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Lawyer X
'Underbelly' meets 'Molly's Game' - the true-crime investigation that rewrote the story of Melbourne's infamous gangland war and triggered a royal commission.
Melbourne's gangland war was an era dominated by murders, stings, hits, drug busts, corruption, and greed - inspiring best-selling books and even a popular TV series, 'Underbelly'. it took the police a decade to curtail the violence and bring down criminal kingpins Carl Williams, Tony Mokbel, and their accomplices. When the police finally closed the case file, just how they "really" won the war, with the help of an unlikely police informer, would become a closely guarded secret and its exposure the biggest legal scandal of our time.
'LAWYER X' is the scandalous, true story of how a promising defense barrister from a privileged background broke all the rules - becoming both police informer and her client's lover - sharing their secrets and shaping the gangland war that led to sensational arrests and convictions. The story of how Nicola Gobbo became the Lawyer X, and why, is a compelling study in desperation and determination.
'LAWYER X' is the definitive story of Melbourne's gangland wars and its most glamorous and compelling central character, based on the groundbreaking work of investigative journalists Anthony Dowsley and Patrick Carlyon, who broke the story for the 'Herald Sun' in 2014, and their five-year struggle to reveal the truth about the identity of Lawyer X.
RUNNING TIME => 14hrs. and 29mins.
©2020 Anthony Dowsley and Patrick Carlyon (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers
Melbourne's gangland war was an era dominated by murders, stings, hits, drug busts, corruption, and greed - inspiring best-selling books and even a popular TV series, 'Underbelly'. it took the police a decade to curtail the violence and bring down criminal kingpins Carl Williams, Tony Mokbel, and their accomplices. When the police finally closed the case file, just how they "really" won the war, with the help of an unlikely police informer, would become a closely guarded secret and its exposure the biggest legal scandal of our time.
'LAWYER X' is the scandalous, true story of how a promising defense barrister from a privileged background broke all the rules - becoming both police informer and her client's lover - sharing their secrets and shaping the gangland war that led to sensational arrests and convictions. The story of how Nicola Gobbo became the Lawyer X, and why, is a compelling study in desperation and determination.
'LAWYER X' is the definitive story of Melbourne's gangland wars and its most glamorous and compelling central character, based on the groundbreaking work of investigative journalists Anthony Dowsley and Patrick Carlyon, who broke the story for the 'Herald Sun' in 2014, and their five-year struggle to reveal the truth about the identity of Lawyer X.
RUNNING TIME => 14hrs. and 29mins.
©2020 Anthony Dowsley and Patrick Carlyon (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers
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First published September 7, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 12, 2020
I was really keen to understand the story of Nicola Gobbo being a lawyer & police informer, but this book was frustrating!
Firstly, it felt too long - and it wasn’t even that long.
Secondly, the story is SO convoluted & really hard to keep track of all the players (not the fault of the authors - they even allude to this in the book). Lastly, the authors sound pretty misogynistic in the way they refer to Gobbo & her behaviour- they clearly think she’s a massive slut. They’re also pretty biased in their views throughout- and I would’ve preferred the journos write in a way that leaves the readers to decide what they think Gobbo’s motives were...
I liked the 2nd half of the book the best, where the authors delve deeper into their investigation of the whole thing. Their writing in 3rd person, though was a weird decision (that they fumbled to explain early on) which means they’re talking about themselves as if they’re other people & it all feels oddly detached.
Firstly, it felt too long - and it wasn’t even that long.
Secondly, the story is SO convoluted & really hard to keep track of all the players (not the fault of the authors - they even allude to this in the book). Lastly, the authors sound pretty misogynistic in the way they refer to Gobbo & her behaviour- they clearly think she’s a massive slut. They’re also pretty biased in their views throughout- and I would’ve preferred the journos write in a way that leaves the readers to decide what they think Gobbo’s motives were...
I liked the 2nd half of the book the best, where the authors delve deeper into their investigation of the whole thing. Their writing in 3rd person, though was a weird decision (that they fumbled to explain early on) which means they’re talking about themselves as if they’re other people & it all feels oddly detached.
November 30, 2020
A meticulously researched book that catalogues the steps that Vic Police went to in order to protect their source, all the while being aware of the consequences, and direct conflict of interest. From the murder trial of Dale, and a host of others Carylon has detailed what he can without prejudicing future trials of the many serious criminals that now have grounds for immediate appeal due to the actions of Vic Police and the corruption that plagued it during the 70;s, 80';s and 90's.
This is a fascinating read, the level of deception documented will have you shaking your head at the lawless nature of the police, and their inappropriate relationships (and often friendships) with the vicious, and serious criminals of Australia, who is should be noted are likely to be released due to the duplicity of Gobbo, her handlers and some 200 senior police. A complete absence of morals is evidenced time and tine again by the author, who given the restrictions he faced, has written an excellent book about not only the extent of Gobbos double dealings but more saliently the corruption that has plagued Victoria Police.
I waited months for this book, the flurry of print news story but Patrick Carylon has written the definitive volume of all the major players, the severity of their crimes and how one lawyer broke every oath she swore to uphold and did so without any apparent regret, pocketing in the end $2.8 million for her 'services' and no doubt costing us, the taxpayer millions more in rightful appeals based on her reckless, unethical behaviour,
A fascinating look into the world of the Melbourne underbelly, but this book is so much more than that with some fantastic new material, and an absolutely necessity to produce a book that details the political, and Victoria Police and their complicity in the fraud and lawlessness that occurred over a substantial matter of years. The shocking execution style murder of the Hodson's is also examined in detail, with the necessary care to ensure the Detective at the centre of the plot cannot derail future prosecutions.
Very entertaining, incredibly illuminating and the product of hours of research and access to the primary and source material. Truly staggering from beginning to end and worlds away from the self serving rubbish Ex Det Dale has produced. If you want a truthful, coherent interpretation of the events that occurred this is the book to read.
This is a fascinating read, the level of deception documented will have you shaking your head at the lawless nature of the police, and their inappropriate relationships (and often friendships) with the vicious, and serious criminals of Australia, who is should be noted are likely to be released due to the duplicity of Gobbo, her handlers and some 200 senior police. A complete absence of morals is evidenced time and tine again by the author, who given the restrictions he faced, has written an excellent book about not only the extent of Gobbos double dealings but more saliently the corruption that has plagued Victoria Police.
I waited months for this book, the flurry of print news story but Patrick Carylon has written the definitive volume of all the major players, the severity of their crimes and how one lawyer broke every oath she swore to uphold and did so without any apparent regret, pocketing in the end $2.8 million for her 'services' and no doubt costing us, the taxpayer millions more in rightful appeals based on her reckless, unethical behaviour,
A fascinating look into the world of the Melbourne underbelly, but this book is so much more than that with some fantastic new material, and an absolutely necessity to produce a book that details the political, and Victoria Police and their complicity in the fraud and lawlessness that occurred over a substantial matter of years. The shocking execution style murder of the Hodson's is also examined in detail, with the necessary care to ensure the Detective at the centre of the plot cannot derail future prosecutions.
Very entertaining, incredibly illuminating and the product of hours of research and access to the primary and source material. Truly staggering from beginning to end and worlds away from the self serving rubbish Ex Det Dale has produced. If you want a truthful, coherent interpretation of the events that occurred this is the book to read.
September 14, 2020
This is a fascinating and definitive account of a bizarre episode in Australia's legal history. It must have been quite a feat for the journalists to untangle the thousands of threads of the story, which they provide alongside helpful analysis. We await the outcome of the royal commission with interest.
October 6, 2022
no words fr i hate cops
December 24, 2020
Without knowing too much about the gangland wars in Melbourne I was interested to learn more through this book. With a large number of characters involved it took me a while to grasp who was who (the authors have put character details at the start of the book which made for quick and easy reference).
It was crazy to read all the details in this story and the role that Lawyer X played throughout. Although, for a short book, it felt long and I had to regularly put it down for a while.
Thank you so much Harper Collins for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
It was crazy to read all the details in this story and the role that Lawyer X played throughout. Although, for a short book, it felt long and I had to regularly put it down for a while.
Thank you so much Harper Collins for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2025
During my horrendous reading slump, I become hyper-fixated on financial crime and that fixation evolved into crime and mysteries, true and fictional. From Colombo to a rewatching Criminal Minds, crime and mystery was all that was interesting me.
Enter 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟.
The case that became one of the biggest legal scandals in the the criminal justice system in Australia. I was aware of the case when I binged Underbelly last year.
𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟 is a story about a defence barrister who broke all the rules, and started informing on her clients.
During a time of bloody gang wars, large drug manufacturing and police corruption in Melbourne, the lawyer representing many of these criminals was 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟.
This book chronicles the timeline of events from her time in undergrad, already brushing up against the police, her time informing not once, but three seperate times, and the great lengths the police went to in covering up this massive breach of law and order.
Two investigative journalist pieced together such a compelling and complex story, with many threads that are still unraveling today.
Client-Lawyer confidentiality is a central pillar of the criminal justice system, and when 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟 continued to disclose confidential information, again and again to the police, she undermined the criminal justice system.
The royal commission has found the convictions of 1011 people are now under speculation because of 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟's improper conduct.
The corruption caused widespread miscarriages of justice, the overturning of prison sentences and the long process of appeal for others.
A crazy true crime story of murderous crime bosses, an arrogant lawyer and
the systematic corruption of the justice system by the Victoria Police.
Would I recommend this book??
Yes if Australian, but probably not if you are not Australian.
I would recommend to most people to watch Underbelly first, than the Lawyer X Underbelly show, and then immersive read this book with the audiobook.
anyways on s10 of Criminal Minds & Spencer Reid is the love of my life.
my insta post
Enter 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟.
The case that became one of the biggest legal scandals in the the criminal justice system in Australia. I was aware of the case when I binged Underbelly last year.
𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟 is a story about a defence barrister who broke all the rules, and started informing on her clients.
During a time of bloody gang wars, large drug manufacturing and police corruption in Melbourne, the lawyer representing many of these criminals was 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟.
This book chronicles the timeline of events from her time in undergrad, already brushing up against the police, her time informing not once, but three seperate times, and the great lengths the police went to in covering up this massive breach of law and order.
Two investigative journalist pieced together such a compelling and complex story, with many threads that are still unraveling today.
Client-Lawyer confidentiality is a central pillar of the criminal justice system, and when 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟 continued to disclose confidential information, again and again to the police, she undermined the criminal justice system.
The royal commission has found the convictions of 1011 people are now under speculation because of 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘟's improper conduct.
The corruption caused widespread miscarriages of justice, the overturning of prison sentences and the long process of appeal for others.
A crazy true crime story of murderous crime bosses, an arrogant lawyer and
the systematic corruption of the justice system by the Victoria Police.
Would I recommend this book??
Yes if Australian, but probably not if you are not Australian.
I would recommend to most people to watch Underbelly first, than the Lawyer X Underbelly show, and then immersive read this book with the audiobook.
anyways on s10 of Criminal Minds & Spencer Reid is the love of my life.
my insta post
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June 30, 2021
This is such a bizarre story it’s hard to believe it’s true.
Two Walkley Award winning Investigative Journalists documented the convoluted trails of deceptions and unethical/criminal behaviour of Nicola Gobbo whilst she was a Melbourne Barrister representing Gangland clients and betraying them in her secondary role as a police informer.
Dare I say the story was gobsmacking 😳.
The actions of Victoria Police was equally disgraceful and, I feel, criminal as they condoned and enabled Gobbos activities.
Although her information stopped a Gangland War in Melbourne she’ll also be responsible for heinous criminals being released back into the community with hefty million dollar payouts due to a denial of justice.
Well done Ms Gobbo.
I’m still stunned and amazed.
Two Walkley Award winning Investigative Journalists documented the convoluted trails of deceptions and unethical/criminal behaviour of Nicola Gobbo whilst she was a Melbourne Barrister representing Gangland clients and betraying them in her secondary role as a police informer.
Dare I say the story was gobsmacking 😳.
The actions of Victoria Police was equally disgraceful and, I feel, criminal as they condoned and enabled Gobbos activities.
Although her information stopped a Gangland War in Melbourne she’ll also be responsible for heinous criminals being released back into the community with hefty million dollar payouts due to a denial of justice.
Well done Ms Gobbo.
I’m still stunned and amazed.
December 19, 2020
Victorians police corruption. Nicola Gobbo will be lucky if she is not killed by crims.
November 17, 2022
Mind blown how these events even happened - but story bogged down with all the convoluted facts and suppositions. I think I will enjoy the movie though - if / when :)
January 22, 2021
A well researched and comprehensive look at a fascinating story and person, Nicola Gobbo (Lawyer X). The sheer complexity of the interweaving stories, the difficulty in getting access to people who would talk, the decades the story covers, and the shades of grey all round make this a difficult story to tell, and despite their enormous effort and journalistic chops, the authors do struggle with it a bit. Its not the easiest read - but I enjoyed it and found it interesting.
June 23, 2021
Nicola gobbo isn’t painted very flatteringly but if as they say there is no smoke without fire. Incredible to believe the lengths the police went to and the fact that she was ok with it. Regardless of a persons crimes they should be able to trust that their solicitor/barrister is acting on their behalf and that confidentiality comes into play- not that they are editing and feeding the police brief against u
November 17, 2025
A complex and complicated book on a fascinating and thoroughly perplexing individual. How she was able to get that close to the main players in the gangland war is beyond belief.
The book showed the background and personalities of the various players and the interaction between the various parties. I am still amazed that the Morans appeared to not fight back and just accept their fate. The relationship between the Williams and Mokbels was at least partly explained which gave greater depth to the overall story. The sheer audacity to attempt and succeed in obtaining the information she did is astonishing and remarkable.
The work of both the authors but especially Dowsley is to be highly commended. Very enjoyable book.
The book showed the background and personalities of the various players and the interaction between the various parties. I am still amazed that the Morans appeared to not fight back and just accept their fate. The relationship between the Williams and Mokbels was at least partly explained which gave greater depth to the overall story. The sheer audacity to attempt and succeed in obtaining the information she did is astonishing and remarkable.
The work of both the authors but especially Dowsley is to be highly commended. Very enjoyable book.
January 7, 2021
This story is a real eye-opener about the gangs of Melbourne in the 21st century. The book includes quite a long list of players, plus a time-line. These were very helpful, but I still had trouble keeping up with the convoluted plot, especially as sometimes the bad guys weren't so bad, and sometimes the good guys weren't so good. This was (is!) real life. I think if I had read the episodes in The Australian as they were released, plus had seen the apparently great drama Underbelly, I might have enjoyed this book more. I am glad to have read it, might watch Underbelly then read it again. Just don't test me on who's who!
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July 10, 2021An explosive piece of investigative journalism which exposed the unprecedented legal scandal that was Laywer X. Dowsley and Carlyon’s gripping exposé documents the true story of how a promising defence barrister shattered lawyer-client confidentiality to become at once a police informer and a defence barrister to the very criminal she was informing on. Awarded a Walkley Award for their investigative journalism, Lawyer X is a gripping exploration of one of Australia’s biggest legal scandal - and the secret lives of those behind it.
February 28, 2022
This book was really well-researched and written in a way that you could follow along with all the craziness that happened. The story itself is hard to believe as real even though it obviously is. It was a solid 4-star nonfiction. It may have been a bit wordy and possibly included some unnecessary information that muddied up the story a bit, but overall still a great book. I'd recommend to any lawyer and anyone from Australia/New Zealand who followed this scandal as it unfolded.
July 8, 2024
Living in Melbourne and being able to see where actions took place and reading the newspapers of the day an TV coverages made this fascinating story come alive. The goings on of Police who you thought were the good guys was a shock but understandable in the cutthroat of criminals. Nicola herself feisty and a person of top dog fever. I enjoyed the read and would recommend you to read an dmake up your own mind . ,
July 18, 2024
Story: 5
Writing: 2
Too long, too much repetition, too convoluted, too many characters introduced too soon, and about a billion too many uses of the word 'Gobbo', when it just wasn't needed. It's almost like the authors just liked writing 'Gobbo'. Bizarre.
The audio narrator needs to use her real voice, not the fake disingenuous one she adopts here.
Writing: 2
Too long, too much repetition, too convoluted, too many characters introduced too soon, and about a billion too many uses of the word 'Gobbo', when it just wasn't needed. It's almost like the authors just liked writing 'Gobbo'. Bizarre.
The audio narrator needs to use her real voice, not the fake disingenuous one she adopts here.
October 27, 2024
The story is interesting, but I did not enjoy how it was written. The book went back and forth in time and became confusing with all the characters involved. It's a complex story, but it could have been explained in a more straightforward, more informative format.
June 10, 2025
Struggled with this book, it felt too long and I lost interest before the end. The truth never really come out, everybody was lying to cover themselves. There seemed to be overwhelming prejudice against Gobbo because she was a single woman and represented criminals as her career.
May 24, 2021
There are some strange people out there and Lawyer X is one of them. Not to mention too many people who should know better turning a blind eye or just being dishonest
December 3, 2021
Was the misogynistic tone and incessant slut shaming really necessary?
The criminals and murders in this book were more fairly treated than this woman.
Also EDIT
The criminals and murders in this book were more fairly treated than this woman.
Also EDIT
March 23, 2022
Interesting!!
August 7, 2022
Haven't got much to say about this. Started off well... but it DRAGGED!! I just stopped caring after awhile.
December 7, 2022
This book took so long to read.
December 12, 2022
Interesting read but it got a little hard to finish towards the end. Still worth the read.
January 19, 2023
A fine example of Australian investigative journalism.
Read
May 11, 2023fascinating, horrifying
November 18, 2023
Interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews