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A Death on W Street: The Murder of Seth Rich and the Age of Conspiracy Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Andy Kroll (Author), Greg D. Barnett (Narrator), PublicAffairs (Publisher)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 113 ratings
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A true-crime story for the post-truth era

In the early hours of July 10, 2016, gunshots rang out and a young man lay fatally wounded on a quiet Washington, DC, street. But who killed Seth Rich? When he was buried in his hometown, his rabbi declared: “There are no answers for a young man gunned down in the prime of his life.” The rabbi was wrong. There were in fact many answers, way too many.

In the absence of an arrest, a howling mob filled the void. Wild speculation and fantastical theories surfaced on social media and gained traction thanks to a high-level cast of provocateurs. But it wasn’t until Fox News took the rumors from the fringes to the mainstream that Seth Rich’s life and death grew into something altogether unexpected—one of the foundational conspiracy theories of modern times.

A Death on W Street unravels this gripping saga of murder, madness, and political chicanery, one that would ensnare Hillary Clinton and Steve Bannon, a popular pizzeria in northwest DC and the most powerful voices in American media. It's the story of an idealistic twenty-seven-year-old political staffer who became a tragic victim of the culture wars, until his family decided that they had no choice but to defend his name and put an end to the cruel deceptions that surrounded his death.

This is the definitive story of Seth Rich, of those who tried to weaponize his memory in a war of words unlike any other, and of one family’s crusade to protect the truth against all odds.

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  1. Listening Length
    10 hours and 27 minutes
  2. Author
    Andy Kroll
  3. Narrator
    Greg D. Barnett
  4. Audible release date
    September 6, 2022
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    PublicAffairs
  7. ASIN
    B0B2F5WH88
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 10 hours and 27 minutes
Author Andy Kroll
Narrator Greg D. Barnett
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 06, 2022
Publisher PublicAffairs
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0B2F5WH88
Best Sellers Rank #168,095 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#271 in Propaganda & Political Psychology
#277 in Media Studies (Audible Books & Originals)
#869 in Murder True Crime

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
113 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and worth reading. They appreciate the clear explanations of various conspiracy theories and their backgrounds. The story is told in an interesting way that captivates them. Readers praise the writing quality as well-written and tight, with a thriller feel. The book humanizes Seth Rich and his family, portraying them as relatable characters.

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ReadabilityInvestigative contentStorytellingWriting qualityHuman nature
10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, important, and a page-turner. They say it does right by its subject matter, covering topics like politics, current events, and crime. The book is described as great journalism and storytelling, though some readers find the depiction of criminals entertaining.

"...infatuation with misinformation and conspiracy theories, this book is a must-read...." Read more

"It’s a damn good book and it’s heart breaking at the same time...." Read more

"...Andy Kroll told the story in such an interesting way it made for a fascinating read, and I learned so much...." Read more

"...It's an important book that needs to be read by everyone who wants to know how we got to this place in American society, and what to do about it- I..." Read more

9 customers mention "Investigative content"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's investigative content insightful and well-researched. They describe it as a gripping blend of true crime and social commentary that provokes questions. Readers appreciate the serious analysis of social media's impact on democracy.

"...A well-written and researched piece of journalism, it will capture your interest and cause you to consider the ramifications that this ostensibly..." Read more

"...The book does an excellent job provoking those questions, humanizing Seth Rich and his family, and showing that it is possible to fight back...." Read more

"...There are very clear primers about the various conspiracy theories, their backgrounds and why this whole scandal happened...." Read more

"...It’s a serious and substantive analysis of social media’s impact on democracy...." Read more

5 customers mention "Storytelling"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging storytelling. They find the plot fascinating with elements of real-life drama, conspiracy theories, and Q-anon. The book captures their interest and provokes thought.

"...A well-written and researched piece of journalism, it will capture your interest and cause you to consider the ramifications that this ostensibly..." Read more

"...Andy Kroll told the story in such an interesting way it made for a fascinating read, and I learned so much...." Read more

"...The author is also able to put the story itself in context...." Read more

"...It's a benchmark for great journalism and great storytelling. A truly thought-provoking read." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality good. They say it's well-written and edited, with no dry or boring parts. The book has a thriller feel and is hard to put down.

"...A well-written and researched piece of journalism, it will capture your interest and cause you to consider the ramifications that this ostensibly..." Read more

"First and foremost, this book is so well written and so tightly edited that it is hard to put down, it reads like a thriller, which, I guess it..." Read more

"There is nothing dry or boring about this writing. It has the feel of Michael Connelly novel...." Read more

"Meticulously researched. Beautifully written...." Read more

3 customers mention "Human nature"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humanizing Seth Rich and his family. They say it's a portrait of a young man and his family and friends.

"...book does an excellent job provoking those questions, humanizing Seth Rich and his family, and showing that it is possible to fight back...." Read more

"...Finally, it’s a humane portrait of a young man and his family and friends—a corrective to the callously distorted picture of Seth Rich drawn by..." Read more

"...This book is about so much - a family, a crime, politics, human nature, the media, and the state of our country today...." Read more

Why the Truth Matters
5 out of 5 stars
Why the Truth Matters
What happens when real life collides violently with the world of shadows, whispers, lies, and venom? What compels people to try to twist a young man's death and a family's grief for their own personal and political ends, and for other peoples' entertainment?This book helped me to make sense ( if that is even possible) of how the death of Seth Rich on a Washington DC street late one night was seized upon by evil and unscrupulous people who cared nothing about him as a person but only about how they could twist this tragedy to fit their fantasy narrative, boost their rating, and make them money.But the book also highlights the human face of this tragedy- the family and friends who took the bold step of fighting back, demanding truth and accountability for their son, brother, and friend. It's an important book that needs to be read by everyone who wants to know how we got to this place in American society, and what to do about it- I guess that means everyone who cares about the truth and how we get back to it.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Elizabeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book I’ve Read in Years
    Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    If you are interested in learning about America’s recent infatuation with misinformation and conspiracy theories, this book is a must-read. Using Seth Rich’s complex murder in the nation’s capital as the main narrative vehicle, it provides a comprehensive view on the infiltration of conspiracy theories in mainstream culture and politics. It centers on the impacts of Seth Rich’s murder — both for his family and a nation battling misinformation in the media and political discourse. A well-written and researched piece of journalism, it will capture your interest and cause you to consider the ramifications that this ostensibly random murder has had on our country. Strongly recommend you read this book!
    Customer image
    Elizabeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book I’ve Read in Years
    Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2023
    If you are interested in learning about America’s recent infatuation with misinformation and conspiracy theories, this book is a must-read. Using Seth Rich’s complex murder in the nation’s capital as the main narrative vehicle, it provides a comprehensive view on the infiltration of conspiracy theories in mainstream culture and politics. It centers on the impacts of Seth Rich’s murder — both for his family and a nation battling misinformation in the media and political discourse. A well-written and researched piece of journalism, it will capture your interest and cause you to consider the ramifications that this ostensibly random murder has had on our country. Strongly recommend you read this book!
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    6 people found this helpful
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  • Steve
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It’s a damn good book and it’s heart breaking at the same time. The kooks in this country will always find a conspiracy to root for, because they have nothing else in their pathetic lives. I don’t remember a lot about Seth’s story but I certainly remember the orange clown trying to make bank off of it. Thanks Andy, for helping clear the fog.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reid M Setzer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A true life pageturner that does right by its subject.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    "A Death on W Street" is a gripping, propulsive blend of true crime and social commentary. The tragic unsolved death of Seth Rich is the most obvious true crime element of the book. However, the meticulous construction of the civil and moral offenses committed by the sad cavalcade of grifters and liars all the way up to Sean Hannity and others at Fox News who took advantage of the Rich family and took turns convincing themselves and each other of "facts" they had no proof for was infuriating and mystifying in equal turn. What drives people (those in the book and millions of others) who have the financial wherewithal to do almost anything they want, have families, and are members of community organizations to erode and displace all of those things through obsession with conspiracy? Not everyone needs money (though many do); all of these people aren't bowling alone. The book does an excellent job provoking those questions, humanizing Seth Rich and his family, and showing that it is possible to fight back. Finally, the detailed citations at the end of the book provoked a wry smile given the hundreds of fact-free, uncited assertions made over and over by the "characters" within it.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Maxine Boucher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Conspiracy Reading Like a Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I I really enjoyed this story of Seth Rich. Andy Kroll told the story in such an interesting way it made for a fascinating read, and I learned so much. I recommend this book for those that enjoy learning about what is going on around conspiracy in the United States, and our democracy, and just human nature.
    One person found this helpful
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  • A.C. Bl.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Story, Infuriating Content, Fair and Complete Treatment
    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    First and foremost, this book is so well written and so tightly edited that it is hard to put down, it reads like a thriller, which, I guess it is.

    The author is also able to put the story itself in context. There are very clear primers about the various conspiracy theories, their backgrounds and why this whole scandal happened. Having finished this book, I feel that I have a much better understanding of what is going on in right wing conspiracy land, MAGA, and the Fox News bubble.

    It is also important to mention the sensitivity and consideration with which the author handles the mental torture that the family went through as a result of these conspiracies. Sometimes we forget that behind the rhetoric there is are real people, with real feelings; a real human cost to the words; this book reminds us.

    Highly recommend. Mini series to follow? I'd watch it.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • EKroll
    5.0 out of 5 stars Why the Truth Matters
    Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    What happens when real life collides violently with the world of shadows, whispers, lies, and venom? What compels people to try to twist a young man's death and a family's grief for their own personal and political ends, and for other peoples' entertainment?

    This book helped me to make sense ( if that is even possible) of how the death of Seth Rich on a Washington DC street late one night was seized upon by evil and unscrupulous people who cared nothing about him as a person but only about how they could twist this tragedy to fit their fantasy narrative, boost their rating, and make them money.

    But the book also highlights the human face of this tragedy- the family and friends who took the bold step of fighting back, demanding truth and accountability for their son, brother, and friend. It's an important book that needs to be read by everyone who wants to know how we got to this place in American society, and what to do about it- I guess that means everyone who cares about the truth and how we get back to it.
    Customer image
    EKroll
    5.0 out of 5 stars Why the Truth Matters
    Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2022
    What happens when real life collides violently with the world of shadows, whispers, lies, and venom? What compels people to try to twist a young man's death and a family's grief for their own personal and political ends, and for other peoples' entertainment?

    This book helped me to make sense ( if that is even possible) of how the death of Seth Rich on a Washington DC street late one night was seized upon by evil and unscrupulous people who cared nothing about him as a person but only about how they could twist this tragedy to fit their fantasy narrative, boost their rating, and make them money.

    But the book also highlights the human face of this tragedy- the family and friends who took the bold step of fighting back, demanding truth and accountability for their son, brother, and friend. It's an important book that needs to be read by everyone who wants to know how we got to this place in American society, and what to do about it- I guess that means everyone who cares about the truth and how we get back to it.
    Images in this review
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    6 people found this helpful
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  • Anya Malkov
    5.0 out of 5 stars Meticulously researched. Beautifully written.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    When’s the last time you stayed up way too late reading a truly great book? Last night, with “A Death on W Street”. Having followed Andy Kroll’s long-form writing for years, I’m impressed but not surprised by this absolute page turner! Can’t quite process that this is all non-fiction.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    1.0 out of 5 stars AUTHOR SHOVES HIS OWN BIASED BELIEFS DOWN THE READERS THROAT!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I am perfectly capable of understanding what a conspiracy requires. Apparently, this author is not and INSISTS on pushing his baseless theory on anyone who is not aware of the "CONSPIRACY LAW." A CONSPIRACY ONLY REQUIRES TWO PEOPLE, LET ME REPEAT THAT. A conspiracy does NOT REQUIRE A CAST OF THOUSANDS AS WAS HAD IN THE JFK ASSASSINATION! There can be more, such as three, and more CO-CONSPIRATORS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN INDICTED! The facts as presented show a presence of TWO MEN at the scene of the crime. They do not BOTH HAVE TO HAVE SHOT MR. RICH! However, the presence of TWO MEN REQUIRE THIS MURDER TO LEGALLY BE CHARGED AS A 'CONSPIRACY!" This book is a minus '10!'
    14 people found this helpful
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