
About this episode
CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams joins Michael to discuss his gripping new book, "Five Bullets: The Story of Bernie Goetz, New York's Explosive '80s, and the Subway Vigilante Trial That Divided the Nation", an in-depth examination of the 1984 Bernhard Goetz subway shooting that shocked New York City. Together, they revisit a crime-ridden, volatile era of the city, unpack the facts and myths surrounding the case, and explore how issues of race, fear, vigilantism, media, and justice collided in what became one of the most polarizing trials of the 1980s. A timely conversation about crime, context, and how one moment can reshape a city—and a country. Original air date 6 February 2026. The book was published on 20 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Book Club with Michael Smerconish publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Jim VandeHei: "Simplify"
Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Sep 9, 202619:39completed

James B. Steele Revisits "America: What Went Wrong" 35 Years Later
Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Sep 4, 202659:44completed

Jake Tapper: "The Hellfire Club"
Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Aug 31, 202614:59pending

Stephen Prothero: "Why Liberals Win the Culture Wars (Even When They Lose Electi...
Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Aug 26, 202612:03pending