Naked City

by John Silvester

John Silvester has been reporting on crime from the cop stations, courthouses, back alleys and gangster mansions of Melbourne for forty years. His contact book is a who's who of both sides of criminal justice, and the shadowy worlds between. He is the trusted confidante of cops, criminals, lawyers and judges. He knows where the cash is stashed and where the bodies are buried.

Naked City is a collection of Silvester's best stories, from sophisticated heists to mindless acts of violence and deeds of pure evil - impeccably sourced, wry, wise and witty.

Travel the dark depths of Australia's criminal underworld with our most formidable crime reporter and an icon of Australian true crime.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

330 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of Australian true crime, told by John Silvester, a long-serving, formidable crime reporter.

As this is a collection of work, it lacks some cohesion; although the wry and witty commentary is appreciated.

"True stories of crimes, cock-ups, crooks and cops" and the shadowy worlds in between!

[Tim Goldsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of stories from one of Australia's most decorated crime journalists, Naked City takes a look at the crazy, the characters, the nastiest & the loveliest crims in Victoria. Silvester captures the humanity of some, the inhumanity of many, and the way this sub-group of society have shaped the lives of thousands around them.
Not for everyone, but a fascinating insight into the seedy side of our world.

[Hadassah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started with Silvester’s newest book, Dark City, which I flew through and loved. Still enjoyed this, but it was a little bit repetitive at times. Would recommend to any true crime fans, especially those based in Melbourne.

[Bill Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might have been 5 stars if set in Sydney rather than Melbourne. I'm hoping there's a Sydney version. We don't want to be outdone by Melbourne on corrupt politicians, police on the take, tit-for-tat murders and rampant crime.

[Tim Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has a wry turn of phrase. Enjoy his columns in the Age esp most recent one about the increased role, forensics play in crime investigations. A colourful writer.

[Don Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Australia's best journalists leads us through a great collection of memories.

[Susan Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, a combo of the good, bad and downright ugly areas of crime and policing, the characters in both cops and gangsters.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Scary the people that are out there

[Lisa Glanville · Rating 2 out of 5]

The subject matter was interesting - I just hated the writing.

[Xanthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook format.
The author’s dry humour was one of the best things about this book.
Because it was a collection of pieces that were previously published, and not one cohesive book, there is repetition, with cases and people being mentioned throughout.
Also, the ending is very abrupt. An epilogue should have been written and included to round things off.