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The Devil’s Grip
Wake in Fright meets Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil in this darkly compelling and provocative Australian true crime story.
Seven shots ring out in the silence of Victoria’s rolling Barrabool Hills. As the final recoil echoes through the paddocks, a revered sheep-breeding dynasty comes to a bloody and inglorious end.
No one could have anticipated the orgy of violence that wiped out three generations of the Wettenhall family, much less the lurid scandals about Darcy Wettenhall, the man behind the world famous Stanbury sheep stud, that would emerge from the aftermath.
Almost three decades later, the web of secrets and lies that led to this bizarre and seemingly motiveless murder spree are unravelled with the help of Bob Perry, Darcy Wettenhall’s secret lover for a decade prior to his murder.
From the bucolic majesty, privilege and snobbery of the Western District’s prized pastoral lands and dynasties to the bleak, loveless underworld of orphanages, rodeo stables and homeless shelters, The Devil’s Grip is a courageous and thought-provoking meditation on the fragility of reputation, the folly of deception and the power of shame.
Seven shots ring out in the silence of Victoria’s rolling Barrabool Hills. As the final recoil echoes through the paddocks, a revered sheep-breeding dynasty comes to a bloody and inglorious end.
No one could have anticipated the orgy of violence that wiped out three generations of the Wettenhall family, much less the lurid scandals about Darcy Wettenhall, the man behind the world famous Stanbury sheep stud, that would emerge from the aftermath.
Almost three decades later, the web of secrets and lies that led to this bizarre and seemingly motiveless murder spree are unravelled with the help of Bob Perry, Darcy Wettenhall’s secret lover for a decade prior to his murder.
From the bucolic majesty, privilege and snobbery of the Western District’s prized pastoral lands and dynasties to the bleak, loveless underworld of orphanages, rodeo stables and homeless shelters, The Devil’s Grip is a courageous and thought-provoking meditation on the fragility of reputation, the folly of deception and the power of shame.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2019
About the author
Neal Drinnan
16 books15 followersNeal Drinnan was born in Melbourne, Australia, sometime in the 1960s. At seventeen he abandoned his family and education for the lure of life’s more ephemeral things (they lasted longer than he expected).
He has worked in publishing and journalism for many years. He is the author of five novels—Glove Puppet, Pussy’s Bow, Quill, Izzy and Eve and Rare Bird of Truth, as well as The Rough Guide to Gay and Lesbian Australia and numerous short stories. Readers who find themselves shocked by the morality of his tales should perhaps spare a thought for the author and his diligent research. He is a regular commentator on issues surrounding life love and laughter but never politics if he can avoid it.
Drinnan is generally polite, well-spoken, and well-read (although not necessarily well-behaved) and—like vodka in tonic—he mixes freely and sometimes even glows in the dark.
He has worked in publishing and journalism for many years. He is the author of five novels—Glove Puppet, Pussy’s Bow, Quill, Izzy and Eve and Rare Bird of Truth, as well as The Rough Guide to Gay and Lesbian Australia and numerous short stories. Readers who find themselves shocked by the morality of his tales should perhaps spare a thought for the author and his diligent research. He is a regular commentator on issues surrounding life love and laughter but never politics if he can avoid it.
Drinnan is generally polite, well-spoken, and well-read (although not necessarily well-behaved) and—like vodka in tonic—he mixes freely and sometimes even glows in the dark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 12, 2022
3.5 stars. I was curious to pick this up as I hadn't heard of the murders not the people before and while there where parts that was done well it was quite confusing at times. But it might have been my current head space.
April 29, 2020
This book is written so horribly. The sad thing is I was enjoying the story and it was intriguing however I couldn’t finish the book because the writing is so shit! It’s all over the place and the timeline is shocking. One minute it’s 1950, next minute it’s 1980 then next it’s 1960!? Also the language the author uses is vile.. “Bob’s a very masculine ‘straight acting’ bloke. You wouldn’t take him for a poof.” What the fuck? By the way, this author is now in a relationship with Bob who used to be with Darcy. How the hell can we believe everything that Bob is saying in this book? He could be lying for all we know.. also the author keeps adding in his own opinions and life experiences which is so fucking annoying because it’s irrelevant to the story! Would not recommend this book to anyone AT ALL!!!!! Don’t waste your time reading this book!!!!
May 29, 2019
Interesting read about my local area. I don’t remember the shootings but found it was a fascinating read about the who, what and why that was involved.
I found that it jumped around a bit which I struggled with. The text was insightful and easy to read. I found the information about the sheep industry quite interesting but reading about the homophobia of the times brought back some tough memories.
I’m not usually a fan of true crime but I liked that it spent more time talking about how events led to the murders and how the family dealt with the aftermath, more than the actual crime itself.
Great for true crime fans and people interested in local history.
I found that it jumped around a bit which I struggled with. The text was insightful and easy to read. I found the information about the sheep industry quite interesting but reading about the homophobia of the times brought back some tough memories.
I’m not usually a fan of true crime but I liked that it spent more time talking about how events led to the murders and how the family dealt with the aftermath, more than the actual crime itself.
Great for true crime fans and people interested in local history.
January 11, 2022
It's advertised as Wake in Fright meets Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, it's certainly not. False advertising. This is nothing like either. It started off ok but got progressively worse, it's all over the place. Boring and a dog's breakfast.
I thought it was about a country murder of three people - instead it appears to be about Bob who lived on the farm once, a long time before the murders happened. Bob thought this, Bob said that, Bob did this, Bob was here, Bob went there. Bob this, Bob that. It rambled on about everything from Feminism to AIDS, from shoes on the side of the road to gay life in Melbourne. Some of the chapters made absolutely no sense. Nothing to do with the story of three murders.
Spend your time more wisely than reading this book.
I thought it was about a country murder of three people - instead it appears to be about Bob who lived on the farm once, a long time before the murders happened. Bob thought this, Bob said that, Bob did this, Bob was here, Bob went there. Bob this, Bob that. It rambled on about everything from Feminism to AIDS, from shoes on the side of the road to gay life in Melbourne. Some of the chapters made absolutely no sense. Nothing to do with the story of three murders.
Spend your time more wisely than reading this book.
August 8, 2021
Not very well written, sometimes confusing, often very very boring. I stuck it out because I live in Hamilton where the Sheepvention is held and I was curious about something that happened in my local area, something I'd never heard of before I found this book. I just wish the writing was a bit more engaging than the eye glazing it could induce
March 1, 2022
This is not just a story about a murder but also a book about hidden secrets. On the 18th March, 1992, three generations of the Wettenhall family were shot dead at Stanbury, the family home near Geelong. Janet Wettenhall, 81, her cousin, Darcy Wettenhall, 52, and his son Guy Wettenhall, 23. Janet Wettenhall and her late husband Rupert were world leaders in the sheep industry. They bred prize winning Corriedale sheep on their stud called Stanbury. Darcy was a distant cousin with a sad past. Sent to a children’s home at a young age because of his mother’s illness, he was abused and unloved. At 15 he was sent to Stanbury to “learn the trade” and be given something to do. As Rupert and Janet had no children of their own, he was treated like a son and would eventually inherit Stanbury. Darcy grew up to be a very hard and unkind man with a secret. Darcy Wettenhall was gay. A gay man living in a very masculine world where gays were not tolerated. He had a secret lover (Bob) who for ten years shared his life and bed. I found this a very sad story, not just for the senseless murders, but for the sad lives each of the characters lived. I will never understand what it is like to be a gay living in a straight world. This book has opened my eyes a little to the secret lives of a lot of people.
January 1, 2020
I finished the year with a bang.. actually 7 of them - the 7 gunshots that rang out over Geelong's Barrabool Hills in 1992, bringing the region's most revered sheep-breeding dynasty to an end.
Darcy Wettenhall, his son Guy and his elderly cousin Janet were dead, and the secrets that were to surface in the aftermath paint a shockingly sad picture of Wettenhall, from his childhood spent in care, to the cold, controlling and driven man he would become.
Almost 30 years after the event Bob Perry, the man who had been Darcy's secret lover for 10 years, shares his memories with author Neal Drinnan. There is very little focus on the actual murders - instead, this is more of a character study of the main players, in particular, Darcy, and the expectations of the era he grew up in and lived in. His childhood and adolescence were troubled and sad, and his marriage a sham - fulfilling community expectations and covering up his sexual identity - but also, importantly, producing the heir to the Stanford Sheep dynasty.
A thought provoking study of the times...the double-lives that gay men of that era (and even sometimes still now) are forced to live and the devastating consequences that can arise from it.
It's always interesting to read about an event that happened in the place you live, and that you remember happening and being in the news at the time - this was a fascinating insight and a very brave and honest baring of truths by Drinnan and Perry.. well worth it.
Darcy Wettenhall, his son Guy and his elderly cousin Janet were dead, and the secrets that were to surface in the aftermath paint a shockingly sad picture of Wettenhall, from his childhood spent in care, to the cold, controlling and driven man he would become.
Almost 30 years after the event Bob Perry, the man who had been Darcy's secret lover for 10 years, shares his memories with author Neal Drinnan. There is very little focus on the actual murders - instead, this is more of a character study of the main players, in particular, Darcy, and the expectations of the era he grew up in and lived in. His childhood and adolescence were troubled and sad, and his marriage a sham - fulfilling community expectations and covering up his sexual identity - but also, importantly, producing the heir to the Stanford Sheep dynasty.
A thought provoking study of the times...the double-lives that gay men of that era (and even sometimes still now) are forced to live and the devastating consequences that can arise from it.
It's always interesting to read about an event that happened in the place you live, and that you remember happening and being in the news at the time - this was a fascinating insight and a very brave and honest baring of truths by Drinnan and Perry.. well worth it.
July 25, 2021
An interesting book pertaining to Australian true crime. I found the story jumped around a little on the pages although it was still readable for me. It would have been good if it had a Genetic time-line in the form of a map at the front for family reference and comparison to dates events etc, so the reader could consult them when needed.
October 15, 2019
Fantastic read - know the contents of characters well, about time the story was told as it was.
My hat off to Bob and the author, I enjoyed the way it was written. It has many sad years for Darcy and one of the worst ending for 3 well known locals, may they forever Rest In Peace.
My hat off to Bob and the author, I enjoyed the way it was written. It has many sad years for Darcy and one of the worst ending for 3 well known locals, may they forever Rest In Peace.
December 25, 2019
An interesting story that kept me turning the pages to see how the story ended. Who needs fiction when there are true stories like this floating around? If it was set in a cattle station instead of a sheep stud I no doubt would have scored it higher simply due to personal preference.
April 6, 2025
This book came recommended by a friend – a decision I’m now gently questioning. The story itself is compelling and tragic: a dark chapter in a rural Australian family’s history, layered with themes of closeted homosexuality, self-loathing, and the AIDS crisis. There’s no shortage of weighty material, and it could’ve been truly gripping.
But the execution left me cold. The author, while technically absent from the events, manages to insert himself throughout in a way that felt intrusive and self-indulgent. In a book marketed as true crime, I expected a clearer, more structured narrative. Instead, what I got was a meandering timeline and a tone that veered from introspective memoir to half-baked journalism. It read like a soup – too many ingredients, and not enough clarity.
There was real potential here, but unfortunately, it got lost in the author’s need to centre himself in a story that wasn’t his.
But the execution left me cold. The author, while technically absent from the events, manages to insert himself throughout in a way that felt intrusive and self-indulgent. In a book marketed as true crime, I expected a clearer, more structured narrative. Instead, what I got was a meandering timeline and a tone that veered from introspective memoir to half-baked journalism. It read like a soup – too many ingredients, and not enough clarity.
There was real potential here, but unfortunately, it got lost in the author’s need to centre himself in a story that wasn’t his.
December 7, 2019
‘The Devil’s Grip’ is the true story of the Wettenhall family...
On the 17th March, 1992 three members of this prestigious local family are brutally murdered on their property in the Barrabool Hills in a seemingly motiveless attack.
Darcy, the family patriarch and a complex character was the world renown sheep breeder of Stanbury sheep stud. To to the outsider; a real man’s man, yet privately Darcy led a scandalous double life, of which the truth was only exposed in his death.
Bob Perry, Darcy Wettenhall’s secret lover for over a decade sits down with his friend the gifted and award winning author, Neal Drinnan to tell the real story.
‘The Devil’s Grip’ is a profoundly raw and vulnerable book, it reads like part memoir- part true crime story and is an entirely glorious example of courage, shame and tragedy.
On the 17th March, 1992 three members of this prestigious local family are brutally murdered on their property in the Barrabool Hills in a seemingly motiveless attack.
Darcy, the family patriarch and a complex character was the world renown sheep breeder of Stanbury sheep stud. To to the outsider; a real man’s man, yet privately Darcy led a scandalous double life, of which the truth was only exposed in his death.
Bob Perry, Darcy Wettenhall’s secret lover for over a decade sits down with his friend the gifted and award winning author, Neal Drinnan to tell the real story.
‘The Devil’s Grip’ is a profoundly raw and vulnerable book, it reads like part memoir- part true crime story and is an entirely glorious example of courage, shame and tragedy.
August 26, 2019
Finely nuanced to capture an authentic context. Thought provoking on many levels.
March 14, 2020
I absolutely love reading books with quotes that resonate with me! Here are a few I saw:
“What hides under a rock is always more lively than the stone itself.” Page 114.
“I measure a man by how he treats his enemies. If he is vicious and uncompromising towards people, then so he will he towards you one day. If he is forgiving when wronged and compassionate to those who dispense him, he has the capacity to be a worthwhile friend or partner.” Page 332.
“I’ve known people in this world who have gone to enormous lengths to appear graded than they were, and equally, I’ve known those who tried to play down thief privileged origins and advantages. Can anyone in this world tell a straight story? We would all like to believe they what someone tells Subianto’s but if we aren’t happy Ba our who we are or where we came from or our station in life, are we entitled to make something up? And if we do, what will the cost be?” Page 336, A note from the author.
This book was recommended as our next discussion from my Gay Book Club at New Farm Library in Brisbane. I am glad I have learned more about sheep farming and the wool industry as it’s huge here in Australia. I love true crime and was compelled to learn more about these murders. The author Neil Drinnan had an interesting approach to telling the tale of how he researched the murders and retold them as he heard them. So the “I” in these chapters was actually referring to the author instead of another character, which seems different to the other true crime books I’ve read in the past.
The whole gay aspect was huge throughout this book from Darcy being gang raped by boys at his school - which he seemed to not mind at all - to Bob’s first sexual experience as a kid learning to play tennis. There was also the author Neil’s first gay experience with an older man.
I am glad I read the book as it introduced me to the world of award-winning sheep and the stealthy, devious ways of some of the people at the top. I would have scored it higher if the writing flowed better and was more eloquent. It could have used another proofread or edit. For example, on page 63, the word “seemed” was spelled with three e’s. Also, some sentence structures needed to be re-read as they just did not flow well.
There’s an interesting article I came across that mentioned Darcy’s ex-wife’s point of view, which would have been good to get before the book was written. Jan said she would not have shot at Darcy. I can’t even imagine what she went through. A gay man marrying a woman has serious potential to ruining two lives, and it certainly affected Jan, but she came through as a resilient woman, even after the death of her son Guy.
https://www.google.co.id/amp/s/amp.th...
Overall, an interesting read. I was very fascinated by the secret life of people with homosexual tendencies and how many go through great lengths to hide their sexual preferences. In Darcy’s case, this was so extreme, he’s rather his whole family be taken out than admit that he’s fat and to negotiate the world as a gay man. The clandestine events that take place in public bathrooms and other areas make me think of the public toilets that I use at Downey Park in BRISBANE, maybe there are truths in the rumors I read about on goggle.
Anyway, living with HIV is not a small matter and it pays to be careful with all your actions. Although Darcy didn’t sound like the kindest man to both humans and Mrs. Wett’s dogs, no one’s life should have ended as brutally. In the end, Neil also mentioned that both he are Bob are living with HIV. It’s a virus that infects the body and is totally manageable now in first world countries with access to proper medications, thank goodness! The 80’s and 90’s were undeniably eye-opening decades with the HIV/ AIDS epidemic and I’m thankful technology has improved the lives of those affected by this virus.
“What hides under a rock is always more lively than the stone itself.” Page 114.
“I measure a man by how he treats his enemies. If he is vicious and uncompromising towards people, then so he will he towards you one day. If he is forgiving when wronged and compassionate to those who dispense him, he has the capacity to be a worthwhile friend or partner.” Page 332.
“I’ve known people in this world who have gone to enormous lengths to appear graded than they were, and equally, I’ve known those who tried to play down thief privileged origins and advantages. Can anyone in this world tell a straight story? We would all like to believe they what someone tells Subianto’s but if we aren’t happy Ba our who we are or where we came from or our station in life, are we entitled to make something up? And if we do, what will the cost be?” Page 336, A note from the author.
This book was recommended as our next discussion from my Gay Book Club at New Farm Library in Brisbane. I am glad I have learned more about sheep farming and the wool industry as it’s huge here in Australia. I love true crime and was compelled to learn more about these murders. The author Neil Drinnan had an interesting approach to telling the tale of how he researched the murders and retold them as he heard them. So the “I” in these chapters was actually referring to the author instead of another character, which seems different to the other true crime books I’ve read in the past.
The whole gay aspect was huge throughout this book from Darcy being gang raped by boys at his school - which he seemed to not mind at all - to Bob’s first sexual experience as a kid learning to play tennis. There was also the author Neil’s first gay experience with an older man.
I am glad I read the book as it introduced me to the world of award-winning sheep and the stealthy, devious ways of some of the people at the top. I would have scored it higher if the writing flowed better and was more eloquent. It could have used another proofread or edit. For example, on page 63, the word “seemed” was spelled with three e’s. Also, some sentence structures needed to be re-read as they just did not flow well.
There’s an interesting article I came across that mentioned Darcy’s ex-wife’s point of view, which would have been good to get before the book was written. Jan said she would not have shot at Darcy. I can’t even imagine what she went through. A gay man marrying a woman has serious potential to ruining two lives, and it certainly affected Jan, but she came through as a resilient woman, even after the death of her son Guy.
https://www.google.co.id/amp/s/amp.th...
Overall, an interesting read. I was very fascinated by the secret life of people with homosexual tendencies and how many go through great lengths to hide their sexual preferences. In Darcy’s case, this was so extreme, he’s rather his whole family be taken out than admit that he’s fat and to negotiate the world as a gay man. The clandestine events that take place in public bathrooms and other areas make me think of the public toilets that I use at Downey Park in BRISBANE, maybe there are truths in the rumors I read about on goggle.
Anyway, living with HIV is not a small matter and it pays to be careful with all your actions. Although Darcy didn’t sound like the kindest man to both humans and Mrs. Wett’s dogs, no one’s life should have ended as brutally. In the end, Neil also mentioned that both he are Bob are living with HIV. It’s a virus that infects the body and is totally manageable now in first world countries with access to proper medications, thank goodness! The 80’s and 90’s were undeniably eye-opening decades with the HIV/ AIDS epidemic and I’m thankful technology has improved the lives of those affected by this virus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2022
This is a sad and unusual book. It is not an easy book to read, but is nonetheless extremely well written. It tells the story of the murders of Darcy Wettenhall, his son Guy, and his elderly relative Janet on their sheep property near Geelong in 1992. The murders were committed by a young Aboriginal man, Wayne Walton, who subsequently died in custody.
Homosexuality is at the heart of the story, which is told primarily through the eyes of Darcy's lover, Bob. Bob became a friend of the author following frequent visits to his bookshop in Colac.
'The Devil's Grip' is as much a meditation on being gay as it is about the Wettenhall murders. Much of the book talks about the business of writing the book, which is effective in as much as it provides the reader with some relief from the intensity of the narrative. My only criticism would be that it all feels about 50 pages too long.
Drinnan has performed a great service by shining a light where no other light would ever be likely to be shone. The Wettenhalls and Walton were all victims in different ways, and all suffered premature and unpleasant deaths. It is a story of marginality, be it borne of sexuality, ethnicity, or penury.
Homosexuality is at the heart of the story, which is told primarily through the eyes of Darcy's lover, Bob. Bob became a friend of the author following frequent visits to his bookshop in Colac.
'The Devil's Grip' is as much a meditation on being gay as it is about the Wettenhall murders. Much of the book talks about the business of writing the book, which is effective in as much as it provides the reader with some relief from the intensity of the narrative. My only criticism would be that it all feels about 50 pages too long.
Drinnan has performed a great service by shining a light where no other light would ever be likely to be shone. The Wettenhalls and Walton were all victims in different ways, and all suffered premature and unpleasant deaths. It is a story of marginality, be it borne of sexuality, ethnicity, or penury.
August 3, 2025
I had not heard of this murder in the Western District, so was intrigued, having spent some of my childhood in the area and living on a large sheep property - I envisaged it would be more about the murder, but - acknowledged I learned a lot about gay men, the stigma, the cover ups that some went to - to protect their 'persona'. Cleverly written and overall a sad, sad story of - bullies and bullshit artists - being supported by genuine loving people.
December 29, 2025
I didn't finish the book. It wasn't so much about a terrible crime as the ramblings or recollections of the author who had a connection to the crime. People interested in the social history of the place and the era or in the prejudices of a small community would probably find it interesting enough but, having bought the book expecting that a crime would at least be the centrepiece, it didn't have enough interest for me to continue.
October 25, 2019
I found this a completely engrossing and original piece of documentary story telling. It's a story set in rural Australia about hidden gay lives and murder and families and violence and lies and sheep. The author is well and truly in the story - in a good way - and the insights into the sociology of the countryside and the gay world are fascinating.
January 30, 2020
I liked that this was based around real events. The discussion of appearance, class and secrets resonated with me. The exploration of issues related to homosexuality was educational for me as a straight woman. Coming from a farming background, I could easily relate the themes in this book. I also appreciated the even handedness in the portrayal of Darcy, undoubtedly a complex and troubled person.
March 24, 2020
This is a gripping, self-reflexive book about murder, masculinity, rural communities, farming, desire, shame and homosexuality. It blew me away and I really recommend it. It’s a true crime story about three murders of one of Australia’s most prominent sheep breeding families and the secrets behind it. One of the best books I’ve read this year.
November 28, 2019
I really loved this book. A thoroughly riveting story told with thoughtfulness and compassion. The author has done an obviously honest and sincere job in telling a very sad and sometimes confronting tale of real events. It is a long, long time since a book has kept me so captivated.
January 16, 2020
A local story is something I can get behind. Especially when it is told with such honesty and rawness. Was not what I was expecting when saw and sat down to read - and so much the better. Beautifully written with heart.
March 22, 2020
Of my local area, although I had not heard of the murders. A very poignant book, non-fiction.
Amazingly, considering the brutality and reverberations of the central events, in parts it is also a sympathetic and gentle book. I really enjoyed the everyday farming life which permeates every page.
Amazingly, considering the brutality and reverberations of the central events, in parts it is also a sympathetic and gentle book. I really enjoyed the everyday farming life which permeates every page.
October 24, 2023
Starts well but ends up all over the place. There’s about 2 pages total regarding the murders, the rest is waffle about another character in the story, and the authors random thoughts and song references. I literally could not wait for this book to end
August 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book but thinking back to write this review I can't, for the life of me, remember why the killer killed the victims.
February 8, 2022
Very interesting reading. I enjoyed it.
January 16, 2023
Book Club. The timeline was all over the place and sometimes felt like random thoughts just chucked on the page.
January 6, 2024
Difficult to rate, as the story was interesting but the delivery was a hot mess. 1.5 stars
October 16, 2021
Book 43. A seriously good read! I don’t read a lot of non fiction but this is excellent. A true story told from the point of view of the murdered mans lover, and other various neighbours. I learnt a lot about being a gay man, particularly a gay man in rural Australia in the 80’s, HIV, and what fear and shame can do to a person. 🤓📚 #tsreadinglist2019 #tsrecommendations
September 26, 2019
An amazing story, told in an innovative and exciting manner
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews