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Three Crooked Kings #3
All Fall Down
Continuing on from the bestselling true crime stories Three Crooked Kings and Jacks and Jokers, All Fall Down follows Terry Lewis as he becomes police commissioner and the era of corruption at the highest levels of the police and government goes on. As the Queensland police become more connected with their corrupt colleagues in Sydney, the era of heavy drugs and crime also begins. Tony Murphy and Glen Hallahan, two of the original “crooked kings,” become more enmeshed with “The Joke” which is run by bagman Jack Herbert. All Fall Down introduces new characters, more extraordinary behavior outside the law by the law, and along the way it charts the meteoric rise of police commissioner Terry Lewis. But with the arrival of the Fitzgerald Inquiry in the late 1980s, many will fall—and it’s not always the people who should. Once again award-winning journalist and novelist Matthew Condon has drawn from unprecedented access to Terry Lewis, as well as hundreds of interviews with key players and conspirators to craft the definitive account of the rise—and spectacular fall—of one man, an entire state, and over a generation of corruption.
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First published July 29, 2015
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About the author
Matthew Condon
40 books47 followersMatthew Steven Condon is a prize-winning Australian author and journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 16, 2015
I worked in the Qld Police Force/Service during the periods of all 3 books except the Bishop Era. Looking back in retrospect it was a terrible and dishonest time. I am disgusted to have been a member of this filthy organisation. The credibility of the QPS has not changed and still remains a dysfunctional dirty police service.
Condon's ability as a major writer is on show. I cannot believe how he has put the whole picture together. His work is breathtaking when you take into account the players into account, the complexity of events and the limited scope of documented records from the 60 to 90 Era.
I called them players, but in reality they were dirty grubby criminals that let officers like me down and made working in the QPS impossible to work in. There have been so many hundreds of good police leave the QPS even to this day because of the deeds of grubby police and the dysfunctional QPS as it stands today. Nothing has changed.
Very good work Matthew Condon. You need to write a sequel from 90 to present. It will need to represent a different theme, that being an uncaring, bastardising, and still corrupt police service that covers up its major mistakes.
Condon's ability as a major writer is on show. I cannot believe how he has put the whole picture together. His work is breathtaking when you take into account the players into account, the complexity of events and the limited scope of documented records from the 60 to 90 Era.
I called them players, but in reality they were dirty grubby criminals that let officers like me down and made working in the QPS impossible to work in. There have been so many hundreds of good police leave the QPS even to this day because of the deeds of grubby police and the dysfunctional QPS as it stands today. Nothing has changed.
Very good work Matthew Condon. You need to write a sequel from 90 to present. It will need to represent a different theme, that being an uncaring, bastardising, and still corrupt police service that covers up its major mistakes.
November 2, 2015
The conclusion of the trilogy covering corruprion within the QLD Police Force and Parliament. this final book covers a lot of ground, seamlessly weaving all strands to a single narrative.
Interestingly enough, many of the culprits received minimal or no punishment and Condon's clever writing leaves the conclusion open enough to suggest that the subsequent Fitzgerald Inquiry left more questions than answers and a suggestion that corruption never stopped, without speculating.
Interestingly enough, many of the culprits received minimal or no punishment and Condon's clever writing leaves the conclusion open enough to suggest that the subsequent Fitzgerald Inquiry left more questions than answers and a suggestion that corruption never stopped, without speculating.
November 28, 2015
Fascinating look into the corruption, crime and cover-up at nearly every level of the Queensland government and police force in the 80s. Terry Lewis's insights are more absent in this final volume of Condon's trilogy (obviously not much comment on all the corruption), but it is interesting to see just how filled with revenge and hatred he was over the Fitzgerald Inquiry and the intricate campaign he ran from prison to try to clear his name in the face of overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing. Also interesting was the police and government cover-up of paedophile rings that reached right to the top of Joh's government, and a botched inquiry investigating it that took place a decade after Fitzgerald's Inquiry. Truly sickening.
Finally, a history book about Queensland that's worth reading. I always thought Queensland had a mundane and boring history but turns out the state was rotten to the core for thirty years or more.
Finally, a history book about Queensland that's worth reading. I always thought Queensland had a mundane and boring history but turns out the state was rotten to the core for thirty years or more.
January 28, 2019
The final book of the trilogy, it describes the events leading up to, and then summarises the Fitzgerald Inquiry. I was looking forward to this one, because I do remember some of these events, like the SEQEB strikes, and other events have been in the media recently, with the conviction of the McCulkin murderers. It’s been great talking with my Dad about it too.
One of the catalysts of the Fitzgerald Inquiry was the Four Corners report, “The Moonlight State”, which can be viewed on the ABC Four Corners website. Highly recommended, as the report, and the people in it, are referenced so widely throughout the books.
This book is filled with names, dates and addresses, and the disjointed chapters can be confusing at times, but 4 stars because of the detailed summary of such an important part of Queensland’s History.
“The price of peace is eternal vigilance” – L.H. Courtney
One of the catalysts of the Fitzgerald Inquiry was the Four Corners report, “The Moonlight State”, which can be viewed on the ABC Four Corners website. Highly recommended, as the report, and the people in it, are referenced so widely throughout the books.
This book is filled with names, dates and addresses, and the disjointed chapters can be confusing at times, but 4 stars because of the detailed summary of such an important part of Queensland’s History.
“The price of peace is eternal vigilance” – L.H. Courtney
November 1, 2015
This is a superlative work of investigative writing that involved a mountain of research and a battalion of interview subjects.
More than that, it is a window through time to an era of Queensland history that must never be forgotten.
The unrepentant lies and obfuscation of so many key players remains breathtaking to me.
That demonstrably corrupt individuals protest innocence or maintain convenient memory loss to this day, or to the day they died, should always be seen for what it truly is - self-delusion and untruth, pure and simple.
I enjoyed every page of this, the final in Matt Condon's fine trilogy.
More than that, it is a window through time to an era of Queensland history that must never be forgotten.
The unrepentant lies and obfuscation of so many key players remains breathtaking to me.
That demonstrably corrupt individuals protest innocence or maintain convenient memory loss to this day, or to the day they died, should always be seen for what it truly is - self-delusion and untruth, pure and simple.
I enjoyed every page of this, the final in Matt Condon's fine trilogy.
December 18, 2019
Great series
July 21, 2016
I've just finished All Fall Down, Matthew Condon's third book in his trilogy on police corruption. This series is a tour de force, an in-depth, meaty, gritty, no holds barred account. In All Fall Down, Matt's microscope focusses on the 1980's, 90's and beyond, including of course the Fitzgerald Inquiry. This book - and its predecessors, Three Crooked Kings and Jacks and Jokers - should be required reading for all Queenslanders. You might think - what else could possibly be said other than what was uncovered during the Inquiry? But the answer is - plenty. Matt has a unique ability to get to the truth, even when that truth has been overlaid with years of lies and deception. He extracts stories and anecdotes from key figures of the time that have never been aired before. He joins the dots - links together the many threads of fact, narrative, hearsay and innuendo - and produces a finely crafted and comprehensive overview. This is true crime at its most riveting. Police Commissioner Terry Lewis, 'The Joke' (the highly organised system of corrupt payments and graft for illegal gambling, prostitution and drugs) and Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen are featured in this book, along with the characters who never quite leave the scene, especially corrupt cop Tony Murphy, and 'The Joke' organiser, Jack Herbert. The sad saga of the Brifman family continues to haunt the system. Suspicions of a paedophilia ring, paybacks for honest police, murder, sexual favours, protection money and vice converge. The whole house of cards begins to collapse, and those honest, lonely and fearful police who are finally brave enough to speak out are finally vindicated to some extent, although it is appalling how many careers remained permanently under a cloud, or how many people's lives ended, without that sense of closure. One of the most admirable qualities of this book (and this series) and the man who wrote it, is his determination to provide a fair and respectful hearing for all concerned, even when evidence may way heavily against them. That is what makes these books not only fascinating reading, but a balanced and definitive account of the time.
March 10, 2017
A good read for those who lived through the 80's in Qld, and some names pop up that are still about in surprising circumstances.
August 28, 2022
This is the last part of the trilogy on police and political corruption in Queensland starting in the forties and culminating in the Fitzgerald Inquiry of the eighties (though the story does not end there). The trilogy comprises over 1200 pages and covers many events and personages. An incredible effort by the author. The amount of suffering by many honest men and women is difficult to stomach as are the continual denials of the main protagonist Terry Lewis or the fact that Anthony Murphy - considered by some to be the man behind the scenes - never faced justice. This is a story well told and well worth reading as its implications reverberate till today. It is hard to believe that the corrupt and poor practices disappeared overnight - the treatment of domestic violence for example gives rise to concern. The book also discusses the force's suppression of a major paedophilia investigation. The Kimmins Inquiry of the late nineties into this seems highly unsatisfactory and major questions remain. Were files kept for blackmail purposes?
We should not forget what happened under the authoritarian and corrupt Bjelke-Petersen government. The book paints a sordid picture of this period and its careful documentation should be instrumental in countering any attempts at revisionism.
We should not forget what happened under the authoritarian and corrupt Bjelke-Petersen government. The book paints a sordid picture of this period and its careful documentation should be instrumental in countering any attempts at revisionism.
August 20, 2024
Can't beat a bit of corruption
I have read the three books in this series and it is a fascinating tale.
There are lots of names and movements back and forth in time so you need to keep your wits about you.
The amount of corruption and organised crime in Queensland from the 50s to the 90s is quite staggering. It involved many police officers and members of government. Ok
The corruption wasn't just about money but involved covering up of crimes including murder committed by police officers, drugs...you name it.
I have read the three books in this series and it is a fascinating tale.
There are lots of names and movements back and forth in time so you need to keep your wits about you.
The amount of corruption and organised crime in Queensland from the 50s to the 90s is quite staggering. It involved many police officers and members of government. Ok
The corruption wasn't just about money but involved covering up of crimes including murder committed by police officers, drugs...you name it.
December 4, 2020
Matthew Condon's The Trout Opera is one of my favourite Australian novels. His three part non-fiction series about police & political corruption that prompted the Fitzgerald enquiry in the 1980s, ending in this volume, is certainly interesting. But I can't help feeling the author restrained himself a little too much in remaining at arm's length throughout his 'reportage' of these often incendiary events.
February 20, 2018
This is the end of Matthew Condon’s trilogy about police corruption in Queensland. The story is fascinating and is worth a read for those who are unfamiliar with the history of Queensland.
I liked this book a lot more than the second book. This book seemed to be structured better which made it easier to read.
I liked this book a lot more than the second book. This book seemed to be structured better which made it easier to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2019
All Fall Down. Intentionally ironic? Some of the baddies did fall down but bounced back up. Some of the goodies were already down and not there of their own accord. Some of the baddies were "flogged with a warm lettuce" and others were never put in the firing line. Essential reading for potential whistle-blowers though.
May 4, 2021
An amazing account of corruption in the Queensland Police Force, which led to the Fitzgerald Inquiry. Third book in a trilogy, this one dwells on the Inquiry, but gives a detailed account of each of the players on all sides. It left me with the question how bad is it today?
July 31, 2020
Great read
If you lived in Queensland since the 1970s this is a must read. Frightening because it is not fiction. A great history
If you lived in Queensland since the 1970s this is a must read. Frightening because it is not fiction. A great history
November 2, 2021
Fascinating.
May 17, 2023
Volume 3 of a trilogy. Refer my comments on volume 1 "Three Crooked Kings".
January 22, 2025
Such an interesting and turmultuous part of history in Queensland. I have enjoyed listening to all three books over the last couple of years.
November 8, 2015
This is the final book in Condon's trilogy on the growth of corruption within the police and government of Queensland, Australia, which culminated in the Fitzgerald Inquiry Crime and Corruption Commission of 1987-89.
This book starts in the early 1980s, chronicles the Fitzgerald Inquiry and ends in the present day. I have read the first two books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Condon has the knack of making dry historical facts interesting, as he weaves them into a narrative with a fiction-like structure.
This book is very long and at a quick glance looked rather heavy, in size and content. However, once I started reading it, it soon engrossed me. The only complaint I have is that of necessity it has a large cast of characters and the book jumps from one person's narrative to another, which can seem disjointed at times. However,to Condon's credit, he often gives a quick summary of the person if they haven't appeared for a while, in case you've forgotten who he/she is.
One of the reasons I enjoyed the book so much was that I am a born and bred Queenslander and it was fascinating to read of all the events and machinations that were happening behind the scenes in the political arena that I had no idea of. In any case, at the time you're only aware of what the media wants to or is able to tell you.
In this respect, I think that well-written though the book is, it will probably only appeal to Australians, in particular Queenslanders.
This book starts in the early 1980s, chronicles the Fitzgerald Inquiry and ends in the present day. I have read the first two books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Condon has the knack of making dry historical facts interesting, as he weaves them into a narrative with a fiction-like structure.
This book is very long and at a quick glance looked rather heavy, in size and content. However, once I started reading it, it soon engrossed me. The only complaint I have is that of necessity it has a large cast of characters and the book jumps from one person's narrative to another, which can seem disjointed at times. However,to Condon's credit, he often gives a quick summary of the person if they haven't appeared for a while, in case you've forgotten who he/she is.
One of the reasons I enjoyed the book so much was that I am a born and bred Queenslander and it was fascinating to read of all the events and machinations that were happening behind the scenes in the political arena that I had no idea of. In any case, at the time you're only aware of what the media wants to or is able to tell you.
In this respect, I think that well-written though the book is, it will probably only appeal to Australians, in particular Queenslanders.
November 26, 2015
Having lived through the Fitzgerald Inquiry with Chris Master's "The Moonlight State" as an introduction and backdrop and hearing again my children pee themselves laughing as successive parliamentarians disclaimed "There are no brothels in Queensland", this long-awaited 3rd part of the Matt Condon trilogy was everything I had hoped for and more.
From now on, Condon's books ought to be mandatory reading for every school student in Qld and every person with an eye for truth in the country.
However, I found Condon's style somewhat disjointed. I think it was due to him being a print journalist: it was as if I was reading the paper - The Sun or The Courier Mail. Still, a good Index helped us follow through the weight of material.
Good read.
From now on, Condon's books ought to be mandatory reading for every school student in Qld and every person with an eye for truth in the country.
However, I found Condon's style somewhat disjointed. I think it was due to him being a print journalist: it was as if I was reading the paper - The Sun or The Courier Mail. Still, a good Index helped us follow through the weight of material.
Good read.
January 15, 2016
The third book in the series about Queensland, the police and the government all leading up to and beyond the Fitzgerald Inquiry. It was interesting to actually read about the recent history that I had not read about before and makes you wonder if all that stuff is still around lurking beneath the surface. It was good to read about the inner workings behind people like Joh and Terry Lewis along with the many other things that were occurring at the time.
I would recommend reading all three books and to brush up on something that happened in the state next door. Would like to brush up on more of the other states history like this though I think the Underbelly series have brushed up on most of it.
I would recommend reading all three books and to brush up on something that happened in the state next door. Would like to brush up on more of the other states history like this though I think the Underbelly series have brushed up on most of it.
May 15, 2016
Part 3 of this fascinating series about police and political corruption in Queensland in the second half of the 20th century. My rating may seem somewhat low but that's because ultimately, I was irritated by the failure of Condon to do anything more than report on the Royal Commission's findings and on Terry Lewis's diary but not come to any real conclusion about whether he was guilty or not. The implication was there but there was a lack on analysis about whether he really was that corrupt. Still, it's worth reading all 3 books in the series.
February 21, 2016
The third and final book in this true crime series about endemic police corruption in Queensland. AS the title suggests, this volume covers the period when the major plays and players are uncovered and (mostly) receive their just deserts via the Fitzgerald enquiry. A sobering account of greed and flagrant disregard for the law. Although many of the people involved did jail time, others escaped relatively unscathed, and one has to wonder whether similar corruption is still alive ad well today.
June 24, 2016
"All Fall down" is the final instalment in Condon's trilogy covering corruption in the Queensland police force from the 1940s to the 1999s. This book covers the mid 80's to 2000. I enjoyed this book and its description of the political goings on in Queensland at the time and personally remember when all of the events happened. Despite the slightly stilted style and the incredible twists and events, the reader is kept enthralled.
January 12, 2016
outstanding work and essential history. growing up, the idea of corruption and autocracy in QLD was always floating along in the background, something people rolled their eyes and joked about, but this book (and the other two in the series) really brings home the scale of the issue and just how damaging it was to both people and institutions. and how difficult it is to uproot once it's embedded.
March 14, 2016
Essential reading for anyone with even a passing interest in QLD politics and corruption, or if you just enjoy a good true crime story. The scale and the length of the crimes investigated here is incredible, as are the larger than life characters who remained unrepentant until the bitter end.
January 5, 2016
Interesting history
An interesting tale about a sordid part of Queensland's history. Not great literature but well-researched and a fascinating dip into the Bjelke-Petersen years. How JBP didn't get locked up is beyond me!
An interesting tale about a sordid part of Queensland's history. Not great literature but well-researched and a fascinating dip into the Bjelke-Petersen years. How JBP didn't get locked up is beyond me!
March 5, 2016
Really enjoyed this series. Absolutely fascinating the level of corruption in Queensland through to the 90s even. Will read more of Condon's books and would love to get hold of a copy of "The Man They Called a Monster"!
April 4, 2016
Neatly tied up the trilogy. Lots of head shaking. Hopefully we learn from the past.
July 3, 2016
A wonderful finale to a gripping trilogy that entertains like a crime novel. Great writing and suprtlative research. Fantastic characterisation of disgraced top cop Terrence Lewis.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews