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The Night Dragon
‘He takes you in the middle of the night, like an angel, and you’re gone for good.’ – Witness at Vincent O’Dempsey’s committal hearing for murder, 2015. In 2017, Vincent O’Dempsey was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murders of Barbara McCulkin and her two young daughters. It took over 40 years to bring him to justice. Feared for decades by criminals and police alike, O’Dempsey associated with convicted underworld figures and has been linked to a string of haunting cold cases, including the deadly Whiskey au Go Go nightclub firebombing that killed 15 innocent people. Award-winning investigative journalist Matthew Condon has interviewed dozens of ex-cons, police and witnesses to put together a compelling picture of the calculating killer who spent his life evading the law before he was finally brought to justice. The Night Dragon shines a light on a chilling chapter of Australia's criminal past and the devastating legacy left in its wake.
Audio CD
First published March 4, 2019
About the author
Matthew Condon
40 books47 followersMatthew Steven Condon is a prize-winning Australian author and journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 8, 2020
Plunkett's book was a much better read
April 1, 2019
Agree with the other reviews. This mainly covers the Whiskey tragedy, the lead up, fire and aftermath. This, and the links to O'Dempsey, were well covered in a previous book. There is some new stuff on O'Dempsey who certainly flew under the radar. To suggest he killed 33 is far fetched.
April 13, 2019
The Whiskey Au Go Go Massacre by Geoff Plunkett was more impactful. Otherwise the Dragon is easy to read. Its set up in the same way as all his other true crime books so the style is familiar. Good on Condon for raising the profile of QLD true crime.
August 13, 2022
A flat and lifeless book that just didn’t really engage me. The parts about the police force corruption were interesting, but the rest of the book lacked the air of mystery and interest that I enjoy from a cold case story
March 25, 2019
Disappointed I didn't learn much new having already read the plunkett whiskey massacre book.
January 8, 2025
2 Stars = It didn't do anything for me.
Just let me say first up, I don't like books about organised crime. I bought this book thinking that it would be about about murder, without realising that said murders would be in that context.
If you want to know more about Vince O'Dempsey, and other career criminals, then you'd enjoy this. If you're interested in criminal activity in Australia ... Queensland and New South Wales, in particular ... you'd like this.
Just let me say first up, I don't like books about organised crime. I bought this book thinking that it would be about about murder, without realising that said murders would be in that context.
If you want to know more about Vince O'Dempsey, and other career criminals, then you'd enjoy this. If you're interested in criminal activity in Australia ... Queensland and New South Wales, in particular ... you'd like this.
March 2, 2020
I normally really enjoy Matthew Condon's stuff but I didn't enjoy this one as much.
The book centres around the Whiskey Au Go Go fire and the disappearance of a woman and her two daughters.
The book centres around the Whiskey Au Go Go fire and the disappearance of a woman and her two daughters.
June 4, 2020
I found this book very slow going. Not as good as his other true crime books
April 1, 2019
In 1973 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, the Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub was firebombed and 15 people died. In January 1974 Barbara McCulkin and her daughters Vicki and Leanne (aged 13 and 11 respectively) disappeared. It was not until 2017 that Vincent O'Dempsey, known amongst other things as the "Night Dragon" was found guilty along with an accomplice Garry Dubois, of their murder. Their bodies have never been found.
THE NIGHT DRAGON is the latest book from award-winning investigative journalist Matthew Condon, searching back over all those years for the events that led to, and maybe go some way to explaining, the death of the McCulkin's. It's tied up with many many years of criminal behaviour on the part of a group of men, starting out as boys forming gangs in and around Brisbane, suburbs and out towards Sydney.
A lot of the content of the book concentrates on the lead up to and the firebombing itself. Readers who are already aware of the connections between various criminals and dodgy characters, and the two people eventually found guilty of the bombing may feel that this is terrority already covered in other books, although anybody new to the story will discover just what a murky mess the whole situation had become. You might also be well aware of the results of the Fitzgerald Inquiry in Queensland into police corruption and integrity that has connections into the Whiskey Au Go Go killings as well.
Vincent O'Dempsey, however, for this Victorian was an unknown factor, especially as there are hints throughout this book that he could very well have killed a shocking number of people. And therein lay a tiny bit of disappointment about the book. Whilst aspects of O'Dempsey's activities were covered in THE NIGHT DRAGON, the focus seemed to be on the Whiskey Au Go Go fire. Whenever it veered more solidly into the behaviour of O'Dempsey and his involvement in the murder of the McCulkin's it started to reveal some information that was news. It started to reveal a bit about a man who sounds like he's been a thoroughly malicious and evil presence, and yet, somehow he managed to remain shadowy throughout this book. On the upside, it's an engaging telling, and there are aspects of the tie up and interconnections that are indeed sobering. Condon, as always, seems to have done extensive research, but his books never read as dry, or instructional. He gives life and humanity to the victims, and he does a terrific job at keeping track of the various crooks and their complicated interactions and relationships.
Barbara, Vicki and Leanne McCulkin deserve to be remembered, to have their story told, and to have it clearly understood that they were callously killed. The fact that it took over 40 years for their killers to be bought to justice is a testament to the people who eventually felt compelled to tell what they knew, and the persistence of the cops who followed up on their testimony.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
THE NIGHT DRAGON is the latest book from award-winning investigative journalist Matthew Condon, searching back over all those years for the events that led to, and maybe go some way to explaining, the death of the McCulkin's. It's tied up with many many years of criminal behaviour on the part of a group of men, starting out as boys forming gangs in and around Brisbane, suburbs and out towards Sydney.
A lot of the content of the book concentrates on the lead up to and the firebombing itself. Readers who are already aware of the connections between various criminals and dodgy characters, and the two people eventually found guilty of the bombing may feel that this is terrority already covered in other books, although anybody new to the story will discover just what a murky mess the whole situation had become. You might also be well aware of the results of the Fitzgerald Inquiry in Queensland into police corruption and integrity that has connections into the Whiskey Au Go Go killings as well.
Vincent O'Dempsey, however, for this Victorian was an unknown factor, especially as there are hints throughout this book that he could very well have killed a shocking number of people. And therein lay a tiny bit of disappointment about the book. Whilst aspects of O'Dempsey's activities were covered in THE NIGHT DRAGON, the focus seemed to be on the Whiskey Au Go Go fire. Whenever it veered more solidly into the behaviour of O'Dempsey and his involvement in the murder of the McCulkin's it started to reveal some information that was news. It started to reveal a bit about a man who sounds like he's been a thoroughly malicious and evil presence, and yet, somehow he managed to remain shadowy throughout this book. On the upside, it's an engaging telling, and there are aspects of the tie up and interconnections that are indeed sobering. Condon, as always, seems to have done extensive research, but his books never read as dry, or instructional. He gives life and humanity to the victims, and he does a terrific job at keeping track of the various crooks and their complicated interactions and relationships.
Barbara, Vicki and Leanne McCulkin deserve to be remembered, to have their story told, and to have it clearly understood that they were callously killed. The fact that it took over 40 years for their killers to be bought to justice is a testament to the people who eventually felt compelled to tell what they knew, and the persistence of the cops who followed up on their testimony.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
September 3, 2025
#1 in reading authors for the Whitsundays Writers Festival 2025.
Having grown up an hour South of Brisbane, and been into true crime as much as I have this past year, I'm surprised I'd never heard about the Whisky Au Go Go tragedy prior to this! However, this book is not just about that one event, it is also about the cold-case of Barbara McCulkin and her daughters, which subsequently drew light back to the nightclubs case, and the cruel men at the centre of it all. The Night Dragon is a well constructed understanding of the intertwined crimes, corruption and evil.
Having grown up an hour South of Brisbane, and been into true crime as much as I have this past year, I'm surprised I'd never heard about the Whisky Au Go Go tragedy prior to this! However, this book is not just about that one event, it is also about the cold-case of Barbara McCulkin and her daughters, which subsequently drew light back to the nightclubs case, and the cruel men at the centre of it all. The Night Dragon is a well constructed understanding of the intertwined crimes, corruption and evil.
November 10, 2019
This book was very interesting to read/listen to. Most of the reviews I’ve seen of this talk about how it pales in comparison to other books about the Whiskey fires but I’m fortunately not very familiar with a lot of Australian true-crime. I enjoyed this book and I believe it was well executed. I do think it was quite slow toward the middle but overall it was an interesting look at O’Dempsey and his crimes.
I’m glad I read this and I think book did a great job of highlighting that Australian true-crime is just as compelling as those written by US authors. Not my favourite true-crime read by any means but I still think it was solid and worth the listen.
I’m glad I read this and I think book did a great job of highlighting that Australian true-crime is just as compelling as those written by US authors. Not my favourite true-crime read by any means but I still think it was solid and worth the listen.
October 24, 2021
Not a bad book, but there are far better on the Whiksy au Go Go fire bombing and the subsequent 'investigation'. The author also puts a great amount of emphasis on his writing to and from Roger Rogerson, stating he was present when the bodies were still in the building. Please Matthew, don't take Rogerson's recall as Gospel truth. He was obviously just exaggerating, nothing more.
I am afraid when an author, supposedly well versed in True Crime lore states something that is factually wrong, not just inaccurate I question the entire treatise. Condon mentions O'Dempsey's love of the movie "Snowtown", and describes that horrific act as "...murders that took place in and around Snowtown...". That is just plain false. Only one murder took place at Snowtown, the last. The rest of the murders took place in two northern suburbs of Adelaide, almost two hundred kilometres south of Snowtown. The bodies, unfortunately for the residents of that town, were simply stored there in the end, in a disused bank vault. If you are going to try and inform readers of something, then I am afraid Matthew it pays to be factual.
Interesting side note...one of my favourite teachers in Senior was O'Dempsey's brother, mentioned only by the acts he was imprisoned for (things I did not know of at the time, but only found out about a couple of years ago). As I know of only one O'Dempsey that fits that bill, I was surprised and wished I could have spoken to him about his brother Vincent.
I am afraid when an author, supposedly well versed in True Crime lore states something that is factually wrong, not just inaccurate I question the entire treatise. Condon mentions O'Dempsey's love of the movie "Snowtown", and describes that horrific act as "...murders that took place in and around Snowtown...". That is just plain false. Only one murder took place at Snowtown, the last. The rest of the murders took place in two northern suburbs of Adelaide, almost two hundred kilometres south of Snowtown. The bodies, unfortunately for the residents of that town, were simply stored there in the end, in a disused bank vault. If you are going to try and inform readers of something, then I am afraid Matthew it pays to be factual.
Interesting side note...one of my favourite teachers in Senior was O'Dempsey's brother, mentioned only by the acts he was imprisoned for (things I did not know of at the time, but only found out about a couple of years ago). As I know of only one O'Dempsey that fits that bill, I was surprised and wished I could have spoken to him about his brother Vincent.
May 13, 2023
I started reading this book over 3 years ago. It was fascinating but a bit convoluted and confusing in places. I suppose because it still isn't entirely clear what exactly happened at the Whiskey that night.
It would have been helpful to have a timeline of events from before the Torino fires to the McCulkins going missing.
Also a summary of key players at the start of the book would also have been helpful. Although would this be allowed if they are having an inquest into the fires?
As a Warwick (younger) local it was interesting to get a more factual, mostly unbiased account of Vince O'Dempsey's criminal activities. There were times when I felt the writing became a little fluffy and unnecessary opinions added in. Dare I say it sounded a little unprofessional in places. Too personable? It affected the professionalism of the story.
The jumping around of story lines was also tricky to follow at times.
Again a time line and summary of the characters would have been extremely helpful.
On another note, I've obviously been living under a rock/not quite old enough to realise the level of corruption in the police force at the time. It now makes sense why so many of the older generation don't trust the police. For me personally, trusting our police force to serve and protect was a given.
This book was well worth the read even if I did have to put it down for 3 years then start again.
It would have been helpful to have a timeline of events from before the Torino fires to the McCulkins going missing.
Also a summary of key players at the start of the book would also have been helpful. Although would this be allowed if they are having an inquest into the fires?
As a Warwick (younger) local it was interesting to get a more factual, mostly unbiased account of Vince O'Dempsey's criminal activities. There were times when I felt the writing became a little fluffy and unnecessary opinions added in. Dare I say it sounded a little unprofessional in places. Too personable? It affected the professionalism of the story.
The jumping around of story lines was also tricky to follow at times.
Again a time line and summary of the characters would have been extremely helpful.
On another note, I've obviously been living under a rock/not quite old enough to realise the level of corruption in the police force at the time. It now makes sense why so many of the older generation don't trust the police. For me personally, trusting our police force to serve and protect was a given.
This book was well worth the read even if I did have to put it down for 3 years then start again.
January 6, 2023
I have been casual teaching for twenty years. I spent most of this absorbing book thinking ‘I know a kid like that’ or ‘that career criminal reminds me of so-and-so, aged eight.’ My husband’s favourite saint, Dom Bosco from Turin founder of the Salesian order of teaching priests, said ‘there is no such thing as a bad child.’ Perhaps not, but I have observed many children as young as six who seem to have been born without empathy, and they’re not autistic, the condition usually associated with lack of empathy.
So my question is: is a criminal born or made?
Matthew Condon doesn’t dwell on this, but it fascinates me. He speaks about career criminals who are not reformed by a lengthy spell in prison (although they may go to great lengths to avoid one) and about police and political corruption. As someone who remembers the Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen days of Queensland corruption, I was still horrified but also interested by comments such as the one from the daughter of a businessman who remembered that her father just loved Joh, ‘he didn’t worry about the law, he just let you do whatever you liked.’
The protagonist, Vincent O’Dempsey, once said that he had a visit from the devil. Charles Manson aside, he stood out from the minor players. I don’t remember any kids at school like him.
So my question is: is a criminal born or made?
Matthew Condon doesn’t dwell on this, but it fascinates me. He speaks about career criminals who are not reformed by a lengthy spell in prison (although they may go to great lengths to avoid one) and about police and political corruption. As someone who remembers the Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen days of Queensland corruption, I was still horrified but also interested by comments such as the one from the daughter of a businessman who remembered that her father just loved Joh, ‘he didn’t worry about the law, he just let you do whatever you liked.’
The protagonist, Vincent O’Dempsey, once said that he had a visit from the devil. Charles Manson aside, he stood out from the minor players. I don’t remember any kids at school like him.
March 11, 2026
An interesting look at Australia’s underbelly which I was previously unfamiliar with - it covers a lot of ground, from the early histories of the main players (including their families), to the rampant police corruption and various legal proceedings that followed the Whisky au Go Go fire of 1973 and the seemingly connected disappearance of a mother and her two young daughters in 1974.
I did find the book as a whole a bit dry, and had to push myself through certain parts of the book where my interest flagged (mainly the beginning parts about O’Dempsey and co’s family which while somewhat relevant to establishing his character, I think could ultimately have been left out). As someone who works in the legal industry, I did find myself wanting more detail on the inquest and inquiries side of things which were only shallowly touched upon, but that’s probably more an occupational hazard.
If you’re interested in true Australian crime, this might be a fun read, but I don’t know if I would necessarily recommend this generally as a true crime book.
I did find the book as a whole a bit dry, and had to push myself through certain parts of the book where my interest flagged (mainly the beginning parts about O’Dempsey and co’s family which while somewhat relevant to establishing his character, I think could ultimately have been left out). As someone who works in the legal industry, I did find myself wanting more detail on the inquest and inquiries side of things which were only shallowly touched upon, but that’s probably more an occupational hazard.
If you’re interested in true Australian crime, this might be a fun read, but I don’t know if I would necessarily recommend this generally as a true crime book.
March 11, 2021
The Night Dragon, by Matthew Condon, is a compelling story about the cold case regarding the firebombing of the Whiskey Au Go Go, a club in Fortitude Valley, and the rape and murders of a mother who knew too much, and her daughters.
The tragedy happened in 1973, and justice was finally served in 2017, when the criminal responsible for these actions – Vincent O’Dempsey, one of Queensland’s most dangerous killers – was put behind bars.
This is such a disturbing and chilling story, especially since it happened in my own hometown, and in locations I’m familiar with, and Vincent O’Dempsey was actually hanging around areas that I frequented. I never met him, of course, but the proximity is still alarming.
It’s a fantastic read, and brilliantly written, but I don’t recommend reading at night.
The tragedy happened in 1973, and justice was finally served in 2017, when the criminal responsible for these actions – Vincent O’Dempsey, one of Queensland’s most dangerous killers – was put behind bars.
This is such a disturbing and chilling story, especially since it happened in my own hometown, and in locations I’m familiar with, and Vincent O’Dempsey was actually hanging around areas that I frequented. I never met him, of course, but the proximity is still alarming.
It’s a fantastic read, and brilliantly written, but I don’t recommend reading at night.
August 19, 2024
My notes :
- i have listen to this on audio and love it .
- it is based on true events that has happen
- i love reading any crimes books but this one was close to home for me .
Book summary:
In 2017, Vincent O'Dempsey was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murders of Barbara McCulkin and her two young daughters. It took over 40 years to bring him to justice. Feared for decades by criminals and police alike, O'Dempsey associated with the convicted underworld figures and has been linked to a string of haunting cold cases, including the deadly Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub firebombing that killed 15 Innocent
- i have listen to this on audio and love it .
- it is based on true events that has happen
- i love reading any crimes books but this one was close to home for me .
Book summary:
In 2017, Vincent O'Dempsey was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murders of Barbara McCulkin and her two young daughters. It took over 40 years to bring him to justice. Feared for decades by criminals and police alike, O'Dempsey associated with the convicted underworld figures and has been linked to a string of haunting cold cases, including the deadly Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub firebombing that killed 15 Innocent
December 9, 2019
Number five in Condon's Queensland crime and corruption series, this focusses on the life and times of killer Vincent O'Dempsey. A fascinating group of nasty characters! If you enjoyed his earlier books, this continues the story well and fills in the picture of Queensland crime and the best police money could buy. Although the McCulkin murders are the real focus of this, the Whiskey au Go Go bombing plays a big part and maybe this is the direction it will go next. Well researched and written, this is a good addition to the series.
April 14, 2019
Suggest you have a least read one of the Three Crooked Kings trilogy before this one to get a sense of Queensland pre Fitzgerald.
Good read, and whilst the outcome is now known this puts it all together. A sad grubby dirty story of crime and blind eyes.
Good read, and whilst the outcome is now known this puts it all together. A sad grubby dirty story of crime and blind eyes.
April 9, 2021
A really insightful view of the QLD and NSW police and wily criminals -especially Vince O'Dempsey who used all his wits and vices to basically get away with murder(s)
November 20, 2021
Continuing Queensland's crime history.
December 21, 2023
Matthew Condon's "The Night Dragon" takes readers on a gripping exploration of Australia's criminal underworld, weaving together a compelling narrative that spans decades. This paperback earns a solid four out of five stars for its immersive storytelling, extensive research, and the author's ability to illuminate the complexities of crime, corruption, and the pursuit of justice.
Condon's writing is both evocative and insightful, capturing the essence of the criminal landscape and the characters that inhabit it. The book provides a nuanced understanding of the interconnected web of crime, politics, and law enforcement, creating a narrative that is as informative as it is engaging.
One of the strengths of "The Night Dragon" lies in Condon's meticulous research. The author delves deep into the historical and social contexts that shape the criminal enterprises he explores, offering readers a comprehensive view of the forces at play. The attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the narrative, immersing readers in a world that feels both gritty and real.
Character development is another standout feature of the book. Condon skillfully portrays the individuals involved, from the key players in criminal enterprises to law enforcement officials working tirelessly to dismantle them. This humanizing approach adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the real people at the heart of the story.
The pacing of "The Night Dragon" is well-managed, with Condon expertly balancing the unfolding drama and the historical context. The narrative flows smoothly, maintaining a sense of momentum that keeps readers engaged throughout the book. The author's ability to weave together multiple storylines contributes to the overall richness of the reading experience.
While the subject matter is often dark and gritty, Condon handles it with a level of objectivity that avoids sensationalism. The book serves as more than just a true crime account; it is a reflective exploration of the societal factors that contribute to the persistence of criminal enterprises and the challenges faced by those seeking to dismantle them.
In conclusion, "The Night Dragon" is a commendable work that stands out in the true crime genre. Matthew Condon's skillful storytelling, thorough research, and nuanced approach to character development make this paperback a compelling and thought-provoking read. For those interested in a deep dive into Australia's criminal history, "The Night Dragon" deserves its solid four-star rating.
Condon's writing is both evocative and insightful, capturing the essence of the criminal landscape and the characters that inhabit it. The book provides a nuanced understanding of the interconnected web of crime, politics, and law enforcement, creating a narrative that is as informative as it is engaging.
One of the strengths of "The Night Dragon" lies in Condon's meticulous research. The author delves deep into the historical and social contexts that shape the criminal enterprises he explores, offering readers a comprehensive view of the forces at play. The attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the narrative, immersing readers in a world that feels both gritty and real.
Character development is another standout feature of the book. Condon skillfully portrays the individuals involved, from the key players in criminal enterprises to law enforcement officials working tirelessly to dismantle them. This humanizing approach adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the real people at the heart of the story.
The pacing of "The Night Dragon" is well-managed, with Condon expertly balancing the unfolding drama and the historical context. The narrative flows smoothly, maintaining a sense of momentum that keeps readers engaged throughout the book. The author's ability to weave together multiple storylines contributes to the overall richness of the reading experience.
While the subject matter is often dark and gritty, Condon handles it with a level of objectivity that avoids sensationalism. The book serves as more than just a true crime account; it is a reflective exploration of the societal factors that contribute to the persistence of criminal enterprises and the challenges faced by those seeking to dismantle them.
In conclusion, "The Night Dragon" is a commendable work that stands out in the true crime genre. Matthew Condon's skillful storytelling, thorough research, and nuanced approach to character development make this paperback a compelling and thought-provoking read. For those interested in a deep dive into Australia's criminal history, "The Night Dragon" deserves its solid four-star rating.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews