Description: Petraitis explores the many facets of The Skull's story. Starting on the mean streets of South Melbourne, to his early years as a policeman, then his fight against police corruption. Dodging crooks and corruption The Skull carefully cultivated a reputation for being a 'mad bastard'.
Brief description: Vikki Petraitis has written over a dozen Australian true crime books. Her best-selling book about Frankston serial killer, Paul Denyer, remains a classic in the genre. Her focus on the human element of crime has earned her multiple awards and accolades, and she is in demand as a speaker and teacher of creative writing. Petraitis is currently undertaking a PhD in Creative Writing.
Review Quotes:
"This book captures the gritty reality of the life of Brian 'The Skull' Murphy, almost the last of the 'old school' coppers. The legend of 'The Skull' lives on in this unique book."
-Robin Bowles, award-winning true crime writer, Australia's True Crime Queen
"A very compelling insight into the [Victorian] Police Force of yesterday ... I kept thinking of what Winston Churchill said in the British Parliament: The opposition occupies the benches in front of you, but the enemy sits behind you.""
-Les Twentyman; National youth advocate