In 2024, there was a fascinating story in the New Yorker that told the story of London teenager Zac Brettler’s fatal plunge off the balcony of a tall building in London. His parents were mystified, as he had not been suicidal…but upon exploring his life and activities in depth, they learned he’d been posing as a Russian oligarch’s son.

Many people know Patrick Radden Keefe from his terrific reporting and investigative journalism — particularly his amaziong book Empire Of Pain, which revealed the story of the Sackler family, Purdue Pharma, and oxycontin.

That New Yorker article became the book London Falling, which This book tells the story which includes a deep dive (sorry) into the London underworld, including a fascinating in-depth look at the City of London,  which had attracted a large population of wealthy Russians after the fall of the Soviet Union. It was such a popular relocation spot for the oligarchs that the city came to be referred to as “Londongrad. ” 

Keefe is a great reporter, and in this book he not only gives the story of one family, he looks at London and Russia in revelatory detail. Highly recommended. Five stars. Thanks to Doubleday books and NEtGalley, for providing this book in exchange for this honest review.