A True Story of War, Obsession, and a Global Art Conspiracy

In 'Dead in the Water,' Matthew Campbell expands a magazine investigation into a full-length narrative about a maritime crime and its broader implications. The book follows the events, characters, and investigative process that uncovered the truth behind a chilling incident at sea. Campbell uses immersive reporting and interviews to reconstruct timelines, motivations, and legal fallout while illuminating systemic issues in maritime law and enforcement. The work demonstrates his investigative method—tracking documents, emails, and sources to build a coherent narrative from scattered evidence. It served as a model for the reporting approach he later applied to his Cambodia antiquities investigation.

Dan Hicks' "The Brutish Museums" is a critical examination of the role of museums in perpetuating colonial legacies. The book challenges traditional museum practices and calls for greater transparency and accountability. Hicks argues that museums must confront their colonial past and actively engage in repatriation efforts. He advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach to museum collections and their presentation. The book has sparked significant debate within the museum field and beyond.

The Man Who Stole the Gods examines the theft of priceless Khmer treasures from Cambodia during and after the country’s years of violence. Matthew Campbell centers the story on Douglas Latchford, a notorious antiquities trafficker who presented himself as an expert while helping funnel stolen artifacts to powerful collectors and museums. The book combines true crime, history, and investigative journalism to trace the human and institutional complicity behind one of the art world’s most audacious scandals.