Big Shots – The Chilling True Story Behind the Gangland Wars That Inspired the Series Underbelly By Adam Shand:
‘People reckon my life has been glamorous. Well, if this is glamour, then they are just off their heads’ Unbeknown to both of them, it was to be Carl Williams’ last conversation behind bars with his unlikely confident, reporter Adam Shand. Shorlty after saying these words the notorious, murderous drug boss was once again in the papers … but this time he was in a gold coffin. In the late 1990s, a feud raging between rival underworld families – a clash of a new generation with the criminal establishment – erupted in a spate of gangland slayings on Melbourne’s streets. These ‘gangland wars’ are now familiar to everyone, largely due to the popular TV drama Underbelly. But this is the real story, as told to the author by the key figures – both the victims and the suspects – including Carl and Roberta Williams, and Mick Gatto. The author developed a surprising rapport with the Williams family and got closer than anyone to unravelling the complicated personal entaglements behind the shocking headlines. It wasn’t a relationship without risks. Crackling with tension, Big Shots documents Shand’s brave plunge into Melbourne’s ‘disorganised crime’ scene. While uncovering the facts, he finds himself questioning his objectivity … and even whether he is being used to further murderous ends. This, fully revised and definitive edition of the book, concludes with notorious criminals transformed into red-carpet celebrities, and the brutal murder that Carl Williams always knew was coming …
Going for Broke – By Paul Barry · 2001:
The real-life financial thriller about multi-millionaire Alan Bond, and his hidden fortunes.
Everyone has a Bond story. This is the one you haven’t heard … Once upon a time Alan Bond was a hero – the man who won the America’s Cup for Australia, the poor immigrant turned sign writer who became a billionaire, the Aussie battler made good.
Then came a controversial expose by investigative journalist Paul Barry on ABC’s ‘Four Corners’. This explosive portrait led to Barry’s bestselling The Rise and Fall of Alan Bond and soon afterwards the house of cards collapsed, Bond was made bankrupt and sent to jail.
Now Bond is back, after spending less than three and a half years of his sentence for defrauding Bell resources of more than $1200 million – roughly one day in prison for every one million dollars shareholders lost.
In Going for Broke, Paul Barry does what no one else has been able to do- show how Bond stashed his fortune overseas, and prove that if your pockets are deep enough and your lawyers good enough, you can get away with almost anything – as long as you go for broke.
Condition:
in good condition; covers are showing minor signs of wear; no rips, tears or marks – see photos for condition
