What do you think?
Rate this book
Outback Outlaw: The Dark Legacy of Australia’s Backpacker Killer, Ivan Milat
"He was going to kill somebody from the age of 10. It was built into him… I knew he was on a one-way trip. I knew that it was just a matter of how long.” - Boris Milat, Ivan’s brother
Detaining a man like Ivan Milat would be a monumental challenge. His obsession with firearms and hatred of state power were a highly volatile combination. Sending just a couple of men would result in two dead officers and a prime suspect on the run.
Fifty armed police officers surrounded Milat’s home on the day of his arrest. He would pay for practising his favourite hunting humans.
Backpackers were his favoured prey, lured into his car with an unassuming charm and taken to his gruesome playground, the Belanglo State Forest. This was where he subjected his victims to unspeakable torture before ending their lives in the most brutal way imaginable.
Outback Outlaw is an unflinching and uncompromising account of a man forever cemented in the annals of Australian true crime. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-life horror experienced by the victim and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
Detaining a man like Ivan Milat would be a monumental challenge. His obsession with firearms and hatred of state power were a highly volatile combination. Sending just a couple of men would result in two dead officers and a prime suspect on the run.
Fifty armed police officers surrounded Milat’s home on the day of his arrest. He would pay for practising his favourite hunting humans.
Backpackers were his favoured prey, lured into his car with an unassuming charm and taken to his gruesome playground, the Belanglo State Forest. This was where he subjected his victims to unspeakable torture before ending their lives in the most brutal way imaginable.
Outback Outlaw is an unflinching and uncompromising account of a man forever cemented in the annals of Australian true crime. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-life horror experienced by the victim and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
- GenresTrue CrimeCrime
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 13, 2024
A quick but dark and deeply disturbing read about the murders of hitch-hikers committed by the notorious Ivan Milat. The book describes Milat's family history, with possible explanations to what motivated him to commit the murders and also details several of the murders in quite graphic detail - so be warned!
Shocking to realise that the crimes he was actually convicted for are probably only the tip of the iceberg as there are many more missing hitch-hikers than bodies that have been recovered and able to be linked to Milat - 8/10.
Shocking to realise that the crimes he was actually convicted for are probably only the tip of the iceberg as there are many more missing hitch-hikers than bodies that have been recovered and able to be linked to Milat - 8/10.
June 5, 2023
The horrifying hazards of hitchhiking…
With his latest title, Outback Outlaw, Ryan Green cements his position at the summit of the true crime genre. His flowing narrative style coupled with impeccable attention to detail serve to provide the reader with a bone-chilling, completely immersive, yet somehow incredibly addictive reading experience. Much like watching an approaching hurricane, no matter how much you may want to look away, you simply cannot bring yourself to take your eyes off of the spectacle unfolding before you. This story, centered around the life and crimes of Ivan Milat, will draw you into his world on the first page and won’t let you go until you finish the very last page. Milat, known as the Backpacker Killer, earned his somber sobriquet by offering young hitchhikers rides that took them not to their intended destination, but to their brutal and grisly end. He is considered one of Australia’s worst serial killers, having been convicted of the slaughter of two men and five women between 1989 and 1992. The actual number of his victims may never be determined with any certainty as the Belanglo State Forest, where he would leave the bodies to suffer the ravages of nature, is too vast an area to be thoroughly searched. His story, so eloquently detailed in this book, captured my full attention as completely as Milat captured his victims. I believe that it will both educate and terrify any who pluck up the courage to read such an intimate portrait of this supremely disturbed individual.
With his latest title, Outback Outlaw, Ryan Green cements his position at the summit of the true crime genre. His flowing narrative style coupled with impeccable attention to detail serve to provide the reader with a bone-chilling, completely immersive, yet somehow incredibly addictive reading experience. Much like watching an approaching hurricane, no matter how much you may want to look away, you simply cannot bring yourself to take your eyes off of the spectacle unfolding before you. This story, centered around the life and crimes of Ivan Milat, will draw you into his world on the first page and won’t let you go until you finish the very last page. Milat, known as the Backpacker Killer, earned his somber sobriquet by offering young hitchhikers rides that took them not to their intended destination, but to their brutal and grisly end. He is considered one of Australia’s worst serial killers, having been convicted of the slaughter of two men and five women between 1989 and 1992. The actual number of his victims may never be determined with any certainty as the Belanglo State Forest, where he would leave the bodies to suffer the ravages of nature, is too vast an area to be thoroughly searched. His story, so eloquently detailed in this book, captured my full attention as completely as Milat captured his victims. I believe that it will both educate and terrify any who pluck up the courage to read such an intimate portrait of this supremely disturbed individual.
June 7, 2023
Hitchhiking horror.
Ryan Green opens your eyes to true crime horrors from around the world..
Ryan Green opens your eyes to true crime horrors from around the world..
May 15, 2023
Man at Work
Ryan sets up this story like he does most of 1st person narrative but this time throws us a twist that I didn’t see coming at all. Not sure if his other loyal readers were as surprised as I.
Set in the 70s and 80s, it’s still kind of surprising to me that Australia way on the other side of the world was experiencing the same hitchhiking problem that we had in the states. That is where Ivan Malet comes in. One of 14 kids, he grew up the same as many did from that era, fearing your father and the beatings he throws out for the simple fact that he can and that horrid behavior was carried on from prior generations.
Ivan received his fair share of beatings growing up but what is completely different than any other person, Ryan has chronicled, he wasn’t sexually abused (as far as we know) but seemingly common denominator isn’t there, head trauma. From Ryan’s previous books among the males, there was always some sort of head/brain trauma, that seemingly caused the lack of value on human life. As it seemed, Ivan didn’t experience this but seemingly took full enjoyment in ending life.
I wonder if his lack of empathy towards life stems from being a game hunter coupled with the isolation of his family. Not to mention that he always seemed to get away with crimes is what allowed him to continue doing so for so long.
Ryan sets up this story like he does most of 1st person narrative but this time throws us a twist that I didn’t see coming at all. Not sure if his other loyal readers were as surprised as I.
Set in the 70s and 80s, it’s still kind of surprising to me that Australia way on the other side of the world was experiencing the same hitchhiking problem that we had in the states. That is where Ivan Malet comes in. One of 14 kids, he grew up the same as many did from that era, fearing your father and the beatings he throws out for the simple fact that he can and that horrid behavior was carried on from prior generations.
Ivan received his fair share of beatings growing up but what is completely different than any other person, Ryan has chronicled, he wasn’t sexually abused (as far as we know) but seemingly common denominator isn’t there, head trauma. From Ryan’s previous books among the males, there was always some sort of head/brain trauma, that seemingly caused the lack of value on human life. As it seemed, Ivan didn’t experience this but seemingly took full enjoyment in ending life.
I wonder if his lack of empathy towards life stems from being a game hunter coupled with the isolation of his family. Not to mention that he always seemed to get away with crimes is what allowed him to continue doing so for so long.
June 3, 2023
Ever since I saw
Wolf Creek
(2005) I have been interested in the truth to the basis for the gory horror flick about stranded backpackers in remote Australia falling prey to a murderous bushman who offers to fix their car, then takes them captive. It spawned really a whole cinematic universe around this guy. The sadistic psychopathic man mentions as an aside learning about slicing the spinal cord from Australian Vietnam War vets. Here is it mentioned, too. Is that true? Other inquiring minds want to know. It suggests to me a whole true crime genre about soldiers turned sadists and bringing those modus operandi back home. Green could deliver on that well because he explore the roots and foundations that start a miscreant on the road to murder. So, Green introduces us to the entire Milat clan and makes a convincing, intriguing suggestion that one or more siblings -- particularly a sister -- abetted the sadistic sex torture murders. Also, there appears much evidence for many murders more than the official account.
This biography is a complete arc including a review of the killer's unhinged prison years before his death from cancer.
This biography is a complete arc including a review of the killer's unhinged prison years before his death from cancer.
July 18, 2023
Not a bad book, but the choice of an American narrator is baffling. He has no idea how to pronounce half the place names, or much else really. The author is pretty careless with his facts. Eagle Vale is south west of Sydney, not SE. You don't go north from Sydney to get to Melbourne, and the 'outback' is a very very VERY long way from Liverpool. Also, you don't die if you spend a night in the bush (maybe of boredom) and roos don't attack people, unless said people attack them. There aren't a lot of small towns between Sydney and Melbourne, because most of it is a freeway. None of these things really make a difference, but you have to wonder if the rest of the story is about as accurate.
We don't drink pop in Oz, we drink soft drink. You can't say petrol station, then a sentence or two later, say gas station. We don't have them here. Good story spoiled by lazy careless writing.
We don't drink pop in Oz, we drink soft drink. You can't say petrol station, then a sentence or two later, say gas station. We don't have them here. Good story spoiled by lazy careless writing.
April 27, 2025
Not a bad book if you don't care too much for factual stories. The general gist is correct, but there are many inaccuracies and fanciful retellings. I have read many books about Ivan Milat and this one would be the lest satisfying.
May 24, 2023
Well Written and Very Informative.
Outback outlaw by Ryan Green is the book about Ivan Mylan who was an Australian serial killer who abducted, assaulted, robbed, and murdered at least two men and five women in New South Wales between 1989 and 1992.
Mylan would cruise the long stretch of road between Sydney and Melbourne, and this is where he would pick up hitchhikers who would be backpacking across Australia. Some of his victims where in pairs believing they were safer that way, and others were alone.
Mylan took each victim into the Belanglo State Forest in New South Wales where he tortured, raped, shot, and many other despicable acts which he played out for hours before finally killing them.
For years, Mylan escaped detection for what became the backpacker killings, and he very nearly escaped conviction altogether if it had not been for a British man named Paul Onions who changed everything after seeing the news one night in England about the disappearance and the murders in Australia.
Paul was one of the lucky ones who got away from Milat after he had pulled over and picked up Mr Onions in 1990. Paul after being robbed spotted a rope and a gun in the car, and realised he was in grave danger, but Paul managed to escape. Milat was very quickly in pursuit of him shooting as Onions ducked and dived on foot Eventually escaping into a passing car which stopped for him.
This is the true story of how Australia lost its innocence and how the hunt to catch a serial killer was front page news.
I found the behind-the-scenes information fascinating. The book is sensible and straight forward in stating the facts of these horrific murders by a true Psychopath. an interesting read. Thanks Ryan. I am part of the ARC group for Ryan Green, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Outback outlaw by Ryan Green is the book about Ivan Mylan who was an Australian serial killer who abducted, assaulted, robbed, and murdered at least two men and five women in New South Wales between 1989 and 1992.
Mylan would cruise the long stretch of road between Sydney and Melbourne, and this is where he would pick up hitchhikers who would be backpacking across Australia. Some of his victims where in pairs believing they were safer that way, and others were alone.
Mylan took each victim into the Belanglo State Forest in New South Wales where he tortured, raped, shot, and many other despicable acts which he played out for hours before finally killing them.
For years, Mylan escaped detection for what became the backpacker killings, and he very nearly escaped conviction altogether if it had not been for a British man named Paul Onions who changed everything after seeing the news one night in England about the disappearance and the murders in Australia.
Paul was one of the lucky ones who got away from Milat after he had pulled over and picked up Mr Onions in 1990. Paul after being robbed spotted a rope and a gun in the car, and realised he was in grave danger, but Paul managed to escape. Milat was very quickly in pursuit of him shooting as Onions ducked and dived on foot Eventually escaping into a passing car which stopped for him.
This is the true story of how Australia lost its innocence and how the hunt to catch a serial killer was front page news.
I found the behind-the-scenes information fascinating. The book is sensible and straight forward in stating the facts of these horrific murders by a true Psychopath. an interesting read. Thanks Ryan. I am part of the ARC group for Ryan Green, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2023
I had never heard about Ivan Milat. I read a true crime story in an anthology featuring teen killers and came across a story of a young man who used to brag about his murderous great uncle; then ended up imitating him. This was my introduction to Ivan Milat. I subsequently listened to a podcast about him. Still nothing prepared me for the extent of his viciousness, cruelty, and brutality. Ryan Green's telling of Milat's life story really brings to life the monster that the Wolf Creek movie / series depicted. While he had a harsh upbringing it did not negate the disturbing, dangerous, heinous killer Ivan became.
This gripping tale keeps you on the edge of your seat as Green's chillingly recounts the lurid details of what Milat actually subjected his poor victims to. Once again the dangers of hitchhiking are shown.
The merciless way Ivan treated especially his female victims was heartless. He was not remorseful if anything he was inhumane yet expected special / good treatment once he was finally imprisoned. He used of a variety of weapons to torture his victims and bring him sick sadistic satisfaction. Ryan Green brings you a macabre tale notorious in Australia that is the stuff of nightmares.
This gripping tale keeps you on the edge of your seat as Green's chillingly recounts the lurid details of what Milat actually subjected his poor victims to. Once again the dangers of hitchhiking are shown.
The merciless way Ivan treated especially his female victims was heartless. He was not remorseful if anything he was inhumane yet expected special / good treatment once he was finally imprisoned. He used of a variety of weapons to torture his victims and bring him sick sadistic satisfaction. Ryan Green brings you a macabre tale notorious in Australia that is the stuff of nightmares.
May 28, 2023
Raw, the stuff of nightmares.
The author outlines the disturbing childhood and youth of Ivan Milat. Which may, or may not have influenced his decisions to torture and murder, again and again. It was interesting to read about some of the small shreds of humanity that he possessed, before morphing, increasingly, into the cold, relentless, cruel, and merciless monster that he eventually became.
It was so relieving to read of his eventual capture and imprisonment; with enough evidence to keep him there for good. At the latter part of the book, the author provides a list of all of the other people that Milat was suspected of murdering, but never got charged for. Although Milat is now dead and buried, I hope that at least some of these cold cases eventually get solved.
Book contains descriptions of graphic violence, torture and murder.
The author outlines the disturbing childhood and youth of Ivan Milat. Which may, or may not have influenced his decisions to torture and murder, again and again. It was interesting to read about some of the small shreds of humanity that he possessed, before morphing, increasingly, into the cold, relentless, cruel, and merciless monster that he eventually became.
It was so relieving to read of his eventual capture and imprisonment; with enough evidence to keep him there for good. At the latter part of the book, the author provides a list of all of the other people that Milat was suspected of murdering, but never got charged for. Although Milat is now dead and buried, I hope that at least some of these cold cases eventually get solved.
Book contains descriptions of graphic violence, torture and murder.
June 14, 2023
Once again, Ryan Green has written a truly horrifying account of a serial killer who preyed on young hitchhikers in the Outback of Australia. I appreciate the fact that Mr. Green not only delves into the mind of the killer, he also brings the victims to life and gives them a name and a personality. I always know that when I read one of his books, I will be horrified (but also entertained). It's hard to imagine how many truly awful people there are in the world.
Even though I had previously read the ebook version, listening to the audiobook was even more chilling. The narrator does his usual outstanding job in bringing the book to life. If you are a true crime fan, this is a great book (as are all of Mr. Green's books). You won't be disappointed!
Even though I had previously read the ebook version, listening to the audiobook was even more chilling. The narrator does his usual outstanding job in bringing the book to life. If you are a true crime fan, this is a great book (as are all of Mr. Green's books). You won't be disappointed!
June 16, 2023
Disturbing and informative
This was an interesting look into a killer I was aware of but knew little detail about. The book appears to be well researched and has a nice wrap in the last chapter. I enjoyed (as much as one CAN enjoy gruesome murders) the book. It was a quick 2 day task to finish. I recommend it and any others by Ryan Green to fans of true crime. The author does not sugar coat the harsh things, nor is the violence glorified or unnecessarily detailed. I respect that in true crime books. Solid 4 stars for this one. Dropped a star for a couple of inconsistencies missed in the editing process. Content itself gets a 5.
This was an interesting look into a killer I was aware of but knew little detail about. The book appears to be well researched and has a nice wrap in the last chapter. I enjoyed (as much as one CAN enjoy gruesome murders) the book. It was a quick 2 day task to finish. I recommend it and any others by Ryan Green to fans of true crime. The author does not sugar coat the harsh things, nor is the violence glorified or unnecessarily detailed. I respect that in true crime books. Solid 4 stars for this one. Dropped a star for a couple of inconsistencies missed in the editing process. Content itself gets a 5.
September 19, 2023
Outback Outlaw: The Dark Legacy of Australia's Backpacker Killer, Ivan Milat was a great read by Ryan Green. Ivan Milat had an obsession with firearms and hated state power. He would up going on the run after two killer two police officers. On the day that Ivan was arrested, there were fifty armed police officers surrounding his home. He would prey on backpackers and lure them into his car with charm. He would then take them to Belanglo State Forest. This is where he would torture them in the Australian outback. This was a good true crime read. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
April 7, 2026
Outback Outlaw was a really engaging read that offered valuable insight into Ivan Milat and explored possible reasons behind his crimes. I’ve also read another book on Ivan Milat which I rated 5 stars, but I still found myself learning new things from this one as well. The book does a great job of diving into the psychological aspects and background, making it both interesting and informative. While it didn’t quite reach a 5-star level for me overall, it was still a strong and worthwhile read for anyone interested in true crime.
June 10, 2023
If you are familiar with the Wolf Creek series of movies, then you are familiar with the monster that inspired them. The telling here gives you a shudder worthy look at a man who thought nothing ... less than nothing ... of taking the lives of young, free spirited hitch hikers on a lonely stretch of the outback of New South Wales, Australia. Chilling read.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary honest opinion of the tale.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary honest opinion of the tale.
May 25, 2023
Compulsive and gripping! Suspenseful, addictive and complex! A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. The suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Will keep you swiping the pages furiously. Worthy of your TBR list.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
January 13, 2024
I have recently found Ryan Green books and have started listening to true crime mainly set in Australia, as a the time I didn't appreciate all the intricoes of the case. This was a deep dive into the story and part of me felt a little sorry - again the nature v nurture debate was there. I got involved in the story - it was the the perfect length no fluff. The narration really worked.
January 18, 2024
What can I say about this incredible author that hasn’t already been said by myself or other readers of his books. The details of each case will leave you on the edge of your seat holding your breath. If you have not read any of Ryan Green books, grab one I can guarantee you you’ll be grabbing a whole lot more.
April 12, 2024
love Ryan Green!
Another great book by Mr. Green! Well written as always and probably one of the more gruesome reads. Ivan Milan was a truly disturbed individual. If you want to see a movie based on these accounts, checkout Wolf Creek. It’s a horrifying glimpse into what these poor victims endured.
Another great book by Mr. Green! Well written as always and probably one of the more gruesome reads. Ivan Milan was a truly disturbed individual. If you want to see a movie based on these accounts, checkout Wolf Creek. It’s a horrifying glimpse into what these poor victims endured.
June 24, 2024
Excellent read. Another true example of Ryan Green’s writing talent. I personally felt it was full of so many facts and really went to the true extent of Ivan Millats crimes and didn’t hold back which is what I look for in a crime novel, a book that doesn’t hold back and tells the story start to finish.
July 26, 2023
Once again Ryan Green delivers and brings us a well researched book on the serial killer, Ivan Milat. I had heard of this person before, but Ryan brought so much more information than I had ever known.
This book is written in an easy to read style much like having a conversation with a friend over coffee, while also telling a story you won't soon forget.
I highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed!
This book is written in an easy to read style much like having a conversation with a friend over coffee, while also telling a story you won't soon forget.
I highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed!
May 20, 2023
Cool book!
Very, very well written! Ryan Green, you've outdone yourself with this one:)!
Keep up the good work! Worth the money!
Very, very well written! Ryan Green, you've outdone yourself with this one:)!
Keep up the good work! Worth the money!
Read
May 22, 2023Not for the squeamish.
This tells the story of an extremely violent and depraved individual. You will learn of the horrific things that people can do and feel no remorse.
This tells the story of an extremely violent and depraved individual. You will learn of the horrific things that people can do and feel no remorse.
June 12, 2023
Great book
Ryan Green is great at trimming the fat and telling a story well with no filler. I enjoy most of his true crime books and this one is great.
Ryan Green is great at trimming the fat and telling a story well with no filler. I enjoy most of his true crime books and this one is great.
November 16, 2024
I decided to read this based on a rec for a reading challenge. Safe to say that I am not a fan of true crime. I think the book would be good for someone who does enjoy true crime, it just did not interest me
Read
January 1, 2026It’s disgusting how many people he was able to hurt. The law did what seems to be little and far too late. My heart goes out to every loved one of those he killed.
May 19, 2023
Another great read from Ryan. A fantastic story we'll written. We'll worth a read.
October 1, 2023
Very interesting read on Ivan Milat. Actually it’s the first book about him I’ve found.
The book gives a good view into the mind of Ivan. We learn about his upbringing and the way his family functioned - I have to mention it was a very dysfunctional family pattern.
The victims are not forgotten in this book. They are mentioned and we learn a bit about them.
NOTE:
However this book is not for the faint of heart as it’s very graphic.
The book gives a good view into the mind of Ivan. We learn about his upbringing and the way his family functioned - I have to mention it was a very dysfunctional family pattern.
The victims are not forgotten in this book. They are mentioned and we learn a bit about them.
NOTE:
However this book is not for the faint of heart as it’s very graphic.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews