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Cold Case Investigations
From the disappearance of the Beaumont children to the abduction of William Tyrrell to the double murder of Karlie Pearce-Stevenson and her daughter Khandalyce, Xanthé is determined to expose the truth to maximise dignity for both deceased victims and those left behind.
Xanthé talks to experts to uncover the how's and why's of tragic murders and haunting disappearances. Along the way readers will also be introduced to new forensic techniques and scientific methods that could - or did - help move the case forward.
Cold Case Investigations covers mostly murders or suspected murders - such as Ashley Coulston, Mr Cruel and Ivan Milat - with the victims as the focus. Not only because, criminologically speaking, the more you can learn about your victim the more you can extrapolate about the person who killed or abducted them, but also because they deserve their stories to be told. They deserve for people to know their names. They shouldn't just be someone's victim.
Xanthé talks to experts to uncover the how's and why's of tragic murders and haunting disappearances. Along the way readers will also be introduced to new forensic techniques and scientific methods that could - or did - help move the case forward.
Cold Case Investigations covers mostly murders or suspected murders - such as Ashley Coulston, Mr Cruel and Ivan Milat - with the victims as the focus. Not only because, criminologically speaking, the more you can learn about your victim the more you can extrapolate about the person who killed or abducted them, but also because they deserve their stories to be told. They deserve for people to know their names. They shouldn't just be someone's victim.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2019
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141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 27, 2019
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received from Pan MacMillan Australia, in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Xanthe Mallett, and my second recent foray into the world of true crime books, in a very long time. I have found recently, that now that I am older, some of these writing styles better suit me to be able to enjoy learning about these true stories. Mallett writes the book in such a way that she tells the story with good writing, but throws in excerpts and facts as well, to explain certain things she has mentioned in the chapter. Sometimes I think those excerpts should have been left to the end of each chapter, so as not to break up the storyline, but for the most part this was fine.
Mallett clearly explained each case, and whilst I knew of some, others I did not. Particularly the older cases from before I was born. As I was reading, there was one thing that really stuck out about this book. It made me FEEL. There are some truly horrible and disgusting people in this world, as evidenced by the stories written about in this book. Not only did I feel for the victims and their families, I also felt for the people in charge of the cases/those who work on them, who have to see these horrible things on a daily basis. And in some instances, who may never get an answer in their lifetime, as to what happened to those people (as evidenced and mentioned by an excavation the Mallett speaks about in Ch2).
Its very interesting reading about these cases, as horrible as they are, and I truly hope that one day the victims families can be given some answers and some closure. No-one should have to suffer through the circumstances of the events in this book, and hopefully one day, with the advances in technology, we can continue to solve more and more of these cases.
I hope to read more by Xanthe Mallett in the future, and recommend this book to any true crime buffs.
Review also on my blog - Cold Case Investigations by Xanthe Mallett
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ARC kindly received from Pan MacMillan Australia, in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Xanthe Mallett, and my second recent foray into the world of true crime books, in a very long time. I have found recently, that now that I am older, some of these writing styles better suit me to be able to enjoy learning about these true stories. Mallett writes the book in such a way that she tells the story with good writing, but throws in excerpts and facts as well, to explain certain things she has mentioned in the chapter. Sometimes I think those excerpts should have been left to the end of each chapter, so as not to break up the storyline, but for the most part this was fine.
Mallett clearly explained each case, and whilst I knew of some, others I did not. Particularly the older cases from before I was born. As I was reading, there was one thing that really stuck out about this book. It made me FEEL. There are some truly horrible and disgusting people in this world, as evidenced by the stories written about in this book. Not only did I feel for the victims and their families, I also felt for the people in charge of the cases/those who work on them, who have to see these horrible things on a daily basis. And in some instances, who may never get an answer in their lifetime, as to what happened to those people (as evidenced and mentioned by an excavation the Mallett speaks about in Ch2).
Its very interesting reading about these cases, as horrible as they are, and I truly hope that one day the victims families can be given some answers and some closure. No-one should have to suffer through the circumstances of the events in this book, and hopefully one day, with the advances in technology, we can continue to solve more and more of these cases.
I hope to read more by Xanthe Mallett in the future, and recommend this book to any true crime buffs.
Review also on my blog - Cold Case Investigations by Xanthe Mallett
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September 5, 2019
I've been on a true crime watching, listening and reading spree these past few months and the latest offering is Cold Case Investigations by leading Forensic Anthropologist Dr Xanthe Mallett. Seven Australian cold cases were selected for this collection and Dr Mallett takes us through each case.
The Wanda Beach murders, the disappearance of the Beaumont children, the abduction of William Tyrrell and the identity of Mr Cruel are well known cold cases in Australia. It is hoped that bringing light to these cases and keeping them in the public eye will eventually lead to a break through.
What surprised me were the other three cases chosen for the book, in which the offenders have already been identified, captured and prosecuted. In particular, I refer to the chapters on Ivan Milat, Daniel Holdom and Ashley Coulston. In these cases, the offender has been sentenced but the author postulates that further cold cases and missing persons could be attributed to these incarcerated offenders. Whilst I have no doubt these perpetrators probably have committed crimes unknown to police, I wouldn't classify them worthy of focus in a book of cold case investigations. If the victims are unknown, how can they be cold cases? Perhaps this is a new category of crime victim worthy of further exploration and its own book.
In addition to these main chapters, Mallett includes sections entitled Forensic Science Explained in shaded and bordered sections reminiscent of Unsolved Australia: Lost Boys, Gone Girls by Justine Ford, also published by Pan Macmillan Australia this year. These sections cover forensic techniques involved in investigating cold cases and include topics like DNA, fingerprinting and blood groups. These sections would be informative and helpful for early readers of true crime, however for seasoned readers like me it was overkill.
Even viewers of the odd TV crime show would be familiar with the science included here and the opportunity to inform the reader of more detailed forensic techniques was lost. I would also presume that the kind of reader picking up a book like this will already possess this kind of foundational knowledge.
Towards the end of the book, there's a section entitled 'But have you ever heard of these missing children?' Here Mallett mentions the disappearance of 11 month old Darren Shannon in 1973, and 19 month old Rahma El-Dennaoiui in 2005. On page 252, the author says:
"A number of journalists have likened Rahma's case to that of Madeleine McCann, but I bet most people would not know Rahma's little face if they saw it."
And she's 100% right, I wouldn't! So why not set things right and include a photo of her in the book? Why publish two photos of well-known missing toddler William Tyrrell and then neglect to educate the reader by including a photo of Rahma?
Dr Xanthe Mallett has had a fascinating - and impressive - career as a forensic criminologist, university lecturer, forensic practitioner, television presenter and now published author. Here she has tried to shed light on Australia's darker side of crime and ultimately seek justice for the victims and their family. I can't help thinking she may have been able to achieve more given the opportunity to expand on the cases, however there is every hope someone reading this book may come forward with information.
Cold Case Investigations by Australian author Dr Xanthe Mallett is recommended reading for those new to the true crime genre and those unfamiliar with solved and unsolved homicide cases in Australia.
* Copy courtesy of Pan Macmillan Australia *
The Wanda Beach murders, the disappearance of the Beaumont children, the abduction of William Tyrrell and the identity of Mr Cruel are well known cold cases in Australia. It is hoped that bringing light to these cases and keeping them in the public eye will eventually lead to a break through.
What surprised me were the other three cases chosen for the book, in which the offenders have already been identified, captured and prosecuted. In particular, I refer to the chapters on Ivan Milat, Daniel Holdom and Ashley Coulston. In these cases, the offender has been sentenced but the author postulates that further cold cases and missing persons could be attributed to these incarcerated offenders. Whilst I have no doubt these perpetrators probably have committed crimes unknown to police, I wouldn't classify them worthy of focus in a book of cold case investigations. If the victims are unknown, how can they be cold cases? Perhaps this is a new category of crime victim worthy of further exploration and its own book.
In addition to these main chapters, Mallett includes sections entitled Forensic Science Explained in shaded and bordered sections reminiscent of Unsolved Australia: Lost Boys, Gone Girls by Justine Ford, also published by Pan Macmillan Australia this year. These sections cover forensic techniques involved in investigating cold cases and include topics like DNA, fingerprinting and blood groups. These sections would be informative and helpful for early readers of true crime, however for seasoned readers like me it was overkill.
Even viewers of the odd TV crime show would be familiar with the science included here and the opportunity to inform the reader of more detailed forensic techniques was lost. I would also presume that the kind of reader picking up a book like this will already possess this kind of foundational knowledge.
Towards the end of the book, there's a section entitled 'But have you ever heard of these missing children?' Here Mallett mentions the disappearance of 11 month old Darren Shannon in 1973, and 19 month old Rahma El-Dennaoiui in 2005. On page 252, the author says:
"A number of journalists have likened Rahma's case to that of Madeleine McCann, but I bet most people would not know Rahma's little face if they saw it."
And she's 100% right, I wouldn't! So why not set things right and include a photo of her in the book? Why publish two photos of well-known missing toddler William Tyrrell and then neglect to educate the reader by including a photo of Rahma?
Dr Xanthe Mallett has had a fascinating - and impressive - career as a forensic criminologist, university lecturer, forensic practitioner, television presenter and now published author. Here she has tried to shed light on Australia's darker side of crime and ultimately seek justice for the victims and their family. I can't help thinking she may have been able to achieve more given the opportunity to expand on the cases, however there is every hope someone reading this book may come forward with information.
Cold Case Investigations by Australian author Dr Xanthe Mallett is recommended reading for those new to the true crime genre and those unfamiliar with solved and unsolved homicide cases in Australia.
* Copy courtesy of Pan Macmillan Australia *
January 9, 2024
An interesting read for the true crime fan, but also a fantastic resource for any crime writer. Mallett discusses and highlights the latest techniques in forensics and examples of their usage in various cases. She covers some famous cases such as the Beaumont children, Ivan Milat and William Tyrell. Given Mallett is discussing cold cases, you have to accept you are largely reading about mysteries that are yet to be resolved and this can make for some sad and frustrating reading. On the whole, this book is very well written, logical and lucid, and highly educational. An excellent addition to any crime writer's research tool kit.
August 29, 2021
I wasn’t fond of Casey Withoos narration of Just One Wish, however she did a fantastic job of reading Cold Case Investigations by Xanthe Mallett.
Loving these true crime books I’ve come across recently, can’t get enough of them and constantly search for books on criminology, forensic science, hostage negotiation, criminal and behavioural profiling, cold cases, (serial) killers and anything else that is similar.
Fascinating stuff reading about how cold cases are solved, how forensic science helps break the case, how forensics have advanced over the years, what makes killers tick and what drives a person to become a killer.
An excellent book for crime buffs.
Loving these true crime books I’ve come across recently, can’t get enough of them and constantly search for books on criminology, forensic science, hostage negotiation, criminal and behavioural profiling, cold cases, (serial) killers and anything else that is similar.
Fascinating stuff reading about how cold cases are solved, how forensic science helps break the case, how forensics have advanced over the years, what makes killers tick and what drives a person to become a killer.
An excellent book for crime buffs.
March 23, 2021
I found this book, which delves into seven of Australia's most horrific unsolved murder and abduction cold cases, to be incredibly riveting, well-written, and also just a little bit horrifying. Some of the details made me sick to my stomach and really made me question how on earth a human could do such horrific things to other humans. Its definitely not a book for the faint of heart.
I also found this book, which is written but an Australian forensic anthropologist who has worked on many of the cases detailed in this book, to be more respectful than a lot of true crime books and shows seem to be. A lot of those books make me uncomfortable, as they seem to be written for the shock and horror value, but Dr Mallet presented the facts of the cases in a way that was kind, respectful to the victims and to their families, and entirely without the shock value or "whodunit" vibe that I hugely dislike in other true crime stories.
I also found this book, which is written but an Australian forensic anthropologist who has worked on many of the cases detailed in this book, to be more respectful than a lot of true crime books and shows seem to be. A lot of those books make me uncomfortable, as they seem to be written for the shock and horror value, but Dr Mallet presented the facts of the cases in a way that was kind, respectful to the victims and to their families, and entirely without the shock value or "whodunit" vibe that I hugely dislike in other true crime stories.
January 16, 2020
Trigger warnings: murder, rape, death of children, sexual violence against children, blood, gore, descriptions of wounds and corpses and basically? This book is about very violent true crime events. Tread carefully.
3.5 stars.
I wanted to love this - I had really high hopes for it because the blurb talks about the importance of focusing on the victims rather than the killers. And yet this didn't really focus all that much on the victims...
I also kind of wished it had focused on some less well known cases. I mean, I understand why Mallett chose to focus on the cases that she did. But it would have been great to use something like this to raise awareness of cold cases that have been forgotten by the general public.
That said, it offers a good introduction to forensic techniques and cold cases, so... *shrug*
3.5 stars.
I wanted to love this - I had really high hopes for it because the blurb talks about the importance of focusing on the victims rather than the killers. And yet this didn't really focus all that much on the victims...
I also kind of wished it had focused on some less well known cases. I mean, I understand why Mallett chose to focus on the cases that she did. But it would have been great to use something like this to raise awareness of cold cases that have been forgotten by the general public.
That said, it offers a good introduction to forensic techniques and cold cases, so... *shrug*
February 8, 2020
A good review of some famous cold cases
December 15, 2019
Xanthe Mallett is an excellent writer and forensic anthropologist and criminalist. The casesw she writes about in this book are intriguing and heartwrenching. A really good read for true crime enthusiasts.
April 8, 2022
Cold Case, Warm Heart.
Dr Xanthe has written a great book for those of us who love those programmes about unsolved crimes, historical whodunnits, criminal investigations where we get to be armchair detectives. She was part of the Team on the historical Cold Cases set in Dundee University, I forget the name of the series, but I recommend it. Dr Xanthe is an expert In facial reconstruction. Which she would do on each episode. Brilliant stuff.
This is an intelligent book that goes into sometimes heartbreaking and often unfortunately sickening detail of the crimes of some of the worst human beings. It explains the timeline from the beginning, the point of view of the police, the victim, the perpetrator, the cold case investigators, the families. We learn of new methods of detection applied to decades old crimes and what light it can shed on their dusty old corners. Dr Xanthe is a rare bird, an academic who can write a good book and explain complex ideas in an interesting way. I’m not sure, no, I know I could not do her job. I’m glad she can do hers with such enthusiasm and intellectual rigor. And keep her breakfast down faced with some of these “people”.
If true crime is your bag, this might be a taste of something refreshing and tart. It will definitely add to your knowledge base.
Dr Xanthe has written a great book for those of us who love those programmes about unsolved crimes, historical whodunnits, criminal investigations where we get to be armchair detectives. She was part of the Team on the historical Cold Cases set in Dundee University, I forget the name of the series, but I recommend it. Dr Xanthe is an expert In facial reconstruction. Which she would do on each episode. Brilliant stuff.
This is an intelligent book that goes into sometimes heartbreaking and often unfortunately sickening detail of the crimes of some of the worst human beings. It explains the timeline from the beginning, the point of view of the police, the victim, the perpetrator, the cold case investigators, the families. We learn of new methods of detection applied to decades old crimes and what light it can shed on their dusty old corners. Dr Xanthe is a rare bird, an academic who can write a good book and explain complex ideas in an interesting way. I’m not sure, no, I know I could not do her job. I’m glad she can do hers with such enthusiasm and intellectual rigor. And keep her breakfast down faced with some of these “people”.
If true crime is your bag, this might be a taste of something refreshing and tart. It will definitely add to your knowledge base.
February 7, 2025
Dr. Xanthe Mallett delivers a fascinating and thought-provoking look into some of the most perplexing unsolved cases. Cold Case Investigations explores how forensic advancements, investigative techniques, and public interest have helped bring new life to long-dormant cases.
What makes this book stand out is Mallett’s ability to break down complex forensic science in a way that’s accessible without losing its depth. I found that with each expert insert, it became even clearer what had happened to the victims in each case. These insights added another layer of understanding, making it an especially fascinating and valuable read for those who aren’t overly familiar with forensic science, forensic analysis, and investigative techniques.
It’s a gripping read for true crime enthusiasts, particularly those interested in forensic breakthroughs and the evolving nature of criminal investigations. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a mix of science, justice, and real-life mystery.
What makes this book stand out is Mallett’s ability to break down complex forensic science in a way that’s accessible without losing its depth. I found that with each expert insert, it became even clearer what had happened to the victims in each case. These insights added another layer of understanding, making it an especially fascinating and valuable read for those who aren’t overly familiar with forensic science, forensic analysis, and investigative techniques.
It’s a gripping read for true crime enthusiasts, particularly those interested in forensic breakthroughs and the evolving nature of criminal investigations. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a mix of science, justice, and real-life mystery.
September 14, 2025
Dr. Xanthe Mallett delivers a fascinating and thought-provoking look into some of the most perplexing unsolved cases. Cold Case Investigations explores how forensic advancements, investigative techniques, and public interest have helped bring new life to long-dormant cases.
What makes this book stand out is Mallett’s ability to break down complex forensic science in a way that’s accessible without losing its depth. I found that with each expert insert, it became even clearer what had happened to the victims in each case. These insights added another layer of understanding, making it an especially fascinating and valuable read for those who aren’t overly familiar with forensic science, forensic analysis, and investigative techniques.
It’s a gripping read for true crime enthusiasts, particularly those interested in forensic breakthroughs and the evolving nature of criminal investigations. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a mix of science, justice, and real-life mystery.
What makes this book stand out is Mallett’s ability to break down complex forensic science in a way that’s accessible without losing its depth. I found that with each expert insert, it became even clearer what had happened to the victims in each case. These insights added another layer of understanding, making it an especially fascinating and valuable read for those who aren’t overly familiar with forensic science, forensic analysis, and investigative techniques.
It’s a gripping read for true crime enthusiasts, particularly those interested in forensic breakthroughs and the evolving nature of criminal investigations. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a mix of science, justice, and real-life mystery.
July 14, 2020
A fascinating Australian true crime read that goes through some very prominent cases including The Beaumont children, The Wanda Beach murders and William Tyrrells cases. It revealed some indepth investigation details that I wasn't previously aware of. A thoroughly enjoyable read for any true crime fan. #xanthemallett #coldcaseinvestigations #tea_sipping_bookworm #bookstagram #goodreads #amazon#kindle #litsy #bookqueen
January 8, 2021
Having studied two units under Xanthe while studying my criminology degree, I really looked forward to reading this book and wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the dissection of each case and was especially fascinated to read her theories on the Wanda Beach murders and the missing Beaumont children. I also enjoyed the analysis and expert information in each chapter.
I look forward to purchasing work by Xanthe in future.
I look forward to purchasing work by Xanthe in future.
November 5, 2019
I love true crime but I found this book to be a little too clinical in its telling and like the author didn’t have enough substance for a book but the publishers were determined to jump onto the true crime bandwagon. However if I ever write that crime novel I’ve always wanted to this book would be a great place to start with some good clinical knowledge included.
November 7, 2021
An interesting book on some famous Australian cold cases that centers and respects the victims of murder and sexual assault (a sad rarity in the genre). Very recommended to fans of true crime and Australian criminal history.
October 23, 2025
Cold Case Investigations by Xanthe Mallett is a comprehensive analysis into several high profile murders and abductions which remain unsolved in Australia. It was particularly interesting having grown up with these stories and knowing the impact that they had at the time.
December 27, 2019
Loved it. Very good insights into some of Australia's more famous missing people cases.
Her opinion on the Beaumont children's disappearance is extremely intresting.
Her opinion on the Beaumont children's disappearance is extremely intresting.
August 29, 2020
Great reading
After reading this book it shows that no matter how much scientific material authorities have it is still extremely hard to trace these victims
After reading this book it shows that no matter how much scientific material authorities have it is still extremely hard to trace these victims
October 4, 2020
Well-written and absorbing.
December 31, 2020
Love this book. Goes through crimes, how they're solved and the forensics are explained. Thanks Xanthe for the informative and enjoyable read.
September 30, 2023
I listened to this on audio.. Pretty good , lots of well known cases but with some extra information..
February 28, 2025
🎧 3.5 // I enjoyed elements of this book, especially learning about the Mr Cruel cases etc however towards the end it felt a bit rushed.
January 25, 2020
This is a pretty bleak but interesting look at some of Australia's worst unsolved crimes from a forensic perspective. Some of the cases are well known, such as the missing Beaumont children, and Ivan Milat's backpacker murders, some are less well known, such as Ashley Coulston. I really enjoyed the forensic expert inserts on the technologies used to help solve cases like this. It really makes you appreciate how far the technology has come and how this will hopefully allow for more justice for victims of crime.
August 9, 2023
Through reading this book, I learnt about Australian cold cases that I had not heard of as most of these were well before my time. I liked the fact that forensic experts in their specialised fields were called up to help with this book. Very intriguing and informative.
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February 8, 2021A basic introduction to investigative techniques written in easy-to-understand language.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews