Patrick Radden Keefe’s latest publication, London Falling, delves into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the death of a teenager in 2019. This investigation reveals a world intertwined with oligarchs, gangsters, and a web of deceit.
Keefe, known for his meticulous research and compelling narratives, has previously faced threats and intimidation while uncovering stories about powerful figures. His work on Empire of Pain (2021), which scrutinized the Sackler family’s involvement in the opioid crisis, saw him followed by private investigators and confronted with legal threats. Similarly, during his profile of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán for The New Yorker, the notorious drug lord proposed that Keefe ghostwrite his memoir, an offer Keefe declined.
In London Falling, Keefe encounters a colorful character named Andy Baker, a former inmate who, upon meeting Keefe, casually mentions the journalist’s family by name, hinting at a deeper knowledge of his personal life. Keefe reflects, „Baker wasn’t threatening my family per se; he was just letting me know, with a smile of exaggerated courtesy, that he knew who they were.“ Despite the unsettling nature of such encounters, Keefe appears at ease during our Zoom conversation from his New York study.
Unraveling the Mystery of Zac Brettler
Keefe’s latest work centers on the tragic story of Zac Brettler, a 19-year-old who fell to his death from a fifth-floor apartment in Pimlico, London, in November 2019. Zac, the son of a successful financier and a freelance writer, had been drawn into a dangerous social circle while attending the prestigious Mill Hill School, where he mingled with the children of Russian oligarchs.
On the night of his death, CCTV footage revealed that Zac was alone when he jumped from the balcony. Initially ruled a suicide by police, the circumstances surrounding his death raised suspicions, especially given that two men present in the apartment that evening were later arrested on murder charges. However, they were released without prosecution, leaving the case shrouded in uncertainty.
Keefe’s investigation into Zac’s death began serendipitously when he met a friend of the Brettler family while in London for the filming of Say Nothing’s television adaptation. Until that point, the Brettlers had refrained from publicly discussing their ordeal.
Trusting a Foreign Journalist
When asked why they chose to confide in an American journalist rather than a British one, Keefe attributes their trust to the reputation of The New Yorker. He notes, „I think the Brettlers’ fear was that their son’s life would get summed up in a Daily Mail headline. In a way, a 10,000-word New Yorker article is kind of the antidote to that.“
Through his access to police files, interrogation records, and inquest notes, Keefe was able to pose critical questions that had seemingly been overlooked by investigators. One particularly alarming text message from a businessman present in the apartment indicated that he was „heating up knives and clearing up blood,“ coinciding with Zac’s online searches for information on treating skin burns. Despite the ominous nature of these details, police failed to follow up on the implications of the text or consider whether Zac’s leap was an escape from danger.
Frustration with Law Enforcement
Keefe expresses concern over the Brettler family’s dissatisfaction with the investigation’s outcome. He states, „They would also like some acknowledgment by the Met that mistakes were made.“ Rather than suggesting a deliberate cover-up, Keefe believes the lack of resolution reflects the consequences of police budget cuts and resource limitations. With insufficient evidence of foul play, detectives may have quietly abandoned the case, resigned to the belief that a conviction was unattainable.
In London Falling, Keefe explores the darker aspects of contemporary London, describing it as a „24-hour laundromat for dirty money.“ He highlights other suspicious deaths linked to Russian wealth, many of which have been classified as suicides or accidents. Keefe draws parallels between modern London and cartel-ridden Mexico, where the response to fatalities often leans toward indifference: „Oh well, maybe it was a suicide or maybe it was an accident, or maybe it was a murder by a foreign intelligence force, but we’ll never know.”
The State of Investigative Journalism
As the landscape of journalism evolves, Keefe stands out as a beacon for aspiring writers, particularly in an era marked by dwindling resources and attention spans. His approach, characterized by relentless pursuit of the truth, serves as an inspiration for many. He reflects on his journey, recalling a rejection letter from The New Yorker he received in 1998, which he framed as a reminder of his perseverance. It took seven years before he was commissioned for his first piece and another six before he secured a staff position.
Keefe advises young writers to focus on original reporting rather than merely rehashing existing content. He warns that those who rely on rearranging online information may soon find themselves replaced by artificial intelligence. He acknowledges the growing competition from podcasts, which have seen a surge in popularity, potentially diverting readers from traditional non-fiction books. In 2025, British non-fiction book sales fell by 6 percent compared to the previous year, marking the lowest figures in nearly a decade.
Reflections on the Changing Landscape of Literature
Despite his own involvement in the podcasting realm, having created the successful series Winds of Change, Keefe contemplates the implications of this shift. He recently promoted London Falling on a podcast, questioning whether listeners would still seek out the book after hearing him discuss it for an hour and a half. He muses, „I did think: ‘Who would listen to me talk for 90 minutes and then go out and spend money and time on the book?’”
Keefe expresses concern over the trend of condensing literature into bite-sized summaries, noting that even loyal subscribers of The New Yorker now utilize AI to distill lengthy articles into brief overviews. He laments this tendency, stating, „I want people to read my books for pleasure, not just as a delivery device for information.”
The Challenges of Book Promotion
On the topic of book promotion, Keefe is critical of the culture surrounding book blurbs, where authors often provide endorsements based on superficial readings. He shares his own struggles with this practice, having withdrawn from blurbing due to past experiences where his recommendations did not align with the opinions of readers close to him. He recalls, „I don’t think I’ve blurbed any real stinkers, but I’ve had a few occasions when my mother subsequently read the book and said: ‘Hang on. How can you recommend that crap?’”
Keefe also grapples with comparisons to Truman Capote, a fellow writer he admires. However, he is troubled by revelations that Capote fabricated scenes in his acclaimed work, In Cold Blood (1966). This issue arose when Keefe was invited to write a preface for a new edition of the book, only to have the publisher reject it after seeking approval from Capote’s estate.
Conclusion: A Family’s Search for Truth
While London Falling does not provide definitive answers regarding Zac Brettler’s tragic death, it sheds light on the complexities and dangers lurking within the affluent circles of London. With no indication that the investigation will be reopened, Keefe’s book, along with an upcoming television adaptation by studio A24, may serve as the Brettler family’s best hope for acknowledgment and justice. As Keefe aptly puts it, readers should not reduce his prose to mere summaries generated by AI.
London Falling (Picador, £22) is set to be released on April 7.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: (Augustin-Foto) Jonas Augustin auf Unsplash
