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Good As Gold: An Australian Yarn Of Robbery, Races And The Lust For Gold
Some stories are too good to be true …
In the year 1861, there were three campfires burning outside the gold mining town of Mull Creek, in the British colony of Victoria.
At the first is Jesus Whitetree, an escaped orphan with no knowledge of his new world, not even his age or real name. He only knows he wants to find gold. Gold makes everything good.
At the second fire is the Jack Pink Gang. Jack is a little-known bushranger who is a violent criminal by day and a nervous wreck by night. His mother — a notorious criminal known throughout the colony as Mother Pink — engages the services of a bush poet to get Jack’ s name in the newspapers and make him feared and famous.
And at the third fire is Mary, a young Aboriginal girl, and police constable Harry Logan. Harry has a good heart, but he also has Mary in chains. Despite her hard life and current circumstances, Mary remains smart, cheeky and troublesome to the struggling policeman.
With the announcement of the first Melbourne Cup, all three parties descend upon Melbourne town.
In the year 1861, there were three campfires burning outside the gold mining town of Mull Creek, in the British colony of Victoria.
At the first is Jesus Whitetree, an escaped orphan with no knowledge of his new world, not even his age or real name. He only knows he wants to find gold. Gold makes everything good.
At the second fire is the Jack Pink Gang. Jack is a little-known bushranger who is a violent criminal by day and a nervous wreck by night. His mother — a notorious criminal known throughout the colony as Mother Pink — engages the services of a bush poet to get Jack’ s name in the newspapers and make him feared and famous.
And at the third fire is Mary, a young Aboriginal girl, and police constable Harry Logan. Harry has a good heart, but he also has Mary in chains. Despite her hard life and current circumstances, Mary remains smart, cheeky and troublesome to the struggling policeman.
With the announcement of the first Melbourne Cup, all three parties descend upon Melbourne town.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2023
About the author
Justin Smith
3 books13 followersJustin Smith is a Melbourne writer, journalist and broadcaster. He’s a columnist with the Melbourne Herald Sun and a weekly guest on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Sky News.
Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting.
Justin has had a long career in radio as a presenter and executive producer. He has hosted national programs, he was embedded with Australian troops in Afghanistan, and was the Drive host on Sydney’s 2UE. He’s won multiple awards for journalism and broadcasting.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 22, 2023
This book is brilliant - it is one of those rare stories that stays with you afterwards, and the characters are all as memorable as the story itself. I can’t recommend it highly enough! Good as Gold gets my book of the year award for 2023.
September 25, 2023
Thank you Penguin and Justin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A yarn as Aussie as Waltzing Matilda that captures the essence of a growing nation shaking itself from convict taint and creating its own national identity.
Life was tough in the 1860’s but a lively spirit was emerging around a horse race in Melbourne.
A time when the constabulary thought they had control.
Mull Creek, a gold mining town was a hive of activity with its eclectic population.
The Jack pink gang were there planning their heists, an escaped orphan who had no name was hungry and clueless and local constable Harry Logan was escorting a fugitive to justice.
The group reflecting a cross section of society were on a collision course that culminates at the first Melbourne Cup.
Gold, theft and cast of assorted characters that portray the mate-ship our nation was built on.
This was an absolute cracker of read and the momentum built so fast towards the end that I couldn’t put it down.
It was cleverly written and transplanted the reader into that era, while giving us a good dose of emotion and nostalgia.
A yarn as Aussie as Waltzing Matilda that captures the essence of a growing nation shaking itself from convict taint and creating its own national identity.
Life was tough in the 1860’s but a lively spirit was emerging around a horse race in Melbourne.
A time when the constabulary thought they had control.
Mull Creek, a gold mining town was a hive of activity with its eclectic population.
The Jack pink gang were there planning their heists, an escaped orphan who had no name was hungry and clueless and local constable Harry Logan was escorting a fugitive to justice.
The group reflecting a cross section of society were on a collision course that culminates at the first Melbourne Cup.
Gold, theft and cast of assorted characters that portray the mate-ship our nation was built on.
This was an absolute cracker of read and the momentum built so fast towards the end that I couldn’t put it down.
It was cleverly written and transplanted the reader into that era, while giving us a good dose of emotion and nostalgia.
September 1, 2023
Justin’s debut release last year, Cooper Not Out, was my book of the year for 2022. So I had high hopes for this new offering and boy, did it deliver!
It essentially follows three story lines which all converge at the first Melbourne Cup in 1861. There’s country cop Harry Logan, who is transferring Mary, a young Aboriginal girl in his custody, to a regional Victorian gold mining town. There’s the self-titled Jesus Whitetree, an escaped orphan who has no idea how old he is or what his name is. And there’s the Jack Pink gang, made up of bushranger Jack Pink, the notorious Mother Pink and a band of lowlife criminals. Their stories come together in an unexpected yet extraordinary way on that day in November 1861.
On some level, this book is nothing like Justin’s first - it’s more classically a historic novel than the one he set in the 1980s, and it’s a lot darker in many ways. But on the other hand it has his now trademark unforgettably unique characters and a plot that is so intriguing and hard to turn away from. It’s quite simply storytelling at its best.
So compelling was this story that I found the mounting tension spurring me on to read faster, ironically as it’s essentially about a horse race.
What is also somewhat of a trademark is Justin’s ability to weave fiction in around major events, sprinkling his fictional tale with real life characters and moments in history with seamless precision.
Once again Justin has written a book that looks set to be up there with my favourites of the year. I can’t recommend this book enough.
It essentially follows three story lines which all converge at the first Melbourne Cup in 1861. There’s country cop Harry Logan, who is transferring Mary, a young Aboriginal girl in his custody, to a regional Victorian gold mining town. There’s the self-titled Jesus Whitetree, an escaped orphan who has no idea how old he is or what his name is. And there’s the Jack Pink gang, made up of bushranger Jack Pink, the notorious Mother Pink and a band of lowlife criminals. Their stories come together in an unexpected yet extraordinary way on that day in November 1861.
On some level, this book is nothing like Justin’s first - it’s more classically a historic novel than the one he set in the 1980s, and it’s a lot darker in many ways. But on the other hand it has his now trademark unforgettably unique characters and a plot that is so intriguing and hard to turn away from. It’s quite simply storytelling at its best.
So compelling was this story that I found the mounting tension spurring me on to read faster, ironically as it’s essentially about a horse race.
What is also somewhat of a trademark is Justin’s ability to weave fiction in around major events, sprinkling his fictional tale with real life characters and moments in history with seamless precision.
Once again Justin has written a book that looks set to be up there with my favourites of the year. I can’t recommend this book enough.
September 6, 2023
Loved it, Loved it, Loved it!!!! I cannot recommend this more highly. Its a great story from the opening paragraph right to the very end. I didn't want it to finish, and the story had me turning the pages till it was done!! The characters were wonderfully detailed, complex and sassy. I can't wait for this author's next book. Do yourself a favour and also check out " Cooper Not Out" by the same author.
February 28, 2024
In years to come, I'm certain that Good As Gold will go down as an Australian literature classic. Why not? Justin Smith has spun a magnificent yarn as Aussie as Vegemite.
It's the year 1861, and the colony of Victoria has just announced a new event, one that will attract glamour, glory as well as greed. The first ever Melbourne Cup is about to be raced, and it's every man for themselves to take home the major prize - enough gold sovereigns to live like kings.... Or in the case for some that you will meet along the way- Queens.
Chasing that gold for different reasons is a bunch of misfits, each with an equal chance.
There's the 'Pink Gang', bushrangers who have been causing havoc in their quest, not quite famous, but are working on it.
A lone boy, unsure of his own identity, walks the dusty plains in search of gold. He's no means a miner, nor pocesses the tools, but he does have a gun and saddle- items that once owned by a high ranked, decorated police officer.
Finally, a kind constable tasked to aid a young but mouthy Aboriginal girl named Mary back to her fate, stolen into servitude. I have to stress, and this is important, Smith has not only acknowledged First Nations people with diligence but also their tetrious past hardships as well.
Even though the Cup hasn't been the same in recent years, it was amazing to be given an imaginative recount of the inurgural race. Let's just say things don't go to plan, but it's exciting nethertheless.
But this is much more than a sporting event. It's a tale of loss, despair, relentless hope, and dreams come true. It's quite a lengthy and intense journey, so saddle up and hold onto those reigns tight.
And what a golden ending to boot!! You'll be laughing at the sheer irony that comes about!
Magnificent. Just magnificent. BRAVO!
5 🌟
It's the year 1861, and the colony of Victoria has just announced a new event, one that will attract glamour, glory as well as greed. The first ever Melbourne Cup is about to be raced, and it's every man for themselves to take home the major prize - enough gold sovereigns to live like kings.... Or in the case for some that you will meet along the way- Queens.
Chasing that gold for different reasons is a bunch of misfits, each with an equal chance.
There's the 'Pink Gang', bushrangers who have been causing havoc in their quest, not quite famous, but are working on it.
A lone boy, unsure of his own identity, walks the dusty plains in search of gold. He's no means a miner, nor pocesses the tools, but he does have a gun and saddle- items that once owned by a high ranked, decorated police officer.
Finally, a kind constable tasked to aid a young but mouthy Aboriginal girl named Mary back to her fate, stolen into servitude. I have to stress, and this is important, Smith has not only acknowledged First Nations people with diligence but also their tetrious past hardships as well.
Even though the Cup hasn't been the same in recent years, it was amazing to be given an imaginative recount of the inurgural race. Let's just say things don't go to plan, but it's exciting nethertheless.
But this is much more than a sporting event. It's a tale of loss, despair, relentless hope, and dreams come true. It's quite a lengthy and intense journey, so saddle up and hold onto those reigns tight.
And what a golden ending to boot!! You'll be laughing at the sheer irony that comes about!
Magnificent. Just magnificent. BRAVO!
5 🌟
February 15, 2025
I am on such a good run of books this year. Another sports book (horse racing) and another Aussie book. A pretty simple yarn that was very clever and very entertaining. Loved the setting of 1861 Victoria and the first Melbourne Cup. Jesus and Mary are two iconic characters. I am now an official Justin Smith fan.
November 26, 2025
Well, I was not expecting that! I picked this up to read a ripping tale, a comedy of errors, to have a laugh at some larrikin Aussie characters.
I was not expecting to be in tears for pages and pages. But these characters really get under your skin and you feel everything with them. It is a great skill for the author to have you going from tears of laughter to gut wrenching sobs in a few pages.
"But Mary had long known that great grief always came after great love. That was the price."
An incredibly moving and memorable book.
I was not expecting to be in tears for pages and pages. But these characters really get under your skin and you feel everything with them. It is a great skill for the author to have you going from tears of laughter to gut wrenching sobs in a few pages.
"But Mary had long known that great grief always came after great love. That was the price."
An incredibly moving and memorable book.
November 22, 2023
This story grew and grew on me. I loved it and the ending was just…gold!
September 18, 2023
Good as Gold is a fantastic book. The Author has a talent for writing about the darkest characters with Empathy. Yet also focuses on the warmth of the more functional characters in the book which provides an interesting balance within the storyline. Its a cracking tale set in early colony Australian times that delves into greed, hope and struggles. Well worth a read.
October 10, 2023
This book got me hooked right from the beginning.
The characters, the humour and the yarn itself made it a great read. Highly recommend that you read it because you won’t be disappointed !!
The characters, the humour and the yarn itself made it a great read. Highly recommend that you read it because you won’t be disappointed !!
February 23, 2024
What a great yarn. Wonderful celebration of Australian larrikins. Beautifully written: "Watching Jesus [one of the main characters] in the saddle was like watching a rag doll strapped to a running cat." Didn't quite hit the heights of "Cooper Not Out" and I personally think setting it against the 1861 Melbourne Cup was a mistake - better to have been a fictional race (for example, the 1860 Melbourne Cup) - as racing against Archer was distracting. After all, the gold mine was set in the fictional Mull Creek ... But these are quibbles - the book is well worth reading!
December 12, 2023
In Good As Gold Justin Smith brings a cast of quintessentially Aussie characters to life in a story that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned.
This is a tale that evokes the classic Australian bush yarn. Full of heart, laughs and larrikins.
This is a tale that evokes the classic Australian bush yarn. Full of heart, laughs and larrikins.
May 4, 2024
Really didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. Just wonderful
November 14, 2024
A fabulous yarn
June 5, 2025
Good Australian story. enjoyed the characters and the storyline.
February 6, 2024
A good book can provide the reader a myriad things: escapism; laughter; tears; sadness; joy; exhilaration. It should also provide complete immersion in the story and a relationship with the characters. Just as his two previous books, Justin Smith’s third novel, Good As Gold, does all of the above in spades. The depth and richness of this story made me forget that it is fiction, not fact. I have read his previous two books, and apart from Justin’s style of writing, which I love, they could have been written by three different people, as they are so far apart from each other in their content and story-telling. But this is what Justin does best – he tells wonderful stories and Good As Gold is a wonderful story, leaving me at the end feeling as though I had been on an adventure. If you want to escape for a while and be transported to another era, this is the book for you.
September 6, 2023
Good as Gold is a dramatic, well-paced, uplifting book where author Justin Smith reimagines the first Melbourne Cup in 1861 - the horse race that 'stops the nation'.
My favourite character is Mary. She's stayed in my mind. Justin has a deft touch in in humanising his characters - even the toughest ones, like Mother Pink, the notorious criminal and mother of bushranger Jack Pink. You understand why Mother Pink came to be the way she is.
I loved Good as Gold. I could easily imagine it as a movie or TV series. Justin Smith is a beautiful writer.
My favourite character is Mary. She's stayed in my mind. Justin has a deft touch in in humanising his characters - even the toughest ones, like Mother Pink, the notorious criminal and mother of bushranger Jack Pink. You understand why Mother Pink came to be the way she is.
I loved Good as Gold. I could easily imagine it as a movie or TV series. Justin Smith is a beautiful writer.
April 7, 2024
Justin Smith's novels are lots of fun. He takes an idea and runs with it, weaving in true events with fiction, and making the reader feel good with these colourful characters and interesting events. His 2 novels have such a quintessential Australian-ness about them that I can't help but like them. And let's face it, how can anyone not love a story that has Jesus Whitetree as its central protagonist? Lots to enjoy, many smiles throughout, and a great ending.
September 7, 2023
We’re only halfway through the year but I’m pretty sure this is going to be my top read overall. Justin Smith describes the characters so well that you feel like your actually there celebrating their wins and crying at their losses. Once is started I couldn’t put this book down until the end, it is truly writing at its finest.
November 6, 2023
What an escapade! Justin Smith brings his imaginative mind and journalistic talents together in this tale of old colonial gangs, orphans, misfits and ruffians, all in a race for the gold at the end of the first Melbourne Cup. And if you look a little deeper, you'll find some thoughtful sub-themes that have relevance today.
December 11, 2023
A compelling read with characters that leap off the page. The dry wit and larger than life characters reminded me a little of The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt which is one of my all time favourites. Good as Gold is a very Australian story, it's a great yarn but also evocative and nuanced. Loved it.
October 17, 2023
What a delight of a story. An easy and entertaining read. It captures the essence of key characters without jamming their goodness (or otherwise!) down your throat. Justin has a wonderful way of writing.
September 6, 2023
This one delivers. I just read and read until it was done. Strong characters wrapped in a great story.
September 25, 2023
Loved it. Loved Mary. Couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews