Patrick Radden Keefe's "London Falling"

Patrick Radden Keefe's "London Falling"

From LARB Radio Hour by Los Angeles Review of Books

April 17, 2026 · 53 min

About this episode

Patrick Radden Keefe discusses his book 'London Falling', exploring a mysterious death and its implications on society.

Eric Newman and Medaya Ocher are joined by investigative journalist and New Yorker staff writer Patrick Radden Keefe, to discuss his new book, London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth . The book begins with the 2019 death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler in London, a tragedy that soon reveals a web of deception, wealth, and hidden influence. Keefe traces Zac's life and the shadowy figures around him, drawing a larger portrait of London reshaped by global capital and restless ambition. Medaya and Eric speak with Patrick about how he first became interested in the case, how he investigated it, and the broader questions it raises about globalization, masculinity, and the pursuit of wealth at any cost.

People in this episode

Hosts: Eric Newman, Medaya Ocher

Guest: Patrick Radden Keefe

Topics covered

  • investigative journalism
  • globalization
  • wealth
  • masculinity
  • mystery
  • London

Keywords

  • Patrick Radden Keefe
  • London Falling
  • Zac Brettler
  • investigation
  • global capital
  • wealth
  • masculinity

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth

Places: London

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