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The Strange Death of David Kelly
Shortlisted for the Channel 4 Political Book of the Year Award 2008.
The high-profile death of David Kelly is regarded by many as suspicious, and the events surrounding it as 'unfinished business'. Norman Baker MP has carried out extensive research, and shows how the verdict of suicide is not credible. The traditional inquest was replaced by the Hutton Report, which proved unsatisfactory in so many ways. The Strange Death of David Kelly looks in detail at the motives for the death of Dr Kelly; the various possibilities of who could be involved - before sensationally coming down with the most likely scenario - to be revealed for the first time on publication. The book also analyses and criticises the official process instigated after his death, putting the entire episode into its British political context, and looking at the actions of government, particularly in relation to the Iraq war. Norman Baker was MP for Lewes in Sussex from 1997 to 2015, and is recognised for his campaigning, forensic and research skills. He has won the Channel 4 Opposition Politician of the Year award, and the 'Spectator' Questioner of the Year award. He has proven writing skills, with many articles frequently appearing in the press.
The high-profile death of David Kelly is regarded by many as suspicious, and the events surrounding it as 'unfinished business'. Norman Baker MP has carried out extensive research, and shows how the verdict of suicide is not credible. The traditional inquest was replaced by the Hutton Report, which proved unsatisfactory in so many ways. The Strange Death of David Kelly looks in detail at the motives for the death of Dr Kelly; the various possibilities of who could be involved - before sensationally coming down with the most likely scenario - to be revealed for the first time on publication. The book also analyses and criticises the official process instigated after his death, putting the entire episode into its British political context, and looking at the actions of government, particularly in relation to the Iraq war. Norman Baker was MP for Lewes in Sussex from 1997 to 2015, and is recognised for his campaigning, forensic and research skills. He has won the Channel 4 Opposition Politician of the Year award, and the 'Spectator' Questioner of the Year award. He has proven writing skills, with many articles frequently appearing in the press.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 2, 2011
Wether or not Baker's conclusion is the "truth" Kelly's death was not what the gangsters in No.10 at the time want us to believe it was [We are unlikely to ever get a straight answer from them either]. As well as a painstaking examination of the events up to and around Kelly's death Baker goes into the detail of the other connected crimes being committed by the Blair regime with a contempt for the eletorate that should beggar belief. A good if depressing read.
June 15, 2020
Such thorough research was done for this book, unveiling the corruption of Blair's government and how truly frightening it is that the people in charge are often the most guilty.
September 21, 2014
This book is an excellent analysis and investigation into one the most high profile yet quickly hushed up political deaths of the 21st century and its far reaching consequences which are still reverberating around the world today. As a student of history it was strange to read about events which I have lived through and have a vague recollection of occurring, but this made both the investigation and theories supplied by Norman Baker MP on this very strange death all the more intriguing, on this "-gate" that never was.
From the beginning it is apparent that this book is written a political insider for political insiders and those who would like the break into the closed shop that is British politics. Consequently, the author bandies the phrase "Conspiracy Theory" around from the beginning and makes clear that his ultimate conclusion on the "who, what, where, how, and why" of the death of Dr David Kelly are just a theory and that the reader can choose to make their own conclusion. I have made such a conclusion, and have I hope squared the circle drawn by Mr Baker.
I can only urge those people who have ever wondered why Iraq is the way it is today to read this book and judge for themselves how the suspicious death of the UK's leading Weapons Inspectors fits into the wider story.
From the beginning it is apparent that this book is written a political insider for political insiders and those who would like the break into the closed shop that is British politics. Consequently, the author bandies the phrase "Conspiracy Theory" around from the beginning and makes clear that his ultimate conclusion on the "who, what, where, how, and why" of the death of Dr David Kelly are just a theory and that the reader can choose to make their own conclusion. I have made such a conclusion, and have I hope squared the circle drawn by Mr Baker.
I can only urge those people who have ever wondered why Iraq is the way it is today to read this book and judge for themselves how the suspicious death of the UK's leading Weapons Inspectors fits into the wider story.
August 9, 2018
This book will be a jaw dropper for those who think we live in a "democracy" where the government is "nice" and where our interests are their interests.
For those who have a cynical view of the world and believe that we have had the p**s taken out of us since time immemorial, that the media is controlled even though certain journalists think they are free to do what they want to do, that Conservative, Labour, Conservative, Labour, Conservative, Labour ad infinitum might just have something dodgy about it...this will be a disappointment.
The conclusion really lets everybody off with a pathetic scenario where the Iraqis killed him off. Alastair Campbell must have paid him to write this drivel.
Started well, had me gripped, ending was a total missed opportunity.
For those who have a cynical view of the world and believe that we have had the p**s taken out of us since time immemorial, that the media is controlled even though certain journalists think they are free to do what they want to do, that Conservative, Labour, Conservative, Labour, Conservative, Labour ad infinitum might just have something dodgy about it...this will be a disappointment.
The conclusion really lets everybody off with a pathetic scenario where the Iraqis killed him off. Alastair Campbell must have paid him to write this drivel.
Started well, had me gripped, ending was a total missed opportunity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2018
Within 30 pages I was sure that suicide was impossible. This book is a great analysis of the death of Dr Kelly and the shadowy world of espionage within which this incident almost certainly occurred. Nothing is taken for granted and every avenue is investigated from the absurd to the patently obvious. It is scathing of Lord Hutton's official findings and of Tony Blair's insensitive and incompetent government, the latter of which almost certainly owes at least an apology for its part in the affair. A fine read, I finished it in a dark weekend where I had to come face to face with a very dark world indeed.
February 25, 2016
Not often do I plough through investigatory non-fiction but this grips as it makes you weep and wonder how the hell that a clear case of, at the very least, something a touch nefarious, has been allowed to be shunted into history with saccharine sentiment and a sigh of relief on the part of Blair, Campbell, Hoon et al. Disgraceful, sad and probably not at all unique.
April 4, 2016
If you bought the government line that David Kelly committed suicide, this book will make you think again. Fascinating read.
June 18, 2019
All very sad and tragic.
Mr Baker writes a bold case for this death to have been a murder, and says who he thinks carried it out. He makes it all sound very plausible, but I'm afraid that I was not really convinced. Much of the evidence that he puts forward could be read in different ways. And having ploughed through huge numbers of eyewitness statements in my time, I think that Mr Baker is rather too willing to believe what he is told. With the best will in the world, people can misremember details that to them are unimportant, so it is no good hanging an entire theory on such things.
That said, Mr Baker does ask a number of very pertinent questions and makes a convincing case that the authorities were keen to cover up certain facts - though whether this means the poor man was murdered is not entirely convincing. They could have been trying to hush up something less sinister.
So, a worthwhile read if you don't have to spend too much money buying it second hand somewhere.
Mr Baker writes a bold case for this death to have been a murder, and says who he thinks carried it out. He makes it all sound very plausible, but I'm afraid that I was not really convinced. Much of the evidence that he puts forward could be read in different ways. And having ploughed through huge numbers of eyewitness statements in my time, I think that Mr Baker is rather too willing to believe what he is told. With the best will in the world, people can misremember details that to them are unimportant, so it is no good hanging an entire theory on such things.
That said, Mr Baker does ask a number of very pertinent questions and makes a convincing case that the authorities were keen to cover up certain facts - though whether this means the poor man was murdered is not entirely convincing. They could have been trying to hush up something less sinister.
So, a worthwhile read if you don't have to spend too much money buying it second hand somewhere.
May 9, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this well researched book examining the tragic death of David Kelly. Like other reviewers, I was appalled at the criminal invasion of Iraq by Bush and Blair, and the as yet undiscovered borderline criminal behaviour of Blair, Campbell and Hoone. A truly sad reflection on our democracy.
Norman Baker deserves full credit not only for the depth and quality of research but also in the way he chose to 'set out' the terrible tale. One of the best non-fiction books I've read.
Norman Baker deserves full credit not only for the depth and quality of research but also in the way he chose to 'set out' the terrible tale. One of the best non-fiction books I've read.
June 4, 2022
What a brilliant read! A thorough examination of one of the most sensational deaths of our age and so well researched. It is balanced and objective and postulates a number of possible alternative scenarios. What it does do is call into question the official processes employed to deal with David Kelly's death. Anyone questioning the whole Iraq War should read this. For me it explains when UK politics started to go wrong following the cult of personality rather than solid, ethical leadership.
December 28, 2020
Intriguing account of a shameful episode in UK and US history
A rigorous and well researched and evidenced examination of the death of Dr David Kelly. While this is the main theme, the book repeatedly exposes the alleged misuse and ‘sexing up’ of UK and US intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq
A rigorous and well researched and evidenced examination of the death of Dr David Kelly. While this is the main theme, the book repeatedly exposes the alleged misuse and ‘sexing up’ of UK and US intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq
May 4, 2025
A readable and disturbing account of a crime covered up by the British establishment. Baker makes a convincing case for a fresh inquiry and offers a plausible explanation for Kelly having been murdered, and by whom.
April 3, 2019
Overpowering - and (not strangely) ignored.
December 27, 2023
Scary and telling.
November 29, 2025
A well researched & easy to read account of the mysterious death of Dr David Kelly in the summer of 2003.
The Labour government wanted everyone to think he had committed suicide & to ensure they got the result they wanted they convened a “public” enquiry within hours of a body being found - they didn’t even know if it was Dr Kelly at that stage - they then ordered the Coroner to stand down.
This poor man was caught in the middle of the 45 minute Iraqi WMD debacle & he paid with his life for speaking out against the then PM Tony B Liar.
In my opinion Dr Kelly was murdered - no doubt about it.
The Labour government wanted everyone to think he had committed suicide & to ensure they got the result they wanted they convened a “public” enquiry within hours of a body being found - they didn’t even know if it was Dr Kelly at that stage - they then ordered the Coroner to stand down.
This poor man was caught in the middle of the 45 minute Iraqi WMD debacle & he paid with his life for speaking out against the then PM Tony B Liar.
In my opinion Dr Kelly was murdered - no doubt about it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews