What do you think?
Rate this book
Walking Towards Thunder: The true story of a whistleblowing cop who took on corruption and the Church
Former Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox is a hero in many people's eyes. A police officer with 36 years' service in the Hunter region, he rose to national prominence in 2012 for his major role in speaking out for the victims of abuse within the church. He had been at the coalface fighting these heinous crimes for decades. He had worked with the victims and supported their families. He knew an enquiry was long overdue. His decision to become a whistle blower helped trigger Prime Minister Julia Gillard's historic decision to establish a far-reaching Royal Commission into the sexual abuse of children in institutions.
He had no idea what speaking up would unleash. Peter's dedication and focus cost him his career, his health and also affected his wife's health. He and his family were threatened. Former friends shunned him. But the victims and the families that he supported consider him their champion. To them he is a hero.
Walking Towards Thunder details the cumulative horrors our police face every day, it reveals the cover ups and the way sexual predators were moved around. It shows the backlash he faced and the lengths those in power will go to avoid facing the truth. Confronting and inspiring, this is an unforgettable story.
- GenresNonfiction
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2019
21 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 12, 2019
Copy received from Hachette Australia for an honest review
Now, I am an athiest, so that Catholic church (or any religion) is a foreign concept to me, however over the years, the abuse of children by those in the Catholic Church (and others) has been a hot topic.
Walking Towards Thunder is an absolutely heartbreaking story. The way the police, the church, those who are supposed to support abuse victims have acted for decades is an absolute disgrace.
I am thankful for Peter Fox. Thankful that he has written this book. Thankful that he took a stand against the church and his fellow police officers. Thankful that he survived the backlash.
Because of his stand, look at where the church is in 2019.
The behaviour of those against him is abhorrent. I read this book each day in my lunch break, and every day I would go back to my desk, raging to my office mates about what I had read today. I have vented to friends as I was reading about how mad, how sad, how frustrated I was with the higher-ups.
I knew that things were bad over the years, but thank you Peter Fox for revealing just how bad things really are.
All I can say is shame, shame, shame on each and everyone of them who covered up, dismissed complaints and helped these horrible human beings get away with it - for decades.
Now, I am an athiest, so that Catholic church (or any religion) is a foreign concept to me, however over the years, the abuse of children by those in the Catholic Church (and others) has been a hot topic.
Walking Towards Thunder is an absolutely heartbreaking story. The way the police, the church, those who are supposed to support abuse victims have acted for decades is an absolute disgrace.
I am thankful for Peter Fox. Thankful that he has written this book. Thankful that he took a stand against the church and his fellow police officers. Thankful that he survived the backlash.
Because of his stand, look at where the church is in 2019.
The behaviour of those against him is abhorrent. I read this book each day in my lunch break, and every day I would go back to my desk, raging to my office mates about what I had read today. I have vented to friends as I was reading about how mad, how sad, how frustrated I was with the higher-ups.
I knew that things were bad over the years, but thank you Peter Fox for revealing just how bad things really are.
All I can say is shame, shame, shame on each and everyone of them who covered up, dismissed complaints and helped these horrible human beings get away with it - for decades.
September 23, 2019
I can't pretend, even for a moment, that I'm able to dispassionately review a book like WALKING TOWARDS THUNDER. This is a very personal story about Peter Fox's ethical and moral stance against an institution lacking in both of those traits. Actively avoiding those traits, if the revelations in this book are anything to go by.
Reading this book you will see the power and might of the church and it's accolytes. The "mafia" it unleashes against those who see the corruption, the scandal, the abuse and the crimes and want to do something about it, is breathtaking both in it's commitment to the "cause" and it's bloody mindedness. You really have to stop and think long and hard about the sort of world we live in - one where an institution can be so cavalierly above the people who support it, and the lives and wellbeing of the children that are thrust into that world (by the adults around them after all) are less important, less valued ... just less overall .... than the power, and the money and the might of that church.
I am profoundly thankful that people like Peter Fox have tried to halt the tide of the catholic sex abuse crimes, especially when you realise the personal toll they have been forced to endure. I'm profoundly thankful that he decided to write this book, and I'm thankful that people like Anthony and Chrissie Foster took it upon themselves to support and encourage him to do so. Chrissie Foster's book HELL ON THE WAY TO HEAVEN is now on my reading queue as well.
Reading this book you will see the power and might of the church and it's accolytes. The "mafia" it unleashes against those who see the corruption, the scandal, the abuse and the crimes and want to do something about it, is breathtaking both in it's commitment to the "cause" and it's bloody mindedness. You really have to stop and think long and hard about the sort of world we live in - one where an institution can be so cavalierly above the people who support it, and the lives and wellbeing of the children that are thrust into that world (by the adults around them after all) are less important, less valued ... just less overall .... than the power, and the money and the might of that church.
I am profoundly thankful that people like Peter Fox have tried to halt the tide of the catholic sex abuse crimes, especially when you realise the personal toll they have been forced to endure. I'm profoundly thankful that he decided to write this book, and I'm thankful that people like Anthony and Chrissie Foster took it upon themselves to support and encourage him to do so. Chrissie Foster's book HELL ON THE WAY TO HEAVEN is now on my reading queue as well.
September 16, 2019
The world is a better place because of people like Peter Fox who care enough to speak out for people who may not be able to speak for themselves. in "Walking Towards Thunder: The true story of a whistleblowing cop who took on corruption and the Church," Peter Fox, Former Detective Chief Inspector in the Hunter region of Australia, spoke out publicly concerning the sexual abuse and years of cover-up of these crimes by the Catholic Church. And, for his trouble, he was subjected to ridicule by many, especially by others within the police force--many of whom chose to support the Catholic Church, no matter what.
The subject of abuse of children in the Church--not just the Catholic Church--has interested me for years, so I was very interested in reading this book. It is a most detailed account of the author's experiences as an investigator, and provides detailed profiles of many victims and perpetrators. The extent of the abuse and the ensuing cover-up often extends for decades and decades. The failure of the Church and individuals to recognize the extent of the evil is absolutely astounding to me. This book opened my eyes, in so many ways, to the extent some will go to deny and cover-up evil. It was a very emotional read, but I am glad I read this book. I came away better informed and more aware.
January 4, 2020
As this book states you read and hear the words sexual abuse in the media but you don’t think much past these words. That’s why this account needs to be read. I was appalled, horrified, angered and saddened reading this book.
Perhaps it was a little too close to home. I live in the Lower Hunter where the majority of this abuse took place. Being educated through the Catholic school system (and later my children as well - attending the same high school at the same time as Daniel Feenan) I came into contact with many of the clergy involved- the abusers and those that covered up.
At times I had to put this book aside. The description of the abuse of Daniel and the young children at SOG by these so called “Christian men of God” overwhelmed me and brought me to tears. I needed a break so how did these children feel - they had no break. How the survivors coped is beyond me.
As an onlooker who watched this unfold in the media and press I pay tribute to Peter Fox for his integrity and having the courage to do what was right, for taking a stand even though he knew there would be a major backlash from some of his colleagues and the Church. Like the majority watching from the sidelines we applauded his stance and support of the victims and their families to the detriment of his own.
I often wonder if Jesus returned today what would he think of His church. An organization that has amassed immense wealth and His representatives committing despicable acts against children. I think He would hang His head in shame.
As I footnote I’d like to add that I went to quite a number of bookshops and department stores in my area and could not find a store that stocked this book. I began to question if this was deliberate especially after my husband later voiced the same opinion. I ended up purchasing it online.
Perhaps it was a little too close to home. I live in the Lower Hunter where the majority of this abuse took place. Being educated through the Catholic school system (and later my children as well - attending the same high school at the same time as Daniel Feenan) I came into contact with many of the clergy involved- the abusers and those that covered up.
At times I had to put this book aside. The description of the abuse of Daniel and the young children at SOG by these so called “Christian men of God” overwhelmed me and brought me to tears. I needed a break so how did these children feel - they had no break. How the survivors coped is beyond me.
As an onlooker who watched this unfold in the media and press I pay tribute to Peter Fox for his integrity and having the courage to do what was right, for taking a stand even though he knew there would be a major backlash from some of his colleagues and the Church. Like the majority watching from the sidelines we applauded his stance and support of the victims and their families to the detriment of his own.
I often wonder if Jesus returned today what would he think of His church. An organization that has amassed immense wealth and His representatives committing despicable acts against children. I think He would hang His head in shame.
As I footnote I’d like to add that I went to quite a number of bookshops and department stores in my area and could not find a store that stocked this book. I began to question if this was deliberate especially after my husband later voiced the same opinion. I ended up purchasing it online.
January 20, 2021
This book is not anti-church. It is anti lies and cover ups in all areas of society and the author makes that clear. When it comes to child protection and justice, there are a lot of cowardly and disapointing people in this world but Peter Fox is not one of them. I lived in Newcastle for 2 years in the late 90s and everythingg he writes sounds totally real and right to me. This book was written with deep respect for victims and their families. The mothers he allies with are amazing people. He also gets me thinking about something Id never much considered before:the huge toll on whistleblowersband "non conformers" who wont shut up, such as the late Father Maurie and ex-priest Kevin Lee whose lives were ended far too soon. This book was on my night stand a long time before i dared to touch it. But in a weird way this book can restore your faith in humanity.
October 24, 2020
CORRECTION AND APOLOGY TO DETECTIVE INSPECTOR JEFF LITTLE BM
AN HOUR AGO
From on or about 27 August 2019, Hachette Australia published a book entitled “Walking Towards Thunder” (“the Book”) authored by Peter Fox.
Detective Inspector Jeff Little BM has asserted that the Book contained various false allegations about him in relation to his conduct as then Detective Sergeant Jeff Little BM in charge of Strike Force Lantle investigating sexual abuse in the Newcastle/Maitland Diocese of the Catholic Church.
Peter Fox and Hachette Australia did not intend to convey such allegations about Detective Inspector Little BM. To the extent any reader understood the Book to convey such allegations, Peter Fox and Hachette Australia withdraw them and apologise for any hurt and embarrassment felt by Detective Inspector Jeff Little BM and caused by the publication of the Book.
AN HOUR AGO
From on or about 27 August 2019, Hachette Australia published a book entitled “Walking Towards Thunder” (“the Book”) authored by Peter Fox.
Detective Inspector Jeff Little BM has asserted that the Book contained various false allegations about him in relation to his conduct as then Detective Sergeant Jeff Little BM in charge of Strike Force Lantle investigating sexual abuse in the Newcastle/Maitland Diocese of the Catholic Church.
Peter Fox and Hachette Australia did not intend to convey such allegations about Detective Inspector Little BM. To the extent any reader understood the Book to convey such allegations, Peter Fox and Hachette Australia withdraw them and apologise for any hurt and embarrassment felt by Detective Inspector Jeff Little BM and caused by the publication of the Book.
April 21, 2022
A MUST READ !!!
As someone who attended catholic schools throughout my childhood, its a real eye-opener into the corruption of the very organisation that schooled me. The inaction of the NSW police will leave you dumbfounded.
I was lucky to meet the author at a BBQ recently (before I read the book). One of the most genuine blokes I have ever met/ had the pleasure of speaking to. He was extremely humble (a quality I understood only after reading his book). A self-less person that did his best in a terrible situation.
As someone who attended catholic schools throughout my childhood, its a real eye-opener into the corruption of the very organisation that schooled me. The inaction of the NSW police will leave you dumbfounded.
I was lucky to meet the author at a BBQ recently (before I read the book). One of the most genuine blokes I have ever met/ had the pleasure of speaking to. He was extremely humble (a quality I understood only after reading his book). A self-less person that did his best in a terrible situation.
May 9, 2020
Peter Fox is a true hero, he gave up so much to keep children safe and for survivors to be heard. Penny Fox is also a legend for supporting Peter in what he has done. I was not a abused by a priest but this books help to ease the pain of my own abuse. Knowing there are people Like Peter and Penny and many others out there making sure this won’t happen again gives me a sense of hope. This book is well worth reading I would give it 10 stars if I could.
November 8, 2022
This man epitomizes the qualities of a true hero.
Having seen his appearances on Lateline back in 2012, I was looking forward to getting a more detailed insight into Peter's experience trying to bring some of these wicked and disgusting men to justice.
What some of the victims have had to endure, not only speaking of the perpetrators and the coverups by the clergy but also law enforcement officials is really tough to read.
Having seen his appearances on Lateline back in 2012, I was looking forward to getting a more detailed insight into Peter's experience trying to bring some of these wicked and disgusting men to justice.
What some of the victims have had to endure, not only speaking of the perpetrators and the coverups by the clergy but also law enforcement officials is really tough to read.
June 1, 2020
A fascinating and troubling inside story of the effect that abuse has on the individual and their family , and one man sacrificing his career and showing immense courage to speak out against those who cover up and enable abuse. Yet another damning insight to the toxic and inexcusable culture promoted within the Catholic Church of child abuse , and protecting Child molesters.
September 9, 2020
I am unable to read this book. It's real and I feel the pain of the victim: it's making me so angry and sad and helpless...thank you Peter for having the courage to stand up for the victim at great personal cost.
This book has been withdrawn from sales and from all libraries in Australia last week.
This book has been withdrawn from sales and from all libraries in Australia last week.
January 28, 2020
While this work is not great in the literary sense, it is an eminently readable account of events leading up to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse in Australia.
https://www.childabuseroyalcommission...
Specifically documenting Peter‘a role in effecting the Royal Commission after he gains knowledge of the significant numbers of sexual assaults committed by Catholic Priests in the Hunter Valley region of NSW and then of how widespread the issue is.
I have the utmost respect and admiration for Peter’s bravery in standing up for victims against the police and church and am amazed by his tenacity in the face of such adversity.
This book can be hard to read at times because of how maddeningly slow our politicians were to respond and the treatment of victims, but it must be talked about and shared so that we learn from it and don’t forget its lessons.
https://www.childabuseroyalcommission...
Specifically documenting Peter‘a role in effecting the Royal Commission after he gains knowledge of the significant numbers of sexual assaults committed by Catholic Priests in the Hunter Valley region of NSW and then of how widespread the issue is.
I have the utmost respect and admiration for Peter’s bravery in standing up for victims against the police and church and am amazed by his tenacity in the face of such adversity.
This book can be hard to read at times because of how maddeningly slow our politicians were to respond and the treatment of victims, but it must be talked about and shared so that we learn from it and don’t forget its lessons.
December 19, 2019
This is a pacy book which provides tough reading, and shows the challenge of being a whistleblower, although challenge is too mild a word to use. At times this book has very difficult stories described and it is tough reading, but these stories are crucial to the overall account and are not gratuitous in their detail.
This is a book for Australian library collections, and would be of interest in other countries. It shows the importance of investigative journalism. Several journalists are mentioned favourably (and a few aren't). This is also a book for local studies collections for the areas included in this account.
I read this while I was on the train, to and from work.
This is a book for Australian library collections, and would be of interest in other countries. It shows the importance of investigative journalism. Several journalists are mentioned favourably (and a few aren't). This is also a book for local studies collections for the areas included in this account.
I read this while I was on the train, to and from work.
October 9, 2019
I knew a lot of stuff about the Hunter abuse of children by Catholic priests. But finding out in this book how NSW police colluded with the Church to blind report abuse and pervert the course of justice was revealing.
Peter has done a good job. A mix of detailed forensic analysis from a seasoned and experienced police officer, combined with compassion for abuse survivors. And if course the classic struggles of a whistle blower.
Peter has done a good job. A mix of detailed forensic analysis from a seasoned and experienced police officer, combined with compassion for abuse survivors. And if course the classic struggles of a whistle blower.
December 2, 2019
Peter Fox writes with extraordinary bravery, determination and resilience about his efforts to support the victims of child sexual abuse at the hands of paedophile priests and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The undoubted cover ups and complicity by senior members of the Church, the Police and Government will take your breath away. His story leaves you wondering...How much has really changed?
October 30, 2019
A brilliant book. Peter said it would be a tough read and it was. Appalling situations. So very thankful that Peter did what he did and wrote about it. A very brave man. My view of the Catholic Church's handling of the sexual abuse was poor and it hasn't changed.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews