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A Convenient Death: The Mysterious Demise of Jeffrey Epstein

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A must-read for fans of the Netflix docuseries Filthy Rich: The full investigation of the shocking death of billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and those powerful enough to have orchestrated it.

In A Convenient Death, investigative reporters Alana Goodman and Daniel Halper search for the truth of what really happened to Jeffrey Epstein. With access to Epstein's victims and lawyers, to doctors, Wall Street insiders and law enforcement officers, they reveal the dirty secrets and sinister ties that may have driven someone in Epstein's circle to take matters into their own hands.

On the morning of August 10, 2019, Epstein, friend and financier to the rich and powerful, was found unresponsive in his prison cell in lower Manhattan, where he awaited his second trial for sexual predation and other crimes. He was rushed to a local hospital and one hour later pronounced dead by suicide. Across the world, a sinister web of powerful billionaires, celebrities, and politicians, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, had reason to sigh with relief at news of Epstein's death. Having flown on his private planes and visited his many homes--the sites of so many illicit activities--they had much to lose if their transgressions were ever exposed. And now, Epstein was silenced for good.

But cracks in the official story soon emerged. And the questions kept coming:
- Why did the surveillance cameras in front of Epstein's cell stop working that night?
- Why was Epstein's cellmate transferred out and never replaced?
- Why was a high-profile prisoner so suddenly taken off suicide watch and left unguarded for eight hours?

Was Epstein murdered to protect the powerful people who feared what he might reveal? The American public deserves to know the truth. With this book, they can finally understand the facts and decide for themselves.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 2, 2020

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Alana Goodman

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Scott.
2,256 reviews269 followers
July 19, 2021
"When I was 15 years old, I flew on Jeffrey Epstein's [private] plane to Zorro Ranch [his large spread of property in rural New Mexico], where I was sexually molested by him for many hours. What I remember most vividly was him explaining to me how 'beneficial' the experience was for me, and how much he was 'helping me grow' . . . " -- victim known as 'Jane Doe# 9, in the introduction

I use the above quote not to be deliberately provocative - although it does grab a reader's attention - but for how simply and powerfully it describes the man's disgustingly questionable or unlawful activities. In A Convenient Death - co-authored by one current and one former investigate journalist, who both know how to rake the muck - the prosaic back cover blurb is "Who killed Jeffrey Epstein?". The world may never know, and there are a myriad of other questions that may never be answered.

Epstein came from humble beginnings in working-class New York City, but by his early 20's he was quickly making disreputable moves to successfully ingratiate himself into the social circles of the rich and powerful. (There were some moments which superficially reminded me of Andrew Cunanan, the sociopath who murdered fashion designer Gianni Versace.) For about 35 years - the mid-1980's up to his extremely suspicious 2019 death while incarcerated - Epstein had connections, if not outright friendships, with a plethora of elite politicians, business owners, and entertainers while engaged in pedophilia and sexually-based crimes across national boundaries. Yet this was all an 'open secret' of sorts, and Epstein routinely dodged what really should have been a sledgehammer of prosecution.

Authors Goodman and Halper aren't able to answer many big questions - folks still remain tight-lipped out of fear of retribution and/or the shame of secrets being revealed - but present compelling arguments, details and first-hand information, such as the interviews with the now-adult Virginia Roberts (who, as a young teenager, became involved with a member of the British royal family via Epstein's direct manipulation), who boldly recounts her unfortunate youthful experiences. This book could have easily gone the wrong direction - being a sleazy or 'quick buck' effort - but it transcends that angle, and (like a great paragraph on page 182) vents some needed frustration at the situation.
Profile Image for Louise.
1,848 reviews383 followers
June 19, 2021
The book misses the promise of its title and subtitle but, perhaps more valuably, it delivers reasoned interpretations of Epstein’s personal and financial entanglements.

Earlier this year I read the The Spider: Inside the Criminal Web of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which is a straight reporting of the facts. In “Convenient”, Goodman and Halper report facts and give different ways to look at them. Examples are the treatments of Leslie Wexner and Ghislaine Maxwell where both “Spider” and “Convenient” give the facts but “Convenient” poses some “whys”.

Both books show how Wexner transferred considerable assets and authority to Epstein. This book goes beyond the con-man theory to one posed by Wexner’s associates. They believe that there was some level of blackmail regarding Wexner's sexuality and that Epstein could have been a sexual partner. Despite his young girl obsession, some of Wexner’s associates firmly believe Epstein was gay.

Similarly, this book fully debunks "Spider's acceptance of Epstein's self description that he was a "financial bounty hunter" recovering money and mitigating taxes for wealthy clients. Goodman and Halper show how Epstein’s fortune (assets are enumerated on p.150) could have been built on the original (and documented) $46 million from Wexner.

“Spider” gives detail on Ghislaine Maxwell’s childhood and family. Being more recent (by a few months) this book is able to cover her ultimate apprehension and arrest. Both books note the similarities of Epstein and Maxwell’s father. “Spider” says she has trust fund set up before her father died bereft of his fortune; “Convenient” says she was broke. Both agree that Epstein wanted access to her social network. As to Maxwell's motivation, “Convenient” shows why some say she wanted his love (and marriage) and that he could provide the lifestyle she was brought up in. “Convenient” further speculates (with supporting information) that Bill Clinton and Epstein did not get along. It was Maxwell whom Clinton wanted to be with.

Goodman and Halper have good chapters on how Epstein manipulated the national press, ivy league academics and the local authorities. They show how the people and the institutions they represent let the public down. Afraid of his lawyers, or of his cutting off charitable donations or of just rocking the boat they were silent about their knowledge of Epstein's crimes. The elites who knew he was a predator were in a position to shine some light on what he was doing did nothing. Their silence adds to the public disillusionment with the institutions Americans previously respected.

Both "Convenient" and "Spider" are good. They complement each other. Given that they are short (together they equal an average size book), and if you are interested in Epstein, you might want to read them both.
Profile Image for Valerity (Val).
1,108 reviews2,775 followers
June 5, 2020
I didn’t see the Netflix docuseries, but I sure enjoyed this book. I only vaguely knew the major points of the Epstein story and this book was perfect for filling in the details of the story. It’s so well researched it filled me in perfectly on all the backstory I’ve wondered about. It tells about Epstein’s earlier years, how he got his start, what he does for a living, all of that. It also covers the juicy stuff that’s gotten him in trouble previously when he had to go to court and did a plea deal, and also the more current problems he was again facing that had him in the lockup that he never left.

I don’t know what you will think after reading it, but I don’t believe he committed suicide. I think his important friends weren’t willing to risk him talking. Or playing some blackmail games if the camera stories are true. It’s all moot now, of course…but so much speculating went on for a time. This is certainly a book of the times, and a good one to get your mind off the current Covid-19 stuff for a while. Advanced electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Alana Goodman & Daniel Halper, and the publisher.
Profile Image for Jeanette.
4,091 reviews839 followers
July 25, 2020
This was a non-fiction book that I couldn't put down. I read it within a day. Two sit down periods of about an hour each. The specifics in it were outstanding, as the author consistently and repeatedly defined the exact perimeters that could be "fact" vs documentation vs witness vs 3rd or 4th person hearsay. You got a certain chronological period or overall dinner scene or financial transaction in extremely "reporting" terms. In other words, not in a slant, bias, or belief "eyes" of the teller- but in the laying out of observations and dates and places for which the reader could make their own conclusions. Or mere assumptions. Or guesses. At times you could easily do all three.

I thought it lost a star within the financial chapters and aftermath to chronological realities that appeared within the last 30 or so pages of the book. I do understand some of the money movements to selling, buying, then dissolving. But not all of it. Especially to how he was the mover and shaker to the particular fortune he controlled through Lex Wexner and how he parleyed and manipulated it for property especially. His 5 houses and 2 islands alone were mostly "given" to him this way. How much and for how long did he contribute to "good" or political causes too? Or was it almost entirely a slush fund trust, almost like the Clinton's. Inputs for access and then used by the originator for themselves and their buddies. (An example: he gave away 1st class stamps to insure elite airlines 1st class placements in airplane boarding that he STOLE as perks or "goodies" to many of his pals /"buddies".) Or was it a quarter or more of the totals for decades that was the real income; re a type of fear for all his visual evidences used for blackmail scares that was prevalent in the money trails? If he did contribute with great acclaim to "virtue signaling" or popular "good" causes of $200 million, it was often only $20 million that would "show up" in any actual outcome. (But the Media he could buy or influence to say it was all given and praise Epstein to the hilt for it too. AWARDS) It's nearly impossible to follow the "money" ball and yet this author tried heroically. She did a great job also in relating the difficulties to getting straight answers to any of this "after the fact", before the fact, or in any way to common "well met" associates of Epstein.

I'm only sure of one thing. And this author isn't- but surmises that it may be true. That Epstein did not commit suicide. Not with 3 neck fractures and guards and so many others within hearing distance of mere feet away. And the manipulation he pulled to get rid of his cellmates was for other specific reasons! And his notes and his lawyers. He was not on a suicide page, for one thing. He had just become assured he could beat it. Not in the same way but in a circumvention as he did on a state level in 2008-2009.

Others may really be aghast to read the chapters on some of your other celebs of this huge group of enablers. And will want to know the nitty-gritty re G. Maxwell and others. And what will happen to her court cases that are coming up. But you will only read about eye witness reality here and not the supposition of what will happen to Epstein's main compadre and procurer. Or Prince Andrew or Bill Clinton. But their chapters give some interesting insight to that world's criteria for "eyes".

The Smart Set and the Media chapters are nearly a 5 star. It really makes you begin to comprehend how all these elite, intellectual (pseudo mostly), and often very famous people were gullible and corrupt to the maximums. Not only in their evaluations, but in their emotional spots which Jeffrey Epstein could so easily pull like a puppet master. Some of them seem like extremely ignorant and fairly stupid people to me. Beyond the moral equivalencies they seem to not only condone but actually advance these givens and practices.

Do not kid yourself. Some of these psychological or sexual state guesses may be wrong here. But what truly is not- is the "progress" to relative morality that is currently despicable. I can remember when many of these visual to these groups "practices" would be forbidden or decried. Not now. In fact, the entire argument for pedophilia is actually and as I type advancing. For "understanding" and approvals. And this also gives a decent and clear voice to at least 5 or 6 of the most visible and long term accusers of what was done to them and with them, as well. He had at least 3 or 4 girls a day for decade after decade. There were 100's and 100's of girls. And the photos in full view!

The man was a con man to the nth degree. The first half of the book for his earlier life was a 5 star. No more so than in his disdain for females from 15 years old onward.

Not having watched Netflix or any but one other short documentary, I would recommend this as being extremely fair, balanced, well done. Fair. Suppositions are made upon sexual relationships between all or every- only when there is witness proof. And there is that too. She opens 100 other questions about materials he gathered on others and what was their use. So don't expect definitive outcome conclusions after the death. Because for many of them, only Epstein or possibly Maxwell will have the answers.

After reading all the forensics and visual, audible evidence? Some one had to pay an inmate to do this murder, IMHO. It isn't just the cameras or the guard criteria either. Much more of the logistics is too outlier in possibility for him to have done it himself. And dozens and dozens of elites were terrified for what was to be exposed.
Profile Image for Amal.
103 reviews13 followers
June 1, 2020
**ARC Review***

It seems like we have been inundated with so much information about Epstein and his sordid dealings / predatory lifestyle that another book might be superfluous except have we? When one looks at all of the disparate information we have been spoon fed (after careful selection of course) and all of the careful handling of the big names found by the FBI that are not and will not be public knowledge thanks to a corrupt system that values money over justice - we haven't been told anything of value or importance.

The names being bandied about publicly aren't unfamiliar for their depravity or predatory behaviour so to have them associated with Epstein isn't shocking. His death in custody? Even less shocking.

The glory of this book - the real glory of it - is how sharply all of the information is presented - and how critically. The authors are thorough with what they have and some of the information they provide is really new by way of conversations etc. I also really loved how they let the commentary from Cindy McCain stand for itself. Another standout piece? When they discuss all of the shenanigans surrounding his death in a supposedly secure jail. The behaviour of those in charge of this predator's continued safety behind bars (especially after one supposed failed suicide attempt) isn't just laughable; it makes the keystone kops look fantastic. These two authors do a fantastic job of basically saying what everyone is thinking.

This is an excellent read - I highly recommend it but be warned, it makes for some infuriating moments when it is laid out again and again and again how he got away with everything for so long.
Profile Image for Noni Fro (Janon).
127 reviews
August 24, 2020
This is a decent version with lots of references to back up their findings on this creep. The writing was a little choppy at first, but then it smoothed out and I pretty much read it on 2 sittings.
Profile Image for Becka.
779 reviews41 followers
June 4, 2020
I was expecting to read a book focused on the coverup of the jailhouse murder of a notorious inmate. What I found instead was more of a repetition of all the ways that Jeffery Epstein and his powerful friends misused girls, didn’t see it as wrong, and expected to get away with it. The further into the book I got, I found myself asking “ Why would I care whether this sexual predator was murdered or committed suicide?” Either way, it seems that teenage girls around the world are better off for having him gone.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews38 followers
July 24, 2020
Interesting, and although there is nothing new here, it gave me a better understanding of the whole thing as it is focused on the life of Epstein more than in his very suspicious death.

It still leaves me with a very sour taste in my mouth because these kinds of things have always happened and will always happen: those with power, money and connections always manage to get away even with the worst crimes.



Profile Image for Rianne K  B.
252 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2021
This was a pretty good book that gave some more insight into Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. However, the title is misleading, as hardly any time is actually spent on his death.
Profile Image for Deborah Trotter.
2 reviews
July 11, 2020
Pathetic

This book is written so childish, it is insulting. The author really believed in writing on a sixth grade level. There was no information I had not already read. So pitifully short for the money I paid. Does not invite me to read anything else he does. Seriously, did he write this way because children are receiving such a poor education these days.
Profile Image for Manny.
300 reviews30 followers
July 15, 2020
Despicable, Child Rapist "Billionaire" got away with his crimes. The story goes that he killed himself, but in my opinion, he was murdered. I can only hope that he suffered until his last breath. The book covers some of the same materials as with some of the other Epstein books I have read, but touches on; as the sub title says "The Mysterious Demise of Jeffrey Epstein."

If you do not know who Epstein was, you are probably hiding under a rock or just woke up from Cryostasis. Epstein was a multi-billionaire with homes in Palm Beach, FL, New York, France, New Mexico and Virgin Islands. He actually owned two islands. These islands allowed Epstein to control the environment and bring young girls there where they were unable to leave.

The book reveals a version of the Epstein saga saying Les Wexner, the Victoria Secret mogul, was the one bankrolling Epstein's lifestyle; either overtly or covertly. One version is that Wexner is/was a closet homosexual and Epstein had the goods on him. I tend to not believe that Epstein would/could hold homosexuality over someone today. Society is more accepting than ever before. Additionally, Epstein had a cozy relationship with the Gates...... yes those Gates. Both Epstein and the Gates have been outspoken Eugenic proponents.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozlbe...

Sadly, no one will ever know the truth. I do not think Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein co-conspirator and longtime girlfriend, madam, recruiter of children will live to testify and name names. She will meet certain death. Her days are numbered.

He wanted to inseminate women with his semen to have a bunch of kids. Thankfully this did not happen. Contaminating the world with little Jeff Epstein(s) would have been a really bad idea. I truly hope they catch all those involved and the victims can find justice. They were cheated from justice. Whether Epstein took his life (highly unlikely) or someone had him silenced, he got off much easier than these poor girls; women today that will live with what he did to them for a lifetime. There is a special place in hell for this man, and I hope they turned up the heat when he arrived.
Profile Image for Amy Perera.
401 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2020
After watching the Netflix documentary about Jeffrey Epstein, I sat there in disbelief that his behaviour was allowed and accepted by very powerful people in the world. When he was found dead by ‘apparent’ suicide in August 2019, I thought ‘no way, he was killed off’ so when I saw this book on #borrowbox I couldn’t wait to read it as Jeffrey’s death was very convenient. Alana and Daniel are investigative reporters and they wanted to find out the truth of what really happened to Jeffrey on that night in question. With access to Epstein’s victims and lawyers, to doctors, Wall Street insiders and law enforcement officers, they reveal the dirty secrets and sinister ties that may have driven someone in Epstein’s circle to take matters into their own hands. Jeffrey Epstein held secrets and photos of everyone entering his premises. He simply knew too much that would destroy the reputation of people. Jeffrey Epstein was very rich and powerful and this power allowed him to get away with abusing hundreds of young girls. Jeffrey was very smug, he thought he was invincible and could get away with his crimes, what he didn’t think was he would be leaving prison in a bodybag (in my opinion!)

I really liked the book. It was well balanced and argued all theories. Having all the information in this book made for a sickening read especially when you think of 1) how many women he abused and haven’t yet come forward and 2) no justice was served to his victims. Cindy McCain states in 2020 “we all knew about him. We all knew what he was doing but we had no one, no legal aspect to go after him. They were afraid of him.” A disgusting individual who deserves to rot. 4 🌟
Profile Image for Ronnie Cramer.
1,031 reviews34 followers
November 25, 2020
I learned quite a bit about the Epstein case by reading this book (since I never really followed it in the news). The book sometimes felt disjointed and incomplete, but as the authors pointed out in their acknowledgments: "It is especially difficult to write a book in mere months and on a topic continually breaking, often altering various story lines and reporting paths."
Profile Image for Lisa  Keegan.
903 reviews9 followers
August 16, 2020
2.5 similiar yet different to the docu series on Netflix. I don't care f he was murdered or killed himself. He deserves to rot in hell. What a disgusting person he was.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,955 reviews42 followers
July 7, 2020
No “no spoiler” alert needed because ummm, no one knows for sure how this one really ended!! Or if so, they’re not talking. I have to say I think James Patterson’s Filthy Rich is the better Epstein book as it covers the victims’ stories and Ghislaine’s role more thoroughly, and in a more narrative fashion. This one was more straight reporting about Epstein‘s career and social-climbing. I expected more developed theories about what the authors believe may have happened at the prison, but that was not delivered.
Profile Image for Brent Stewart.
9 reviews
July 6, 2020
I have a pretty good background on the story of Epstein in terms of the information that is available to the public but this book did fill in some interesting details. However I thought the book would go into more details surrounding his actual death. There is only one chapter on his death and I was hoping for more details like stats on hangings with a broken hyoid bone etc.

Also the editor allowed for a lot redundant information throughout the book. I am not going to fault the authors though, this was a fast moving story and they need to get the book to print.

Easy, fast little read.
Profile Image for Sarah.
30 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2020
Jeffrey Epstein piqued my interest on July 6, 2019. I became suspicious after extensive research that there was more to his story. When he died last August, I immediately suspected foul play - how does someone so high profile just kill themselves in prison with zero witnesses or video footage? There was something very off about the whole situation.

I think this book did an excellent job outlining the various enablers and relationships that elevated Jeffrey Epstein into a world of elites. There were so many wealthy and powerful people in his pedophile ring who would want him dead, and considering how many pieces of blackmail were apprehended from his 71st St estate, it wasn’t a matter of if but rather when he would be killed - and who did it.

This book didn’t pedal any singular theory but rather gave a well-rounded view of Epstein’s powerful co-conspirators who all had a lot to lose with exposure. Although I feel no closer to knowing who did it, I certainly and more convinced than ever that this was no suicide. The authors acknowledge that we will never know what happened, because any account - whether from the media, law enforcement, friends, the government, etc - will be biased, twisted, and unreliable.
Profile Image for Scott Nickels.
209 reviews26 followers
June 19, 2020
The Jeffrey Epstein saga of the past few years has been interesting to a “news junkie” such as myself. “A Convenient Death: The Mysterious Demise of Jeffrey Epstein” written by Alana Goodman and Daniel Halper, is a well-researched look at the life and recent death of this notorious man. The book reviews the facts, and the suppositions, surrounding Epstein’s death while in a prison cell awaiting trial. The authors also take us on a “magical mystery tour” of Epstein’s opulent lifestyle and many of his famous contacts. But was most interesting is the author’s argument that Epstein’s wealth was mainly due to his becoming a Rasputin-type figure in the life of the billionaire Leslie Wexner. For those watching the news each day much of the information was a review; for those others you will be fascinated, and perhaps a bit horrified, by this tale. Thanks to NetGalley for the joy of reading “A Convenient Death.”
Profile Image for Carol Keljo.
49 reviews6 followers
June 14, 2020
Juicy and Detailed

I’ve read other Epstein books, but this one excels. It’s clearly researched and consecutive, with references based on facts. It gives a clear picture of the man; but beyond that, it shows how the proverbial rich and power control the narrative. Draw your own conclusion, but I believe the Clintons were involved in his death.
10.7k reviews34 followers
February 5, 2023
DID EPSTEIN REALLY KILL HIMSELF?

Journalists and authors Alana Goodman and Daniel Halper wrote in the Introduction to this 2020 book, “Ever since Jeffrey Epstein, notorious pedophile and pal/client to the rich and famous, was arrested, people had speculated that he would be murdered. Over the years, Epstein had befriended some of the most powerful men in the world---presidents, princes, business titans---embroiling many of them in his sex scandals. As he awaited trial, many people mused that he had more secrets to share, more scandals to expose, perhaps more powerful names to implicate. What would happen if he decided to sequel? Worse, for his powerful allies, would he be so desperate to get out of jail that he would be willing to tell authorities whatever they wanted to hear just for the chance to be free? Would they risk the possibility, or would they ensure that he could not expose them?... Epstein’s sudden, unexpected death brought that to a most convenient end. It ensured those secrets were never revealed, that so many questions would never be answered. To his accomplices and abettors, his would have been the most timely and useful suicide ever committed. If that’s really what it was…” (Pg. xiii-xiv)

They continue, “as we began to look into the Epstein tory, we started to understand this widespread skepticism. The official story of Epstein’s death had holes in it---big holes---from the beginning… Why were the guards at that cellblock so lax, especially when dealing with such a notorious and high-profile cellmate?... How could a prison that housed some of the most deadly and dangerous criminals in the nation really behave so unprofessionally, so sloppily?... No one has done a good job of answering these questions… [This book] will not help you trust media accounts of Epstein’s death. It will not restore your faith in the government or other powerful American institutions.” (Pg. xv-xvi)

They explain, “Epstein, a self-described money manager … who claimed to work exclusively for billionaires… was facing up to forty-five years in prison on underage sex trafficking charges… This was his second arrest for sex crimes. He was previously convicted of soliciting and procuring underage prostitutes in 2008… But [in] the prior case … Epstein had been able to cut a deal for a lenient sentence in a work-release program…” (Pg. 6)

They continue, “The former president Bill Clinton was being hammered in the press for taking multiple trips on Epstein’s private Boeing 727… Prince Andrew’s position in the royal family was in jeopardy after photos emerged of him with his hand around the waist of one of Epstein’s alleged underage ‘sex slaves.’ President Donald Trump was being scrutinized for his social outings with Epstein in the 1990s, and a handful of other political figures … also faced allegations for their involvement with Epstein.” (Pg. 7)

They acknowledge, “In spite of public skepticism, there was certainly evidence to support the conclusion that Epstein took his own life. Suicides are not uncommon in prisons. He had revised his will just a couple of days before his death. He had, by the prison’s determination, attempted suicide just weeks before (although he denied it to friends and lawyers). He was also accustomed to an extremely comfortable lifestyle and was disgusted with his new living conditions behind bars… Epstein’s former lawyer … said he believes Epstein was distraught at the possibility of spending the rest of his life in jail.” (Pg. 20)

They state, “Just how could the most high-value criminal defendant in America kill himself while supposedly under twenty-four house surveillance in federal custody? How could he have known the guards would conveniently not check on him for more than eight hours?... another theory began to emerge---that, yes, he killed himself. But he did not act alone… It’s plausible he had the assistance of others. Maybe some guards or fellow inmates had helped orchestrate Epstein’s final act… Ever since he entered prison, he had been waving around his wealth… This allowed him to get the space, time, and resources to do the dirty deed.” (Pg. 38-39)

They state, “After Clinton left the White House, the ex-president’s relationship with Epstein would grow much, much closer. For Clinton, Epstein had it all. Money, power, and his own fleet of airplanes Plus the helicopter (used to reach his private island) and many, many vehicles.” (Pg. 119) Later, they add, “Clinton was allegedly carrying on an affair with at least one woman in Epstein’s orbit… Ghislaine Maxwell, a constant presence at the ex-president’s side during these trips, was the primary reason Clinton let Epstein ferry him around the world… Clinton’s primary interest in Epstein was the woman he once dated and who allegedly helped procure her ex-boyfriend’s future victims.” (Pg. 122) They admit, “Clinton… has never been accused of engaging with an underage female with Epstein.” (Pg. 124)

Nonetheless, they reach a conspiratorial conclusion: “There are many reasons not to believe the official account of Epstein’s death… We were told there was nothing to see on footage taken outside his cell only to be told later that the footage didn’t exist. The death scene… was quickly touched… Nowhere in the coroner’s report was a tool that could have killed Epstein chronicled. The guards mysteriously did not do their jobs, the cameras mysteriously did not work, and the coroner change her findings, without additional evidence. Perhaps these are all coincidences. Perhaps not.” (Pg. 211)

They state, “Just how could the most high-value criminal defendant in America kill himself while supposedly under twenty-four house surveillance in federal custody? How could he have known the guards would conveniently not check on him for more than eight hours?... another theory began to emerge---that, yes, he killed himself. But he did not act alone… It’s plausible he had the assistance of others. Maybe some guards or fellow inmates had helped orchestrate Epstein’s final act… Ever since he entered prison, he had been waving around his wealth… This allowed him to get the space, time, and resources to do the dirty deed.” (Pg. 38-39)

This book will interest those studying Epstein and his death.

Profile Image for Paul.
815 reviews47 followers
August 9, 2021
Anyone that still thinks that Jeffrey Epstein killed himself in prison may well be a candidate for a Brooklyn Bridge sale. This evil and perverted man created a fortune for himself by stealing from the founder and owner of The Limited and Victoria's Secret. He led an international sex ring that picked attractive young girls (as young as 12 or 14) and pimped them out to celebrities, and he had cameras everywhere in his Manhattan mansion that filmed compromising video of internationally known people that Epstein could bring down within days by blackmail. A LOT of people wanted Epstein to go away permanently, so when he died, scores of reputations were saved forever.

This is a fascinating book that reads quickly. It is well-written, but the subject matter is very tabloid-like. The world will never know all the pies Epstein had his fingers into. I would highly recommend this book both for the entertainment value and the international significance of the sex rings that were going on.
Profile Image for Courtney.
376 reviews
September 3, 2022
This is a good summary of the Jeffrey Epstein case beginning to finish. However, if you were well apprised of what was happening as the case unfolded, this book likely won't have any new information for you. Four stars for the research and display. If it had included newer information, it would have received five stars because it was excellently written.
Profile Image for ThereBeDragons.
1 review
May 14, 2021
If you already followed the original reporting, you will find nothing new in here. This book just recaps what journalists like Julie Brown reported out. The book stands on the shoulders of giants and adds nothing.
Profile Image for Art.
400 reviews
August 10, 2020
Having grown up poor, Jeffrey Epstein longed for fame, fortune, and access to young girls. Despite being a college dropout, Epstein was gifted in mathematical abilities and he easily perfected the art of the con. Although it is somewhat unclear how Epstein came to amass a large fortune (half a billion dollars), his mysterious relationship with Les Wexner (CEO of L Brands) was likely a big source of his fortune. In addition to working for Wexner, many suspected Epstein was trafficking young girls for a price to the world's rich and famous and he may have been blackmailing some of these same people. Having been arrested in 2019 for sexual predation and other crimes, Epstein was housed in a prison cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in lower Manhattan.  Although he had been working with his attorneys on preparing a vigorous defense, Epstein was found dead in his cell on August 10, 2019.  Powerful celebrities, politicians, scientists, and royalty likely breathed a sigh of relief when learning of his death. Did Epstein commit suicide? Many suspect his death was too convenient for those who feared he might reveal their secrets. Well-researched and filled with nuance and sometimes contradictory data, one cannot help doubt the coroner's verdict of suicide.  
Profile Image for Maureen.
501 reviews18 followers
June 7, 2020
An interesting look at the death of an evil man. If you have been following the news, this book will be a great summary of what happened and the theories at play. As I've been living in AU recently, I didn't know much about Epstein. This starts with a look at the circumstances surrounding his death and I was left wondering who he was. However, they delve into his background and life in the second section. I was also wondering where his money came from, as I read, and that question was addressed as well. So if you have been living under a rock, or in AU and avoiding US news, then this book will give a comprehensive overview of the man and the mystery surrounding his death. The writing could have been tighter but it was definitely interesting and a very quick read. There is a definite right-wing slant to the narrative.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
Profile Image for Jeff.
831 reviews28 followers
May 30, 2020
A Convenient Death is an exhaustive and detailed investigation into the death (and life) of Jeffrey Epstein. The book does a thorough review of Epstein’s alleged suicide, interviewing many of Epstein’s associates, parsing court documents and filings, as well as detailing his connections to numerous high-profile individuals, all of whom had possible reason to fear whatever secrets Epstein may have known. Those “secrets” conveniently went to the grave with Epstein. The authors, although leaning slightly to the right, do a fairly balanced job of presenting the facts, and let the reader decide for themselves not just how Epstein died, but who, if anyone, may be complicit. Fascinating and intriguing read.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Johnna Whetstone.
752 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2020
Wowza, what a hard book to read. If you are interested in Epstein and his suicide and possibly coverup, then I don’t think you will really get what you’re wanting. If you are instead wanting all the info on the case and what money and the power that comes with allows some to get away with, then grab a copy. It’s a hard read at times (most times), so if you have triggers definitely look away. It’s a very sad case, which really had some insight into Epstein and his wealthy friends and how they used, abused, and treated women. It’s definitely one in which you realize, if he was murdered and it covered up, he deserved it 1000%. Recommend you those who love true crime and want more info on Jeffrey Epstein and his heinous behavior.
Will make sure to tell other true crime fans about, as well as use my low Amazon reviewer number to review.
Profile Image for Casey.
925 reviews53 followers
May 2, 2024
A fairly engaging audiobook, though it didn't include anything surprising. Just an overview of Epstein's life, his youth, his odd behaviors based on eyewitness accounts, several stories from his victims, his first arrest, and his second.

The mystery -- who killed him -- may never be revealed. But there was plenty of motive, as he had dirt on many powerful people. He kept records, both written and photographic, likely for the purpose of blackmail. No wonder he got away with so much!

The book was published in 2020. In 2022, his partner in crime, Ghislaine Maxwell, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor. And well deserved, as she was the one who gathered the girls, and even engaged in the assaults herself. So at least one of the pair got a consequence.

Recommended to anyone interested.
Profile Image for LUCHI.
575 reviews28 followers
January 20, 2021
After reading Filthy Rich I was looking forward to reading about Epstein's death which was described just fine here or as good as it could have been since it's still shrouded in mystery. Overall, I thought James did a better job portraying all the stuff that Epstein has done. Alana has explained everything in a very journalistic way which gets a bit dull and the detailing is also a bit off as compared to James. However, if you haven't read Filthy Rich and don't know Epstein's story in detail, this book will do the job. Both books cover different timelines and incidents so I shouldn't be biased.
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