Crime on my Mind

Crime on my Mind

The Victim's Story
The Prisoner's Story
The Lawyer's Story
The Psychologist's Story
The Judge's Story

Alongside politics and business, crime is one of the three major commodities that we are presented with in the media everyday. It can also unexpectedly become part of our lives in an instant and there are unique stories to be told about any crime from those it impacts.

Crime On My Mind presents true Australian crimes in a manner distinct from the media portrayals and even academic analysis of events, instead presenting the very personal perspectives of those involved firsthand. From police officers, lawyers, journalists, forensic psychologists, witnesses, a Judge, victims and even the criminals themselves, a different side to each crime is told.

This book takes readers inside the lives of those for whom crime is a reality - from the appalling effects on victims and their families, a criminal's harrowing memories of life in the prison system and the emotional toll of working on crimes for even the most seasoned professional.

Dr. Paul Wilson is an Australian columnist, criminologist and professor and who is an author of more than 30 books on crime and social issues. He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2003 for his contribution to criminology and the public discussion of social issues.

Robyn Lincoln has lectured in criminology at several Australian universities. Her most recent work has centred on the new fields of forensic criminology where she has examined forensic interviewing techniques and the consequences of wrongful convictions. She has co-authored books including Justice in the Deep North and Jean Lee: The last Woman Hanged In Australia.

Crime on my Mind
New Holland Australia
Edited by: Paul Wilson and Robyn Lincoln
Price: $24.95

Interview with Paul Wilson

Where did the idea to put this book together come from, did someone else approach you?

Paul Wilson: No Robyn first thought of the idea and talked it over with me. I thought it was brilliant as crime fascinates people and I knew that most people would have their favourite crime story, either something that had happened to them or that they had seen or read.

How did you go about gathering all the individuals' stories?

Paul Wilson: We thought of a pool of journalists, lawyers, academics, criminals and others we personally knew and asked them to write their account of the crime story that had been part of that they never forgot- the vast majority accepted.


What emotions did you experience collating all the different sides of the story together?

Paul Wilson: Various emotions from sadness for those stores that epitomised tragedy such as Debi Marshall's account of the Snowtown murders through to great laughter when we read Patsy Rowe's story of the roofing company she hired to fix leaks in her roof and how they went about the job.


How interesting was the journey of putting together this novel?

Paul Wilson: Fascinating as we saw the various ways that people remembered their best crime story - crime grips people whether they themselves have been part of a dramatic crime event, either as lawyer representing an innocent man or as a crime victim or as prisoner who sees others murdered in a prison.


Who would you recommend Crime on my Mind is for?

Paul Wilson: Anyone of any age, who watches crime on television, reads crime books or who is remotely connected to the criminal justice system.