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The Sting: The Undercover Operation that Caught Daniel Morcombe's Killer
The disappearance of Queensland schoolboy Daniel Morcombe was one of the most heartbreaking and confounding child abduction and murder cases of the century, spanning almost a decade prior to the eventual arrest of known pedophile Brett Peter Cowan, one of the original persons of interest.
The story of the police sting that resulted in his confession reads like crime fiction, featuring an elaborately staged fake crime gang run by a 'Mr Big' that lured Cowan in with the promise of a hefty payout.
The Sting takes you on a journey behind Australia's most sensational undercover bust, revealing extraordinary new details. It is a shocking insight into one of the country's most evil killers, and the operation that brought him down.
The story of the police sting that resulted in his confession reads like crime fiction, featuring an elaborately staged fake crime gang run by a 'Mr Big' that lured Cowan in with the promise of a hefty payout.
The Sting takes you on a journey behind Australia's most sensational undercover bust, revealing extraordinary new details. It is a shocking insight into one of the country's most evil killers, and the operation that brought him down.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2015
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690 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 19, 2017
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The case of Daniel Morcombe shocked and changed our nation. Daniel’s disappearance, on a December day in 2003, followed ten years of searching for answers and eventually breakthrough in a conviction. Journalist Kate Kyriacou brings our attention to this groundbreaking case through her book, The Sting. In her book, Kyriacou outlines the dramatic and convoluted plan to elicit a confession and gain a resulting arrest for Daniel Morcombe’s unremorseful killer.
The Sting reads in parts. Firstly it gives the reader a solid background to Daniel Morcombe, his family, his personality traits and his movements on the day he disappeared. It goes into intense detail as to the timeline around Daniel’s disappearance and the exact circumstances that would bring his abduction to fruition. It provides us with a detailed profile of the killer, Brett Peter Cowan. Kyriacou leaves no stone unturned in The Sting, outlining Cowan’s family background, relationship history, employment and defining early years of crime. The latter half of the book concentrates on the detailed undercover operation nicknamed “The Sting”. This operation involved a dedicated team of police officers from numerous states (Queensland, WA and Vic). Together, they concocted an elaborate trap, involving fake crime figures sent to lure Cowan in, on the promise of cash remuneration for performing various crime tasks. It took months of careful planning to eventually draw out Cowan’s confession and resulting arrest. What remains in this true crime novel, is the heartbreaking search for Daniel’s remains. The highly involving court process that ensured that Cowan was jailed for many years forms the final chapter of this heartbreaking book.
In some respects, The Sting is quite possibly the hardest book I have had to review. There was an uncomfortable feeling and a constant wave of sickness that fell over me while I read The Sting. Although I knew the final outcome of this case, the journey The Sting took me on was heart-wrenching, eye-opening and important process nevertheless.
The Sting is a well written and precise text. There is sharpness in Kyriacou’s style of writing that suited this book. The format was a little likes a crime fiction novel, the chapters were sufficient but somehow they got under your skin, urging you to read on. The Sting is unquestionably well researched, offering a comprehensive standpoint on one of Australia’s most high profile cases. In the places where it is needed, Kyriacou is sensitive to the issue at hand and balanced providing the reader with a basis to the operation with the background of Cowan but she never sought to glorify him. In her treatment of the Morcombe’s, Kyriacou is completely respectful. I hope this book works to continue to raise awareness for the essential work Bruce and Denise Morcombe have tirelessly devoted their lives to since Daniel’s death, which is raising community awareness of child safety measures.
The case of Daniel Morcombe shocked and changed our nation. Daniel’s disappearance, on a December day in 2003, followed ten years of searching for answers and eventually breakthrough in a conviction. Journalist Kate Kyriacou brings our attention to this groundbreaking case through her book, The Sting. In her book, Kyriacou outlines the dramatic and convoluted plan to elicit a confession and gain a resulting arrest for Daniel Morcombe’s unremorseful killer.
The Sting reads in parts. Firstly it gives the reader a solid background to Daniel Morcombe, his family, his personality traits and his movements on the day he disappeared. It goes into intense detail as to the timeline around Daniel’s disappearance and the exact circumstances that would bring his abduction to fruition. It provides us with a detailed profile of the killer, Brett Peter Cowan. Kyriacou leaves no stone unturned in The Sting, outlining Cowan’s family background, relationship history, employment and defining early years of crime. The latter half of the book concentrates on the detailed undercover operation nicknamed “The Sting”. This operation involved a dedicated team of police officers from numerous states (Queensland, WA and Vic). Together, they concocted an elaborate trap, involving fake crime figures sent to lure Cowan in, on the promise of cash remuneration for performing various crime tasks. It took months of careful planning to eventually draw out Cowan’s confession and resulting arrest. What remains in this true crime novel, is the heartbreaking search for Daniel’s remains. The highly involving court process that ensured that Cowan was jailed for many years forms the final chapter of this heartbreaking book.
In some respects, The Sting is quite possibly the hardest book I have had to review. There was an uncomfortable feeling and a constant wave of sickness that fell over me while I read The Sting. Although I knew the final outcome of this case, the journey The Sting took me on was heart-wrenching, eye-opening and important process nevertheless.
The Sting is a well written and precise text. There is sharpness in Kyriacou’s style of writing that suited this book. The format was a little likes a crime fiction novel, the chapters were sufficient but somehow they got under your skin, urging you to read on. The Sting is unquestionably well researched, offering a comprehensive standpoint on one of Australia’s most high profile cases. In the places where it is needed, Kyriacou is sensitive to the issue at hand and balanced providing the reader with a basis to the operation with the background of Cowan but she never sought to glorify him. In her treatment of the Morcombe’s, Kyriacou is completely respectful. I hope this book works to continue to raise awareness for the essential work Bruce and Denise Morcombe have tirelessly devoted their lives to since Daniel’s death, which is raising community awareness of child safety measures.
November 2, 2018
Very good book about the how they caught Daniel's murderer. The author has a smooth style, and her words carry you along effortlessly. As they say, it's a real page-turner. This took place in Queensland, Australia.
Daniel was a shy, gentle boy who wanted to be a veterinarian. Photo of him below. So sad.
"On Sunday, 7 December 2003, 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe vanished from a bus stop on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. His disappearance sparked the largest police investigation in Queensland's history, and eight years later, on 13 August 2011, resulted in the arrest of pedophile Brett Cowan for abduction and murder. Cowen was eventually sentenced on 14 March 2014 to life in jail with a non-parole period of 20 years. This is the story of how the police set a trap to catch a child killer."
3 Stars = I liked the book. I'm glad I read it.
Daniel was a shy, gentle boy who wanted to be a veterinarian. Photo of him below. So sad.
"On Sunday, 7 December 2003, 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe vanished from a bus stop on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. His disappearance sparked the largest police investigation in Queensland's history, and eight years later, on 13 August 2011, resulted in the arrest of pedophile Brett Cowan for abduction and murder. Cowen was eventually sentenced on 14 March 2014 to life in jail with a non-parole period of 20 years. This is the story of how the police set a trap to catch a child killer."
3 Stars = I liked the book. I'm glad I read it.
July 20, 2016
4 1 /2 stars
My View:
A fascinating read! But don’t be quick to judge me – I am not referring to the horrendous atrocities that Daniel Morcombe’s murderer is guilty of, I am referring to the outstanding efforts that the Queensland, West Australian and Victorian police force made to apprehend this criminal; such lengths, the covert officers deserve an academy award for their part in capturing this offender. Their story is fascinating.
Kate Kyriacou presents a sensitively written narrative of two parts; the first act introduces the “players” and sets the scene. We meet the offender, the families involved, we get some background on locations and personal histories, insights to the main characters and the revelation of the story of a missing boy, soon to be presumed dead.
We meet Daniel Morecombe and his family. We share the fear that all parents share when a child goes missing. We meet Brett Peter Cowan and fear for whoever crosses his path – an opportunistic psychopath that evokes no empathy.
A nation trembled in fear when Daniel Morcombe went missing in December 2003.
The author provides us with a background to both families involved in this tragedy. We learn of Brett Cowan’s earlier criminal behaviours and the assaults he committed but thankfully we do not get “into his head”. The facts are presented, the behaviours stated simply but we do not “hear “ Cowan’s personal story, we just see his part in it, an observation from the outside and for that I am grateful. We get to meet the Morecombe’s – we feel their despair, we feel their pain.
Part Two – The Sting! What an incredible effort that the police forces put into eliciting a confession from their prime suspect in this case. Psychology, role playing, deals and scripted conversations secretly recorded, what a feat!
It is a credit to the author, her research and her compulsive style of writing that despite knowing the outcome of this covet operation, I was on the edge of my seat, cheering the operatives on, hoping they found the evidence they needed in time to secure the arrest and conviction of Daniel Morecombe’s murderer. Well written Kate Kyriacou!
My View:
A fascinating read! But don’t be quick to judge me – I am not referring to the horrendous atrocities that Daniel Morcombe’s murderer is guilty of, I am referring to the outstanding efforts that the Queensland, West Australian and Victorian police force made to apprehend this criminal; such lengths, the covert officers deserve an academy award for their part in capturing this offender. Their story is fascinating.
Kate Kyriacou presents a sensitively written narrative of two parts; the first act introduces the “players” and sets the scene. We meet the offender, the families involved, we get some background on locations and personal histories, insights to the main characters and the revelation of the story of a missing boy, soon to be presumed dead.
We meet Daniel Morecombe and his family. We share the fear that all parents share when a child goes missing. We meet Brett Peter Cowan and fear for whoever crosses his path – an opportunistic psychopath that evokes no empathy.
A nation trembled in fear when Daniel Morcombe went missing in December 2003.
The author provides us with a background to both families involved in this tragedy. We learn of Brett Cowan’s earlier criminal behaviours and the assaults he committed but thankfully we do not get “into his head”. The facts are presented, the behaviours stated simply but we do not “hear “ Cowan’s personal story, we just see his part in it, an observation from the outside and for that I am grateful. We get to meet the Morecombe’s – we feel their despair, we feel their pain.
Part Two – The Sting! What an incredible effort that the police forces put into eliciting a confession from their prime suspect in this case. Psychology, role playing, deals and scripted conversations secretly recorded, what a feat!
It is a credit to the author, her research and her compulsive style of writing that despite knowing the outcome of this covet operation, I was on the edge of my seat, cheering the operatives on, hoping they found the evidence they needed in time to secure the arrest and conviction of Daniel Morecombe’s murderer. Well written Kate Kyriacou!
November 24, 2015
Everyone in Australia knows the name of Queensland schoolboy Daniel Morcombe and most are familiar with his 2003 abduction and the search to find and bring him home.
I remember hearing Daniel's killer had finally confessed in an undercover operation which eventually led to the grisly discovery of Daniel's remains and wanted to know more about how the police were able to 'catch him out'.
The Sting - The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe's Killer is true to its title and much more. Reading about the investigation into Daniel's disappearance I was surprised - and impressed - by the sheer volume of leads and enquiries made by QLD Police in the hunt for Daniel. I really had no idea just how big the investigation was.
I was also horrified to learn about the killer's history (I won't name him here because I don't want his name on my blog) and the fact that he'd been molesting children since the age of 10. This pedophile is a repulsive man and I really don't know how the undercover officers were able to befriend him and put up with his shit. I guess they did it for Daniel and his family. And to make sure he didn't harm anyone else. What else is there really?
I wasn't expecting to get much of an insight into the killer, but there is much dialogue included from recordings during the operation and you definitely get a sense of the man. This 'access' to the mind and behaviours of such a predator was sickening and actually gave me nightmares.
I can't imagine the pain of Daniel's parents, Denise and Bruce Morcombe, but their victim statements at the end of the book gave this reader some idea. After putting down The Sting, I felt compelled to make a donation to the Daniel Morcome Foundation to help Bruce and Denise continue their work, and if you'd like to do the same, please click here: http://www.danielmorcombe.com.au/
I was also moved by the amazing work done by Police, despite the politics between the states. Author Kate Kyriacou has done an amazing job covering this case and there's much to be learned.
* Copy courtesy of Echo Publishing *
I remember hearing Daniel's killer had finally confessed in an undercover operation which eventually led to the grisly discovery of Daniel's remains and wanted to know more about how the police were able to 'catch him out'.
The Sting - The Undercover Operation That Caught Daniel Morcombe's Killer is true to its title and much more. Reading about the investigation into Daniel's disappearance I was surprised - and impressed - by the sheer volume of leads and enquiries made by QLD Police in the hunt for Daniel. I really had no idea just how big the investigation was.
I was also horrified to learn about the killer's history (I won't name him here because I don't want his name on my blog) and the fact that he'd been molesting children since the age of 10. This pedophile is a repulsive man and I really don't know how the undercover officers were able to befriend him and put up with his shit. I guess they did it for Daniel and his family. And to make sure he didn't harm anyone else. What else is there really?
I wasn't expecting to get much of an insight into the killer, but there is much dialogue included from recordings during the operation and you definitely get a sense of the man. This 'access' to the mind and behaviours of such a predator was sickening and actually gave me nightmares.
I can't imagine the pain of Daniel's parents, Denise and Bruce Morcombe, but their victim statements at the end of the book gave this reader some idea. After putting down The Sting, I felt compelled to make a donation to the Daniel Morcome Foundation to help Bruce and Denise continue their work, and if you'd like to do the same, please click here: http://www.danielmorcombe.com.au/
I was also moved by the amazing work done by Police, despite the politics between the states. Author Kate Kyriacou has done an amazing job covering this case and there's much to be learned.
* Copy courtesy of Echo Publishing *
July 26, 2021
Where do I start with this book review?
In one way, this was one of the most difficult, most vile books I have read in a very long time.
It was also a very good, very well written book.
On the 7th December 2003, 13 year old Daniel Morcombe walked to the bus stop to catch a bus to the shopping centre so he could go Christmas shopping. He was seen by several witnesses who saw him standing at the bus stop, and then he disappeared. Taken. It was 10 years before his parents were told the perpetrator had been arrested and Daniel's remains had been found.
I would say that most Australians know the name Daniel Morcombe, and most Australians would have some knowledge of what happened to Daniel on the day he walked to the bus stop. Most Australians know the significance of a red t-shirt.
For those of you within and outside of Australia, who do not know the name Daniel Morcombe, then this book will tell you why it is important his name be remembered.
Sticking to the known facts garnered from interviews and reports, Kate Kyriacou has done an extraordinary job in taking the reader through the events surrounding Daniel Morcombe's disappearance, and the initial search, the detailed investigation into every lead, every rumour, every possibility of getting to the truth, and then the years long wait until the sting operation focussing on the primary suspect was undertaken.
She takes you into the history of Daniel Morcombe's killer, the police investigation, and the people involved in the multi-jurisdictional 'Mr Big' sting operation that led to the day they could tell his parents that they had made an arrest.
Kate Kyriacou's writing is well paced. Her language is calm and she does not spin out into hyperbole. She doesn't wander off into the realms of 'what if', or 'then again', the facts are laid out for us to view. She treats Daniel's family with compassion and care. It is compelling reading.
That being said, this is not an easy book to read. The crimes of Daniel Morcombe's killer and other persons of interest are reprehensible and sickening. This is a book that will stay in your head for a long time after you have read it.
In one way, this was one of the most difficult, most vile books I have read in a very long time.
It was also a very good, very well written book.
On the 7th December 2003, 13 year old Daniel Morcombe walked to the bus stop to catch a bus to the shopping centre so he could go Christmas shopping. He was seen by several witnesses who saw him standing at the bus stop, and then he disappeared. Taken. It was 10 years before his parents were told the perpetrator had been arrested and Daniel's remains had been found.
I would say that most Australians know the name Daniel Morcombe, and most Australians would have some knowledge of what happened to Daniel on the day he walked to the bus stop. Most Australians know the significance of a red t-shirt.
For those of you within and outside of Australia, who do not know the name Daniel Morcombe, then this book will tell you why it is important his name be remembered.
Sticking to the known facts garnered from interviews and reports, Kate Kyriacou has done an extraordinary job in taking the reader through the events surrounding Daniel Morcombe's disappearance, and the initial search, the detailed investigation into every lead, every rumour, every possibility of getting to the truth, and then the years long wait until the sting operation focussing on the primary suspect was undertaken.
She takes you into the history of Daniel Morcombe's killer, the police investigation, and the people involved in the multi-jurisdictional 'Mr Big' sting operation that led to the day they could tell his parents that they had made an arrest.
Kate Kyriacou's writing is well paced. Her language is calm and she does not spin out into hyperbole. She doesn't wander off into the realms of 'what if', or 'then again', the facts are laid out for us to view. She treats Daniel's family with compassion and care. It is compelling reading.
That being said, this is not an easy book to read. The crimes of Daniel Morcombe's killer and other persons of interest are reprehensible and sickening. This is a book that will stay in your head for a long time after you have read it.
January 16, 2025
It feels wrong to give a book like this 5 stars, but I could not put it down. It was by no means an easy read as the content is extremely confronting, especially for those of us with children of our own to consider. Ultimately though, it was well written, gripping and higly impactful.
March 5, 2025
An enthralling eye-opening read, detailing the events that lead to the arrest of the filthy mongrel who brought about the vicious demise of an honest good boy and immortalised the name Daniel Morcombe, for a terrible reason.
I would implore that no one under 18, even less anyone without a strong emotional and moral fibre read this book, as the details of the crime and related crimes of suspects and the perpetrator are harrowing.
These events serve to remind us of how vigilant (and educational/instructional) we must be with our children and grandchildren, to safeguard and arm them against any chance of something similar ever happening to them or any unsuspecting child.
May Daniel rest in peace, and may his parents, Bruce and Denise, brothers Dean and Bradley, retain the strength to carry on.
I would implore that no one under 18, even less anyone without a strong emotional and moral fibre read this book, as the details of the crime and related crimes of suspects and the perpetrator are harrowing.
These events serve to remind us of how vigilant (and educational/instructional) we must be with our children and grandchildren, to safeguard and arm them against any chance of something similar ever happening to them or any unsuspecting child.
May Daniel rest in peace, and may his parents, Bruce and Denise, brothers Dean and Bradley, retain the strength to carry on.
December 13, 2016
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I can handle any kind of horror movie/ story/ novel etc however give me a true crime book or doco and I'm a cowering kitten in the corner... Even though true crime is the one thing that gets me to tick and be scared I simply can't seem to stop reading the books and watching the documentaries. I remember about 6 years ago I watched the Tears for Daniel episode of Crime Investigation Australia and got shivers listening to the family talk about the love they had for their son and their desperation for his return, it's such a terribly sad and awful ending.
The case of Daniel Morcombe is quite possibly one of the most heartbreaking and deplorable crimes ever committed in this country, kidnapped on the way home from getting a haircut by a previously convicted child predator, he was sexually assaulted (suspected anyway, the killer never admitted to sexually abusing him) and eventually murdered by the psychopath, it was over 8 years later that the remains were found and the killer brought to justice. 8 years of hell for the poor family, never getting closure and never knowing what happened to their much loved son and brother. This book is not for the faint hearted, I'm a pretty tough cookie but I found myself more than once having to put the book down and take a break, the author lays the facts down as they are, she never shies away from telling it like it is which is really quite hard to read at times due to the graphic nature of the crimes however I think she did an amazing job researching and writing this heartbreaking story.
You really have to take your hat off to the Queensland, Western Australia and Victorian Police, the sting operation that they conceived is amazing, they simply stopped at nothing to take down this sick and disgusting animal, a truly exceptional effort and one of Australia's greatest moments of police work, I shudder to think how it would've played out if it was in NSW.
If you can read this book without feeling something then you obviously have no soul, there was one particular chapter where it's recounting all of the witnesses saying that they remember seeing Daniel at the bus stop with a man a few feet behind him watching him, I just kept thinking to myself what if? What if even 1 of them stopped to see if he was ok? What if the bus wasn't late? What if the replacement bus had stopped when Daniel flagged it down instead of motioning for him to wait for the next bus? One minor thing could have changed the outcome of that day but sadly nothing was done and the Morcombe's lost their precious son. After reading this I made a small donation to the Daniel Morcombe foundation as it's the kind of story that gets under your skin, makes you furious and also makes you want to see some change, Daniels parents do amazing work with the foundation so I would hope if you can that you could also donate.
Kate Kyriacou is a crime journalist and she is one exceptional writer, it's journalists like her that do great work and deserve some major praise, I feel a bit strange giving this book 5 stars because of the awful subject matter but when a book can elicit such a strong emotion, good or bad, you have to give credit where credit is due so the 5 stars are for her excellent research and writing and also for the tremendous work of the police force.
A hard to read but essentially important book that every true crime buff should add to their TBR list... RIP Daniel.
The case of Daniel Morcombe is quite possibly one of the most heartbreaking and deplorable crimes ever committed in this country, kidnapped on the way home from getting a haircut by a previously convicted child predator, he was sexually assaulted (suspected anyway, the killer never admitted to sexually abusing him) and eventually murdered by the psychopath, it was over 8 years later that the remains were found and the killer brought to justice. 8 years of hell for the poor family, never getting closure and never knowing what happened to their much loved son and brother. This book is not for the faint hearted, I'm a pretty tough cookie but I found myself more than once having to put the book down and take a break, the author lays the facts down as they are, she never shies away from telling it like it is which is really quite hard to read at times due to the graphic nature of the crimes however I think she did an amazing job researching and writing this heartbreaking story.
You really have to take your hat off to the Queensland, Western Australia and Victorian Police, the sting operation that they conceived is amazing, they simply stopped at nothing to take down this sick and disgusting animal, a truly exceptional effort and one of Australia's greatest moments of police work, I shudder to think how it would've played out if it was in NSW.
If you can read this book without feeling something then you obviously have no soul, there was one particular chapter where it's recounting all of the witnesses saying that they remember seeing Daniel at the bus stop with a man a few feet behind him watching him, I just kept thinking to myself what if? What if even 1 of them stopped to see if he was ok? What if the bus wasn't late? What if the replacement bus had stopped when Daniel flagged it down instead of motioning for him to wait for the next bus? One minor thing could have changed the outcome of that day but sadly nothing was done and the Morcombe's lost their precious son. After reading this I made a small donation to the Daniel Morcombe foundation as it's the kind of story that gets under your skin, makes you furious and also makes you want to see some change, Daniels parents do amazing work with the foundation so I would hope if you can that you could also donate.
Kate Kyriacou is a crime journalist and she is one exceptional writer, it's journalists like her that do great work and deserve some major praise, I feel a bit strange giving this book 5 stars because of the awful subject matter but when a book can elicit such a strong emotion, good or bad, you have to give credit where credit is due so the 5 stars are for her excellent research and writing and also for the tremendous work of the police force.
A hard to read but essentially important book that every true crime buff should add to their TBR list... RIP Daniel.
July 25, 2021
Page turner, well written. I was younger and not really following the Daniel Morcombe case when it unfolded. This was a good insight as to the timeline and how they ascertained a confession. Still I suspect there are many more questions to be answered. I feel for the family what a tragedy.
May 15, 2023
'He was an innocent boy, starting to grow up and learning about life. He was gentle, he loved animals and wanted to be a vet. He would never hurt a soul. He was scared of the dark and often slept on the floor next to me.'
Just incredible from beginning to end. Very well written and evocative, so endlessly emotional and powerful. Don't know what else to say except I'm truly glad I read this. So interesting to hear the ins and outs of an operation like this but it was probably even more important for me to hear about the very real way it affected an entire community of people. I was particularly affected by the experiences of Daniel Morcombe's parents and brothers, and the unbothered nature of his killer (who I don't even care to name). Children are the future, we must protect them. RIP Daniel.
Just incredible from beginning to end. Very well written and evocative, so endlessly emotional and powerful. Don't know what else to say except I'm truly glad I read this. So interesting to hear the ins and outs of an operation like this but it was probably even more important for me to hear about the very real way it affected an entire community of people. I was particularly affected by the experiences of Daniel Morcombe's parents and brothers, and the unbothered nature of his killer (who I don't even care to name). Children are the future, we must protect them. RIP Daniel.
April 11, 2025
A haunting story that will most likely stay with me for life. From the first page I was hooked. However, I wish I had never found this book and greatly wish it wasn’t true.
January 2, 2017
It's nearly impossible to "review" a book like THE STING simply because the subject matter is so horrific. The delivery, styling or methods chosen to explain the events pale into insignificance alongside the reader's desire to look away, whilst simultaneously wanting to track down some people in the justice and political systems and demand a few answers.
Why it is that somebody like this killer was given such light sentences over earlier child rapes, beatings and maimings is the one question that you cannot come away from this book without. How it was that he, and his like are allowed to walk the streets after REPEATED offences defies understanding. What the police had to do to eventually get their man is undoubtedly exemplary - but I just can't get past the idea that they had to. That here was a multiply convicted child rapist who was violent and vicious, opportunistic and without remorse and he was walking the streets. Defies. Understanding. That there were others of his ilk, also out and about, also suspects in the disappearance of Daniel Morcombe is beyond justification.
Whilst these aspects are, frankly, bloody awful, there is inspiration in this story. The determination and hard work of some great police members, despite inter-state tensions, and of course, the bravery and sheer guts of Daniel Morcombe's parents Denise and Bruce Morcombe. Let's hope that at this too late stage, the justice system honours them and Daniel's memory.
THE STING is well worth reading for those aspects, but you will have to steel yourself for some harrowing tales. Kyriacou has done a great job of just laying it on the line in those areas, and allowing the readers to experience the shock and horror. Despite that, this book is well worth reading just simply so that we all get to understand what's wrong with our justice system and hopefully agitate to get something done about it.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Why it is that somebody like this killer was given such light sentences over earlier child rapes, beatings and maimings is the one question that you cannot come away from this book without. How it was that he, and his like are allowed to walk the streets after REPEATED offences defies understanding. What the police had to do to eventually get their man is undoubtedly exemplary - but I just can't get past the idea that they had to. That here was a multiply convicted child rapist who was violent and vicious, opportunistic and without remorse and he was walking the streets. Defies. Understanding. That there were others of his ilk, also out and about, also suspects in the disappearance of Daniel Morcombe is beyond justification.
Whilst these aspects are, frankly, bloody awful, there is inspiration in this story. The determination and hard work of some great police members, despite inter-state tensions, and of course, the bravery and sheer guts of Daniel Morcombe's parents Denise and Bruce Morcombe. Let's hope that at this too late stage, the justice system honours them and Daniel's memory.
THE STING is well worth reading for those aspects, but you will have to steel yourself for some harrowing tales. Kyriacou has done a great job of just laying it on the line in those areas, and allowing the readers to experience the shock and horror. Despite that, this book is well worth reading just simply so that we all get to understand what's wrong with our justice system and hopefully agitate to get something done about it.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
January 5, 2016
Insanely good effort by the Western Australian, QLD, and Victorian Police in using the Mr. Big technique to trap the scum. The five stars are for them, and the awesome work that both Bruce and Denise have done for child safety.
In terms of the book itself, it was extremely well written and very well researched which is something you'd expect from Kate Kyriacou.
In terms of the book itself, it was extremely well written and very well researched which is something you'd expect from Kate Kyriacou.
October 21, 2025
Amazingly written. Sickening story. Poor Daniel :(
December 1, 2020
At first the thought of reading this book gave me chills. But I live in South East Queensland and know the stretch of road where Daniel Morcombe disappeared. I'd followed the media stories about the desperate search that ensued. And as a mother, I felt deeply for his parents.
Content warning: there are gruesome descriptions of crimes against children. If you can't integrate such details in your world view best give this book a wide berth. Honestly, who can integrate that stuff? I suppose what it did was permit me some small understanding of what motivates a paedophile to commit the crimes they do. I used to entertain the idea that convicted paedophiles can be reformed but I'm no longer of that camp. I believe the paedophile register is a necessary evil and yes, the public need to know who they are.
But the book is really about the elaborate under-cover operation devised by police to extract a confession from Brett Peter Cowan, long-suspected of Daniel Morcombe's abduction and murder. A voluntary confession, without coercion, could enable a conviction and stand as evidence in a court of law. That the police had no other recourse but to devise a convoluted and expensive sting in two Australian states possibly speaks to the bungles committed early in the investigation, but it was still a fascinating read that answered many of my lingering questions about what really happened to Daniel Morcombe. May he rest in peace and may his family finally achieve closure.
Content warning: there are gruesome descriptions of crimes against children. If you can't integrate such details in your world view best give this book a wide berth. Honestly, who can integrate that stuff? I suppose what it did was permit me some small understanding of what motivates a paedophile to commit the crimes they do. I used to entertain the idea that convicted paedophiles can be reformed but I'm no longer of that camp. I believe the paedophile register is a necessary evil and yes, the public need to know who they are.
But the book is really about the elaborate under-cover operation devised by police to extract a confession from Brett Peter Cowan, long-suspected of Daniel Morcombe's abduction and murder. A voluntary confession, without coercion, could enable a conviction and stand as evidence in a court of law. That the police had no other recourse but to devise a convoluted and expensive sting in two Australian states possibly speaks to the bungles committed early in the investigation, but it was still a fascinating read that answered many of my lingering questions about what really happened to Daniel Morcombe. May he rest in peace and may his family finally achieve closure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2020
Compelling from page 1. Hard to give this book such a high rating because of the content but the author deserves it. The amount of work and research plus perseverance in recounting such a horrid story is commendable. This Sting Operation was truly some of the police's best (if not THE best) undercover work they've done to date. The patience, planning, everything - wow!!
This book is the first book to affect me. Had at least 2 nights of restless sleep thinking about it, but I kept wanting to read on. The horrors occurred are not for the faint hearted. I was a similar age to Daniel when he was abducted and so at such a young age I really had no idea how bad it all was.
Despite being heavy content, absolutely worth the read! Glad the Morcombe family got their peace finally.
This book is the first book to affect me. Had at least 2 nights of restless sleep thinking about it, but I kept wanting to read on. The horrors occurred are not for the faint hearted. I was a similar age to Daniel when he was abducted and so at such a young age I really had no idea how bad it all was.
Despite being heavy content, absolutely worth the read! Glad the Morcombe family got their peace finally.
June 24, 2025
A perfect balance of informative and enthralling! Although, I was familiar with Daniel Morcombe’s case and that an arrest was made, I had no clue of the long journey that lead the arrest. I was so intrigued to hear about the specifics of the sting operation, which was provided in a perfectly detailed account in this book.
October 13, 2018
Wow - what a heartbreaking story, but also incredible. What the police did to catch the murderer was insane. I regularly drive past the spot where Daniel was taken and it just eats me up. This book is well researched, well written and it the does this story justice.
October 6, 2015
It's so sad how everything lined up that day which led to the disappearance and death of Daniel. I actually give it closer to 3.5 stars.
November 6, 2024
I’ve been in a reading slump, but with Daniel Day just having recently passed, and finding myself in possession of this book, I was drawn to understanding the full scope of exactly what happened all those years ago. My son asks me questions, he wants to wrap his young mind around how this happened, who the bad guy, how did he get caught.
I am glad I read the book, but it was very difficult to trudge through some of the details pertaining to people like Cowan and Jackaway. I shudder to think how many predators are in our neighbourhoods, our churches, our schools. Bruce and Denise have created an incredible legacy honouring their beautiful boy, and I wish I could thank them for all they’ve done to bring awareness to children like my son.
But this book focuses on the story, very factually stated in a smooth easy-to-follow journalistic style. Kate reports the facts and does not delve into Cowan’s mind or create false narrative to enhance the storytelling. She doesn’t need to. By establishing the premise of the story, the characters involved on both sides, the reader has a strong knowledge of the basics surrounding the events leading up to and following the horrendous crimes committed against Daniel Morcombe. I know there were a lot of politics involved and issues between state police claiming ownership of the Sting, but at least in the end their combined efforts, along with the many eyewitness accounts and statements taken from anyone Cowan had ever associated with, it amounted to a strong case the jury could unanimously agree upon a guilty verdict.
I don’t want to read anything like this for a while, but definitely giving it 5 stars for staying on course, the succinct language and the dedication to researching the materials, recordings, etc. great book and worth a read.
I am glad I read the book, but it was very difficult to trudge through some of the details pertaining to people like Cowan and Jackaway. I shudder to think how many predators are in our neighbourhoods, our churches, our schools. Bruce and Denise have created an incredible legacy honouring their beautiful boy, and I wish I could thank them for all they’ve done to bring awareness to children like my son.
But this book focuses on the story, very factually stated in a smooth easy-to-follow journalistic style. Kate reports the facts and does not delve into Cowan’s mind or create false narrative to enhance the storytelling. She doesn’t need to. By establishing the premise of the story, the characters involved on both sides, the reader has a strong knowledge of the basics surrounding the events leading up to and following the horrendous crimes committed against Daniel Morcombe. I know there were a lot of politics involved and issues between state police claiming ownership of the Sting, but at least in the end their combined efforts, along with the many eyewitness accounts and statements taken from anyone Cowan had ever associated with, it amounted to a strong case the jury could unanimously agree upon a guilty verdict.
I don’t want to read anything like this for a while, but definitely giving it 5 stars for staying on course, the succinct language and the dedication to researching the materials, recordings, etc. great book and worth a read.
March 23, 2019
This was such a difficult book to read, it's going to haunt me for a long time. I actually don't know how the author could have written it, the subject matter is so harrowing. It's tricky to review this, I would suggest people with young children not to read it in fact; everyone in Australia (and possibly elsewhere) knows the story, and whilst reading, I did question why this book was ever written, the story certainly isn't "untold". However, the book is expertly written - it's well considered, it contains just the right amount of information and is sensitive to the subject. However, part of me still goes, why????? It's a well-publicised, horrific crime, which finally ended by an intricate, covert police operation. Has this jeopardised other operations of the same nature?? Has this provided any detail to other criminals who commit the same type of horrendous offences? Discussing how the perpetrator talks so dispassionately and openly about his depraved, sexual preferences, does it normalise them in some minds?
In retrospect, I wish I hadn't of read it to be honest. It get's 3 stars simply because it is so well-written and thought-out, I guess, every victim deserves to tell their story, and this is unfortunately Daniel's.
In retrospect, I wish I hadn't of read it to be honest. It get's 3 stars simply because it is so well-written and thought-out, I guess, every victim deserves to tell their story, and this is unfortunately Daniel's.
September 25, 2020
This book tells the story of Brett Peter Cowan, Daniel Morcombe’s killer, and of the elaborate undercover “Mr Big sting” operation that resulted in his apprehension. This book details Cowan’s disturbing history of offences, among many other elments of his life, so a rather comprehensive image of the murderer is conveyed. However, this is not why I picked up this book. I am very interested in the technicalities of this style of undercover operation, and its controversial legacy of continued use on Australian shores. This is a well done book, however I encourage readers to make up their own minds regarding the use of such experimental methods designed to coeorce a suspect to confess. As a researcher into investigative techniques, it is difficult to reconcile a celebration of this technique with the potential injustices that have otherwise resulted from it. For that reason, I cannot assign this book a high rating.
December 21, 2018
Wow, what a story! I like everyone else in Australia was horrified and dismayed by the murder of Daniel Morcombe. Reading this book made me realise what a very hard thing it is to be a police officer. The one hour (or two hour) police dramas on TV make the public think that solving a crime is quite easy, but not so. The immensity of the paperwork, the idiocy of people who waste police time by claiming to know who the perpetrator was...it goes on and on. I am so very glad that the police sting worked and they were able to catch Brett Cowan. I don't believe him for one second that he didn't have time to assault Daniel before he "accidentally" killed him. I hope he is never released from prison. This book is now haunting me!
April 19, 2022
This book is based on the disappearance of Daniel Morcombe in 2003 and the eventual bringing down of his predatory killer in 2011. Although most of the text is hard to read and I spent much of it feeling nothing but respect and sympathy for the Morcombe family and utter disgust for the depraved pedophile who killed Daniel (amongst his other disgusting crimes which are outlined in the book), this is a great insight into the work done by the covert operations squad who worked hard to get a confession out of Cowan that would be right for conviction. The strength of the Morcombe family is also obvious through the story. Could not put this one down.
October 21, 2022
I love reading about the police working together to get an absolutely, disgusting paedophile off the streets and locked away forever.
Brett Cowan was an opportunistic pedo who abducted Daniel Morcombe from a bus stop and, if he is to be believed, didn’t molest Daniel but murdered him anyway. Doesn’t quite ring true to me.
The book is extremely well written with a lot of research and a lot of essential details about the sting used to catch Brett Cowan with the cooperation from police in three states in Australia. A brilliant plan that eventually led to the conviction and the body of Daniel returned home to his family.
Great book.
Brett Cowan was an opportunistic pedo who abducted Daniel Morcombe from a bus stop and, if he is to be believed, didn’t molest Daniel but murdered him anyway. Doesn’t quite ring true to me.
The book is extremely well written with a lot of research and a lot of essential details about the sting used to catch Brett Cowan with the cooperation from police in three states in Australia. A brilliant plan that eventually led to the conviction and the body of Daniel returned home to his family.
Great book.
June 10, 2023
Totally fascinating insights into the undercover operation to find Daniel's killer. I remember this horror event well - I was living in the area at the time with relatives living close to Daniels home so I often passed where he was last seen alive. His disappearance had a profound effect on the community of South East Queensland. His parents were/ are amazing in the way they managed to get themselves through this ordeal. That's the reason I chose to listen to this on audible. It's really well written and narrated though it's not an 'enjoyable' tale - and quite graphic in details of the offender's criminal history of the abuse of children.
September 23, 2023
I just read this book over a few days and I had trouble putting it down. I was 17 years old when Daniel went missing, about a 45 minute drive from my house. I remember it clearly.
The book made me astonished at the kind of evil human beings are capable of. I already knew it, but this book made me really reflect on it.
My eyes welled up with tears on the final pages when reading the Morcombe’s victim impact statements. I hope Cowan is never released from prison, he really is the lowest of the low - an evil child-killing paedophile. It’s hard to put into words how much I despise this man.
RIP Daniel
The book made me astonished at the kind of evil human beings are capable of. I already knew it, but this book made me really reflect on it.
My eyes welled up with tears on the final pages when reading the Morcombe’s victim impact statements. I hope Cowan is never released from prison, he really is the lowest of the low - an evil child-killing paedophile. It’s hard to put into words how much I despise this man.
RIP Daniel
November 19, 2024
A sadistic tale with horrendous implications. The Australian true story from a family that has made it their life's long mission in educating and spreading awareness. Unraveling the intricate detailing of an organised undercover police team that played their role impeccably by befriending the child killer in order to gain the videod three word confession near 8 years in the making - "I did it".
Well written, great detail and the ending a reality so dreadfully sad but oh so rewarding.
Some images of Daniel and his family on the inside's photo section would have made sense too however which was notably not included.
Well written, great detail and the ending a reality so dreadfully sad but oh so rewarding.
Some images of Daniel and his family on the inside's photo section would have made sense too however which was notably not included.
August 14, 2025
Was an interesting read, but unfortunately the author has some biased moments regarding Australian cases and the views of police. I dont think this was necessary when telling Daniel's story. There was lots of particular attention to Max Sica, who of course has nothing to do with this story. Max Sica has been wrongly convicted of murder, I suggest anyone listen to the Loose Ends Podcast to understand the gross injustice for that particular case. This book should have focused solely on the facts, what happened, and the Morcombe legacy, it's a shame it didn't stay on that path. Not a bad read however.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
Wow, this book filled me with admiration for the complex web spun by police in order to trap the perpetrator of Daniel Morecombe's murder into a confession. It was a story of bad luck: a bus that broke down, a driver told to pass passengers who were waiting, including a little boy going to do his Christmas shopping who was never to return home.
It was alarming to realise that there were two convicted violent paedophiles who passed Daniel that afternoon and police had to decide which was the more likely suspect.
It was alarming to realise that there were two convicted violent paedophiles who passed Daniel that afternoon and police had to decide which was the more likely suspect.
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