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London Falling

A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City, and a Family’s Search for Truth

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London Falling

By: Patrick Radden Keefe
Narrated by: Patrick Radden Keefe
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'From the Baillie Gifford Prize-winning and Sunday Times bestselling author of Empire of Pain and Say Nothing comes a stunning story of wealth, violence and deceit at the heart of a glittering city.

'A new book by Keefe means drop everything and close the blinds; you'll be turning pages for hours' Los Angeles Times

'Patrick Radden Keefe [is] one of the top narrative nonfiction authors of his generation' TIME


In 2019, a London teenager, Zac Brettler, mysteriously fell to his death from a luxury apartment building on the banks of the Thames. When his grieving parents began their desperate quest to understand how their son had died, they made a terrible discovery: Zac had been leading a fantasy life, posing as the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch.

In his inimitably gripping and forensic prose, Baillie Gifford Prize winner and New Yorker writer Patrick Radden Keefe follows Zac's parents on a dark journey to find out what brought Zac to the balcony that night - and how a teenager's world of make-believe drew him into the city's terrifying underworld.

London Falling is at once a devastating family tragedy, a riveting story of greed, power and deception, and an indictment of the culture that has transformed London into a haven for the malignant forces that have come to influence us all.'

True Crime Exciting England Inspiring
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Another fine entry from Patrick Radden Keefe, who is thankfully also blessed with perfectly measured radio tones to match his meticulous craftsmanship. I was concerned early on with the circuitous nature of some of the background chapters but as with all of his work, they inform the central tragedy in rich and surprising ways. Incisive, thorough yet entirely humane, perhaps one of PRK's most touching pieces yet.

Outstanding investigative journalism

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The diligence of the writer to be able to give us such details in a factual manner is extraordinary and what a story it is!

Extraordinary

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Although disconcerting to hear an American accent sharing this text, it became clear why the author wanted to narrate it - and I applaud Patrick for doing so. It demonstrates his commitment to the family involved. I value the details provided on the main persons involved, and the invisible strings woven through to highlight connections.

Wow.

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I know its pedantic to start with this, but audible really should correct the chapter headings, which include "a fast wife" (instead of life), "an edifous of lies" and (personal favourite) "Under toe" (instead of under tow). Really unbelievable that such a high profile audiobook book would lack an editor.

The book itself was very well read by the author, and very thought provoking. I suspect it will stay with me for a long time. The only negative comment I would make is that the section on the expulsion of Asians from Uganda and the Brink's-Mat robbery were discussed in more detail than I would have done. It's a very strange, sad and in the end also very touching story. I hope it brings some peace to Zac's parents, who have been through a trauma no parent should face.

Please correct chapter headings

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Excellent journalism, structured as a taut thriller. Exceptional writing, thorough research and a great cast of characters.

Brilliant writer

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