Overview

• Austin Kelley's debut novel, 'The Fact Checker,' follows an unnamed narrator working at a magazine renowned for its meticulous fact-checking practices.
• The story, set in 2004, uses satire to critique the obsessive nature of traditional journalistic verification methods, inspired by institutions like The New Yorker.
• The protagonist's investigation into a suspicious claim at a Union Square market spirals into a dangerous and quixotic quest for truth.
• The novel examines how the relentless pursuit of accuracy can disrupt personal relationships and lead to social missteps and isolation.
• Recent reviews highlight the book’s relevance in 2025, drawing parallels between the protagonist's struggles and the challenges of combating misinformation today.