Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow
In 2017, a routine network television investigation led Ronan Farrow to a story only whispered about: one of Hollywood’s most powerful producers was a predator, protected by fear, wealth, and a conspiracy of silence. As Farrow drew closer to the truth, shadowy operatives, from high-priced lawyers to elite war-hardened spies, mounted a secret campaign of intimidation, threatening his career, following his every move and weaponizing an account of abuse in his own family. All the while, Farrow and his producer faced a degree of resistance that could not be explained – until now. And a trail of clues revealed corruption and cover-ups from Hollywood, to Washington, and beyond. This is the untold story of the exotic tactics of surveillance and intimidation deployed by wealthy and connected men to threaten journalists, evade accountability and silence victims of abuse – and it’s the story of the women who risked everything to expose the truth and spark a global movement.Both a spy thriller and a meticulous work of investigative journalism, Catch and Kill breaks devastating new stories about the rampant abuse of power – and sheds far-reaching light on investigations that shook the culture.
“What do you mean it’s not airing tomorrow?”
I thought I was informed about the Harvey Weinstein allegations, but Catch and Kill showed me just how ignorant I was. There was so much going on behind the scene that I think it is important for the public to be informed about. All of the cover ups and enabling that went on shouldn’t be shocking but it is incredibly disheartening. I hadn’t realized NBC’s role in trying to keep the story from breaking. It was infuriating.
All this is to say that I am so impressed with Ronan Farrow and his perseverance. He was met with so much resistance but he knew how important the story was. He was also respectful of all of the victims and continuously had them in the back of his mind.
Also, he is a brilliant writer and researcher. I was hooked from the first page. He knows how to tell a story in a way that is both informative and accessible. I will certainly be following his career. I’m going to share an interview of his so you can can get an idea of how impressive he is.
Farrow narrates the audiobook as well and I’m sure it is fantastic!
Ronan Farrow got my attention as a special correspondent on NBC long before this story broke. I was always impressed with his reports as they were thought provoking, well researched and professionally presented, so much so that I took the time to research his background. I highly encourage you to do the same as it only heightens his credibility. So, when the Weinstein story appeared in The New Yorker (I’m a subscriber), I got furious because I knew it meant NBC had declined to do the story. I’ve followed their sad behavior since. Talk about a network that needs a shakeup.
Thanks for featuring this book! I have it on audio and am waiting to listen as it will be my book club’s selection soon. Great review, Kristin💜
He goes into his background in his book but I would love to learn more about him. Such an impressive person!
It is a great book club pick. Definitely a lot to talk about!
Great review, Kristin! I remember hearing about the case and I was intrigued. Now you sold on me! I’ll go grab the book!
Great review! I really want to read this one, along with She Said.
It was great. She Said is high on my list!