John Preston is a really talented writer, able to present a multitude of facts in an entertaining way. He also performs a formidable act here: making the reader unable to put the book down despite having an incredibly unlikable main subject.

Maxwell has multiple avenues of intrigue: he assisted British Intelligence, he survived WWII while most of his family was murdered (many of them at Auschwitz), he was a prolific author, he was Ghislaine Maxwell's father and he died under mysterious circumstances.

Preston gives plenty of detail in all of the aforementioned areas and more. The problem is Robert Maxwell was not a good person. With that said, I believe Preston offers a fair portrayal. Treating people like furniture is inexcusable, but Preston provides enough detail to help the reader understand at least part of why Maxwell became that way. Reading this book helps the reader also understand how Ghislaine got to be that way, too.

The details into Maxwell's intelligence ties were the most interesting to me. I had no idea Maxwell's publishing ties started with intelligence interests. As most already know, he became one of the biggest publishing and media figures in England over time. Of course, questions have prevailed for years as officially Maxwell died of a heart attack combined with an accidental drowning. However, because of his numerous intelligence ties, along with murky details from his death after a fall (the title refers to his much broader fall in numerous areas) from his yacht, the Lady Ghislaine. Interestingly, the yacht was built by Emad Khashoggi, Jamal's cousin. An incredibly entertaining read from Preston.

What a life! Robert Maxwell's biography by John Preston, author of "A Very English Scandal", tells an even more bizarre story than his previous book. Czech peasant Jew turned multimillionaire media mogul was a larger-than-life figure and reading about him was a fascinating experience. I was not familiar with most of the events described, so I've opened my eyes wider and wider. The writing is engaging and fast-paced, so it is a perfect choice for long winter nights.

Thanks to the publisher, Harper, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.