Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators

There’s something filmic about Ronan Farrow’s account of his Harvey Weinstein investigation, in the mould of Spotlight or All The President’s Men. That’s ironic, given it’s also the story of Hollywood’s top power-broker, felled by a journalist who’s famously the son of two major stars of the cinema - Woody Allen and Mia Farrow. Allen himself has a cameo in this book, which alleges that he advised Weinstein on how to extricate himself from the sex scandal engulfing his career. And as a result of Ronan Farrow’s work, his sister Dylan, who claims Allen sexually abused her when she was a child, revived the allegations against him. The wider consequences of the Weinstein probe were far-reaching, and continue to be seen today, as prominent figures in a host of industries are shamed by similar disclosures. Farrow takes us through every step of the process, including the impact on his own life of the Weinstein machine attempting to crush the story - and in the early stages it was successful, pressuring NBC, Farrow’s then employer, to stop its enquiries. Farrow then took his story to The New Yorker. The extraordinary tactics deployed by Weinstein to kill it off are explored in-depth, including the shadowy Black Cube organisation he used to spy on Farrow and Weinstein’s victims. A chilling read but ultimately inspiring, and a cautionary tale about the abuse of power in all its forms.

Ronan Farrow's brilliant exposé, CATCH AND KILL, will leave you slack-jawed in awe, with his powerhouse, bravura reporting. His determination, commitment and sincerity are evident from beginning to end, and is almost enough to make one think there is actually hope for the future of Serious Journalism in America. While there are enough truly disgusting characters in this narrative, a special place of loathsomeness should be reserved for the duplicitous, woman-hating Lisa Bloom, who was secretly on Weinstein's legal team, while also "representing" several of Weinstein's victims as their "civil rights attorney"--in some cases, convincing them not to sue Weinstein--while also coaching Weinstein on the most effective ways for him to "bring down" these women. I hope that any credibility she had before is shattered. She makes herself so easy to hate. Ronan Farrow deserves all the plaudits he's getting for this book, which should serve as an historic "starting point" that signaled the end of the white male patriarchy that's been in place forever (in the media and beyond) .Time's up is right!

I wasn't certain I'd read this book --- and though I'm only halfway through it ---- I'm very glad I bought it. It is not the distressing horror-story I feared it would be; from the first page it's seriously intriguing, accessible and compulsively readable, which is very surprising for such a complex and far-reaching story. Farrow is a knockout writer and a first rate investigative journalist. Don't be intimidated or scared to read it. We as a society owe a debt of gratitude to the people who were courageous enough to speak out, risking threats, retaliation and further abuse, and to this fine writer.

REVISED AND AMENDED REVIEW: My original review, as it should be apparent in the attached comments to the review, did indeed orient too much emphasis on the discussion the book had regarding Donald Trump. Although that was accurate, because the discussion was only a couple of chapters that come near the end of the book, it might have been wiser for me to concentrate on the discussion of the people at NBC (Weinstein, Brokaw, etc.). However, as I then stated, there is far more to this book than any allegations. It is a terrific story relating the author’s experiences while investigating and attempting to report the results of that investigation, despite the alleged efforts by that media to catch and kill that story. My attempt, as poorly written and communicated as it was (while phasing into retirement and moving to a new region of the country) had been to highlight that sexual harassment and abuse, as well as the attempts to hush up such stories and behaviors is not exclusive to any particular political persuasion or media. Liberals in office, media, entertainment and industry are as prone to do so as are conservatives. I meant to state that fact clearly and presumed I had, but, alas, I failed to do so. In summary, then, the value of this book is how the author, the son of Mia Farrow, (and, perhaps of Woody Allen or Frank Sinatra) deals with the revelations he is confronted with while investigating a powerful member of his employer, a significant member of the so-called media, which, itself, is charged with rooting out and exposing crimes and abuses within our government and our society. The language will be rough for many, but, honestly, no worse than that used by then-candidate, Donald J. Trump during the ‘Billy Bush Tapes.” Am I apologizing for vilifying the President? No. But I am trying to clear up any confusions or errors in my original review, while also ensuring that people can see I have removed NONE of my original errors or mistakes. I trust those who now read the review will better understand why I enjoyed reading this story and why I recommend it. Fascinating piece of investigative journalism that explores allegations of actions by the National Enquireer, or persons associated with it, of buying stories of Donald Trump's sex life, then killing the stories and shredding all notes associated with the stories; investigation of Harvey Weinstein and his purported sexual harassment conquests in Hollywood, as well as touching base on Woody Allen, the author's father. Although, of course, a good deal of the material pertains to Donald Trump, it would be unfair to compare this journalism with Bob Woodward's "Fear" or to Michael Lewis's "Fifth Risk." In terms of salaciousness and personal gossip, it is a bit closer, in style, to those by Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury" or "Siege." The prima...

I don't remember reading a more accurate blurb for a book for many months. This one is 'spot on' which I greatly appreciated. In 2017 the author, Ronan Farrow, was covering a routine network investigation. This eventually led to the ;blockbuster' story about one of Hollywood's most powerful producers. The reader will be along for the cover-ups, the corruption, and even espionage that enfolds within these pages. Just an incredible read that at times is surreal. ' I was also fascinated with the behind the scenes conversations at NBC. And, the story about how this book came to 'be' is also amazing. The author states at the beginning of his book that it occurred between 2016 and early 2019. And, that there were over 200 interviews conducted. Early on, the females were reluctant to talk about their abuse at the hands of the predators. Soon more came forward to tell their stories. Finally, the courage and the time had come for them to speak out. I am glad that they did... One quote that Weinstein spoke on the phone to Andy Lack (head of the network) caught my attention ..."it was the 90's'... Please...as if the year mattered! Obviousy to a predator it did. This is journalistic reporting at its finest, I feel. Just superlative gathering of facts, interviewing females that were willing to go on record, and finally get this story out where it belongs...in the eyes of the public. A truly fascinating and detailed story which is captivating and so very sad and sickening for the victims. My highest recommendation for this excellent, truly excellent work that the author accomplished.