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The Good Cop
'A - Assume nothing. B - Believe nothing. C - Check everything.' Ron IddlesIn an incredible twenty-five year career as a homicide detective, Ron Iddles' conviction rate was 99%. Yet that only partly explains why Iddles is known to cops and crims alike as 'The Great Man'.Tough, inventive and incorruptible, stoic in the face of senseless horror yet unafraid to shed tears for a victim, Ron has applied his country cunning and city savvy to over 320 homicide cases - some of them the most infamous, compelling and controversial crimes in the nation's history. To the victims of crime, Ron is both a shoulder to cry on and an avenging angel.Ron Iddles never gave up on a 'lost' cause. He became a regular on the nightly news - the dogged face of Australian justice. Working long hours, dodging bullets, chasing leads and outwitting killers, Ron would tell his 'The answer is just one call away'. And in 2015, that belief saw him crack Victoria's oldest unsolved homicide, yet another remarkable feat in a life devoted to keeping the public safe.This is the extraordinary inside story of a real crime crusader. Ron Iddles. The Good Cop.Now a major Foxtel series, for information about the show
368 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
83 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Justine Ford
7 books15 followersJustine Ford is a TV producer and journalist with a background in news and current affairs. She was a presenter on the top-rating crime series, Australia’s Most Wanted, and her producing credits include the hit shows Missing Persons Unit, Border Security¸ RPA and Random Acts of Kindness. She has also worked as a radio producer / presenter and as a magazine features’ writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 26, 2017
Australian true crime writer and journalist Justine Ford, leads the pack when it comes to the delivery of insightful, honest and respectful crime stories. Ford’s latest release again displays her ability to penetrate the very heart of a crime story. At the front and centre of The Good Cop is Ron Iddles, Australia’s most celebrated detective and community leader. The Good Cop combines Ford’s strength of storytelling in the true crime field, to inform the audience of the extraordinary life of Ron Iddles.
The Good Cop is a biography that combines a decorated career, with the mechanics of police procedures. It also takes a personal turn, delving into the country based upbringing of Ron Iddles. This gives the reader a good sense of where Iddles came from and how these early experiences living in a farming community helped to shape who he is today. The Good Cop details how Ron Iddles was inspired as a young man to become a detective, after many days spent watching the 1960’s television series Homicide. The book’s personal side to this hardworking man’s story, extends to his all important relationship with his wife, Colleen. Ford examines Ron’s marriage, his early days training as an officer and later his work as a detective. Ford helps the reader gain a solid picture of the struggles this man had, balancing his time as a successful police officer, with his family life. Later in his career, we learn how Ron needed time away from his gut wrenching work. He found solace in long distance truck and coach driving. However, the pull to his career and the motivation in solving so many crimes with such a high success rate, ultimately drew Ron Iddles back to the force.
In The Good Cop, Ford takes the reader deep inside some of Australia’s homicides and notorious crimes, through cataloguing Iddles twenty five year reign. Iddles work in the homicide division enabled him to come into contact with many high profile crime figures, such as Gangland suspects Carl Williams and Mark “Chopper” Read. Iddles also worked closely with many families of victims, such as the Jill Meagher family. No matter what the case, what is blindingly obvious, is that Iddles approach to any crime was almost uniformed. Iddles would always ensure that he was respectful to the victims, as well as perpetrators of a crime, giving them the time needed to have their stories aired, without judgement. This became one of the most important factors in Iddles high success rate in cracking his cases. The Good Cop provides a comprehensive look at the other people who have entered Ron’s life and held impact. These include his first boss, colleagues and members of the public he has helped. All these stories offer an interesting glimpse into a man who has devoted his life to keeping Australia safe.
The Good Cop is a highly readable biography that offers a respectful, as well as an informative dedication to a man who has spent so many years of his life serving the Australian community. For those who enjoy the finer details of the important work our police and detective divisions conduct, this book is bound to hold you captive.
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Good Cop is a biography that combines a decorated career, with the mechanics of police procedures. It also takes a personal turn, delving into the country based upbringing of Ron Iddles. This gives the reader a good sense of where Iddles came from and how these early experiences living in a farming community helped to shape who he is today. The Good Cop details how Ron Iddles was inspired as a young man to become a detective, after many days spent watching the 1960’s television series Homicide. The book’s personal side to this hardworking man’s story, extends to his all important relationship with his wife, Colleen. Ford examines Ron’s marriage, his early days training as an officer and later his work as a detective. Ford helps the reader gain a solid picture of the struggles this man had, balancing his time as a successful police officer, with his family life. Later in his career, we learn how Ron needed time away from his gut wrenching work. He found solace in long distance truck and coach driving. However, the pull to his career and the motivation in solving so many crimes with such a high success rate, ultimately drew Ron Iddles back to the force.
In The Good Cop, Ford takes the reader deep inside some of Australia’s homicides and notorious crimes, through cataloguing Iddles twenty five year reign. Iddles work in the homicide division enabled him to come into contact with many high profile crime figures, such as Gangland suspects Carl Williams and Mark “Chopper” Read. Iddles also worked closely with many families of victims, such as the Jill Meagher family. No matter what the case, what is blindingly obvious, is that Iddles approach to any crime was almost uniformed. Iddles would always ensure that he was respectful to the victims, as well as perpetrators of a crime, giving them the time needed to have their stories aired, without judgement. This became one of the most important factors in Iddles high success rate in cracking his cases. The Good Cop provides a comprehensive look at the other people who have entered Ron’s life and held impact. These include his first boss, colleagues and members of the public he has helped. All these stories offer an interesting glimpse into a man who has devoted his life to keeping Australia safe.
The Good Cop is a highly readable biography that offers a respectful, as well as an informative dedication to a man who has spent so many years of his life serving the Australian community. For those who enjoy the finer details of the important work our police and detective divisions conduct, this book is bound to hold you captive.
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
September 19, 2017
I will admit to being mightily intrigued by this biography mostly because of the reputation of the subject. Ron Iddles is well known in Victoria as a dedicated cop, a champion of the victims of murder, and a dedicated and dogged investigator who never said never on any case.
This is a man who has lead a worthwhile public / working life. There are aspects in THE GOOD COP that explain what sacrifices he and his family have made in the pursuit of that career much of which serves as a very hefty reminder of the old chestnut, behind many great men... The book takes readers back through some of the family background and possible motivations for Iddles joining the police force, and it gives the occasional insight into what continued to drive him to solve the seemingly unsolvable. It also showed very clearly that the man was also susceptible to burnout, of turning to driving trucks as a way of clearing his head of the horrible things he dealt with in the day job.
Unfortunately, THE GOOD COP, doesn't feel like it does Ron Iddles justice. For such a strong story there was something in the style of the writing in this book that was too flat and bland with a strange, almost passive voice. What short sharp bursts of over the top hero worship there are, were quickly followed by repetitive chunks of uninteresting, sticky prose which didn't engage this reader at all.
In the end, THE GOOD COP was disappointing. An interesting personal story, not well served by a decidedly lack-lustre telling.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
This is a man who has lead a worthwhile public / working life. There are aspects in THE GOOD COP that explain what sacrifices he and his family have made in the pursuit of that career much of which serves as a very hefty reminder of the old chestnut, behind many great men... The book takes readers back through some of the family background and possible motivations for Iddles joining the police force, and it gives the occasional insight into what continued to drive him to solve the seemingly unsolvable. It also showed very clearly that the man was also susceptible to burnout, of turning to driving trucks as a way of clearing his head of the horrible things he dealt with in the day job.
Unfortunately, THE GOOD COP, doesn't feel like it does Ron Iddles justice. For such a strong story there was something in the style of the writing in this book that was too flat and bland with a strange, almost passive voice. What short sharp bursts of over the top hero worship there are, were quickly followed by repetitive chunks of uninteresting, sticky prose which didn't engage this reader at all.
In the end, THE GOOD COP was disappointing. An interesting personal story, not well served by a decidedly lack-lustre telling.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
January 12, 2023
Growing up, Ron Iddles had been an avid fan of ‘Homicide’, the most important and most popular drama series ever produced in Australia, running for 12 years between 1964 and 1977, in black and white. From a young age, Ron’s ambition was to join the police force.
Ron joined the Victoria Police in 1973, just shy of 19 years of age, a career that was to span 25 years with the Homicide Squad, at significant personal sacrifice, investigating approximately 320 murders, with a conviction rate of 99 per cent, earning him the moniker “Australia’s Greatest Detective”.
In drama, such as the TV drama Homicide, the police managed to solve a murder in sixty minutes. In reality it could take decades.
‘ABC’ was to become Ron Iddles' mantra.
o Assume nothing.
o Believe nothing.
o Check everything.
In 2015 Ron Iddles was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his contribution to charity and his years of work for victims and their families.
Some of the sayings you could expect to see at Detective Training School:-
o An ounce of information is worth a ton of investigation.
o A written note will outlive a mental note.
o Failure to search is failure to find.
In 1989, Ron Iddles decided that he’d like to try something new, and after resigning from the Victoria Police began working full-time as an owner/driver of a truck delivering potting mix for Debco, followed by furniture delivery for a furniture company.
In 1994, Ron felt recharged and was ready to return to the Homicide Squad. By 1996 Ron was once more a senior sergeant, leading his own team at homicide. During this period Ron was still doing part-time work driving a poultry delivery truck.
In 1998, Ron was offered a job as a weekend driver with Firefly Coaches, which he took on with gusto, replacing his part-time poultry delivery run, and still working with the Homicide Squad. He began by driving overnight between Melbourne and Adelaide, and 12 months later this changed to daylight trips, which also included driving from Melbourne to Sydney. This is interesting because working for Homicide was not a 9 to 5 job, he would not have been seeing much of his wife and family during the week, and here he was taking on another job which meant that for 6 months of the year, his family didn’t see him on weekends. I can see how this did his wife’s head in, it does mine too. Ron’s wife’s comment “You built the sandpit but you did not play in it” will forever ring in his ears.
What Ron mentions though, is that as a homicide detective he needed an escape to keep himself balanced and all-rounded. “Sometimes, going over to collect the coach, it was like the world would lift off my shoulders, and it released any work pressure or stress.” Ron was never one to totally switch off though, and while driving could well have been in thought about a murder investigation.
While driving the Firefly coaches Ron would enjoy listening to the music of Charlie Pride, Jim Reeves, and Celine Dion. This prompted me to listen to Charlie Pride again, which brought back musical memories of years gone by…..
One of Ron’s sayings, befitting to his line of work, was: “There are two things that cost you nothing – the ability to listen, and the ability to understand.”
“During Ron’s career, those who really mattered in priority were the deceased and those who loved the deceased.”
It is fact that there are people who are pure evil, and this was particularly evident in the chapter depicting the murder of Peter Rule, one of the most horrific murders Ron Iddles had ever investigated. It was particularly heinous in the lengths the convicted murderer (Leonard Borg) went to dispose of the body and remove any trace of the murder that had taken place in a factory.
The book is written in what I call plain English, with a comprehensive insight not only into Ron Iddles the man, but also into the Police Force.
Justine Ford, the author, is a TV producer and journalist with a background in news and current affairs.
Ron joined the Victoria Police in 1973, just shy of 19 years of age, a career that was to span 25 years with the Homicide Squad, at significant personal sacrifice, investigating approximately 320 murders, with a conviction rate of 99 per cent, earning him the moniker “Australia’s Greatest Detective”.
In drama, such as the TV drama Homicide, the police managed to solve a murder in sixty minutes. In reality it could take decades.
‘ABC’ was to become Ron Iddles' mantra.
o Assume nothing.
o Believe nothing.
o Check everything.
In 2015 Ron Iddles was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his contribution to charity and his years of work for victims and their families.
Some of the sayings you could expect to see at Detective Training School:-
o An ounce of information is worth a ton of investigation.
o A written note will outlive a mental note.
o Failure to search is failure to find.
In 1989, Ron Iddles decided that he’d like to try something new, and after resigning from the Victoria Police began working full-time as an owner/driver of a truck delivering potting mix for Debco, followed by furniture delivery for a furniture company.
In 1994, Ron felt recharged and was ready to return to the Homicide Squad. By 1996 Ron was once more a senior sergeant, leading his own team at homicide. During this period Ron was still doing part-time work driving a poultry delivery truck.
In 1998, Ron was offered a job as a weekend driver with Firefly Coaches, which he took on with gusto, replacing his part-time poultry delivery run, and still working with the Homicide Squad. He began by driving overnight between Melbourne and Adelaide, and 12 months later this changed to daylight trips, which also included driving from Melbourne to Sydney. This is interesting because working for Homicide was not a 9 to 5 job, he would not have been seeing much of his wife and family during the week, and here he was taking on another job which meant that for 6 months of the year, his family didn’t see him on weekends. I can see how this did his wife’s head in, it does mine too. Ron’s wife’s comment “You built the sandpit but you did not play in it” will forever ring in his ears.
What Ron mentions though, is that as a homicide detective he needed an escape to keep himself balanced and all-rounded. “Sometimes, going over to collect the coach, it was like the world would lift off my shoulders, and it released any work pressure or stress.” Ron was never one to totally switch off though, and while driving could well have been in thought about a murder investigation.
While driving the Firefly coaches Ron would enjoy listening to the music of Charlie Pride, Jim Reeves, and Celine Dion. This prompted me to listen to Charlie Pride again, which brought back musical memories of years gone by…..
One of Ron’s sayings, befitting to his line of work, was: “There are two things that cost you nothing – the ability to listen, and the ability to understand.”
“During Ron’s career, those who really mattered in priority were the deceased and those who loved the deceased.”
It is fact that there are people who are pure evil, and this was particularly evident in the chapter depicting the murder of Peter Rule, one of the most horrific murders Ron Iddles had ever investigated. It was particularly heinous in the lengths the convicted murderer (Leonard Borg) went to dispose of the body and remove any trace of the murder that had taken place in a factory.
The book is written in what I call plain English, with a comprehensive insight not only into Ron Iddles the man, but also into the Police Force.
Justine Ford, the author, is a TV producer and journalist with a background in news and current affairs.
October 17, 2016
A really excellent biography of an amazing man with an amazing career and record to back it up. I really learned a great many interesting things about crime and different eras of Australia through reading this book.
I actually left the book I was reading at home when I went away this weekend, so I had to buy something to read! This was an excellent choice, especially as the name of the author drew me in. I've read Justine's books before, and always found them informative and well written. This was no exception.
Basically we get a look at many aspects of Ron Iddle's life, and not just the crimes he investigated. There are many quotes from people in his life that he both helped and arrested, and I definitely found this unusual but a great technique to give this a more personal feel. I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter on Chopper, since I had no clue about their connection.
A great crime book as well as a great biography, definitely a five star read! Can't recommend this one highly enough!
I actually left the book I was reading at home when I went away this weekend, so I had to buy something to read! This was an excellent choice, especially as the name of the author drew me in. I've read Justine's books before, and always found them informative and well written. This was no exception.
Basically we get a look at many aspects of Ron Iddle's life, and not just the crimes he investigated. There are many quotes from people in his life that he both helped and arrested, and I definitely found this unusual but a great technique to give this a more personal feel. I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter on Chopper, since I had no clue about their connection.
A great crime book as well as a great biography, definitely a five star read! Can't recommend this one highly enough!
September 14, 2019
A fascinating account of Ron Iddles' life as a homicide detective. If only there were more cops/detectives like him surely the world would be a better place.
An amazing man, a fantastic book!
An amazing man, a fantastic book!
October 5, 2016
heard Richard Fidler interview Ron Iddles on Abc and was so captivated by the interview and all the stories, went out and bought the book straight away.
What a disappointment....
There was so much potential for a riveting read but the author gave this larger than life character a flat,one dimensional personality which the interviewer on the ABC managed to extract.
I struggled to finish the book and only didn't put it down because I thought it would eventually get better.
Flat, bland and mediocre writing
What a disappointment....
There was so much potential for a riveting read but the author gave this larger than life character a flat,one dimensional personality which the interviewer on the ABC managed to extract.
I struggled to finish the book and only didn't put it down because I thought it would eventually get better.
Flat, bland and mediocre writing
July 3, 2019
Really good biography about a humble and amazing man
August 25, 2025
I love when memoirs don’t spend too much time on when they were younger & family life (the stuff we don’t care about)
So interesting!! Just wish he narrated it himself 😌
So interesting!! Just wish he narrated it himself 😌
December 26, 2025
This was a story about a member of the Victorian murder squad. It was his story plus also stories about murders that he had solved- including cold cases
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April 4, 2024I got a lot from this book. But it is a Biography and too patronising. We all know that Ron Iddles was a compassionate cop who cared for all involved but we don't need to be constantly reminded about it through the book. It became downright annoying. It would have been better as an Autobiography written by Ron Iddles himself, he is capable of it expressing his feelings, he was at the coalface, we want to read about that deep dark world of the Homicide Squad and Victoria Police during those turbulent years. Also the book mentions little about the corruption that went on in the Vic Police in the 70's & 80's especially during his time at St Kilda. This is what we really want to hear about. The book is a glorification about the career of Ron Iddles and wears thin. Yes he is a good man but we want to hear it from the heart and the only one who can do that is Ron Iddles. Also there is no mention as to why he was asked to leave the Homicide Squad, if the author cannot explain why, then why mention it at all!
March 21, 2020
When I saw this book, I was hoping for a riveting tale of investigations where some well known cases Ron was involved in. Alas, I was yet greeted by numerous comments on how wonderful Ron is, what a great man he is, how honourable and trustworthy Ron is... I get it, he's an incredible man loved by many, however, I wanted to know how his investigative skills changed the course of a case, the mechanics of solving a crime, how his years of experience and knowledge set him aside from all other detectives, not that he picked up a cold case and turn it into gold and solved it.
The insight of his interview skills was interesting though.
The insight of his interview skills was interesting though.
August 27, 2016
one of the best reads.
for me in a long time Ron Iddles is the real Cop we would like to see
everywhere totally unpretentious
treating everyone as equals and having the respect of his workmates as well as criminals he had locked up.
and what he achieved in 25years in the Victorian Police Force hard act to follow.
they must have thrown away the mold a shame we don't have more Rons out there keeping us safe
its good to now that he is happily retired
i would like to meet him one day and shake his hand
for me in a long time Ron Iddles is the real Cop we would like to see
everywhere totally unpretentious
treating everyone as equals and having the respect of his workmates as well as criminals he had locked up.
and what he achieved in 25years in the Victorian Police Force hard act to follow.
they must have thrown away the mold a shame we don't have more Rons out there keeping us safe
its good to now that he is happily retired
i would like to meet him one day and shake his hand
January 18, 2020
Sadly Ron Iddles decided to entrust telling the story of his career to this lady, who ruined it for everybody. Cases were palatable, but the way she writes about his personal life made this reader gag. On a few occasions she used slang terms which were unnatural and out of place, but most of all unnecessary, they didn't bring anything to the story except confusion as to why she used them. Unbelievably annoying in its hero worship. I gave it two stars because Ron Iddles has a great story to tell, the writer doesn't deserve any merit.
July 2, 2017
Intriguing content and well written. He's such an interesting and compassionate man. His story, like this book, is interwoven with the stories of victims, their families and his colleagues. I couldn't put this book down. I've recommended it and spoken about this book several times since reading it. That's the mark of a good book.
August 6, 2019
A must-read for all Australian true crime enthusiasts. Ron Iddles is a national treasure and living legend, but also a man with flaws that remind you he is human. His humanity is his best feature. Lots of engaging stories and an easy read you can quickly get lost in.
October 11, 2019
This was an amazing read. I was riveted! The detail, interviews and insight was fascinating. Most heartbreaking was the statistics and the loss of life. Most surprising was that despite seeing humanity at its worst, Ron remains a kind, compassionate person.
December 12, 2019
Intriguing and addictive read
Brilliantly written memoir of a genuine and decent human trying to do their best after some of the most horrific crimes. Genuine page turner and great read
Brilliantly written memoir of a genuine and decent human trying to do their best after some of the most horrific crimes. Genuine page turner and great read
April 23, 2020
It was a shame I had to give this book three stars because it had such potential, unfortunately I felt like I was at times reading a press release and never got to the core of this great investigator.
February 5, 2017
Brilliant book! Read it in less than 24 hours!! Victoria owes Ron & his family a huge amount of gratitude for their sacrifices. Victoria was a better place with you policing Ron.....thank you!
February 20, 2017
Very well written about an amazing man but it got a little slow towards the end
April 5, 2019
Excellent biography of one of Australia's most successful police officers.
April 15, 2019
A great read letting us in on the legend that is Ron Iddles. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
July 14, 2019
Lovely to read a true story about an honest policeman who treats everyone with respect.
January 27, 2025
Longed for more depth. Overdid the hero worship.
July 15, 2023
At first, I considered the writing style of the book’s contents very annoying. Later my mood changed to confusion and then and since completing the book there is this lasting question in my mind why was it written like this? More on this later.
As with most people my age, the name Ron Iddles was noted with ambivalence as the name entered my life on too many occasions. Through daily newscasts, be it newspaper, television, and later internet. Social conversations on his alarming homicide cases were sometimes repeated several times daily as we went about our secure lives. In most cases the name Ron Iddles was not mentioned, but when it was, there was no surprise that he was involved in the case. This book has been a reminder that there are people who go beyond the call of duty in serving the community.
Ron Iddles, an incredible person, not just for his incredible 99% success rate in solving homicides, but also for his ability to keep fronting up for another dose of witnessing how badly some people can treat their fellow man.
Full marks also to his wife and family, clearly their lives have been anything but normal. The worry of the chance of husband or father not returning home is not something for the usual person to cope with.
This is the first Justine Ford book I have read, but she has clearly been a behind the scenes person on several articles I have read or seen on television. The Good Cop is an enigma. Iddles said he was aware she moved to the State of Victoria to write the story. Whatever, she was certainly blessed the day the opportunity to write this book arose. The compiling of the contents on one hand was very good, and the gory details of the crimes are not wanted, but it reads like a sanitized edition for a seven-year-old. It must be impossible to have lived that man’s life and retained an untarnished halo. Surely there was at least one criminal who did not like him, but according to the author, everyone apparently loves Ron.
Reading the book was like a twenty-first birthday party you have probably attended where a well-meaning uncle stood up and gave a glamorous speech on what a nice person the guest of honour is, but he failed to mention the time the guest of honour blew-up the letterbox of the grumpy old fool down the street on cracker night, or the time he belted the tripe out of his cousin for no reason other than he did not like him.
The Good Cop is at times difficult to put down, but do not let the whitewashing of the character put you off.
As with most people my age, the name Ron Iddles was noted with ambivalence as the name entered my life on too many occasions. Through daily newscasts, be it newspaper, television, and later internet. Social conversations on his alarming homicide cases were sometimes repeated several times daily as we went about our secure lives. In most cases the name Ron Iddles was not mentioned, but when it was, there was no surprise that he was involved in the case. This book has been a reminder that there are people who go beyond the call of duty in serving the community.
Ron Iddles, an incredible person, not just for his incredible 99% success rate in solving homicides, but also for his ability to keep fronting up for another dose of witnessing how badly some people can treat their fellow man.
Full marks also to his wife and family, clearly their lives have been anything but normal. The worry of the chance of husband or father not returning home is not something for the usual person to cope with.
This is the first Justine Ford book I have read, but she has clearly been a behind the scenes person on several articles I have read or seen on television. The Good Cop is an enigma. Iddles said he was aware she moved to the State of Victoria to write the story. Whatever, she was certainly blessed the day the opportunity to write this book arose. The compiling of the contents on one hand was very good, and the gory details of the crimes are not wanted, but it reads like a sanitized edition for a seven-year-old. It must be impossible to have lived that man’s life and retained an untarnished halo. Surely there was at least one criminal who did not like him, but according to the author, everyone apparently loves Ron.
Reading the book was like a twenty-first birthday party you have probably attended where a well-meaning uncle stood up and gave a glamorous speech on what a nice person the guest of honour is, but he failed to mention the time the guest of honour blew-up the letterbox of the grumpy old fool down the street on cracker night, or the time he belted the tripe out of his cousin for no reason other than he did not like him.
The Good Cop is at times difficult to put down, but do not let the whitewashing of the character put you off.
March 18, 2022
This was an above average biography of Ron Iddles, a homicide detective in the State of Victoria, Australia. Not knowing anything about this man, this book came up in my book club so wasn't too sure of what I'd discover.
The book didn't disappoint as it went through this man's life from humble.beginnings as a farm boy to a well respected detective who was respected by the police and criminals alike. Many cases mostly cold cases were discussed.
I found the reading easy and I came to really like and admire the man in the book. I only gave it three stars because most of the story just talked about how great Ron was. It seems this man could do no wrong and he seemed to have the Midas touch.
I wanted to learn more about the actual investigation process which was lightly touched on. And what about.the moments when everything goes wrong....not a word said except for only one case where what later was deemed to.be an inappropriate photo.aired of a murder victim.
It was a good book and I would recommend it but I just wanted more grit I guess. As it stands this man could do no wrong.
The book didn't disappoint as it went through this man's life from humble.beginnings as a farm boy to a well respected detective who was respected by the police and criminals alike. Many cases mostly cold cases were discussed.
I found the reading easy and I came to really like and admire the man in the book. I only gave it three stars because most of the story just talked about how great Ron was. It seems this man could do no wrong and he seemed to have the Midas touch.
I wanted to learn more about the actual investigation process which was lightly touched on. And what about.the moments when everything goes wrong....not a word said except for only one case where what later was deemed to.be an inappropriate photo.aired of a murder victim.
It was a good book and I would recommend it but I just wanted more grit I guess. As it stands this man could do no wrong.
June 7, 2023
Definitely a five-star because of the topic and accuracy of this book.
At times it can be a bit repetitive, and gushy of Rod's successes, but overall it was an excellent read and well worthwhile of a second book be written on him.
I have followed his career for many years and only have praise for the man who is honest and humble.
But, yes I always have a but:
In the book, there was an extensive section on the investigation of his first murder case, that of Maria James whose life was brutally taken in her Northcote book shop. The decision to have their 'office' in the bookshop, loss of forensic evidence, and failure to follow crucial procedures may have assisted the killer to have never been brought to justice.
Considering this was Rod's first case and he was under the direction of many others, there is room for reflection. However, the errors that were made during this case he has never repeated.
If you want to know more regarding the case/errors go to:
https://www.news.com.au/national/vict...
Highly recommended.
At times it can be a bit repetitive, and gushy of Rod's successes, but overall it was an excellent read and well worthwhile of a second book be written on him.
I have followed his career for many years and only have praise for the man who is honest and humble.
But, yes I always have a but:
In the book, there was an extensive section on the investigation of his first murder case, that of Maria James whose life was brutally taken in her Northcote book shop. The decision to have their 'office' in the bookshop, loss of forensic evidence, and failure to follow crucial procedures may have assisted the killer to have never been brought to justice.
Considering this was Rod's first case and he was under the direction of many others, there is room for reflection. However, the errors that were made during this case he has never repeated.
If you want to know more regarding the case/errors go to:
https://www.news.com.au/national/vict...
Highly recommended.
December 1, 2021
Another well-written thoroughly researched true crime read from Justine Ford. Having been a huge fan of Ron Iddles and his work over the years I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into this book and it didn't disappoint. Spanning this incredible man's crime solving career with some insights into cases Ron has led and also insights into this loving husband and family man. One of those old school gentlemen who treat everyone with respect. The way he managed to get confessions from people when no one else could was nothing short of amazing. A throughly enjoyable true crime read.⭐⭐⭐⭐ #justineford #thegoodcop #tea_sipping_bookworm #litsy #goodreads #thestorygraph #amazonkindle #bookqueen #bookstagram #truecrime #roniddles
January 22, 2023
A fascinating read for true crime lovers. The wealth of experiences that are depicted in Australian homicide detective, Ron Iddles', bibliography make the book extremely insightful and engaging. This discusses not only the evolution of policing in Victoria, Australia, but also delves into the personal life and professional journey of such a renowned and successful homicide investigator.
At times the account is written with a sort of methodic blandness, making it challenging to finish. However, for the integrity of the content, I believe that it was necessary.
Overall, if you are interested in learning about the investigative process, the structure of policing in Australia, the day-to-day life of a homicide investigator and what makes a successful cop, I highly recommend this book.
At times the account is written with a sort of methodic blandness, making it challenging to finish. However, for the integrity of the content, I believe that it was necessary.
Overall, if you are interested in learning about the investigative process, the structure of policing in Australia, the day-to-day life of a homicide investigator and what makes a successful cop, I highly recommend this book.
November 14, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting narrative of a good Victorian policeman (and bus driver), which many true crime fans will absorb with joy. For those having been pinched, not pinched or yet to be pinched, Ron Iddles life is a reminder that we are all human, we all shit and some of us clean up and maintain what we hold as decent as a way of life. And the good ones don't make a fuss about it. Good on you Ron. I'm glad I'm lucky enough to have not provided you any work. No comment, by the way.
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