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Behind Closed Doors
Four children by her father. Thirty years of horrific sexual abuse.
Now updated with a new epilogue, detailing Katherine’s brave stand at the Royal Commission
In March 2009, Joseph Fritzl was sentenced to life in jail for the systematic imprisonment, torture and rape of his daughter Elisabeth over 24 years, fathering seven children. The case shocked the world.
But just a month before, the story of Australia’s own house of horrors was emerging in a Victorian country town.
Under a blanket of suppression orders, a man in his late sixties was quietly arrested, charged – and later convicted – for the systematic rape, abuse and imprisonment of his only daughter, ‘Katherine’, which spanned decades. He fathered four of her children.
Until recently, this shocking story had been buried under a complex legal web and Katherine’s insistence on silence so that she could rebuild her shattered life and protect her children. In Behind Closed Doors , Katherine speaks out and tells the story of how she survived – and how such degrading abuse went unnoticed for so long.
Now, a new epilogue reveals the evidence Katherine gave at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, detailing the betrayal she felt at having been ignored for so long.
Now updated with a new epilogue, detailing Katherine’s brave stand at the Royal Commission
In March 2009, Joseph Fritzl was sentenced to life in jail for the systematic imprisonment, torture and rape of his daughter Elisabeth over 24 years, fathering seven children. The case shocked the world.
But just a month before, the story of Australia’s own house of horrors was emerging in a Victorian country town.
Under a blanket of suppression orders, a man in his late sixties was quietly arrested, charged – and later convicted – for the systematic rape, abuse and imprisonment of his only daughter, ‘Katherine’, which spanned decades. He fathered four of her children.
Until recently, this shocking story had been buried under a complex legal web and Katherine’s insistence on silence so that she could rebuild her shattered life and protect her children. In Behind Closed Doors , Katherine speaks out and tells the story of how she survived – and how such degrading abuse went unnoticed for so long.
Now, a new epilogue reveals the evidence Katherine gave at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, detailing the betrayal she felt at having been ignored for so long.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 26, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘If one person has shown faith in me, if one adult had really listened to me, my life would be very different, and my story may have had a fairy tale ending. My past has robbed my future, but I know I am not the only child who has ever suffered. Let this be a lesson to every adult. You never know what’s going on behind closed doors’.
Katherine X
Behind Closed Doors is a 2015 publication released by Simon & Schuster Australia, written by Katherine X and Sue Smethurst, a senior journalist from The Australian Women’s Weekly. In this biography and true crime memoir, Smethurst outlines the horrific life experiences of Katherine X, an Australian woman who suffered decades of abuse in every form, physically, emotionally and sexually, at the hands of her own father. She also shockingly gave birth to four of his children. To make matters worse, Katherine’s mother refused to take any action to help her, despite her clear knowledge of her husband’s abuse towards his daughter. Katherine’s voice is also included, via her first person point of view testimony. The case is utterly sickening and incredibly regrettable.Katherine tried numerous times to report the abuse to the authorities in Victoria to no avail. Sadly, this case was systematically swept under the carpet by authorities, including a hospital and a high volume of social workers. Although Katherine’s experiences are confronting, this is a must read. The case frustrated me and made me angry to no end! Thirty years after the abuse started, Katherine’s father was finally tried and sentenced to 22 years in prison. There is little information on Katherine’s story which I discovered through a media search. This is due to timing of the case (it coincided with the Black Saturday case), the legal issues surrounding it and the need to protection Katherine, as well as her children, from further scrutiny. Katherine X shows us the strength of the human spirit to endure in such horrific conditions. In bravely sharing her experiences, with the assistance of Sue Smethurst, Katherine hopes that, ‘If there’s one message I want to pass on it is that every child must be listened to. Children’s voices need to be heard, their stories acknowledged’.
Behind Closed Doors is book #152 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
*Book ‘X’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
‘If one person has shown faith in me, if one adult had really listened to me, my life would be very different, and my story may have had a fairy tale ending. My past has robbed my future, but I know I am not the only child who has ever suffered. Let this be a lesson to every adult. You never know what’s going on behind closed doors’.
Katherine X
Behind Closed Doors is a 2015 publication released by Simon & Schuster Australia, written by Katherine X and Sue Smethurst, a senior journalist from The Australian Women’s Weekly. In this biography and true crime memoir, Smethurst outlines the horrific life experiences of Katherine X, an Australian woman who suffered decades of abuse in every form, physically, emotionally and sexually, at the hands of her own father. She also shockingly gave birth to four of his children. To make matters worse, Katherine’s mother refused to take any action to help her, despite her clear knowledge of her husband’s abuse towards his daughter. Katherine’s voice is also included, via her first person point of view testimony. The case is utterly sickening and incredibly regrettable.Katherine tried numerous times to report the abuse to the authorities in Victoria to no avail. Sadly, this case was systematically swept under the carpet by authorities, including a hospital and a high volume of social workers. Although Katherine’s experiences are confronting, this is a must read. The case frustrated me and made me angry to no end! Thirty years after the abuse started, Katherine’s father was finally tried and sentenced to 22 years in prison. There is little information on Katherine’s story which I discovered through a media search. This is due to timing of the case (it coincided with the Black Saturday case), the legal issues surrounding it and the need to protection Katherine, as well as her children, from further scrutiny. Katherine X shows us the strength of the human spirit to endure in such horrific conditions. In bravely sharing her experiences, with the assistance of Sue Smethurst, Katherine hopes that, ‘If there’s one message I want to pass on it is that every child must be listened to. Children’s voices need to be heard, their stories acknowledged’.
Behind Closed Doors is book #152 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
*Book ‘X’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
January 4, 2020
Listened to the audio version, read by Caroline Lee.
This was very hard to listen to, there really are no words other than shocking, emotional, heartbreaking and unsettling.
I have a few non-fiction books on my TBR shelf with a theme of domestic violence and child abuse, I really don’t know why I put myself through reading these heart wrenching stories, perhaps it is to be reminded of a wonderful childhood and loving parents that I sometimes forget I had until reading books like these.
This was very hard to listen to, there really are no words other than shocking, emotional, heartbreaking and unsettling.
I have a few non-fiction books on my TBR shelf with a theme of domestic violence and child abuse, I really don’t know why I put myself through reading these heart wrenching stories, perhaps it is to be reminded of a wonderful childhood and loving parents that I sometimes forget I had until reading books like these.
August 7, 2019
My overall opinion on this book is that the marketing is quite misleading. Katherine’s story is nothing like that of Elisabeth Fritzl. At all. I expected someone held hostage, and though she undeniably was held hostage mentally, I find it almost insulting to put her inability to leave because of emotional abuse on the same level as a girl/woman who was actually held captive, secretly, in a cellar and forced to have her fathers children. They are on completely different playing fields.
Her story is more akin to prolonged domestic abuse than the Fritzl case. It’s standard (as in, aside from her kids, nothing particularly uncommon, abuse-wise, happened) child sexual abuse that lasted decades because she felt unable to escape.
It’s an easy read because it’s not particularly well-written. You can tell it wasn’t written by a ‘writer’ but a normal human being. It’s a woman recounting her unfortunate childhood and proceeding three decades of life.
It’s nonetheless interesting and devastating, like all cases of CSA, and I’m glad it was cathartic for Katherine to tell her story. However, it’s poorly labelled and I can’t get past how absurd the comparison to Fritzl, which they mention in the book, is. Her story is not a House of Horrors like Fritzl or other girls who’ve been held hostage for years. It seems like they smacked that on there to make it sell better, which I guess worked.
Her story is more akin to prolonged domestic abuse than the Fritzl case. It’s standard (as in, aside from her kids, nothing particularly uncommon, abuse-wise, happened) child sexual abuse that lasted decades because she felt unable to escape.
It’s an easy read because it’s not particularly well-written. You can tell it wasn’t written by a ‘writer’ but a normal human being. It’s a woman recounting her unfortunate childhood and proceeding three decades of life.
It’s nonetheless interesting and devastating, like all cases of CSA, and I’m glad it was cathartic for Katherine to tell her story. However, it’s poorly labelled and I can’t get past how absurd the comparison to Fritzl, which they mention in the book, is. Her story is not a House of Horrors like Fritzl or other girls who’ve been held hostage for years. It seems like they smacked that on there to make it sell better, which I guess worked.
June 18, 2015
**********SPOILERS******SPOILERS**********
What a tragic story, I am lost for words, but this was a great read. However, what father could do that to a child, he is where he deserves to be. How could a mother not know or stand by and allow this to happen (or were you so traumatised yourself)?. Katherine is brave for telling this story, I know this can never completely heal her however, I hope she does find some peace. Please that you have your brother and children. However, your children and you both have times of turmoil ahead.
Katherine you are not to blame....best wishes..may you find peace in your life ahead. Brave to write this book.
Many tears were wept whilst reading this book.
What a tragic story, I am lost for words, but this was a great read. However, what father could do that to a child, he is where he deserves to be. How could a mother not know or stand by and allow this to happen (or were you so traumatised yourself)?. Katherine is brave for telling this story, I know this can never completely heal her however, I hope she does find some peace. Please that you have your brother and children. However, your children and you both have times of turmoil ahead.
Katherine you are not to blame....best wishes..may you find peace in your life ahead. Brave to write this book.
Many tears were wept whilst reading this book.
June 11, 2015
This was a great book which I'm glad I read, because Katherine's story should be told............BUT!.......This book was not well written, it was all over the place and we kept hearing the same story's over and over and some of them contradicted each other
February 7, 2019
Incompressible. I feel bad giving this book a rating. It is not to be rated. How can it be? For entertainment value? For literary value?
There’s so much I want to understand. So much I don’t get. I’m not sure if I’m glad I read this, or wished things could be unknown.
All power to Katherine.
There’s so much I want to understand. So much I don’t get. I’m not sure if I’m glad I read this, or wished things could be unknown.
All power to Katherine.
Read
September 12, 2017I can't give this a rating it's just so heartbreakingly sad! kX I hope you are well and finding some peace and happiness in love and life!
Read
September 7, 2024So harrowing. I want to fist fight every social services worker who let this woman down 😭
October 29, 2017
It never ceases to amaze me the strength of the human spirit!
Read
May 26, 2023Impossible to rate - a sickening, brutal, harrowing life story. I wish peace for this woman - don’t know how she survived. May she find happiness.
June 13, 2017
A distressing story and I commend Katherine for having the courage to speak out. What's particularly disturbing about the story is the catastrophic failure of the authorities to take action when suspicions were first raised - even when the victim told them what was happening. The tragedy is that this family were on the radar and still nothing happened - that's the shocking part. Also upsetting is when you realise that the victim and her children will suffer forever following the revelation that the children and their children's children will have genetic issues. No sentence imposed on the monster who subjected them to this will ever be enough to redress the balance, but at least he is no longer near them to continue inflicting his despicable behaviour.
My rating is not a reflection on the victim but on the way the story has been told. It's erratic and there are so many pieces that are repeated it became irritating.
My rating is not a reflection on the victim but on the way the story has been told. It's erratic and there are so many pieces that are repeated it became irritating.
Read
January 29, 2024“Children’s voices need to be heard, their stories acknowledged. I cried from the rooftops and not a soul believed me. I was just a kid with a wild imagination and full of bullshit trying to get attention”
I don’t like rating memoirs and rate someone’s experiences on a scale of entertainment but this book… very hard and appalling to read but important nonetheless.
If you were intrigued by the Fritzl case in Austria, you need to read this book. Taking place one month after another of similarly the same crimes but in the home of our neighbours in Australia.
I don’t like rating memoirs and rate someone’s experiences on a scale of entertainment but this book… very hard and appalling to read but important nonetheless.
If you were intrigued by the Fritzl case in Austria, you need to read this book. Taking place one month after another of similarly the same crimes but in the home of our neighbours in Australia.
August 8, 2015
Okay this is the last true story I will be reading.
This book, I couldn't believe happened her in Australia.
Do you know why?, there was no media exposure. So I was reading her side of the story, not knowingly it all happened her.
So she needed to be heard.
Everything happened for a reason and for this journalist and write Sue Smethurst got in contact with Katherine X, to write her side of the story. Amazing and remarkable people who come out of this as survivors.
This book, I couldn't believe happened her in Australia.
Do you know why?, there was no media exposure. So I was reading her side of the story, not knowingly it all happened her.
So she needed to be heard.
Everything happened for a reason and for this journalist and write Sue Smethurst got in contact with Katherine X, to write her side of the story. Amazing and remarkable people who come out of this as survivors.
October 2, 2024
A raw and horrific story of one Victorian woman’s experience of abuse and how the state completely let her down. Incredibly hard to believe that this level of abuse occurred so locally and to such a devastating scale. A hard to read book due to the atrocities that occur but so important.
July 12, 2019
Raped and abused by her father for 28 years this book covers an uncomfortable topic. Katherine’s story is sad and shocking. I hope telling it has bought relief for her and awareness to others. I never knew it happened because I didn’t see the media stories when the case was in court. I read this because I enjoyed another book Sue Smethurst had written. This book however wasn’t so well written or edited (spelling errors and missing words) and Katherines thoughts were sometimes overly repeated. For example it was mentioned over and over and over that Nobody at the hospital, during any of the four childbirths, asked about the father. Why would this be the case, why would they suspect anything, when doctors and nurses see hundreds of single mothers each year who WEREN’T impregnated by their father? They were, after all, dealing with a grown adult woman in her 20s and 30s who appeared to have the ability to speak freely and share details of the father if she chose. I thought it was a bit harsh of her to blame everybody for not picking up on the abuse when she did all she could to cover it up (IE: she ran when doctors suggested genetically testing her kids) On the other hand she had every right to complain about the various others in her life (mother, social workers, neighbours) who she did tell, who saw hints and did nothing.
I feel sad that the sentence for her father did not reflect the level of his crimes - 22 years jail for dishing out 28 years of daily sexual abuse doesn’t seem just. She was terribly let down by a system that even today needs improving. (OMG the amount of effort put in by the department to keep getting her parents back together- incredible) I would have liked to have read the updated edition that contained information about Katherine taking the stand at the Royal Commission into child abuse but I read the original edition. I’d also like to know more about her mother - why she wasn’t questioned by police, where she ended up, if she ever admitted she knew and how she felt when her husband was jailed?
I do thank Katherine and Sue for sharing the story, I think books like these go a long way to creating awareness so these things don’t happen again, showing readers the signs to look for and illustrating that even adult women in their 30s who appear to be able to speak up, may actually be prisoners paralysed by fear who simply cannot. I can recommend the book, and wish Katherine peace and happiness.
I feel sad that the sentence for her father did not reflect the level of his crimes - 22 years jail for dishing out 28 years of daily sexual abuse doesn’t seem just. She was terribly let down by a system that even today needs improving. (OMG the amount of effort put in by the department to keep getting her parents back together- incredible) I would have liked to have read the updated edition that contained information about Katherine taking the stand at the Royal Commission into child abuse but I read the original edition. I’d also like to know more about her mother - why she wasn’t questioned by police, where she ended up, if she ever admitted she knew and how she felt when her husband was jailed?
I do thank Katherine and Sue for sharing the story, I think books like these go a long way to creating awareness so these things don’t happen again, showing readers the signs to look for and illustrating that even adult women in their 30s who appear to be able to speak up, may actually be prisoners paralysed by fear who simply cannot. I can recommend the book, and wish Katherine peace and happiness.
April 16, 2026
This is a difficult book to leave a review for… Catherine is incredibly strong, brave and incredible for sharing such a harrowing story, reliving it to write this must have been so difficult! Let alone living through it in the first place… Im grateful for her sharing her story with such authenticity and vulnerability, whilst difficult to read (or listen too in my case - audiobook), this is a topic we need to talk about, because this kind of abuse thrives in silence.
What is really disappointing in this as others have pointed out in their review, is the marketing of this book. Comparing the story to the Fritzl case is incredibly misleading. The only similarity I can tell is the incest and sexual assault- the specifics are nothing even closely comparable, which ultimately to me feels like its taken advantage of Elisabeth Fritzls story to boost this books sale. It's exploitative, and disrespectful in a way that given the topic of this book feels extra cruel.
And its for that reason, that i give this book 4 stars. I want to give it 3 because it really wasn't what was expected of it at all because of the marketing. But Catherine X and her story and bravery deserve better than that, which is why I've given it the 4 stars.
What is really disappointing in this as others have pointed out in their review, is the marketing of this book. Comparing the story to the Fritzl case is incredibly misleading. The only similarity I can tell is the incest and sexual assault- the specifics are nothing even closely comparable, which ultimately to me feels like its taken advantage of Elisabeth Fritzls story to boost this books sale. It's exploitative, and disrespectful in a way that given the topic of this book feels extra cruel.
And its for that reason, that i give this book 4 stars. I want to give it 3 because it really wasn't what was expected of it at all because of the marketing. But Catherine X and her story and bravery deserve better than that, which is why I've given it the 4 stars.
June 24, 2026
Harrowing. Brutal.
The incredible true story is written in magazine-quality writing which makes it simple and fast to read (no frills). Which appears to fit very well with the street-smart, world-weary shoot from the hip- style female protagonist.
I read this in one full, page- turning session.
The comparison with Fritzl was a marketing ploy and a big reach… the two cases are way too different to draw a parallel especially because of the literal physical imprisonment of Fritzls captive.
However, that byline is what drew me in to this little known true crime story.
An eye- opening book into the severe abuse and mental health issues of an Australian family. And the failure of many, many services to truly help a disadvantaged vulnerable daughter… even when child sexual abuse has been made known to workers.
At least the “just ice” system finally did its job when her living children were undeniably proven to be from her own father… and case notes from multiple agencies and services were used as evidence.
A story that will stay with you for life.
The incredible true story is written in magazine-quality writing which makes it simple and fast to read (no frills). Which appears to fit very well with the street-smart, world-weary shoot from the hip- style female protagonist.
I read this in one full, page- turning session.
The comparison with Fritzl was a marketing ploy and a big reach… the two cases are way too different to draw a parallel especially because of the literal physical imprisonment of Fritzls captive.
However, that byline is what drew me in to this little known true crime story.
An eye- opening book into the severe abuse and mental health issues of an Australian family. And the failure of many, many services to truly help a disadvantaged vulnerable daughter… even when child sexual abuse has been made known to workers.
At least the “just ice” system finally did its job when her living children were undeniably proven to be from her own father… and case notes from multiple agencies and services were used as evidence.
A story that will stay with you for life.
December 2, 2021
A heartbreaking true crime read. I wasn't familiar with this case, despite living in Australia too. Katherine X -was horrifically abused by her father for over 30 years and had children to him. It was a disturbing read, not just for what her father did, but also for how many people over the years were either aware of what was going on or had suspicions and yet took no action to try to help her. Thank God for the few people in her life who did rally to help her and showed up when it counted to help get her father found guilty. As heartbreaking of a read as it is, it was also inspiring in that despite everything that this lady has gone through she has remained positive and a loving and functional person. You can't help but want peace, a happy life and good things for her from here on out.⭐⭐⭐⭐ #katherinex #suesmethurst #behindcloseddoors #tea_sipping_bookworm #litsy #thestorygraph #amazonkindle #goodreads #bookqueen #bookstagram #truecrime
November 19, 2017
It is very difficult to rate this book due to the horrific circumstances of the story.
For anyone that has suffered abuse at the hands of a parent this book is a must read.
What Katherine has had to endure in her lifetime is overwhelmingly, incredibly sad.
Her monster has woven an evil web in not only her life but that of her siblings and children. I wish you all nothing but peace and hope you find some solace and joy in your world now.
Thank you so much for sharing your story K you are a remarkable woman xx
For anyone that has suffered abuse at the hands of a parent this book is a must read.
What Katherine has had to endure in her lifetime is overwhelmingly, incredibly sad.
Her monster has woven an evil web in not only her life but that of her siblings and children. I wish you all nothing but peace and hope you find some solace and joy in your world now.
Thank you so much for sharing your story K you are a remarkable woman xx
May 21, 2020
An emotionally heart wrenching story of many years of abuse of a father to his daughter
Unfathomable how this occurred for so long how the mother let it happen and the authorities did nothing over and over..shows how pathetic the system can be. I hope it's improved !! I don't know why she didn't stay on contraception and ended up pregnant repeatedly to that psychopath
Would have liked to hear the mothers story although I'd want to punch her. As a mother I'd do anything to protect my kids...
Sad and moving story. What a strong woman Katherine is 💕
Unfathomable how this occurred for so long how the mother let it happen and the authorities did nothing over and over..shows how pathetic the system can be. I hope it's improved !! I don't know why she didn't stay on contraception and ended up pregnant repeatedly to that psychopath
Would have liked to hear the mothers story although I'd want to punch her. As a mother I'd do anything to protect my kids...
Sad and moving story. What a strong woman Katherine is 💕
January 21, 2026
This book is not for the faint hearted. A true story of abhorrent abuse, neglect by those who were supposed to protect. The reader will be taken on a journey into a world of degrading human actions.
The audiobook narrator relays the story very well. Their use of language and vocabulary helps the listener believe the story was told by the victim.
The premise that this story is similar to another story in another country. Is irrelevant as this story is horrible and should not be compared to any other.
The audiobook narrator relays the story very well. Their use of language and vocabulary helps the listener believe the story was told by the victim.
The premise that this story is similar to another story in another country. Is irrelevant as this story is horrible and should not be compared to any other.
February 19, 2020
What a harrowing book this was. It was a tough read because of the subject matter. It was very repetitive but then so was all that Katherine suffered at the hands of her abusive, manipulative father for thirty years of her life. I thought the book gave a good impression of the kind of person Katherine is and the life she is making for herself and her boys now. It is horrendous to think that so much was ignored for so very long. I hope that now her life is as good as it can possibly be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2020
I would not liken Katherine's case to that of Fritzl. 2 completely different situations but with a common theme. I'm not sure why it got such a high comparative mention. However, I wasn't able to put this book down. What a traumatic story & what courage Kathrine has to lay it all bare. Whilst her identity has been kept a secret, it would still have been hard to relive. I hope Katherine is now finding peace & happiness in her life.
August 30, 2018
Everyone should read this book. It’s written by an Australian woman who suffered sexual, emotional and physical abuse from her father over decades, including having his children. Certainly takes you out of your comfort zone! While horrifying and dreadfully sad, the psychology of the case is fascinating. It must have taken a lot of courage to write this.
July 30, 2019
This is such an eye opener into what really happens behind closed doors. It’s horrible to think that monsters like this young women’s father actually exist and are somehow allowed to continue terrorising their family members the way that he did. All I can say is that he got what he deserved in the end.
December 17, 2020
I am not sure that 'liked it' is appropriate in this case, but I needed to read it. The power of one man's personality, combined with a woeful lack of expertise and willingness to listen by social workers, child welfare officers etc sentenced this woman to 30 years of misery. A lesson for all government officials working with children.
June 26, 2017
The 5 stars for this book are for the strength of Katherine X, not for the events written about in the story. This story is so shocking. It highlights the inadequacies of the legal system and DHS during that time. These inadequacies are a huge contributing factor in what happened to Katherine X.
April 18, 2018
This is a hard story to listen to, but worth the time. I feel so sorry for Katherine, and hope she can enjoy a much better life now. I hope this never happens to anyone else but I'm not naive enough to think this is true. How cruel we can be to our own family.
June 6, 2018
A shocking, yet truly courageous account of decades of abuse by her father. I am not sure if I can say I enjoyed it but it truly made me think should I ever witness something like this I need to speak up
October 22, 2018
Unbelievable the trauma that Katherine had to endure over her childhood and adult life. I am disgusted in the department system and the mother!!! I believe they also should have been punished for turning a blind eye.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews