Patrick Radden Keefe on How He Turns True Stories into Thrillers

Patrick Radden Keefe joins James Patterson for a conversation about storytelling, journalism, and how nonfiction can carry the suspense of a thriller. Keefe, the acclaimed author of Say Nothing, Empire of Pain, and London Falling, talks about finding stories in unexpected places, building narrative from real events, and why facts alone are not enough to hold a reader. They discuss Keefe’s path from Boston and law school to the New Yorker, the art of reporting deeply without inventing, and the challenge of turning complicated subjects like the Troubles, the opioid crisis, organized crime, and human smuggling into gripping books. The conversation also explores Hollywood adaptations, research, and what makes a true story feel impossible to put down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices