Death in the Air

by Kate Winkler Dawson
Death in the Air cover
Good Books rating 4.47
True Crime
Technical:
  • ID: 902
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9780316506854
  • Publisher: Hachette+ORM
  • Published: 2024-09-24
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £16.99

In December 1952, London was shrouded in a killer smog that claimed thousands of lives. Amidst this environmental catastrophe, another killer, John Reginald Christie, used the fog as cover to commit his heinous crimes. Journalist Kate Winkler Dawson meticulously braids together the strands of this harrowing tale, exploring the chaotic aftermath and the media frenzy that followed Christie's arrest. The book delves into the psychological and environmental factors that contributed to these events, offering a compelling and atmospheric narrative that blurs the lines between true crime and historical disaster. 'Death in the Air' is not just a story of crime but also a stark reminder of the environmental and social conditions that allowed such horrors to occur. Dawson's deeply researched and densely atmospheric account provides a chilling look into one of the most unfathomable serial killers of modern times, making it a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Reviews
Celebration of Books · 2019-07-14
captivating 4.70

The reviewer commends the author for creating a taut and gripping true-crime thriller that braids together the stories of a serial killer and an environmental disaster. They find the narrative suspenseful and chillingly relevant.

This reviewer is captivated by Kate Winkler Dawson's ability to craft a suspenseful and engaging narrative that intertwines the story of John Reginald Christie with the Great Smog of London. The book is praised for its tight pacing and the way it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the detailed research that goes into the book, making it a rich and immersive read. They also note that the author's writing style is both chilling and relevant, highlighting the timeless nature of the issues addressed. The reviewer concludes that the book is a standout in the true-crime genre, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event.

Quick quotes

    Journalist Kate Winkler Dawson braids these strands together into a taut and gripping true-crime thriller about a serial killer and an environmental disaster.

    The book is praised for its tight pacing and the way it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

    The author's writing style is both chilling and relevant, highlighting the timeless nature of the issues addressed.

Beyond Cover · 2018-07-04
engrossing 4.50

The reviewer praises the author's ability to weave together the stories of a serial killer and the London smog incident, creating a gripping narrative. They appreciate the detailed research and the way the historical context enriches the story.

This reviewer is impressed with how Kate Winkler Dawson seamlessly blends the chilling tale of John Reginald Christie with the devastating impact of the Great Smog of London. The book is described as a gripping read that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The reviewer highlights the meticulous research and the vivid descriptions that bring the historical events to life. They also appreciate how the author connects the dots between the two seemingly unrelated events, providing a fresh perspective on a dark period in London's history. The reviewer finds the narrative suspenseful and engaging, making it a compelling read for those interested in true crime and historical events.

Quick quotes

    I wondered how author Kate Winkler Dawson would weave together these two stories of serial killer, John Reginald Christie and the four day smog.

    Dawson deftly weaves the tales together in an engrossing narrative that reads like a thriller.

    Christie's story benefits from being told alongside that of the Great Smog.

NPR · 2017-10-17
intriguing 4.20

The book is described as an intriguing exploration of a silent disaster, born from a combination of freak weather patterns and human negligence. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to make the historical event feel relevant and chilling.

This reviewer finds Kate Winkler Dawson's book to be a fascinating account of the Great Smog of London and its deadly consequences. The narrative is compelling, drawing parallels between the environmental disaster and the actions of a serial killer, which adds a layer of intrigue. The reviewer notes that Dawson's writing style makes the historical event feel immediate and relevant, highlighting the human cost of the smog. They also appreciate the thorough research and the way the author contextualizes the event within broader societal issues. The reviewer concludes that the book is a must-read for those interested in environmental history and true crime.

Quick quotes

    Journalist Kate Winkler Dawson has written an intriguing book about this silent disaster, which was borne out of a perfect storm of freak weather patterns and human negligence.

    The narrative is compelling, drawing parallels between the environmental disaster and the actions of a serial killer.

    Dawson's writing style makes the historical event feel immediate and relevant.

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