"Empire of Pain" presents a hard-hitting chronicle of the Sackler family, whose name is synonymous with major cultural institutions and philanthropy, but now is equally known for their ties to the opioid pandemic, primarily through the production and distribution of OxyContin. This meticulously researched narrative takes readers from the Sackler's roots in the pharmaceutical industry to their controversial practices in marketing their blockbuster painkiller, which yielded immense wealth while igniting a devastating public health crisis. Patrick Radden Keefe delves into the intricate ethics and legal battles surrounding the Sacklers, portraying a saga laden with complexity, power struggles, and an unwavering greed overshadowing any sense of responsibility.