tunnel vision, and jury perception. It's inescapable and, sadly, part of these stories. 9. Does Bone Valley approach cases assuming law enforcement got it wrong? - No. Wrongful convictions can result from a range of factors—including faulty forensic evidence, unreliable witnesses, prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective defense, and systemic failures—not simply from law enforcement getting the case wrong.
True Crime Gold Standard
Absolutely fantastic, compelling storytelling with the perfect amount of narration, character commentary, and investigative reporting. Listened to everything in 1 day.
Best podcast
One of THE best podcast out there. This story unfortunately is the same one we hear over and over and over again. Corrupt cops, lazy investigators, judges and so many others unable to admit error. Sickening!!! Great story however sad and maddening
Absolutely love this show but season 5 lands in my top 5
There's something about seeing justice work out. Between Paul's amazing storytelling and gravely voice, I absolutely binged this season while cleaning. Fantastic season.
S5- Important work!
Worth the listen. A landmark investigation piece as far as I’m concerned. The narrator’s voice grew on me (eeeep! Haha) in time and THE STORY took the stage. I am excited to see where this leads. The corruption must be exposed.
Season 5 is Brilliant!
Season 5 is incredible. I honestly don’t understand the negative reviews. If you’re on the fence because of the comments, don’t be. This season is absolutely worth listening to. For the price of a cup of coffee each month, you’re getting more than another documentary. You’re getting a veteran Rolling Stone journalist with years of experience investigating police corruption. That’s exactly the kind of journalism we need more of! Police corruption exists in both small towns and large cities, and history has shown innocent people are wrongfully convicted. Even when evidence pointing to their innocence comes to light, the path to exoneration is painfully difficult. Stories like this matter because they shine a light on a system that deserves scrutiny and accountability. What impressed me most was how thoroughly this story was reported. The criticism that it wasn’t fact-checked simply doesn’t hold up. The investigation draws from police records, court documents, testimony surrounding the officers’ misconduct, extensive witness interviews—both on and off the record—and even an interview with the man who committed the murder. Whether you agree with every conclusion or not, it’s clear that an extraordinary amount of reporting went into telling this story. Beyond the investigation itself, this season is incredibly inspiring. It shows what one determined person can accomplish when they refuse to give up. Watching someone continue fighting for the truth despite overwhelming obstacles is a powerful reminder that one person really can make a difference. This was my first season of Bone Valley, and it immediately made me want to go back and listen from the beginning. I can’t recommend it enough, and I’m already counting the days until the next chapter. And if the Bone Valley team ever happens to read this: I’d proudly throw my hat in the ring to volunteer or help in any way I can with the search for Robyn Murphy. Bringing answers to families like hers is the kind of work that truly matters.
Season 3
I just finished season 3 and loved how well the story was told. The hosts showed compassion and empathy. I teared up several times while listening. Now I pray that Quincy will finally get out and get to be with his dad. Good job!
So well done, very thoughtful…
This podcast was very well done. Seasons one and two especially. To me, they are a true testament to just how complicated humans are, and the healing power of forgiveness. Bravo.
Best true crime series -hands down
The writing is impeccable; story lines are enthralling; the podcasters are the best story tellers. Gilbert King and crew are amazing
Season 3
I just finished season 3 and loved how well the story was told. The hosts showed compassion and empathy. I teared up several times while listening. Now I pray that Quincy will finally get out and get to bee with his dad. Good job!
PHENOMENAL!!
You will absolutely, unequivocally love this pod. Amazing. Gilbert is a master. These people are incredibly relatable and their stories will make you angry beyond comparison, but also make you smile and cry with them as you cheer them on. Again, phenomenal
Wonderful storytelling
I always love bone valley. As someone who has probably listened to mostly every true crime podcast good & bad, this one always sets my bar high! Love it and can’t wait for another season.
Season 2 leaves me speechless!
I literally don’t have words to convey how disturbed I am by the conduct of the police misconduct in this podcast. Everyone should be absolutely terrified! This podcast is riveting, and in some ways redeeming…all the emotions! Very well done. My condolences to all of the victims of this tragic story.
Exceptional
Paul is a fantastic investigative journalist, this case is unbelievable. I’m in a rage about what happened here. Love, love, love Paul’s narration.
Stunning
Season 5 is clearly the best podcast I’ve ever listened to. Paul’s storytelling is second to none. I had to subscribe so I could listen to it all nonstop. What a story…wow.
One of the best true crime podcasts out there
Every single story is gripping and heartbreaking. Just listened to Season 5 and once again. The most thoroughly researched podcast. Looking forward to more seasons and hopefully it having to wait so long
Seasons 1 and 2
are incredible. I warmed to it slowly because I have mixed feelings about murder media, but I think these two seasons do the best work that murder reporting can do.
#1 Favorite Podcaster in True Crime
Totally on point, very professional, very empathetic. He’s an authentic journalist who is a master at entertainment. Some hosts get lost in their material, forgetting what listeners would find entertaining. Bone Valley cuts to the bone to dig out your own beliefs, to make you question your own level of compassion & empathy. BV allowed me to look at myself as a person who can separate my own authentic levels of compassion n empathy from the part of myself who is an ex-abused woman, a survivor of personality disorder abuse. I want to hate Jeremy Scott but in the end, despite knowing his sociopathic manipulations & that he only contributes to King’s search for answers bec of what he knows he can get in return — despite all that I know w/ my own history of loving a sociopath, I cannot help but have compassion for Scott. I was going to write him…until I learned of his death in 2025. It is King who pulled these emotions out of me through his own empathic nature and drive for the truth. A truly excellent, excellent podcast. I didn’t even mention Leo and how special getting to know him was in season one. I feel a little bad for how much attention we give Jeremy Scott in season two but the fact that Leo Schofield is so kind and also empathetic and compassionate, it just adds to the family vibe that this podcast pulls you into. Thank you Mr. King for making this podcast. You are brilliant and one of a kind. PS I’m only mid-season 2!! You wouldn’t even believe how excited I was when I realized there were multiple seasons in this podcast! 🎉🥳