True Crime Books

[Punk Rooster]

Perusing through town tonight, thought I'd check out Angus & Robertson. Been a while since I've been there, & noticed some new titles- Underbelly 9 (i have 1-8) & Packing Death, by Lachlan McCulloh (The Street & The Street 2). Got me thinking, anyone else out there enjoy Aussie True Crime? I refuse point blank to read books on (boring) Yank crims, who employ script writers & agents, before going on a crime spree, then letting their PR man (no, not me) handle the media. I'm also not into books about "criminals" who rob/bash/rape grannies etc. I'm talking about the criminal underworld, with your professional full time crim- Chopper Read, Dennis "Mr Death" Allen & the Pettingill/Pearce clan, The Painters & Dockers (not the band, unless their singing is a crime...) & the old style gangster (Billy "The Texan" Longley, Squizzy Taylor etc). I guess a lot of the books are about Melbourne based crims, which is what I enjoy reading most. Not much happens in Adelaide (at least book-wise), I don't mind reading about the Sydney underworld (Neddy Smith, Abbo Henry & Roger Rogerson). I have approximately 30-35 books:
Chopper 1-10.5
Underbelly 1-9
The Street 1 & 2
The Matriarch (Allen/Pettingill/Pearce clan)
Dirty Dozen
Walsh Street/Untold Violence
Australian Crime
Bombs, Guns & Knives
Leadbelly
Tough: 101 Australian Criminals
Mugshots
Neddy Smith
Catch & Kill Your Own (Neddy Smith)
Call Me Jimmy (Jockey Smith)
Shotgun City
Packing Death (Lachlan McCulloch)

It's been a while, I generally go book hunting once a year, usually Chopper/Underbelly books would be out before x-mas (I would always buy these books, abandon x-mas shopping & sit down & start reading- much to each g/friend I had at the time's disgust...). I noticed tonight, a book about Lennie MacPherson (Sydney "Mr Big")- looks like these unemployable writers have stayed off the smack, to put pen to paper. Looks like I'll be making a few trips to the bookstore over coming weeks (also, the end of my social life until they've been read).

Via con dias, amigo!

[ORDoubleBlues]

With some of the goings on in the Melbourne "scene" in the last 8 years, any book written about it would have to have about 4 volumes such has been the non stop nature of it.

[felicity shagwell]

Punky you should shop at Dymocks and get a booklovers card. Every time you buy a book you get points and when you get to 100 points you get a $5 voucher, 200 points - $6 voucher, 300 points - $7 voucher, 400 points - $8 voucher, 500 points - $9 voucher. Then your balance goes back to zero and you start again.

If you are going to be buying books anyway it's a good way to save money. Plus they're a great bookshop, they have a great range and fantastic knowledge.

[Punk Rooster]

Punky you should shop at Dymocks and get a booklovers card. Every time you buy a book you get points and when you get to 100 points you get a $5 voucher, 200 points - $6 voucher, 300 points - $7 voucher, 400 points - $8 voucher, 500 points - $9 voucher. Then your balance goes back to zero and you start again.

If you are going to be buying books anyway it's a good way to save money. Plus they're a great bookshop, they have a great range and fantastic knowledge.

I nearly went into Dymocks, but as a rule, I don't shop there. Why? Because their books are on the second story (cue Marketing Dept about product placement....). SJuries out on Dymocks (i will check it out next time), but in part, A&R have their books "placed" a lot better. How many points do you get per book (eg I spent $40 last night on 2 books, what would that equal?) PS, I'm assuming Dymocks is the one next to A&R?

[Leaping Lindner]

Next time your in Melbourne (if you don't blow all your money ) check out Kill City. They stock nothing but crime books.

BTW Have you read "Young Blood" about the Family Murders? Chilling stuff.

[Punk Rooster]

Next time your in Melbourne (if you don't blow all your money ) check out Kill City. They stock nothing but crime books.

Why, what did you hear? I've heard about Kill City, it's in Prahran, isn't it? I may have to plan a trip to Melbourne this year, to enjoy one of their tropical winters.

BTW Have you read "Young Blood" about the Family Murders? Chilling stuff.

No, nut I intend getting it. Doesn't quite fit into my interest, but being Adelaide, I'll make an exception.

[felicity shagwell]

I nearly went into Dymocks, but as a rule, I don't shop there. Why? Because their books are on the second story (cue Marketing Dept about product placement....). SJuries out on Dymocks (i will check it out next time), but in part, A&R have their books "placed" a lot better. How many points do you get per book (eg I spent $40 last night on 2 books, what would that equal?) PS, I'm assuming Dymocks is the one next to A&R?

My bad... every dollar you spend is worth one point

I love the fact that they have all the good books upstairs... Why does that pose a problem for you punky? Hope it's not a fitness issue...

[Punk Rooster]

I love the fact that they have all the good books upstairs... Why does that pose a problem for you punky? Hope it's not a fitness issue...

Just a laziness one...

[Rik E Boy]

Interesting post punkybrooster. It almost sounds as if 'rate' some sort of criminals above others, as if some kind of killers are 'better' somehow than others. It seems to me, you might have spent a bit too much time reading Chopper books and that you have bought his ' I never killed anyone but drug dealers and scum' line hook, line and sinker.

I too have an interest in reading about true crime, but quite often the best reading is when you try to comprehend the thought processes of bewildering crimes such as Ian Brady and Myra Hindley or Jeff Dahmer or yes, Bevan Spencer Von Eimen. Whether you are an underworld headhunter or twisted serial killer, you are the same thing...a murderer who's only fate will be a life of isolation, lengthy prison terms or execution.

Remember that a lot of Chopper books are full of porky pies and that the skills of critical thinking should always be applied when reading 'true crime' stories authored by those who have actually done the deed. Many sociopaths will try to justify their deeds by stating that their victims deserved their fate (not just Chopper) so when you seem to 'rate' one particular killer over another, you are starting to get into murky territory indeed.

You either attempt to prey on society or become a part of it. Those that fail to become a part of society are often doomed to the former option. Apologies for any offence caused, it is just a perception after reading your post.

regards,

REB

[Magpiespower]

BTW Have you read "Young Blood" about the Family Murders? Chilling stuff.

Pretty much regurgitated news reports from The Advertiser over the years.

FWIW, there's three books about the Snowtown murders by Susan Mitchell, Jeremy Pudney and Andrew McGarrie.

As well as 'Don't Call Me Killer' by James Miller and Dick Wordley.

Then there's the rumoured Steve Williams manuscript...

[Punk Rooster]

Interesting post punkybrooster. It almost sounds as if 'rate' some sort of criminals above others, as if some kind of killers are 'better' somehow than others.

I certainly do. I have read with interest over many years who killed & why, in the criminal underworld. Reading about the likes of John Wayne Gacey & Ted Bundy killing & raping boys & women olds zero interest to me. I do rate the "professional hit" over the sex crime- I'd rather watch an A grade side demolish an A grade side, than B graders bragging abouth thrashing the mini league.

I too have an interest in reading about true crime, but quite often the best reading is when you try to comprehend the thought processes of bewildering crimes such as Ian Brady and Myra Hindley or Jeff Dahmer or yes, Bevan Spencer Von Eimen. Whether you are an underworld headhunter or twisted serial killer, you are the same thing...a murderer who's only fate will be a life of isolation, lengthy prison terms or execution.

I disagree there, there is a huge difference between your full time crim, who it's as much a busines transaction, rather than sickos living out their twisted fantasies- I'm not having a crack at your area of interest, just explaining my point of view, & why I enjoy reading about that particular sub-culture.

Remember that a lot of Chopper books are full of porky pies and that the skills of critical thinking should always be applied when reading 'true crime' stories authored by those who have actually done the deed. Many sociopaths will try to justify their deeds by stating that their victims deserved their fate (not just Chopper) so when you seem to 'rate' one particular killer over another, you are starting to get into murky territory indeed.

Difference is between the 2 (imo), is that criminals are born/forced into what they do (through poverty etc) where the sickos of the world, are generally gainfuly employed, and it's more "choice" or perversion.

You either attempt to prey on society or become a part of it. Those that fail to become a part of society are often doomed to the former option. Apologies for any offence caused, it is just a perception after reading your post.

regards,

REB

I'll agree with this part 100%. I'm not offended by someone having a different opinion or viewpoint, but I assure you that my interest are in the areas outlined. You could have acrack at me if I tried to justify Choppers actions, whilst shooting down his criminal enemies, but I reinforce my interest is based across the Underworld- not just Chopper (I have 3 books from the other side of the fence also- Lachlan McCulloch is a former undercover operative, & infiltrated the Pettingill/Pearce clan after Walsh Street) PS I'm not holding these guys up as heros, just enjoy reading about a world I'm not involved in.

[Punk Rooster]

a couple of sites worth checking out (in order )
http://www.melbournecrime.bizhosting.co ... bourne.htm
http://www.chopperread.com/

[zipzap]

I saw a book about Snowtown in Melbourne a few weeks ago with 'Not available in SA' on the cover. Looked good but can't remember the title...

[Brad]

i have just finsihed reading No Fixed Address the book on Bank Robber Brendan Abbott.

[Jimmy]

im more interested in the psychology behind SK such as gacy, bundy and dahmer than underworld heavy's. BUt thats just my choosing, i also agree with REB's post.

[Booney]

Good post as always Rik-e.

I have just read "Never to be released",a short look at some of Australias more famous murders.

[Punk Rooster]

Also, on DVD, I have "Blue Murder", which relates to Roger Rogerson/Neddy Smith. Quite an outstanding production, imo. Full of Australian talent- Alex Dimitriades, Steve Jacobs, Tony Martin, Gary Sweet, Marcus Graham, Peter Phelps to name a few. Also, there is another ABC production called "Janus", which is based on the Pettingil/Allen/Peirce clan. I haven't seen this one yet, is on the short list.

[Rik E Boy]

Good post as always Rik-e.

I have just read "Never to be released",a short look at some of Australias more famous murders.

Is there a chapter on the Cobby murder in there Boon? Because the words 'never to be released' were part of the judge's sentencing remarks to the five men who killed her, in particular the ringleader John (?) Travers.

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

Also, on DVD, I have "Blue Murder", which relates to Roger Rogerson/Neddy Smith. Quite an outstanding production, imo. Full of Australian talent- Alex Dimitriades, Steve Jacobs, Tony Martin, Gary Sweet, Marcus Graham, Peter Phelps to name a few. Also, there is another ABC production called "Janus", which is based on the Pettingil/Allen/Peirce clan. I haven't seen this one yet, is on the short list.

Punky, the book that Blue Murder was based on is called 'In the line of Fire' and provides more information (naturally) than that excellent mini series.

regards,

REB

[Booney]

Good post as always Rik-e.

I have just read "Never to be released",a short look at some of Australias more famous murders.

Is there a chapter on the Cobby murder in there Boon? Because the words 'never to be released' were part of the judge's sentencing remarks to the five men who killed her, in particular the ringleader John (?) Travers.

regards,

REB

Yes,the poor girl did rate a mention,as did the 5 clowns who somehow managed to carry out the vicious attack.