15 Comments
User's avatar
glenda ellis's avatar

I have read a couple of your previous books- the one about the cabin and (sorry) I forget the name of the other- set in Melbourne (useless clue!). So I’ll do the financial side for this one. Congratulations on your hunt through sources/references, not only in this book but for so many other articles. Usually on cricket. I admire your search for the truth - it is a journalistic skill that is fading into total oblivion. And it is a gem worth more than the Louvre heist.

Expand full comment
Donnish's avatar

How about that Truth headline. That’d generate a few clicks.

Expand full comment
Chris Greenwood's avatar

Gideon, you've done it again. CERTAIN ADMISSIONS is crying out to be turned into a screenplay! MYSTERY SPINNER the same; such a great reminder of the misunderstanding of mental health issues of the time. Money on the way, sir.

Expand full comment
Tony Neilson's avatar

Can recommend! (well, the first few chapters, anyway… I only had time to read a bit of it yesterday). Already clear that there’s been a mountain of research that’s gone into this, and beautifully brought together. Also - a rare positive word for Australia Post - took about 20 hours to reach me from the time that Gideon mailed it on Tuesday.

Expand full comment
William Anderson's avatar

Another story (along with Rose Davis) begging to be made into a film.

Expand full comment
Dolge Orlick's avatar

True crime writing is rarely shriven as you say. Would be interesting to see how you handled the pitfalls.

Reminds me of Kennett's gutting/freeing of Victoria's mental health institutions in the 90s. Economic or humane instincts?

Expand full comment
Max Bonnell's avatar

Well done: payment sent.

I do hope, though, that your daughter has never asked you where babies come from...

Expand full comment
Gideon Haigh's avatar

Thanks Max. Make sure to remind me of your address via email.

Expand full comment
Tony Taylor's avatar

Makes you proud to be Australian.

Expand full comment
Gideon Haigh's avatar

Bill Lawry would acclaim him as another great Victorian.

Expand full comment
Dolge Orlick's avatar

Surely one of the greatest tons ever, made under the hardest conditions. A sticky wicket doesn't cover it

Expand full comment
Gideon Haigh's avatar

Don't forget to buy a copy, Dodge!

Expand full comment
Dolge Orlick's avatar

Done

Expand full comment
Jan Gross's avatar

Who never got to captain his country ! - the the Hopkins Correctional Centre is from the visitors pov a not unpleasant place

Expand full comment
Tony Taylor's avatar

Ha! Yes, he would indeed. Probably a few pigeons in both Aradale and the chokey, too.

Expand full comment