‘A dogged researcher and gifted writer, Philipps turns the story of Gallagher’s rise, his alleged war crimes and the botched Navy prosecution into an infuriating, fast-paced thriller.’
The Washington Post
‘This is a book to make your blood boil. Expertly reported and written, Alpha details a truly shameful national episode, and stands as a powerful corrective for those who mistake cruelty for toughness and equate war with murder.’
Mark Bowden, New York Times bestselling author of Black Hawk Down and Hue 1968
‘This is one of the best books to come out of the Iraq war. It is also one of the saddest. There have been many books about Navy SEALs and snipers, but Alpha is by far the most important. I think it will be required reading for the Navy, as Black Hearts has become for the Army. Anyone who cares about the American military needs to read this.’
Thomas E. Ricks, bestselling author of Fiasco, First Principles, and The Generals
‘Alpha is a phenomenally reported, deeply compelling portrait of moral courage and moral cowardice in the SEAL teams. Philipps details not simply the many failures of leadership within SEAL ranks that enabled war crimes, jeopardised the mission, and risked the lives of service members, but also the culture that made accountability almost impossible. Superb.’
Phil Klay, National Book Award–winning author of Missionaries and Redeployment
‘Alpha is an important, infuriating, meticulously researched account of modern warfare that I found nearly impossible to put down.’
Jon Krakauer, New York Times bestselling author of Where Men Win Glory and Into the Wild
‘New York Times reporter Philipps presents an enthralling, blow-by-blow account of the 2019 court-martial of US Navy SEAL platoon chief Eddie Gallagher for stabbing a wounded ISIS prisoner to death … This is the definitive portrait of a saga that exposed deep fault lines within an elite fighting force.’
Publishers Weekly, starred review
‘This disturbing but gripping account by award-winning New York Times correspondent Philipps will appeal to a large audience but few SEAL admirers … After a review of SEALs history, training, and operations in Iraq, Philipps delivers the result of years searching confidential Navy documents, court transcripts, service and medical records, thousands of text messages and emails, and interviews with current and former SEALs … Brilliant journalism that offers a deeply disquieting commentary on America’s dysfunctional cultural divide.’
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
‘Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Philipps delves deeply into Gallagher's 15-year SEAL career, his 2018 court-martial, and SEAL culture … Philipps is at his best when recounting the unraveling of Gallagher's trial and how the seemingly strong case resulted in an acquittal … This often-gripping narrative will appeal to readers interested in US military courts' prosecution of war crimes, or the mindsets of combatants in modern warfare.’
Library Journal, starred review
‘Shakespearean … An excellent read from a seasoned reporter who covered the entire saga [of] Eddie Gallagher.’
The San Diego Union-Tribune
Praise for Wild Horse Country:
‘Investigates the history and current status of America’s wild-horse herds, beginning in the 16th century with the mustang’s introduction into the Americas by the Spanish conquistadors and ending with a rumination on how best to humanely limit the ever-expanding mustang population today … Philipps’s strengths are on full display in this thoughtful, balanced, and informative work.’
Publishers Weekly
Praise for Wild Horse Country:
‘Philipps's big picture is very big. He goes from prehistory — 55-million-year-old fossilized jaws of tiny early horses — through the horse's place in the history of the Old West, to the present day, with cowboys celebrating a roundup's end with a round of strawberry daiquiris at a bar. The horses provide Philipps a way into the vital question of freedom and its costs.’
Vicki Constantine Croke, The New York Times Book Review
Praise for Lethal Warriors:
‘David Philipps' Lethal Warriors is a must-read for every American. In compelling and heart-healing stories, he tells the story of the other war — the one at home.’
Tom Brokaw
Praise for Lethal Warriors:
‘A searing exposé that might make readers wonder how Army commanders and civilian warmongers sleep at night given the disgraceful handling of traumatised veterans who fought in Iraq.’
Kirkus Reviews
