You Can't Libel the Dead: A Life in Journalism

Standing on the Derbyshire moors as a blizzard rages, a young reporter is about to cover the biggest story of his life - the infamous Pottery Cottage Murders.

A newspaper editor comes face to face with a city's most notorious armed robber...who is offering to strike a deal that will blow two major court cases apart.

A senior publishing executive flies to Pakistan to plead for the release of a terrified British reporter, who has been locked in a flea-ridden jail surrounded by murderers and thugs, on suspicion of being a spy.

These are just three of the riveting moments from the career of journalist Neil Benson, recounted in fascinating detail in his memoir You Can't Libel the Dead.

The book lifts the lid on the life and professional challenges of a newspaper editor, from the decision to unmask a popular priest as a serial paedophile, to fiery confrontations with household-name football managers.

Neil rose from rookie reporter to the top of the editorial tree in an era of tumultuous change for the news industry. His memoir is packed with amusing anecdotes and the cavalcade of colourful characters he encountered in 45 action-packed years as a journalist.

© 2025 Neil Benson (Audiobook): 9798318202810

Release date

Audiobook: 18 September 2025