London Falling was completely unexpected. I had never read any of Keefe’s work, so I was skeptical of his ability to tell an interesting story when the conclusion (the untimely death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler) was already revealed in the book’s description. My skepticism was unfounded. Keefe peeled back the layers of this convoluted story with meticulous attention to detail and a hearty helping of contextualizing history. I did not expect to learn about the construction of the Ugandan Railway and the fall of the USSR, but I’m glad I did. This was a sad yet fascinating exploration into the London underworld, and I am glad that Keefe was able to tell Zac’s story.
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe, (List Price: $35, Doubleday, 9780385548533, April 2026)
Reviewed by Savannah Woodall, The Book Loft in Fernandina Beach, Florida