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A Thousand Miles From Care: A hunt for a brother's killer - a new compelling Australian true crime story about murder & corruption, WINNER of the Ned Kelly Awards Best True Crime 2025
A gripping and heartbreaking story, A Thousand Miles From Care tells the 30 year quest Steve Johnson undertook to uncover the truth about his brilliant brother's brutal murder in Manly.
At the entrance of Sydney Harbor, the cliffs rise fourteen stories above the Pacific, like a gigantic skirt made of sandstone. North Head, one of the most memorable cliffs, is a gorgeous place to watch the sunrise. But it's an unforgiving place to lose your footing. When Steve Johnson's younger brother Scott went over the edge in 1988, he hit an outcrop on the way down and exploded on the rocks below.
A Thousand Miles From Care draws upon the mountain of exclusive materials Steve amassed over his 32-year quest, including sealed court transcripts, police records, interviews with suspects, inquest reports, correspondence with gang members, private investigations, and much else. It utilizes unique details, interview transcripts and insights based on Johnson's close relationship with authorities and high-ranking New South Wales officials developed over more than three decades.
This profoundly impactful book traces the steps Steve Johnson and his family and friends took to solve an alleged suicide turned murder, navigating an openly hostile police force and a maze of dead ends, unreliable informants, skinhead gangs, a faked confession, and setbacks at every turn. All of it ends with an extraordinary turnaround by police who, with an operation worthy of Mission Impossible, apprehended a suspect, 32 years after Scott's death.
'Motivated by love and loss of his brother, this inspiring and heartbreaking true story provides a timely and powerful reminder to never take no for an answer in the pursuit of justice. Steve Johnson has ensured Scott Johnson's legacy would be a safer world for gay men, and that legacy is now enduring.' Alex Greenwich MP
'An extraordinary memoir. By turns harrowing, infuriating, and inspiring, it is partly a requiem for a loved one and a lament for all of the brilliant, wonderful people the world was robbed of, simply because they were gay. The pitiless pointlessness of it all is breathtaking, but so too is the decency and love that permeates this book.' Gareth Russell, The Palace
At the entrance of Sydney Harbor, the cliffs rise fourteen stories above the Pacific, like a gigantic skirt made of sandstone. North Head, one of the most memorable cliffs, is a gorgeous place to watch the sunrise. But it's an unforgiving place to lose your footing. When Steve Johnson's younger brother Scott went over the edge in 1988, he hit an outcrop on the way down and exploded on the rocks below.
A Thousand Miles From Care draws upon the mountain of exclusive materials Steve amassed over his 32-year quest, including sealed court transcripts, police records, interviews with suspects, inquest reports, correspondence with gang members, private investigations, and much else. It utilizes unique details, interview transcripts and insights based on Johnson's close relationship with authorities and high-ranking New South Wales officials developed over more than three decades.
This profoundly impactful book traces the steps Steve Johnson and his family and friends took to solve an alleged suicide turned murder, navigating an openly hostile police force and a maze of dead ends, unreliable informants, skinhead gangs, a faked confession, and setbacks at every turn. All of it ends with an extraordinary turnaround by police who, with an operation worthy of Mission Impossible, apprehended a suspect, 32 years after Scott's death.
'Motivated by love and loss of his brother, this inspiring and heartbreaking true story provides a timely and powerful reminder to never take no for an answer in the pursuit of justice. Steve Johnson has ensured Scott Johnson's legacy would be a safer world for gay men, and that legacy is now enduring.' Alex Greenwich MP
'An extraordinary memoir. By turns harrowing, infuriating, and inspiring, it is partly a requiem for a loved one and a lament for all of the brilliant, wonderful people the world was robbed of, simply because they were gay. The pitiless pointlessness of it all is breathtaking, but so too is the decency and love that permeates this book.' Gareth Russell, The Palace
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2024
16 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Steve Johnson
286 books4 followersDisambiguation profile for non-separated authors called Steve Johnson.
Other profiles:
*2. Steve Johnson, author of Crime and Mystery books.
3. Steve Johnson, author of The Callipygian Grimoire (RPGs)
4. Steve Johnson, illustrator of The Minimalist Woman's Guide to Having It All
5. Steve Johnson, author of The Essence of Healing: A Guide to the Alaskan Flower, Gem and Environmental Essences
6. Steve Johnson author of Outdoors guides
7. Steve Johnson, author of works on Beer
8. Steve Johnson, author of Secrets of the Hidden Job Market
9. Steve Johnson, author of Charlotte Church: Hell's Angel
10. Steve Johnson, author of Digital Tools for Teaching
11. Steve Johnson, author of The Folk Festival Book
12. Steve Johnson, co-author of the exhibition catalogue The Edge of Everyday
13. Steve Johnson, author of works on Tax and Tax Deductions
14. Steve Johnson, author of How to Discover Your Personal Life Mission
15. Steve Johnson, author of Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading
16. Steve Johnson, author of works on Computer software
17. Steve Johnson, author of Fighting Rabies
18. Steve Johnson, author of works regarding the OCR Citizenship examination
19. Steve Johnson, Children's Book Illustrator
20. Steve Johnson, author of Recipe books
21. Steve Johnson, author of How Did I Get Here? From a Kushite to a Thug
22. Steve Johnson, author of works on Product Management
Other profiles:
*2. Steve Johnson, author of Crime and Mystery books.
3. Steve Johnson, author of The Callipygian Grimoire (RPGs)
4. Steve Johnson, illustrator of The Minimalist Woman's Guide to Having It All
5. Steve Johnson, author of The Essence of Healing: A Guide to the Alaskan Flower, Gem and Environmental Essences
6. Steve Johnson author of Outdoors guides
7. Steve Johnson, author of works on Beer
8. Steve Johnson, author of Secrets of the Hidden Job Market
9. Steve Johnson, author of Charlotte Church: Hell's Angel
10. Steve Johnson, author of Digital Tools for Teaching
11. Steve Johnson, author of The Folk Festival Book
12. Steve Johnson, co-author of the exhibition catalogue The Edge of Everyday
13. Steve Johnson, author of works on Tax and Tax Deductions
14. Steve Johnson, author of How to Discover Your Personal Life Mission
15. Steve Johnson, author of Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading
16. Steve Johnson, author of works on Computer software
17. Steve Johnson, author of Fighting Rabies
18. Steve Johnson, author of works regarding the OCR Citizenship examination
19. Steve Johnson, Children's Book Illustrator
20. Steve Johnson, author of Recipe books
21. Steve Johnson, author of How Did I Get Here? From a Kushite to a Thug
22. Steve Johnson, author of works on Product Management
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 12, 2025
I received a free copy of, A Thousand Miles From Care, by Steve Johnson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Losing a sibling is the worst, it hits you so different then other deaths. When Steve's younger brother Scott went over the cliffs, people thought it was a suicide, Steve did not think that way, and want to prove it to everyone. This was a good read, Steve finally got justice for his brother, Police corruption is not just in America bit in Australia too.
May 3, 2025
This story was heartbreaking in so many ways. I enjoyed the subjective narrative, full of the author’s history with his brother, as well as steps taken to find out the truth.
Since this is written by a family member, the objective take is sometimes missing, which differs from other nonfiction true crime stories where an investigative journalist or someone has written the story. I kind of wished for a bit more of this in the nonfiction I prefer, it would’ve been great to get that additional perspective and general facts from someone a bit more removed.
All in all, a very moving book about a brother’s quest for justice and fairness.
Since this is written by a family member, the objective take is sometimes missing, which differs from other nonfiction true crime stories where an investigative journalist or someone has written the story. I kind of wished for a bit more of this in the nonfiction I prefer, it would’ve been great to get that additional perspective and general facts from someone a bit more removed.
All in all, a very moving book about a brother’s quest for justice and fairness.
June 18, 2024
Wow, just wow! I rarely read non fiction but something about this obviously caught my eye. I was gripped from the beginning.
The lives of the young Tessa, Steve and Scott Johnson were not easy but their love for each other and their wish to go as far as they could held them in good stead. Both Steve and Scott ended up with scholarships to great schools because of their brilliance particularly Steve’s musical prowess and Scott’s mathematical mind. This led them both to end up in different continents but still with a strong, albeit invisible, tether to each other. Steve then got a phone call to say that Scott had died!
What follows is the story of Steve and his family trying to get justice for Scott whose cause of death was written as suicide, which was practically unbelievable. This took the Johnson family into the murky depths of the LGBTIQ movement in the 80’s onwards and also in to the seemingly impenetrable police force in New South Wales, Australia. For years they were fobbed off, belittled and almost laughed at.
What is incredibly sad is that had it not been for the brilliance of Steve Johnson and him making an absolute fortune in anyone’s eyes, without the funding behind him it would not have been possible to get justice for Scott.
This is a book that will stay with me for a long time and shows that the phrase “never give up” is worth its weight in gold.
The lives of the young Tessa, Steve and Scott Johnson were not easy but their love for each other and their wish to go as far as they could held them in good stead. Both Steve and Scott ended up with scholarships to great schools because of their brilliance particularly Steve’s musical prowess and Scott’s mathematical mind. This led them both to end up in different continents but still with a strong, albeit invisible, tether to each other. Steve then got a phone call to say that Scott had died!
What follows is the story of Steve and his family trying to get justice for Scott whose cause of death was written as suicide, which was practically unbelievable. This took the Johnson family into the murky depths of the LGBTIQ movement in the 80’s onwards and also in to the seemingly impenetrable police force in New South Wales, Australia. For years they were fobbed off, belittled and almost laughed at.
What is incredibly sad is that had it not been for the brilliance of Steve Johnson and him making an absolute fortune in anyone’s eyes, without the funding behind him it would not have been possible to get justice for Scott.
This is a book that will stay with me for a long time and shows that the phrase “never give up” is worth its weight in gold.
March 27, 2025
A wonderful tribute to a brother lost to this world in cruel circumstances far too young. Steve wrote beautifully of his younger brother and the ‘odyssey’ he and his family were taken on by the impudent and morally bankrupt NSW Police. Justice prevailed in the end but it took a dedicated team and a brave ex-wife to come forward. The good people in this story (and there were many) helped to counteract the truly awful. Some of the worst people I’ve ever read about (and I read an awful lot of grisly books). Many of these people were in positions of immense power and privilege. In the end, it was a win for Team Scott and I couldn’t be happier for the them.
August 4, 2024
Another country, a thousand miles from home, no answers just questions.
Absolutely eye opening and what a journey.
The hidden truths of victims of homicide in the gay community, idiot cops and judgmental, lazy, down right criminal police efforts. Corruption in the spotlight and the never ending roadblocks. The stigma and judgments.
A 35 year journey for justice and answers. A seemingly never ending journey of seeking the truth. A raw look at one families turbulent ride.
I love true stories and as heartbreaking my as they are they teach us something and offer us insights.
Definitely in the top books I’ve read this year and top non fiction! A fabulous and heartbreaking journey of never giving up, hope, perseverance and strength!
Absolutely 5 stars!
What they did and the can of worms they opened to fight for justice was unbelievable. I’m so grateful to the author for all they did for not just their family but countless others.
This book is the definition of “Never Give Up!!!!”
I was so excited when I received this in the mail post release from Harper Collins. This was amazing and these are my totally honest and totally awesome opinions.
Absolutely eye opening and what a journey.
The hidden truths of victims of homicide in the gay community, idiot cops and judgmental, lazy, down right criminal police efforts. Corruption in the spotlight and the never ending roadblocks. The stigma and judgments.
A 35 year journey for justice and answers. A seemingly never ending journey of seeking the truth. A raw look at one families turbulent ride.
I love true stories and as heartbreaking my as they are they teach us something and offer us insights.
Definitely in the top books I’ve read this year and top non fiction! A fabulous and heartbreaking journey of never giving up, hope, perseverance and strength!
Absolutely 5 stars!
What they did and the can of worms they opened to fight for justice was unbelievable. I’m so grateful to the author for all they did for not just their family but countless others.
This book is the definition of “Never Give Up!!!!”
I was so excited when I received this in the mail post release from Harper Collins. This was amazing and these are my totally honest and totally awesome opinions.
Read
September 16, 2024I feel weird leaving a star rating on a book focused on one of the worst miscarriages of justice I have ever read about in my life so I won’t but I will say I feel incredibly moved, disheartened, angry & hopeful following reading this.
It is INSANE to me that it took so long to even consider hate crimes as motive for murder & I’m appalled at the state of the policing system which desperately needs reform. Reading this made me so unbelievably angry and hurt for Scott’s family & I’m just thankful for the outcome. A heartbreaking piece of work.
Thank you to netgalley & the publisher.
It is INSANE to me that it took so long to even consider hate crimes as motive for murder & I’m appalled at the state of the policing system which desperately needs reform. Reading this made me so unbelievably angry and hurt for Scott’s family & I’m just thankful for the outcome. A heartbreaking piece of work.
Thank you to netgalley & the publisher.
June 21, 2025
Book Review: A Thousand Miles From Care: The Hunt for My Brother’s Killer by Steve Johnson
Rating: 4.5/5
Reactions & Emotional Resonance
As a professional examining systemic inequities and institutional failures, I found Johnson’s memoir a harrowing yet vital testament to the intersections of grief, justice, and structural violence. The narrative’s emotional core—a brother’s relentless pursuit of truth amid institutional hostility—resonates with public health critiques of systems that marginalize victims’ families, particularly when authorities dismiss their claims. Johnson’s visceral portrayal of bureaucratic indifference evoked frustration and admiration in equal measure, mirroring societal patterns where marginalized voices (even those of educated, persistent advocates like Johnson) must claw for accountability.
Strengths
-Structural Critique: Though not explicitly framed as such, the book exposes systemic flaws in law enforcement and judicial processes, aligning with sociological research on secondary victimization—where institutions compound trauma through neglect or active obstruction. Johnson’s encounters with police hostility and gang entanglements underscore how power networks shield themselves, a theme ripe for feminist and critical race analyses.
-Narrative as Advocacy: The memoir’s granular detail—court transcripts, private investigations—elevates it beyond personal catharsis to a methodological blueprint for challenging institutional gaslighting. Public health practitioners will appreciate its implicit call for transparency and survivor-centered justice.
-Emotional Labor: The decades-long emotional toll on Johnson and his allies mirrors the unpaid, gendered labor often borne by families seeking justice, a thread sociologists will recognize from studies on care work and activism.
Constructive Criticism
-Intersectional Gaps: While Johnson’s privilege (e.g., access to officials, resources for investigations) is acknowledged, deeper reflection on how class/race shape access to justice would strengthen its relevance for public health audiences studying inequitable systems.
-Theoretical Engagement: The memoir’s power lies in its raw storytelling, but brief contextualization—e.g., linking police resistance to broader literature on institutional corruption—could bridge personal and academic audiences without sacrificing accessibility.
Final Thoughts
A Thousand Miles From Care is a masterclass in perseverance and a searing indictment of systemic failure. Its emotional depth and evidentiary rigor make it invaluable for scholars studying trauma, justice, and institutional accountability. While its narrative focus may limit direct scholarly utility, its themes demand interdisciplinary engagement.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the review copy—this memoir is a compelling call to interrogate the systems that fail the vulnerable and the families who refuse to let them.
Rating: 4.5/5 (A standout for its emotional and structural insights, with minor room for intersectional analysis.)
Rating: 4.5/5
Reactions & Emotional Resonance
As a professional examining systemic inequities and institutional failures, I found Johnson’s memoir a harrowing yet vital testament to the intersections of grief, justice, and structural violence. The narrative’s emotional core—a brother’s relentless pursuit of truth amid institutional hostility—resonates with public health critiques of systems that marginalize victims’ families, particularly when authorities dismiss their claims. Johnson’s visceral portrayal of bureaucratic indifference evoked frustration and admiration in equal measure, mirroring societal patterns where marginalized voices (even those of educated, persistent advocates like Johnson) must claw for accountability.
Strengths
-Structural Critique: Though not explicitly framed as such, the book exposes systemic flaws in law enforcement and judicial processes, aligning with sociological research on secondary victimization—where institutions compound trauma through neglect or active obstruction. Johnson’s encounters with police hostility and gang entanglements underscore how power networks shield themselves, a theme ripe for feminist and critical race analyses.
-Narrative as Advocacy: The memoir’s granular detail—court transcripts, private investigations—elevates it beyond personal catharsis to a methodological blueprint for challenging institutional gaslighting. Public health practitioners will appreciate its implicit call for transparency and survivor-centered justice.
-Emotional Labor: The decades-long emotional toll on Johnson and his allies mirrors the unpaid, gendered labor often borne by families seeking justice, a thread sociologists will recognize from studies on care work and activism.
Constructive Criticism
-Intersectional Gaps: While Johnson’s privilege (e.g., access to officials, resources for investigations) is acknowledged, deeper reflection on how class/race shape access to justice would strengthen its relevance for public health audiences studying inequitable systems.
-Theoretical Engagement: The memoir’s power lies in its raw storytelling, but brief contextualization—e.g., linking police resistance to broader literature on institutional corruption—could bridge personal and academic audiences without sacrificing accessibility.
Final Thoughts
A Thousand Miles From Care is a masterclass in perseverance and a searing indictment of systemic failure. Its emotional depth and evidentiary rigor make it invaluable for scholars studying trauma, justice, and institutional accountability. While its narrative focus may limit direct scholarly utility, its themes demand interdisciplinary engagement.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the review copy—this memoir is a compelling call to interrogate the systems that fail the vulnerable and the families who refuse to let them.
Rating: 4.5/5 (A standout for its emotional and structural insights, with minor room for intersectional analysis.)
July 6, 2024
This is a change from my normal genres but the story really moved me and I needed to read this story desperately. What lengths a brother will go to to find out what happened to his brother.
This made me cry and smile in equal measures, as Steve tells stories of his shared childhood with Scott, and the close relationship between them. He then relives the day that the world came crashing down around him, and he was told his happy, shy brother was dead. Suicide? Never! This then prompted him to start his own investigation to find out the truth anbout how Scott fell to his death on a rocky cliff edge near Sydney Harbour in Australia. He wasn’t prepared for what he uncovered. He battled for thirty two years to uncover the truth for Scott.
Many thanks to 4th Estate and William Collins for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #WMCollinsBooks, #SteveJohnson.
This made me cry and smile in equal measures, as Steve tells stories of his shared childhood with Scott, and the close relationship between them. He then relives the day that the world came crashing down around him, and he was told his happy, shy brother was dead. Suicide? Never! This then prompted him to start his own investigation to find out the truth anbout how Scott fell to his death on a rocky cliff edge near Sydney Harbour in Australia. He wasn’t prepared for what he uncovered. He battled for thirty two years to uncover the truth for Scott.
Many thanks to 4th Estate and William Collins for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #WMCollinsBooks, #SteveJohnson.
September 4, 2025
A Thousand Miles from Care by Steve Johnson is a beautifully written and deeply immersive novel that blends suspense, emotion, and atmosphere in all the right ways. Johnson has a true talent for storytelling — his prose is vivid, his pacing is strong, and his characters feel incredibly real.
The story pulls you in with a quiet intensity, gradually revealing layers of mystery and emotion that keep you turning the pages. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished, not just because of the plot, but because of the mood and depth woven into every chapter.
This is a standout read that balances literary elegance with gripping storytelling. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction with a strong emotional core and a touch of mystery.
The story pulls you in with a quiet intensity, gradually revealing layers of mystery and emotion that keep you turning the pages. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished, not just because of the plot, but because of the mood and depth woven into every chapter.
This is a standout read that balances literary elegance with gripping storytelling. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction with a strong emotional core and a touch of mystery.
January 17, 2026
Content warnings: death of a sibling, homophobia, murder, homophobic slurs, parental abandonment, infidelity, police corruption, mentions of suicide, grief
Oof, this was a lot. Don't get me wrong, I expected that it would be given that it's about the death of the author's brother. But I didn't know before starting this that said brother was gay, and that adds a whole different layer of pain to the story, especially when a) Scott's death happened in the late 80s and b) when the NSW Police spend literally decades insisting that it's a suicide.
Obviously, it's not exactly an objective story given that it's written by the victim's brother. But his determination to get justice for his brother is admirable, when many others (including Scott's partner) insist that it was either suicide or a tragic accident.
Oof, this was a lot. Don't get me wrong, I expected that it would be given that it's about the death of the author's brother. But I didn't know before starting this that said brother was gay, and that adds a whole different layer of pain to the story, especially when a) Scott's death happened in the late 80s and b) when the NSW Police spend literally decades insisting that it's a suicide.
Obviously, it's not exactly an objective story given that it's written by the victim's brother. But his determination to get justice for his brother is admirable, when many others (including Scott's partner) insist that it was either suicide or a tragic accident.
November 5, 2024
This is an account of Steve Johnson's quest for justice for his brother Scott, who was killed in unusual circumstances at North Head Sydney Australia and the intransigence of the NSW Police Force to investigate Scott's death as suspicious and label it as suicide. But it's much more than this. It's the story of the bond that existed between Steve and Scott from an early age and its endurance which motivated Steve to obtain answers and change the Coroner's findings on Scott's death. The narrative is evocative, at times frustrating and leaves the reader with no doubt of the prejudice of the authorities towards gay men. However Steve's love for his brother Scott, shines through and leaves the reader with hope. Highly recommended.
September 29, 2024
What a wild ride. Inspiring perseverance of a determined brother who was continually doubted, shut down, and put against the deck of a mismanaged police force and bureaucracy. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it.
An incredible read that spans *beyond* just the gay community/lifestyle for those hesitant to read it, thinking there may be a lack of connection to the book. It is about family, change, and sticking to your guns - and doing your homework to get justice served.
We all deal with grief in different ways that sometimes may not even be seen as grieving. The way Steve chose to honor his grief, and his brothers life is beautiful.
An incredible read that spans *beyond* just the gay community/lifestyle for those hesitant to read it, thinking there may be a lack of connection to the book. It is about family, change, and sticking to your guns - and doing your homework to get justice served.
We all deal with grief in different ways that sometimes may not even be seen as grieving. The way Steve chose to honor his grief, and his brothers life is beautiful.
July 31, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was one of the most thorough true crime/memoir books I’ve ever read. Steve has quite literally spent the majority of his life fighting for justice for his brother Scott in an effort to find out how he died and who was ultimately responsible. Shining a light on the historical struggles of gay men, this book showed all the different potential factors at play but most of all it showed the end result of a brother who refused to give up and accept that his brother’s death was him taking his own life. So well written and easy to follow and the facts of the case were presented so well.
August 17, 2025
What a story this turned out to be. It grabbed me in the beginning and kept my interest all the way through. Author Steve Johnson relates his 30+ year battle to learn the truth about his brother Scott’s death in Australia in 1988. I became very invested in this saga and read it in one night. The author fought endlessly over the decades to get the death changed from a suicide to a homicide and then actually investigated. Scott Johnson was a brilliant mathematician who was wrapping up his doctorate when he was found dead at the bottom of a 200 foot cliff. The police just brushed the death off as a suicide and that was it.
July 19, 2024
The agonising three-decade search for what happened to Scott Johnson at North Head, Manly, in 1988 as told by his brother, Steve. This true-crime story is one of Australia’s most frustrating and misunderstood – and most critical – because Steve Johnson’s dogged approach to justice stands to change a nation intent of sweeping gay murders under the rug. Incisive as an exposé of police failings. Insightful as a long-form memorial to a beloved brother. Heartbreaking as an account of loved ones experiencing sudden and sustained grief. Unmissable as a window on the brutal truth.
May 18, 2025
Steve Johnson’s 'A Thousand Miles from Care' is a searing, courageous work of non-fiction that exposes a dark chapter in New South Wales' history. With clarity, compassion, and unwavering determination, Johnson traces his personal journey in seeking justice for his brother, Scott, whose 1988 death was long dismissed as suicide by police. What unfolds is not just a story of personal loss, but a scathing indictment of systemic negligence, homophobia, and corruption within NSW institutions.
This book is meticulously researched and emotionally raw.
This book is meticulously researched and emotionally raw.
May 30, 2025
The most impressive Australian book I’ve ever read. Every shocking detail is delivered without exaggeration into one of Australia’s darkest eras, in a country full of dark eras.
I was inspired by the contrast of positive masculinity in opposition to the toxic masculinity that killed Scott. Steve’s love was so powerful that he never stopped until he could find justice.
I talked to my father about this and he said “oh well they must have exaggerated” which proves how times like this can happen and the more work we need to do to stop what happened to Scott from happening again
I was inspired by the contrast of positive masculinity in opposition to the toxic masculinity that killed Scott. Steve’s love was so powerful that he never stopped until he could find justice.
I talked to my father about this and he said “oh well they must have exaggerated” which proves how times like this can happen and the more work we need to do to stop what happened to Scott from happening again
August 10, 2025
Who wouldn't want a brother like Steve! What a story and although tragic - a true inspiration of love and dedication to a man that had so much to offer the world if his live had not been needlessly taken away. The author has dedicated his life to find justice for his brother where most people would have given up and may well have just given into authority's findings. It is intriguing, frustrating and satisfying and told in a way that will keep you reading - not dry in any shape or form. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 19, 2025
Thank you to 4th Estate and Williams Collins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of A Thousand Miles From Care by Steve Johnson.
This was gripping. Spanning over 30 years, A Thousand Miles From Care explores the struggles Steve had trying to solve his brother’s death.
Steve’s journey has had a massive impact on the judicial system in Australia and has helped so many others. Steve’s incredible strength and refusal to give up is inspiring to read about.
This was gripping. Spanning over 30 years, A Thousand Miles From Care explores the struggles Steve had trying to solve his brother’s death.
Steve’s journey has had a massive impact on the judicial system in Australia and has helped so many others. Steve’s incredible strength and refusal to give up is inspiring to read about.
December 14, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
So, upon looking further into this, I think it's a little darker than I'd anticipated, so I think I'm going to pass for now. I'll probably come back to it eventually, but right now I'm so busy I pretty much only read before bed, and I don't think that's such a good idea with this book. I'll pick it up when I'm a little older!
So, upon looking further into this, I think it's a little darker than I'd anticipated, so I think I'm going to pass for now. I'll probably come back to it eventually, but right now I'm so busy I pretty much only read before bed, and I don't think that's such a good idea with this book. I'll pick it up when I'm a little older!
January 9, 2026
A brother pursuit to find justice in a corrupt world of policing against homosexuality from thousands of miles away. It combines true crime with memoir, offering insight into the enduring bond between siblings and the lengths one person will go to in the name of love and justice. It is a memorable story that leaves a lasting impact on the reader
November 20, 2024
A story of a brothers love & his devotion to uncovering the truth behind the tragic loss of a young gay man in the prime of his life. The beautifully written memoir details the corruption and homophobia in the police force that delayed answers for decades. A heartbreaking and inspiring read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
Great listen.
True story with themes of hate, prejudice, a corrupt police force all seemingly more or less socially accepted in 1980s Australia.
Another theme that permeated though out this book was a man’s love for his brother and his determination to achieve a fair and just outcome.
True story with themes of hate, prejudice, a corrupt police force all seemingly more or less socially accepted in 1980s Australia.
Another theme that permeated though out this book was a man’s love for his brother and his determination to achieve a fair and just outcome.
November 11, 2025
Finally finding Justice
The Johnson family spent many year s Seeking justice For A gay man In a country That didn't Value them As a member of The human race. But to His family he was the greatest.
The Johnson family spent many year s Seeking justice For A gay man In a country That didn't Value them As a member of The human race. But to His family he was the greatest.
December 2, 2025
4.5 Heartfelt, compelling and deeply human. Scott Johnson's murder is a powerful emblem of Australian LGBTQ history; his life, and subsequent pursuit of answers after his death, as told by his brother is a powerful story of love and justice.
August 3, 2024
Everyone should read this incredible and heartbreaking book.
September 15, 2024
Extremely moving story of the love for a murdered brother and the determined search to find his killer.
January 9, 2025
A gripping journey that brought victory from the pursuit of truth rather than a desire for vengeance or retribution.
November 14, 2025
Not normally a fan of Non Fiction, but this was a great book.
November 30, 2025
Interesting but too long & drawn out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews