The Skull: Informers, Hit Men and Australia’s Toughest Cop
Australian History Biography Non-Fiction True Crime Organised Crime Law Enforcement Crime Investigation
The Skull: Informers, Hit Men and Australia’s Toughest Cop is the gripping, fully-illustrated 2009 true-crime classic that takes readers inside Melbourne’s underworld wars through the eyes of Detective Inspector Brian “The Skull” Murphy—the most feared and respected copper in Australian history. Over 294 fast-paced pages, veteran journalist Adam Shand reconstructs how Murphy cultivated a network of informers, outwitted hit men and survived political witch-hunts to solve some of the country’s most notorious gangland murders. Black Inc.’s quality paperback edition, printed in English and measuring 235 mm, gives collectors a substantial, photo-rich volume that sits proudly on any Australian-history or true-crime shelf.
What makes this particular copy special for buyers is its collector-grade condition: a smooth, uncreased spine, tightly-bound signatures, crisp illustrated pages free of handwriting, dog-ears or ex-library markings, and only the lightest sign of previous reading on a single page. Published in 2009, it is now scarce in such clean, un-inscribed state, making it an ideal gift for young adults, crime buffs and anyone hunting a readable first-edition that doesn’t carry the usual library wear. At 470 g it ships economically, yet feels solid in hand—perfect for binge-reading or display.
Shand’s narrative balances courtroom evidence, wire-tap transcripts and candid interviews to show how Murphy’s old-school methods collided with modern organised crime, creating a real-life thriller that rivals any television drama. For readers searching “Australian true crime bestseller”, “Melbourne gangland history book” or “illustrated biography of Australia’s toughest cop”, this edition delivers both literary substance and future collectability in one clean package.
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