Last King of the Cross

by John Ibrahim

John Ibrahim's incredible life story told in his own words.

Last King of the Cross lays bare Australia's most notorious underworld figure.

In the mongrel tongue of the streets, John writes of fleeing war-torn Tripoli with his family and growing up in Sydney's rough and tumble west - before establishing himself as a tough guy and teen delinquent, then a bouncer, enforcer and nightclub king on the Golden Mile.

Bullets fly, blades flash and bodies fall. In a city of shadows, John builds his army and empire - partying like a playboy prince of darkness while staying one step ahead of the cops, the outlaw gangs and hungry triggermen, plotting to take him and his family down.

Crazier than Goodfellas, more compelling than The Godfather, Last King of the Cross is a colourful crime saga like no other and powerful proof that truth is always stranger than fiction.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Crime, Memoir, Biography Memoir

374 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Corey J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the Ben Cousins book, it seems a bit self-serving and self-aggrandising. It paints Ibrahim as a loveable larrikin, if a bit of a bogan who at times glamourises violence. He seems to have had a rather lucky and unlucky life by measure - with events such as his would-be killer winding up shot in a stolen car; coupled with tragic suicides around him.

All up it is a decent tale of the old Kings Cross, and there's a good non-fiction book hiding there if you read between the lines.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and insightful read. It's a great story about a young Lebanese kid from Western Sydney - single parent family, who worked hard and made something of himself. His methods might have been questionable at times, but he also reiterates throughout the book a message to young kids to make good decisions and not be caught up in the wrong crowd, gangs, drugs etc. He should start a new career in speaking to kids in high schools, he has the type of reputation that might get through to young boys.

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun. Nothing more, nothing less. A good yarn. Perhaps a bit of an overuse of the phrase 'copped it sweet'.

[Nona · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apart from an excellent reader this had very little to offer. It appeared to be a day by day story of John IBRAHIM's life - in trouble from aged 11 - and all included the usual. The stealing, beatings, larceny, night clubs, money, girls, stand over men, guns, being on the end of beatings and guns, wayward family, nightclubs, drugs and of course the loving mother.
It was rather boring really; a man trying to justify a life of crime and violence and in between telling us how family was important and how proud he was of his son.
I only got a couple of chapters in before I pulled the pin.
Not much of interest here.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were elements of this book that I enjoyed, however, mostly I felt that it was a bit of self-serving drizzle. There is very much the element of "I am a poor boy who made something of myself and anyone can do it if they try hard enough". This is kind of bullshit, because most of what he got was because he broke the law and managed to bully and lie his way into other peoples' businesses.

I also found it interesting how much he talked about loving his family, but a good chunk of the book is trashing his brothers for getting sent to prison. Also, very little to no reference to his sisters after the first few chapters discussing his childhood.

Would be interesting to see a parallel book written by one the detectives that investigated him.

[Bella McAlinden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my god I have FINALLY finished this book, one year and a half later ?? lol. Some interesting storytelling about the cross and what went on there in the 90’s-early 2000’s but lost me a lot of the time, hence the very disjointed and delayed reading and finish.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable. Goes to show you can’t judge a book by its cover. I was surprised by this guy, in a good way. Could have listened to so many more stories.

[Jonathan Trinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part biography, part history of Sydney with a (un)healthy dose of braggadocio.

To get anything out of an autobiography you have to find something interesting in the author, and there's inherent interest in someone who starts with not much and acquires a lot. Like a lot of wealthy people though the explanation of Ibrahim's rise is mundane- King's Cross was apparently run by criminals and he happened to associate with (or be related to) some of the worst, so he put together some investment money and used intimidation to buy controlling interests in nightclubs.

It's this intimidation that leaves a sour taste after certain pages. Every moment where you think 'John would be fun to party with' or 'You can't blame him for his upbringing' is balanced by parts where you feel like saying, in words he'd understand, 'Fuck off wanker.' For instance, he claims he would give it all back if he could prevent his brother from using cocaine for the first time, the 'all' being millions of dollars, sex with beautiful (but, at a guess, intellectually limited) women, expensive cars/houses, international travel, celebrity dalliances...the list goes on. Yeah, right. The number of times he's able to knock someone out with one punch is also dubious and a bit tactless considering he points out that one-punch violence helped kill the viability of King's Cross.

It's like watching Goodfellas, or rather The Wolf of Wall St - any entertainment you get from the book is shadowed by the knowledge you're engaging with people who, for all their magnetism, are living the dream at the expense of the rest of us who have the disadvantages of obeying the law and being unfamiliar with the finer points of throwing a fist (not that we're missing out on much by not having Kyle Sandilands' number.)

If you're Australian you've heard some of the names so you'll get some gossip value and it's a fast read. A minor recommendation.

[Spellbind Consensus]

Last King of the Cross is a memoir written by John Ibrahim, a former nightclub owner and entrepreneur who rose to prominence in Sydney’s Kings Cross district, which is notorious for its nightlife, crime, and underworld connections. Published in 2017, the book offers an insider's look into Ibrahim’s life, from his challenging upbringing as a Lebanese immigrant to his eventual rise as a major figure in one of Sydney's most infamous areas.

1. Overview of Themes

The memoir explores several key themes, such as:

Survival and Resilience: John Ibrahim’s life is marked by his determination to overcome poverty, family challenges, and societal prejudice. His journey is about survival, not just in the literal sense, but in the competitive and dangerous world of Kings Cross.
Crime and Corruption: Kings Cross is depicted as a place riddled with corruption, crime, and vice. The book delves into Ibrahim’s interactions with gangsters, corrupt police officers, and other underworld figures, while also touching on the blurred lines between legal and illegal businesses.
Immigration and Identity: Growing up as a Lebanese immigrant in Australia, Ibrahim faces racism and the difficulties of adapting to a new culture. His story reflects the experience of many immigrant families struggling to find their place in a society that often marginalizes them.

2. Plot Summary

Early Life:
John Ibrahim begins by recounting his early years in Australia, where he moved from Lebanon with his family at a young age. Raised in a tough, working-class environment, Ibrahim’s childhood is defined by poverty and a sense of otherness as his family struggles to fit into their new Australian surroundings. His relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, plays a significant role in shaping his values and outlook on life.

Introduction to Kings Cross:
As a teenager, Ibrahim is drawn to Kings Cross, an area known for its nightlife and criminal activities. He starts working as a bouncer in nightclubs and gradually gains influence in the local scene. Ibrahim describes his initial fascination with the area's glamour, mixed with danger, and how it offered him both opportunities and challenges.

Rise to Power:
Ibrahim’s rise in Kings Cross is marked by his keen business sense and ability to navigate the underworld. He eventually becomes a nightclub owner and gains control of multiple venues in the district. His influence extends beyond business as he forms relationships with notorious criminals and corrupt police officers, allowing him to operate in the grey areas of the law.

The Underworld and Violence:
The memoir doesn’t shy away from the violence and crime that accompany Ibrahim’s life in Kings Cross. He recounts multiple assassination attempts on his life, his involvement in gang wars, and the brutal power struggles within the district. While Ibrahim denies being a criminal himself, he admits to being surrounded by dangerous individuals and situations, highlighting the violent realities of life in Kings Cross.

Relationships and Loyalty:
A significant part of the narrative focuses on Ibrahim’s relationships, both personal and professional. Loyalty is a central theme, whether it be to his family or his associates. Ibrahim portrays himself as a man deeply committed to those close to him, often going to great lengths to protect them. His complicated relationship with his brothers and his role as a protector of his family are major emotional undercurrents in the memoir.

Corruption and Law Enforcement:
The memoir sheds light on the corruption that was prevalent within the police force at the time. Ibrahim details his interactions with crooked cops who were part of the corrupt systems in place that allowed crime to thrive in Kings Cross. His ability to outmaneuver both law enforcement and rival criminal elements is portrayed as a combination of street smarts and business acumen.

The Evolution of Kings Cross:
As the book progresses, Ibrahim reflects on the changes in Kings Cross over the decades. Once a place of excess, crime, and glamour, the area gradually changes due to gentrification and increased law enforcement scrutiny. Ibrahim adapts to these changes, shifting his business focus and exploring legal ventures. The transformation of Kings Cross mirrors Ibrahim’s own evolution as he moves away from the darker elements of his past.

3. Tone and Style

The tone of the memoir is conversational, raw, and at times, darkly humorous. Ibrahim presents himself as a self-made man who navigates the seedy underworld with intelligence and pragmatism. The narrative is filled with gritty details of his interactions with criminals, law enforcement, and nightclubs, giving readers a vivid sense of what life in Kings Cross was like during its heyday.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the memoir often shifts into moments of introspection, especially when Ibrahim reflects on his family, his Lebanese heritage, and his desire to succeed despite the odds. These personal reflections add depth to the memoir, balancing the crime and violence with a more human side of Ibrahim.

4. Controversies and Public Perception

The book sparked some controversy upon its release, with critics questioning the glorification of Ibrahim’s involvement in the Kings Cross underworld. While Ibrahim denies being a gangster, his associations with criminals and his candid descriptions of life in a violent, corrupt environment led to debates over whether the memoir romanticizes crime.

Additionally, the memoir was turned into a television series adaptation, further bringing Ibrahim’s story into the public eye and reigniting discussions around his role in Sydney’s notorious nightlife scene.

Conclusion

Last King of the Cross is a gripping and gritty memoir that provides a rare glimpse into the underworld of Kings Cross through the eyes of one of its most enigmatic figures. John Ibrahim's journey from a poor immigrant to a nightclub mogul encapsulates a story of survival, ambition, and the complex world of crime and corruption. The memoir is both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on a notorious era in Sydney's history, making it a compelling read for those interested in true crime, underworld culture, and the complexities of identity and ambition.

[Damian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst it was a good read and I did enjoy the exploits of life in the Cross with his stories of real life events , I will not condone and praise dodgy dealings and the thug life
Happy about a story of a boy who came from Lebanon and built an empire but there was something about his rise that gave me the ick.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

John imbrahin starts off telling us no one would want his life then it seems tries to convince us otherwise. Autobiographies of criminals (I’m innocent - it’s a beat up!) are always caught up with their own sense of honour (I love my mum!). They’re such good guys deep down (I bash drink spiking rapists and just want people to have a good time). Only violent due to necessity (he started it!). This book is so contradictory (I never take drugs all drink alcohol except for when I get drunk, take pills and mushrooms) and self aggrandising (people call me the king of the cross) I kept reading (what can I say it’s easy to read) hoping for some growth (I might become a property developer next!) or an epiphany of some sort (Nope. There was none). I guess I did get a couple of unintentional insights into toxic masculinity?

[Michelle McRitchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read and recommended for those who like true crime and underworld type genres. I did think John was a little contradictory in a few areas saying he hardly ever drank and didn’t do drugs and then in the second half he obviously drinks heaps and does a lot of drugs. Also thought he didn’t have much insight into what causes people to turn to gangs and violence - the marginalisation of non-Anglo Saxon people etc. All in all though it was a good read, especially to balance the sensationalism of Underbelly! Writing wasn’t fantastic but still kept me hooked enough to finish! Hope his future continues to get straighter and his daughter and son continue to keep him on the straight and narrow with connection which is what we all need!

[Rhonda Fricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Pan has left the building and is walking into a new theatre of adventure and challenge outside the rat race of entertainment and hospitality is that it?

Great read and very generous with details and reasons why! This is a fascinating story of one man's drive to succeed in a dog eat dog industry where only the strong and financially adept survive. This m an had a gift to attract followers and wealth and was able to build an empire by working in the trenches himself on the front lines of service to people who want to have fun and escape from.the grind! It was not always pretty nor without violence but he certainly has managed to stay on top without regrets!

[Chiro Pipashito T H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely rubbish. I expected from the memoir of a gangster an insight into how people get into this ind of business , how it affects their psyche and what are the long term consequences. But this is a book of Mr. Ibrahim's bragging- how he dealt with others while keeping his records clean. With 2 of his brothers in jail and most of his associates either murdered or incarcerated, this book really beggars belief. Ibrahim's self-aggrandizing is boring as hell.

[Karl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written, self agrandising, contains some interesting anecdotes about The Cross and Oxford street in their heydays.

[Cadence Kondut]

Most poorly edited book I have ever read. Had to reread sections which appeared to be out of sequence, with the narrative often having no relevance to previous or upcoming chapters. Bizarre.

[Christalla Ta · Rating 1 out of 5]

On behalf of putting all young kids in danger you left out the dirty cops and the mob bosses who had you’re back with you’re how to guide you JOKE. Staying friends with Roger Rogenson and telling kids they have to put blood sweat and tears into becoming you while leaving out they will all get shot. You had the NSW Crime Commission leaking things to you, the dirties cops in your pocket and these kids think snitching is wrong says biggest snitch on earth.

Your book is like a how to guide to children who want to be mafia and how to die fast or muled or put in prison with leaving out you need cops in your pocket. They try that and they are in prison it’s not the 80’s.

As for 50kgs and scales you are a fool (wonder what scale they need for 2000kgs everybody got arrested on after this book). Kids get paid a few hundred to pick up drugs from the ports of Sydney or go check for tons sent by ppl. Do they think they get an in? Nah they don’t. They don’t understand fools like your family are using them as mules and putting them on the federal radar for the rest of their lives.

Oh boast about it being okay for children so young sleeping with adults and it being cool. It’s child exploitation…not telling children it’s okay…

Also bragging about groups in an umbrella term of the industries of women you have slept with (low self of steam), he knew very well the paparazzi would try find out women a names where he has heaps of photos with famous people where they could of dig up anything trying to check…he is so unethical and nobody would be none the wiser he was the catalyst the sociopath. He knew people would try find out.

[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I love reading when it’s nonfiction true crime. It’s dirty, bloody and leaves me in awe of how other people live their lives.

I can’t help but feel like John was a bit self-aggrandising in some areas. Then again, it’s his book, he can say whatever he wants. Also, with the life he’s lived he could claim he earned the right to subtlety brag about his achievements in his business ventures and thug life.

I noticed a bit of offensive terms used in the book like “gay” as an insult, “transvestites”, “coconuts”, to name a few. Nevertheless, it’s a generational thing I guess. He did mention his annoyance with political correctness.

John Ibrahim’s version of King’s Cross is waaaay different from how I saw it which was maybe in 2016? (I live in Canberra and go to Sydney only for holidays) and what I saw was NOT glamorous whatsoever. Sex workers in the sidewalk of the strip doing meth, a number of toothless sex workers beckoning us into the club, the stench of urine permeating the surroundings, etc. Learning of how the place was back then made me want to experience King’s Cross in the early times. I may be glamourising the place but I’d still pay good money to be in those streets in the 80’s and 90’s.

I like how the stories of John Ibrahim’s life was arranged in this book. Although sometimes not in sequence, it’s still easy to follow. I’m not sure if he actually wrote the book or used a ghostwriter since he mentioned he has dyslexia. Either way, I enjoyed the book immensely.

[Daniel Jeudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Ibrahim's memoir "Last King Of The Cross" is the best Australian true crime book I have read in many years. Written in an authentic knockabout street tongue, it details John's life story from fleeing war-torn Tripoli to becoming the undisputed nightclub king on Sydney's Golden Mile. Ibrahim lays bare every side of Sydney's underworld, providing an uninhibited view into the symbiotic relationships between organized criminals and the wealthy residents who buy their product. The book reveals how he rose to power, the various threats he faced on the streets and the colorful enemies who did their best to take it all away.

This book has it all. Corrupt police, outlaw gangs, crazy triggermen, glamorous celebrities, wealthy A-listers, sleazy reprobates, whizzing bullets, dead bodies, wannabe gangsters, and a long line of hangers-on. John's undeniable love for his family is a persistent thread that seemingly weaves its way through every tale, blending humor, heartbreak, and loyalty along the way.

The narrative is gripping and easy to follow, reading more like a fiction book than a typical true crime novel, grabbing hold of the reader and never letting go. Sydney glimmers like a rare diamond, shining brightly in an ocean of corruption, and while there are elements of romanticizing criminality in the book, it still does a solid job of portraying the ugliness of the organized crime universe.

Five stars from me!

[Sam Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining read. As Sydney based millennial it’s was fun hearing the history of all the places I used to frequent.

I would have loved if this book a went a bit deeper. John paints himself as an almost faultless character who’s jingoism for the cross is something to be admired, but rarely do we see the toll of this on him. The three suicides in a year of his close friends were a chance to explore this, but instead felt it was brushed over. Despite enjoying the larrikin portrayal of the glory years, I felt the dismal of casual violence unsettling.

Some characters were explored beautifully like his brother Sam, but others left me wanting to know more like Tongan Sam.

This book was easy and enjoyable to read, but have to admit felt the timelines jumped around and the arrival of certain characters like his son and daughter felt jarring as he literally never mentions their mothers.

Highly recommend this for a light holiday read, especially for any Sydney siders.

[Brooke Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book had me laughing so much I had people staring at me in cafes!! I feel like it purposely was not edited correctly to reflect badly on the author. which is a shame. but the story itself. showed a wonderful insight into a world that was and how it lead into a world that now is.
it had funny moments. it had serious moments and even some romantic awe moments.
regardless of your personal opinion of the author. it definitely sends you into a time where people lived a completely different life to what we can now and shows you just how different our world could still be if not for the royal Commission and other political factors.

[Syed Ibrahim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two biggest problem for me in this book
1. If he tells the truth , he has lot to lose so obviously he is smart enough to tell only things which makes you think his life is cool but not enough to make him look bad.
2. while perfectly selling half of his book on " rap song wanna be gangster yet I am a good guy" , he has no remorse

I read it so fast because of it's sexy theme and so many unnecessary name dropping. Which means I could skip few pages. But still I didn't get bored.

Think of it this way , you are in a drunken party and someone tells a great story, it entertains you but you take it with a pinch of salt.

[Maggie The Witch · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I only picked this one bc of the tv series and if you’re thinking of doing the same let me tell you something: the only things in common between the book and the show are the title and some of the names of the characters, including the author and his close relatives, the rest is very different.
Where the tv series is a fictionalized tale that includes some actual events and people who are still very much alive and active in aussie underworld-ish, the book is much more immersive into that same underworld telling events that I’m shocked to hear that never got the author indicted with any charges.

[Taj Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly nuanced and exciting history of Sydney’s nightlife and cultural scene from an unlikely historian.

I think this book skilfully manages to balance the glorification of the “Thug Life” and the bullet riddled struggle of Johns career.

I only wish I was in the room when his lawyers received the first draft of this book haha! Johns “I didn’t shoot him, I just paid his bail” style of evasion works soooo well in this autobiography. There were several moments in the book where I sat thinking, god dammit, he’s done it again!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who has an interest in Kings Cross and Sydney's underworld. This book comes at a nostalgic time in Kings Cross's history in which it seems it is disappearing through poor government legislative choices and development decisions. Though this book is grammatically riddled with errors (shame on Pan Macmillan the publisher!) and has a few cringe moments, it is an enjoyable read and gives good insights into a world that exists only in the shadows of society.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was much better then K thought it would be and the author came across as trying to be as honest about his life and himself as he could. There is a fair bit of gangster 'glamourising' but in the end he recognises it for what it is. I am glad too he referred to the past as the bad good old days because there is a tendency for people to reflect on the good old days a lot when it reality they were not always that good. A good read.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for people who take interest and have reasonable historic knowledge of Kings Cross and its notable figures. It is written with heart and raw emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed the puzzled relationship between John and Sam. The hilarious stories involving police, girlfriends and celebrities make it hard as a reader to put the book down too.

[Karaitiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, which jumps around

From the mouth of one of Sydney's most colourful bar owners, this is a side of life that not many experience when out for a night in on the town. From backroom chats to turf tussles and trips abroad. An interesting story that jumps from one anecdote to another.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, the example of you can do whatever it is you put your mind to it - family loyalty, I didn't really know much about the Cross or the happenings, only when it was on the news, this book puts things into perspective regardless of those that believe or don't believe. I really enjoyed this read.