📖 Overview
Dead Man Walking investigates the 2016 murder of Sydney lawyer Michael McGurk and the complex criminal underworld connected to his death. Award-winning journalist Kate McClymont pieces together years of research and interviews to document the events leading up to and following McGurk's assassination.
The book traces a web of business dealings, property development schemes, and organized crime in Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs. McClymont's reporting reveals the intersection of legitimate business, politics, and criminal enterprises that characterized McGurk's world.
Through first-hand accounts and extensive documentation, the narrative reconstructs the investigation that ultimately led to multiple convictions. The book examines the roles of various figures including property developers, career criminals, and corrupt officials.
This true crime account illustrates the thin line between Sydney's legitimate business world and its criminal underbelly. The book raises questions about power, greed, and justice in modern Australia while chronicling a pivotal moment in Sydney's criminal history.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this book as a detailed investigation into Sydney's criminal underworld and the murder of Michael McGurk. Multiple reviews note McClymont's thorough research and ability to untangle complex criminal networks.
Liked:
- Clear explanation of complicated financial dealings and court cases
- Maintains tension despite known outcome
- Local Sydney readers appreciate familiar locations and characters
Disliked:
- Large number of characters becomes confusing
- Some readers found early chapters slow
- A few reviewers wanted more personal details about key figures
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (102 ratings)
Amazon AU: 4.4/5 (83 ratings)
Sample review quotes:
"McClymont connects dots that seemed impossible to connect" - Goodreads reviewer
"Too many names and business deals to keep track of" - Amazon reviewer
"Perfect mix of true crime and financial investigation" - Better Reading reviewer
The book resonates particularly with Sydney readers familiar with the locations and media coverage of the case.
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Killing Time by Jimmy Thomson and Sandy MacGregor The true story of Roger Rogerson chronicles the rise and fall of a corrupt NSW detective who moved between law enforcement and organized crime.
Underbelly by John Silvester and Andrew Rule This account of Melbourne's gangland wars exposes the interconnected web of crime families, police corruption, and contract killings.
Blood Business by Mark Morri The investigation into Sydney's unsolved Luna Park Ghost Train fire uncovers links between organized crime, corrupt officials, and property developers.
Born or Bred? by Katherine Ramsland and James Phelps The examination of Martin Bryant and the Port Arthur massacre explores the intersection of mental illness, violence, and Australia's criminal justice system.
🤔 Interesting facts
📚 The book investigates the disappearance and suspected murder of Sydney fraudster Michael McGurk, who was shot dead outside his Cremorne home in 2009.
🔍 Author Kate McClymont spent over a decade investigating this case, including conducting hundreds of interviews and reviewing thousands of documents.
💰 The story reveals a complex web of property developers, crime figures, and corrupt politicians involved in dealings worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
✍️ McClymont is one of Australia's most awarded journalists, having won multiple Walkley Awards (Australia's highest journalism honor) and been named the 2012 NSW Journalist of the Year.
🏛️ The book's publication was delayed for several years due to ongoing court cases and legal complications surrounding the murder investigation.