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In the Dead of Night
In March 2020 secret lovers Russell Hill and Carol Clay disappeared in Victoria's remote Wonnangatta Valley. Greg Haddrick tells the gripping inside story of the twists and turns of the police investigation and the trial of pilot Greg Lynn, with many details that haven't previously been made public.
'No-one tells a true crime story better than Haddrick.' - John Silvester
'Few true crime books take the reader so fully inside the minds of detectives hunting an apex predator ... it's as addictive as the best crime thrillers.' - Matthew Condon OAM, journalist and author
In March 2020 a couple disappears from the remote Wonnangatta Valley, leaving a burnt-out campsite. Russell Hill and Carol Clay are secret lovers, and at first it seems they might simply have started a new life elsewhere. But the police become increasing convinced that they have been the victims of foul play, even though their bodies have not been found.
So begins a painstaking investigation, tracing the driver of every car that was in the area, checking their stories and alibis. Ultimately, after more than a year's work, there's only one driver who cannot be Greg Lynn, a Jetstar captain.
Is it possible that this highly successful professional pilot is a killer? Could he be responsible for a number of other mysterious disappearances in the Wonnangatta Valley? And how can the police charge him, given that there are no bodies, no witnesses and no clues as to how Russell and Carol were murdered?
This is the gripping inside story of the pursuit and trial of Greg Lynn.
'No-one tells a true crime story better than Haddrick.' - John Silvester
'Few true crime books take the reader so fully inside the minds of detectives hunting an apex predator ... it's as addictive as the best crime thrillers.' - Matthew Condon OAM, journalist and author
In March 2020 a couple disappears from the remote Wonnangatta Valley, leaving a burnt-out campsite. Russell Hill and Carol Clay are secret lovers, and at first it seems they might simply have started a new life elsewhere. But the police become increasing convinced that they have been the victims of foul play, even though their bodies have not been found.
So begins a painstaking investigation, tracing the driver of every car that was in the area, checking their stories and alibis. Ultimately, after more than a year's work, there's only one driver who cannot be Greg Lynn, a Jetstar captain.
Is it possible that this highly successful professional pilot is a killer? Could he be responsible for a number of other mysterious disappearances in the Wonnangatta Valley? And how can the police charge him, given that there are no bodies, no witnesses and no clues as to how Russell and Carol were murdered?
This is the gripping inside story of the pursuit and trial of Greg Lynn.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
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217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 9, 2024
The 19th of March 2020: Just prior to the Covid pandemic Russell Hill and Carol Clay disappear from the remote Wonnangatta Valley in Victoria’s High Country. They were having a secret affair, the couple were reported missing by Russell’s wife and Carol’s sister and Russell an ex logger knew the area well and it's only accessible by four wheel drive.
The police have to look at all the possibilities, one being did they fake their own deaths and to start a new life together? It didn’t take long for them to rule this out, the police were sure they were victims of foul play, but they had no bodies and the only evidence a burnt campsite and a damaged white Toyota Land Cruiser.
The investigation begins, involved are the Missing Persons Squad and a team of detectives from Victoria Police Force and Inspector Andrew Stamper was present from the beginning and later Brett Florence and Dan Passingham. They had to locate anyone who had stayed at the Bucks Camp around the time, any cars that were seen in the location, then thoroughly check everyone's stories and alibis and a hermit who frequented the area. Over a year had passed, they had one main suspect a Jetstar captain Greg Lynn, a married man and father and who liked to spend his down time camping and hunting.
I won’t spoil what the lengths the investigating team went to and did to get enough proof to take Greg Lynn in for questioning and formally charge him and for the case to go to trial and the complexities of the Victorian legal system and the time frame.
I received a copy of In the Death of Night from NetGalley and Allen & Unwin in exchange for an honest review. Greg Haddrick looks at one of the most puzzling and odd crimes committed in Australia, the police investigation is full of setbacks, twist and turns and remember it started when Covid hit and Victoria was placed into lock-down and they had to abide by these rules.
Using details that haven’t been revealed before, Mr. Haddrick writes an unbiased and informative account of what happened to Russell Hill and Carol Clay in March 2020 and while being very respectful of the feelings of their families, especially Russell’s widow Robyn and his daughters.
This is told mainly from the detective’s points of view, these men did a remarkable job of joining the dots to find a lying, controlling, narcissistic predator and the court case was long and complicated and if you like reading about true crime I highly recommend In the Death of Night and five stars from me.
The police have to look at all the possibilities, one being did they fake their own deaths and to start a new life together? It didn’t take long for them to rule this out, the police were sure they were victims of foul play, but they had no bodies and the only evidence a burnt campsite and a damaged white Toyota Land Cruiser.
The investigation begins, involved are the Missing Persons Squad and a team of detectives from Victoria Police Force and Inspector Andrew Stamper was present from the beginning and later Brett Florence and Dan Passingham. They had to locate anyone who had stayed at the Bucks Camp around the time, any cars that were seen in the location, then thoroughly check everyone's stories and alibis and a hermit who frequented the area. Over a year had passed, they had one main suspect a Jetstar captain Greg Lynn, a married man and father and who liked to spend his down time camping and hunting.
I won’t spoil what the lengths the investigating team went to and did to get enough proof to take Greg Lynn in for questioning and formally charge him and for the case to go to trial and the complexities of the Victorian legal system and the time frame.
I received a copy of In the Death of Night from NetGalley and Allen & Unwin in exchange for an honest review. Greg Haddrick looks at one of the most puzzling and odd crimes committed in Australia, the police investigation is full of setbacks, twist and turns and remember it started when Covid hit and Victoria was placed into lock-down and they had to abide by these rules.
Using details that haven’t been revealed before, Mr. Haddrick writes an unbiased and informative account of what happened to Russell Hill and Carol Clay in March 2020 and while being very respectful of the feelings of their families, especially Russell’s widow Robyn and his daughters.
This is told mainly from the detective’s points of view, these men did a remarkable job of joining the dots to find a lying, controlling, narcissistic predator and the court case was long and complicated and if you like reading about true crime I highly recommend In the Death of Night and five stars from me.
January 14, 2025
3 Stars = Don't regret reading it.
This book covers the procedures surrounding the investigation of the murders of Russell Hill and Carol Clay in 2020. It was all made a bit trickier by the intrusion of the COVID lock-downs in Australia. I did enjoy the book while reading it, but looking back on it, I guess it could be considered a bit dry in places. There are a few twists and turns to keep you engaged, so, all-in-all an interesting true crime book.
This book covers the procedures surrounding the investigation of the murders of Russell Hill and Carol Clay in 2020. It was all made a bit trickier by the intrusion of the COVID lock-downs in Australia. I did enjoy the book while reading it, but looking back on it, I guess it could be considered a bit dry in places. There are a few twists and turns to keep you engaged, so, all-in-all an interesting true crime book.
November 5, 2024
Of the two books that are already out about this case (that I'm aware of), this was the more enjoyable and interesting to read, simply because it had way more information about things that were not reported in the media. However, having said that, it is unclear what was made up and what was factual. There is at least one factual error I found, and in the author's notes at the end it is admitted that things said may have included some level of artistic freedom and imagination. The problem with this is that some of the things included are so fascinating that it is really quite disappointing if these are made up.
If you've followed the case throughout the last four years, there is plenty in here to satisfy you.
If you've followed the case throughout the last four years, there is plenty in here to satisfy you.
December 6, 2024
Best true crime novel I've read in a long time.
Greg Haddrick has done an amazing job putting this together and giving an accurate run down of the investigation and subsequent trial of Greg Lynn.
This is living proof of what's wrong with our criminal justice system. The fact Greg Lynn was nearly acquitted is remarkable, when the intentions of his actions were quite clear in what he did post the deaths of Russell and Carol.
And to Dan, the corroborater and fellow investigator resigning from the police force post trial is sadly what is wrong with our society. Here is a capable and skilled detective looking after the victims families and trying to get justice for the victims, but put to the sword by the judge and defence counsel for his troubles.
But when you make ex-lawyers judges, you can see how this would happen eh?
The police have a strict line in the sand to bring a killer to justice. The defence team can play by whatever rules they want.
And this book, with its direct extracts from the trial proves this.
An amazing read.
Greg Haddrick has done an amazing job putting this together and giving an accurate run down of the investigation and subsequent trial of Greg Lynn.
This is living proof of what's wrong with our criminal justice system. The fact Greg Lynn was nearly acquitted is remarkable, when the intentions of his actions were quite clear in what he did post the deaths of Russell and Carol.
And to Dan, the corroborater and fellow investigator resigning from the police force post trial is sadly what is wrong with our society. Here is a capable and skilled detective looking after the victims families and trying to get justice for the victims, but put to the sword by the judge and defence counsel for his troubles.
But when you make ex-lawyers judges, you can see how this would happen eh?
The police have a strict line in the sand to bring a killer to justice. The defence team can play by whatever rules they want.
And this book, with its direct extracts from the trial proves this.
An amazing read.
February 7, 2025
An excellent account of the investigation into the elderly couple who disappeared while camping in the Wonnangatta Valley in Victoria in 2020. Initially a missing persons case, investigators quite quickly realised the pair, Russell Hill and Carol Clay were not coming home to their families.
A step by step description of the police investigation and eventually arrest and prosecution of the Jetstar Pilot, Greg Lynn, is well written and easy to follow.
The court case is wrapped up promptly in the final chapters of the book and the outcome is quite well known, but I won't spoil it for those who might not be aware of the outcome.
Good writing with an empathetic hand, I will see what he might write next (in between screen plays).
A step by step description of the police investigation and eventually arrest and prosecution of the Jetstar Pilot, Greg Lynn, is well written and easy to follow.
The court case is wrapped up promptly in the final chapters of the book and the outcome is quite well known, but I won't spoil it for those who might not be aware of the outcome.
Good writing with an empathetic hand, I will see what he might write next (in between screen plays).
January 28, 2025
I’ve never read a true crime police procedural but have been interested in this case from the start. It was so interesting learning how the police collected evidence particularly given it’s where I live although some parts were clearly more fictional given I doubt police have supplied direct personal thoughts/quotes.
Aspects of the court case were difficult to read at times, not in any way due to the author but the barristers speak in riddles and I guess the law itself can be frustrating. If you’re interested in this case definitely a fascinating read
Aspects of the court case were difficult to read at times, not in any way due to the author but the barristers speak in riddles and I guess the law itself can be frustrating. If you’re interested in this case definitely a fascinating read
January 20, 2025
Fascinating account of the police investigation into the murder of Russell & Carol. As a Legal Studies teacher, very useful in detailing procedural aspects of criminal investigations.
November 5, 2024
It was March 2020. The world was about to be distracted by a coronavirus that would become generically known as Covid-19. It would generate millions of deaths and cause huge problems to the movement of people from region to region and to the world’s economies, not least Australia and the state of Victoria.
At much the same time, a search was about to commence for 74-year-old onetime logger, Russell Hill. Russell had gone camping in Victoria's Wonnangatta Valley but had failed to maintain amateur radio contact with friends. This was a normal occurrence, in fact de rigeur, when the experienced bushie was in an area lacking mobile phone coverage. He’d called on Friday 20 March 2020, “...as happy as a pig in (poo)...,” but that was the last anyone heard from him.
By Wednesday, the fifth day without further contact, the friends convinced Russell’s wife to contact 000, Emergency Services. There was sufficient concern for his welfare for Victoria Police to commence a search of the general area in which he’d intended to camp. Although officers met and spoke with people familiar with Russell, or who’d been in the area at the time, there was no sign of him. At the same time, his photo began to appear in the media.
In the meantime, a number of other factors arose. A fire-singed white Toyota Land Cruiser and burnt tent and camping gear were discovered at a campsite in the Wonnangatta Valley, and Sale police received a concerned telephone call. A lady rang to ask if there was any news of Carol? It took a few minutes, but finally the lady was able to confirm Carol Clay as Russell’s regular companion and that she was with him on this bush camping trip.
“But his wife said he was on his own…”
The search was recommenced, but now for a couple. As it intensified, police followed up leads and contacts, gradually eliminating those able to prove they were elsewhere. Finally, there was just one lead that couldn’t be explained away, a Nissan Patrol with its headlights on in daytime, towing a trailer, picked up on an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera on the Great Alpine Road. Its owner-driver was airline check-pilot Greg Lynn.
In The Dead Of Night reads much like a crime thriller. Greg Haddrick describes in fine detail the frustration of police and prosecutors putting together evidence for a jury trial to meet the standards of fairness demanded by our legal system. Greg Lynn in some ways was his own worst enemy. Despite his solicitor advising him to respond to police questioning with a standard “No comment,” he was a man accustomed to using his knowledge to train others and appeared unable to keep his trap shut. In fact, as often as not, he’d answer a question and then add, “Anyway, no comment.”
The court case was finalised only a few months ago, so it’s no spoiler to say that Greg Lynn was found guilty on one of two murder charges. The story devolves greatly around the legal arguments and the frustration of the prosecution getting it all together. The book drew me in and I had great difficulty putting it down, starting it one evening, then up again at 5:00 am to get under way again!
Exceptional writing, Greg Haddrick.
At much the same time, a search was about to commence for 74-year-old onetime logger, Russell Hill. Russell had gone camping in Victoria's Wonnangatta Valley but had failed to maintain amateur radio contact with friends. This was a normal occurrence, in fact de rigeur, when the experienced bushie was in an area lacking mobile phone coverage. He’d called on Friday 20 March 2020, “...as happy as a pig in (poo)...,” but that was the last anyone heard from him.
By Wednesday, the fifth day without further contact, the friends convinced Russell’s wife to contact 000, Emergency Services. There was sufficient concern for his welfare for Victoria Police to commence a search of the general area in which he’d intended to camp. Although officers met and spoke with people familiar with Russell, or who’d been in the area at the time, there was no sign of him. At the same time, his photo began to appear in the media.
In the meantime, a number of other factors arose. A fire-singed white Toyota Land Cruiser and burnt tent and camping gear were discovered at a campsite in the Wonnangatta Valley, and Sale police received a concerned telephone call. A lady rang to ask if there was any news of Carol? It took a few minutes, but finally the lady was able to confirm Carol Clay as Russell’s regular companion and that she was with him on this bush camping trip.
“But his wife said he was on his own…”
The search was recommenced, but now for a couple. As it intensified, police followed up leads and contacts, gradually eliminating those able to prove they were elsewhere. Finally, there was just one lead that couldn’t be explained away, a Nissan Patrol with its headlights on in daytime, towing a trailer, picked up on an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera on the Great Alpine Road. Its owner-driver was airline check-pilot Greg Lynn.
In The Dead Of Night reads much like a crime thriller. Greg Haddrick describes in fine detail the frustration of police and prosecutors putting together evidence for a jury trial to meet the standards of fairness demanded by our legal system. Greg Lynn in some ways was his own worst enemy. Despite his solicitor advising him to respond to police questioning with a standard “No comment,” he was a man accustomed to using his knowledge to train others and appeared unable to keep his trap shut. In fact, as often as not, he’d answer a question and then add, “Anyway, no comment.”
The court case was finalised only a few months ago, so it’s no spoiler to say that Greg Lynn was found guilty on one of two murder charges. The story devolves greatly around the legal arguments and the frustration of the prosecution getting it all together. The book drew me in and I had great difficulty putting it down, starting it one evening, then up again at 5:00 am to get under way again!
Exceptional writing, Greg Haddrick.
February 4, 2025
“I’m innocent of murder, I haven’t behaved well, I’ve made some poor decisions. But murder, as I understand it, I’m innocent of” - Greg Lynn
A camping trip brought Russell Hill and Carol Clay to a remote pocket of Victoria, but the pair would never emerge from the Wonnangatta Valley alive and what followed was an investigation as the author put it ‘the investigation was like assembling a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle without having the box lid to show you what the picture was.’
In the Dead of the Night by Greg Haddrick is the second book that has been published on the Russell Hill and Carol Clay murders. It is a case that I have had an interest in since the start when I first saw the photos of the burnt out campsite.
The book started off ok, and I was thinking maybe I would get new information about the case that I haven’t heard of before. But there was a point in the book, where the author tried to describe Dargo and the location of the bodies that I started to question his source of information. Had he bothered to drive out to Dargo and Union Spur track just past the ghost town that was once Grant?
I believe a good true crime writer remains partial while presenting the facts. This book, IMO, failed to do that. At times I felt like the author was pushing the narrative that Greg was a serial killer….
This is not an old case, where people have died and moved on. In fact this case is still pending appeals. The ability to interview people is still there. So there was no reason to write it using a creative method. For example the police interviews… the constant need to assume what Greg and the police were thinking and saying during these moments… I had to ask if I was reading a fiction book.
And the information about the court case didn’t flow. I think if you are not Australian and didn’t follow the case, you risk getting lost in this book.
This book lacked source information and at the end the author does declare he took a creative method to taking later recollections and casting them into words that might have actually been said at that time. To me doing that recreates an unreliable narrative and has no place in true crime books.
A camping trip brought Russell Hill and Carol Clay to a remote pocket of Victoria, but the pair would never emerge from the Wonnangatta Valley alive and what followed was an investigation as the author put it ‘the investigation was like assembling a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle without having the box lid to show you what the picture was.’
In the Dead of the Night by Greg Haddrick is the second book that has been published on the Russell Hill and Carol Clay murders. It is a case that I have had an interest in since the start when I first saw the photos of the burnt out campsite.
The book started off ok, and I was thinking maybe I would get new information about the case that I haven’t heard of before. But there was a point in the book, where the author tried to describe Dargo and the location of the bodies that I started to question his source of information. Had he bothered to drive out to Dargo and Union Spur track just past the ghost town that was once Grant?
I believe a good true crime writer remains partial while presenting the facts. This book, IMO, failed to do that. At times I felt like the author was pushing the narrative that Greg was a serial killer….
This is not an old case, where people have died and moved on. In fact this case is still pending appeals. The ability to interview people is still there. So there was no reason to write it using a creative method. For example the police interviews… the constant need to assume what Greg and the police were thinking and saying during these moments… I had to ask if I was reading a fiction book.
And the information about the court case didn’t flow. I think if you are not Australian and didn’t follow the case, you risk getting lost in this book.
This book lacked source information and at the end the author does declare he took a creative method to taking later recollections and casting them into words that might have actually been said at that time. To me doing that recreates an unreliable narrative and has no place in true crime books.
June 21, 2025
"In the Dead of Night" by Greg Haddrick is a compelling true crime book that reads much like a gripping crime thriller. It provides a detailed and well-researched account of the mysterious disappearance and murders of Russell Hill and Carol Clay in Victoria's Wonnangatta Valley in 2020, set against the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Haddrick excels in capturing the frustration and determination of the police and prosecutors as they painstakingly gather evidence to meet the high standards required by the legal system. The narrative offers an insightful look into the complexities of the investigation and the judicial process, including the challenges of charging a suspect without bodies or direct witnesses.
The book is particularly praised for its factual and unbiased approach, told mainly from the detectives' perspectives, highlighting their remarkable work in piecing together clues to identify Greg Lynn, the accused. Readers appreciate the depth of detail, including previously unrevealed information and the respectful handling of the victims' families' feelings.
Many reviewers found the book difficult to put down, with its twists and turns keeping the reader engaged throughout. It offers a front-row seat to the court hearings and the police's strategic efforts, including surveillance and community involvement, which were crucial in solving the case.
While some note that the book can be a bit dry in places due to the procedural nature of the content, this is balanced by the compelling storytelling and the emotional investment in the case. The writing is described as exceptional, and the book is highly recommended for fans of true crime and those interested in the intricacies of criminal investigations and the justice system.
Overall, "In the Dead of Night" is a fascinating, informative, and well-crafted true crime narrative that sheds light on one of Australia's most puzzling crimes, making it a must-read for true crime enthusiasts.
Haddrick excels in capturing the frustration and determination of the police and prosecutors as they painstakingly gather evidence to meet the high standards required by the legal system. The narrative offers an insightful look into the complexities of the investigation and the judicial process, including the challenges of charging a suspect without bodies or direct witnesses.
The book is particularly praised for its factual and unbiased approach, told mainly from the detectives' perspectives, highlighting their remarkable work in piecing together clues to identify Greg Lynn, the accused. Readers appreciate the depth of detail, including previously unrevealed information and the respectful handling of the victims' families' feelings.
Many reviewers found the book difficult to put down, with its twists and turns keeping the reader engaged throughout. It offers a front-row seat to the court hearings and the police's strategic efforts, including surveillance and community involvement, which were crucial in solving the case.
While some note that the book can be a bit dry in places due to the procedural nature of the content, this is balanced by the compelling storytelling and the emotional investment in the case. The writing is described as exceptional, and the book is highly recommended for fans of true crime and those interested in the intricacies of criminal investigations and the justice system.
Overall, "In the Dead of Night" is a fascinating, informative, and well-crafted true crime narrative that sheds light on one of Australia's most puzzling crimes, making it a must-read for true crime enthusiasts.
December 8, 2024
In the dead of night by Greg Haddock is the gripping story and the twists and turns of the police investigation into the disappearance of Russel Hill and Carol Clay in the remote Wonnangatta Valley. Russel and Carol were secret lovers and had gone away for a few days to be together. When they did not return family and friends of Russel and Carol reported them missing. When the people around the world heard of the disappearance in the outback of Australia people speculated that they had run away together even though Russel was married, and they were both in their 70's.
As time went on and there was no activity from there cell phones or credit cards the police began to think that they were the victims of foul play. They found a burnt-out campsite and the police began to have a few suspects. There main suspect is a successful professional pilot, but could he be involved with their murder and if so why. The case becomes complex as there are no bodies and the police are also caught up as Covid hits and they are stuck as they cannot do anything as the county and world grinds to a halt.
This is an excellent book and the inside story of how the police eventually close in and catch up with Greg Lynn who was married, had children and a successful career but was hiding a dark secret. A well-researched book and One of the best books I have read this year. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As time went on and there was no activity from there cell phones or credit cards the police began to think that they were the victims of foul play. They found a burnt-out campsite and the police began to have a few suspects. There main suspect is a successful professional pilot, but could he be involved with their murder and if so why. The case becomes complex as there are no bodies and the police are also caught up as Covid hits and they are stuck as they cannot do anything as the county and world grinds to a halt.
This is an excellent book and the inside story of how the police eventually close in and catch up with Greg Lynn who was married, had children and a successful career but was hiding a dark secret. A well-researched book and One of the best books I have read this year. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2025
Two older Australians disappear after going off on a camping trip in a remote bush land setting. Searches are organised and neither they nor their bodies are found.
This was a gripping read. Even though I was somewhat familiar with the events and the outcome of the trial, I couldn’t put the book down. It gave me an insight into the dedication and persistence of the investigating police officers, and also the chilling modus operandi of the killer.
I compare this book to the convoluted, unbelievable story I had read just before from one of Australia’s most highly regarded murder mystery writers. True crime and Greg Haddrick’s tight writing style win hands down. Looking forward to his next book.
This was a gripping read. Even though I was somewhat familiar with the events and the outcome of the trial, I couldn’t put the book down. It gave me an insight into the dedication and persistence of the investigating police officers, and also the chilling modus operandi of the killer.
I compare this book to the convoluted, unbelievable story I had read just before from one of Australia’s most highly regarded murder mystery writers. True crime and Greg Haddrick’s tight writing style win hands down. Looking forward to his next book.
December 1, 2024
Good account of a really frustrating case. This book reflects the determined and dogged effort the police put into it, through the endless lockdowns Victoria suffered through during the COVID pandemic. Even more exasperating than the time it took to be able to catch their suspect, was the legal limitations during the court case. Justice has somewhat been served to Carol Clay's family. Unfortunately not so for Russell Hill and unfortunately, only the killer knows what truly happened that night.
October 29, 2024
I rarely pre-order, but needed a beach read with some substance and boy did this deliver !!! As someone who works closely with the justice system, both victims and perpetrators - I found myself entranced!!! This read is so profound, exposing the worst and best of human kind simultaneously. It is a truly amazing read!
September 23, 2025
The way this was written really drew me into the stress of the police trying to figure out this case. The police work involved was very impressive. This case was always maddening with how much evidence was destroyed, and how controlled Greg Lynn was when being questioned. It’s crazy how close he was to getting away with it all.
January 9, 2025
A good insight into the true case of the missing campers in Victoria and the extensive Police investigation that led to the arrest and trial of the killer. Some of the information regarding how Police used the media to their advantage was totally new to me.
October 25, 2024
Great read!! Gripping from start to finish.
October 25, 2024
After finishing season two of mind-hunter I had that true crime itch, and have to say this more then satisfied it
December 22, 2024
Really interesting read. Knowing the area where this happened reasonably well, the police work to find the accused was incredible. Recommend to anyone interested in a real world crime novel.
December 31, 2024
A real true crime novel like no other .
Greg Lyn needs to be locked up forever .
Greg Lyn needs to be locked up forever .
January 28, 2025
Read in one sitting. Gripping.
February 2, 2025
excellent
February 24, 2025
Highly recommend this riveting read. Amazing work by the police involved
Awaiting results of appeal
Read and make up your own mind!!!
Awaiting results of appeal
Read and make up your own mind!!!
March 23, 2025
A well-written account of the Wonnangatta Valley murderer, Greg Lynn. I read it in half a day because I couldn't put it down.
April 12, 2025
Brilliantly written and so much information. Outstanding.
April 29, 2025
Excellent insight into the difficult job of the Victoria Police investigating the murder of two innocent people.
The narrator has done a brilliant job and I found it hard to stop listening.
The narrator has done a brilliant job and I found it hard to stop listening.
August 30, 2025
Insightful and amazing how they follow the clues
December 19, 2024
An interesting, well researched, edited and compiled account of the tragic deaths of Russell Hill and Carol Clay who were camping in Victoria's Wonnangatta Valley in 2020.
This book, while I enjoyed it, seems to me to be a bit... precipitous maybe? And I am not entirely sure who the target audience is. People like me who were reading about the case, following it in the media and Covid19 locked us down? People who never heard of the case - how would they know to buy the book?
Well, anyway, it starts with the case in the logical place, we read about Russell Hill going camping and radioing in every day as was his habit. We read (again) how after not hearing from him for five days, his wife calls the police with a missing persons report. It is fascinating hearing how the Victorian lockdowns affected the police and their response to the missing person case. I also had always wondered the details of how it came out that Carol Clay was with him. The poor, poor families...
Well, then we see the police investigation into the case, the stages at which witnesses appeared, how the fired campsite was handled and I enjoyed all that part. A lot of it was never in the media and many of the details only become relevant for a book like this, so I enjoyed that.
Then we come to the point where Greg Lynn becomes a primary suspect and there is a lot of behind the scenes stuff that, obviously I never knew about and which was interesting to read.
The details of the case, the Judiciary response to the evidence and the mangling of the 'justice system' was deeply concerning in many ways and made it a bit sickening to read. Hearing that the justice system of your country is this... whatever.... is possibly even more sickening than hearing how Russell and Carol met their ends. In as much as we do find that out (not much) because Greg Lynn may be considered a less than honest narrator.
So, this book tells the case so far. But as I am sure most readers understand, this is not the end of the case, there will be appeals, there will be more. Not a bad book for where we stand, but for a conclusion we may need to wait for a time when this case finally reaches the last court of appeal.
This book, while I enjoyed it, seems to me to be a bit... precipitous maybe? And I am not entirely sure who the target audience is. People like me who were reading about the case, following it in the media and Covid19 locked us down? People who never heard of the case - how would they know to buy the book?
Well, anyway, it starts with the case in the logical place, we read about Russell Hill going camping and radioing in every day as was his habit. We read (again) how after not hearing from him for five days, his wife calls the police with a missing persons report. It is fascinating hearing how the Victorian lockdowns affected the police and their response to the missing person case. I also had always wondered the details of how it came out that Carol Clay was with him. The poor, poor families...
Well, then we see the police investigation into the case, the stages at which witnesses appeared, how the fired campsite was handled and I enjoyed all that part. A lot of it was never in the media and many of the details only become relevant for a book like this, so I enjoyed that.
Then we come to the point where Greg Lynn becomes a primary suspect and there is a lot of behind the scenes stuff that, obviously I never knew about and which was interesting to read.
The details of the case, the Judiciary response to the evidence and the mangling of the 'justice system' was deeply concerning in many ways and made it a bit sickening to read. Hearing that the justice system of your country is this... whatever.... is possibly even more sickening than hearing how Russell and Carol met their ends. In as much as we do find that out (not much) because Greg Lynn may be considered a less than honest narrator.
So, this book tells the case so far. But as I am sure most readers understand, this is not the end of the case, there will be appeals, there will be more. Not a bad book for where we stand, but for a conclusion we may need to wait for a time when this case finally reaches the last court of appeal.
December 14, 2024
In the Dead of the Night surrounds the mysterious disappearance of Russell Hill and Carol Clay in the remote Wonnangatta Valley. We follow the police investigation, through the different departments from Missing Persons to Homicide to the final capturing of the suspect, Greg Lynn, a Jetstar Captain.
This is a gripping retelling of how the police were able to put the disjointed clues together, interviewing suspects and finally focusing on Greg as the key suspect in the disappearance. We also get a good look into how the police were able to charge him without the bodies, what clues and information were left in the area.
This is a well written recount of the events into the disappearance of Hill and Clay and the inside workings of the police and judicial system. It also shows the importance of community involvement from something so simple as a few seconds on your home CCTV, dash cam footage or any information that they could provide into the sighting of Hill and/or Clay.
We get front row seats into the court hearing, the evidence, and the eventual outcome of the case. The interviews with family, friends, and people in the community and with Lynn was very insightful. The author (Greg Haddrick) has done an amazing job to keep the information factual and entertaining.
The cat and mouse game with the police and Greg Lynn was a prolonged event that showed the extent that the Police would go to get their man, from setting up surveillance, watching Greg and his wife, getting to know his routine, habits and friends, the police were able to get a good understanding of this man.
This is a must read if you are into true crime and Australian True crime stories and love to see how the police worked from start to finish of a case. In the Dead of the Night is a gripping nonfiction into the mind of our policing system and the minds of the detectives who are assigned to this case.
#IntheDeadofNight #NetGalley #booknerd #australianstory #mysteryread #booktok #arc #ladysnuffy #crimebook #crimereads #truestory #bookgram #books #fyp
This is a gripping retelling of how the police were able to put the disjointed clues together, interviewing suspects and finally focusing on Greg as the key suspect in the disappearance. We also get a good look into how the police were able to charge him without the bodies, what clues and information were left in the area.
This is a well written recount of the events into the disappearance of Hill and Clay and the inside workings of the police and judicial system. It also shows the importance of community involvement from something so simple as a few seconds on your home CCTV, dash cam footage or any information that they could provide into the sighting of Hill and/or Clay.
We get front row seats into the court hearing, the evidence, and the eventual outcome of the case. The interviews with family, friends, and people in the community and with Lynn was very insightful. The author (Greg Haddrick) has done an amazing job to keep the information factual and entertaining.
The cat and mouse game with the police and Greg Lynn was a prolonged event that showed the extent that the Police would go to get their man, from setting up surveillance, watching Greg and his wife, getting to know his routine, habits and friends, the police were able to get a good understanding of this man.
This is a must read if you are into true crime and Australian True crime stories and love to see how the police worked from start to finish of a case. In the Dead of the Night is a gripping nonfiction into the mind of our policing system and the minds of the detectives who are assigned to this case.
#IntheDeadofNight #NetGalley #booknerd #australianstory #mysteryread #booktok #arc #ladysnuffy #crimebook #crimereads #truestory #bookgram #books #fyp
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December 6, 2024A very well researched book, takes you into the investigation and how they found the perpetrator. I found this interested, as you never hear about what goes on behind the scenes, and it helped me understand & appreciate how hard the police investigators do work.
I'm not going to rate it, I didn't finish it, as for me I just wasn't interested in the court proceedings, that was just me.
It does seem still so close to the case, and I do feel for the families, their story, taken away from them. So it's a little tough.
I'm not going to rate it, I didn't finish it, as for me I just wasn't interested in the court proceedings, that was just me.
It does seem still so close to the case, and I do feel for the families, their story, taken away from them. So it's a little tough.
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