📖 Overview
Richard Harris is a science journalist and author known for his investigative reporting on medical research, scientific integrity, and public health issues. His work has appeared in major publications including NPR, The New York Times, and Science Magazine.
Harris spent over three decades as NPR's science correspondent, covering topics ranging from climate change to infectious diseases. His 2017 book "Rigor Mortis: How Sloppy Science Creates Worthless Cures, Crushes Hope, and Wastes Billions" received significant attention for exposing widespread problems with the quality and reproducibility of biomedical research.
Throughout his career, Harris has received multiple awards for his journalism, including the AAAS Science Journalism Award and the American Geophysical Union's David Perlman Award. His other books include "The Genesis Quest" and "Zero Sum Game: The Rise of the World's Largest Derivatives Exchange."
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Harris's clear explanation of complex scientific topics and his thorough investigation of problems in biomedical research. Many note his balanced presentation of evidence and ability to make technical material accessible without oversimplifying.
For "Rigor Mortis," readers highlight the detailed examples of research flaws and practical solutions offered. One reader noted: "Makes you question everything you read about medical breakthroughs." Several scientists praised his accurate portrayal of laboratory challenges.
Some readers found his writing style dry and technical. A few criticized the repetitive nature of examples in "Rigor Mortis" and wanted more discussion of potential reforms.
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: "Rigor Mortis" - 4.0/5 (500+ ratings)
Amazon: "Rigor Mortis" - 4.4/5 (150+ reviews)
Most critical reviews focus on writing style rather than content accuracy.
Harris's NPR science reporting receives consistent praise in reader comments for making complex topics understandable while maintaining scientific rigor.
📚 Books by Richard Harris
Enigma (1995)
A mathematician works to decrypt German military codes at Bletchley Park during World War II while investigating a murder.
Fatherland (1992) In an alternate 1964 where Nazi Germany won WWII, a Berlin detective investigates a murder that leads to a state-level conspiracy.
Pompeii (2003) An engineer investigates problems with the aqueduct system around Mount Vesuvius in the days leading up to the volcanic eruption of 79 AD.
The Ghost (2007) A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister becomes entangled in political secrets and conspiracies.
An Officer and a Spy (2013) A detailed historical account of the Dreyfus Affair, following French officer Georges Picquart's investigation into the case.
Conclave (2016) The process of electing a new pope unfolds at the Vatican, revealing political maneuvering and secrets among the cardinals.
Munich (2017) Two former classmates, now working for British and German governments, cross paths during the 1938 Munich Agreement negotiations.
V2 (2020) A German rocket engineer and a British WAAF officer play a game of cat and mouse during the V2 rocket attacks on London in 1944.
Act of Oblivion (2022) Two English regicides flee to Colonial America following the restoration of Charles II, pursued by a determined agent of the Crown.
Fatherland (1992) In an alternate 1964 where Nazi Germany won WWII, a Berlin detective investigates a murder that leads to a state-level conspiracy.
Pompeii (2003) An engineer investigates problems with the aqueduct system around Mount Vesuvius in the days leading up to the volcanic eruption of 79 AD.
The Ghost (2007) A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister becomes entangled in political secrets and conspiracies.
An Officer and a Spy (2013) A detailed historical account of the Dreyfus Affair, following French officer Georges Picquart's investigation into the case.
Conclave (2016) The process of electing a new pope unfolds at the Vatican, revealing political maneuvering and secrets among the cardinals.
Munich (2017) Two former classmates, now working for British and German governments, cross paths during the 1938 Munich Agreement negotiations.
V2 (2020) A German rocket engineer and a British WAAF officer play a game of cat and mouse during the V2 rocket attacks on London in 1944.
Act of Oblivion (2022) Two English regicides flee to Colonial America following the restoration of Charles II, pursued by a determined agent of the Crown.
👥 Similar authors
Robert Harris writes historical thrillers with deep research and political intrigue. His novels like "Fatherland" and "Enigma" share Richard Harris's focus on World War II and alternate history themes.
Ken Follett specializes in spy thrillers and historical fiction set in wartime periods. His works feature complex plots and military intelligence operations similar to Richard Harris's approach.
Frederick Forsyth creates detailed espionage narratives based on real historical events. His books incorporate military technology and geopolitical conflicts that align with Harris's subject matter.
John le Carré writes Cold War spy novels with emphasis on tradecraft and intelligence operations. His focus on the human elements of espionage matches Harris's character development style.
Tom Clancy produces military thrillers with technical detail and political scenarios. His books share Harris's interest in military strategy and modern warfare technology.
Ken Follett specializes in spy thrillers and historical fiction set in wartime periods. His works feature complex plots and military intelligence operations similar to Richard Harris's approach.
Frederick Forsyth creates detailed espionage narratives based on real historical events. His books incorporate military technology and geopolitical conflicts that align with Harris's subject matter.
John le Carré writes Cold War spy novels with emphasis on tradecraft and intelligence operations. His focus on the human elements of espionage matches Harris's character development style.
Tom Clancy produces military thrillers with technical detail and political scenarios. His books share Harris's interest in military strategy and modern warfare technology.