Once a Copper: The life and times of Brian `The Skull` Murphy

by Vikki Petraitis

Once a copper, always a copper. At least that's how it seems for Brian 'The Skull' Murphy, long-retired but sought out by a trail of journalists and cops who regularly beat a path to his door. Once known as Australia's toughest cop, The Skull was both charged with manslaughter (and acquitted), then awarded a Valour Award for bravery in the line of duty. It is these two sides to the complex man that intrigue audiences to this day. Much has been written about The Skull's escapades, but few have explored the method behind the madness.

Genres: True Crime

314 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2018

Reviews

[Elise McCune]

I was fortunate to read a pre-publication copy of ‘Once a Copper’ the Life and Times of Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy by Vikki Petraitis.

Brian ‘The Skull’ Murphy, is a long-retired police officer but journalists regularly beat a path to his door. Once known as Australia’s toughest cop, The Skull was both charged with manslaughter (and acquitted), then awarded a Valour Award for bravery in the line of duty.

A non-drinking, Catholic family man, Brian did not fit the accepted mould of a 1950’s police officer and he didn’t care. Over 40 men fell to his bullets, and more felt his fists.

Australia’s toughest cop, for the first time, also shares a personal secret of sexual abuse, in the hope that it will help others. It was this abuse that made Brian the type of police officer he became: tough on the criminals but with empathy and a great feeling of protection towards the victims.

‘Once a Copper’ is an excellent book, written with the full co-operation of Brian Murphy, and well-researched by Vikki Petraitis, who is Australia’s foremost true-crime writer.

[Barbara Nicholson]

What a character! You'd think he was made up with all the adventures he got into, but it's amazingly all true. How times have changed for the police. A great read, lots of fun and astonishing stories.

[Christy Grace]

My goodness!!
It was great reading this book. To see what it was like for Australian police in the era of cops like Brian Murphy was fascinating.
It was so easily to read - woven as stories and biographical. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from someone with the nickname ‘skull’ but I absolutely loved hearing all his stories and experiences.
Vikki did a fabulous job with the story, and had such a beautiful flow to her writing.

[Robin]

A well-written and thoroughly entertaining book about an old style 'copper' with a quick temper and a heart of gold. Brian Murphy is the sort or person you'd love to have as a friend, but watch out if you cross him! The book is also a fascinating look at policing as it used to be - how different it is today!

[Jodi Sinclair]

Really enjoyed learning about how Melbourne used to be. This story was very entertaining and informative. I love the honesty portrayed in the book. Even though these people would kill you as soon as look at you they still had great respect for his family. The book portrays a side to our beautiful city I am glad I don't live in. Hopefully the police get better wages nowadays.

[Kay Anderson]

Enjoyed this book. Pretty sure he is a good guy....mostly....but a great read

[Lisa Nania]

Great book about a true character of a policeman.....

[Stephen]

Interesting insight into old school law enforcement, I think he lost sight of his role or at least blurred it significantly particularly in relation to the suspect that died in custody after allegedly receiving a beating the author seemed obsessed with clearing his name but something or someone inflicted the injuries? He goes on to explain that the church was right behind him conducting prayers as he continued to outline what a dedicated and devout tea totalling Catholic, he is, these things don't clear you from blame or at the very least relieve you from the obligation of providing honest evidence as a witness.
He was without doubt a hard-working cop but minimised the violent bullying behaviour he performed while doing his job.

[David Clemons]

A great story of an awesome man!

As a retired cop myself, I found many similarities in the story of “Skull” Murphy and mine. It is a book I highly recommend to anyone, cops, civilians, and everyone in between. 5 stars for me.

[Tanya Boulter]

Started this book and I get that you need some background on a character to form the story or an understanding of the main character. But just found this was a little too focussed on his early days and not mainly his policing career

[Dianna Cook]

excellent reading.

The very interesting life of a wonderful man.
Fascinating to recall those times in Melbourne and the way the Police Force worked.

[Lynette]

Loved the book and breezed through it, a great read!