What do you think?
Rate this book
Stalking Claremont: Inside the hunt for a serial killer
The gripping true story of the notorious Claremont serial murders and the nation's longest and most expensive investigation to catch the killer
In the space of just over a year in 1996-7, three young women disappeared from Claremont, an upmarket suburb in central Perth. When two of the young women were found murdered, Australia's longest and most expensive investigation was established. More than twenty years later, an unlikely suspect was arrested based on forensic evidence that also linked the murders to two previous vicious rapes. Stalking Claremont, by local newsman Bret Christian, is a riveting story of young lives cut short, a city in panic, an investigation riddled with error, and a surprising twist that absolutely no one saw coming.
In the space of just over a year in 1996-7, three young women disappeared from Claremont, an upmarket suburb in central Perth. When two of the young women were found murdered, Australia's longest and most expensive investigation was established. More than twenty years later, an unlikely suspect was arrested based on forensic evidence that also linked the murders to two previous vicious rapes. Stalking Claremont, by local newsman Bret Christian, is a riveting story of young lives cut short, a city in panic, an investigation riddled with error, and a surprising twist that absolutely no one saw coming.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
58 people are currently reading
416 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 - 30 of 80 reviews
October 16, 2022
True Crime - Stalking Claremont. It took 20 years to apprehend "The Claremont Serial Killer". I remember the day like it was yesterday.... It was a couple of days out from Christmas 2016, Breaking News across my TV Screen, police in Perth, Western Australia were confident Bradley Edwards was the Claremont Serial Killer.
I had goosebumps...... I was living in Perth at the time Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon disappeared from the popular night spots of Claremont - The Conti and Club Bayview or "Club Bayspew" it was called back then. I was 20 and going to all the same nightspots with my friends, it was a frightening time to be living in Perth as a young woman. Claremont became a ghost town, nobody went there, police undertook a massive task on to DNA swabbing every single taxi driver in Perth as they thought he was a taxi driver. To this day, I wont get into a cab alone at night
This book is factual and respectful to the family and friends of the victims. This book, gives us insight to earlier crimes we now know Bradley Edwards committed from burglary, rape then escalating to murder. The book is thoroughly researched, Bret Christian is a newsman and reporter, evident in his meticulous level of detail. We get insight to the police investigation - Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but the years wasted with the tunnel vision disjointed focus on the wrong suspects, evidence not followed up it was frustrating to me how he could evade capture for so long.
The level of detail in this book, uncovering new information that lead to apprehending this killer I would recommend picking this up for True crime or a thriller fan.
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia and Bret Christian for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I had goosebumps...... I was living in Perth at the time Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon disappeared from the popular night spots of Claremont - The Conti and Club Bayview or "Club Bayspew" it was called back then. I was 20 and going to all the same nightspots with my friends, it was a frightening time to be living in Perth as a young woman. Claremont became a ghost town, nobody went there, police undertook a massive task on to DNA swabbing every single taxi driver in Perth as they thought he was a taxi driver. To this day, I wont get into a cab alone at night
This book is factual and respectful to the family and friends of the victims. This book, gives us insight to earlier crimes we now know Bradley Edwards committed from burglary, rape then escalating to murder. The book is thoroughly researched, Bret Christian is a newsman and reporter, evident in his meticulous level of detail. We get insight to the police investigation - Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but the years wasted with the tunnel vision disjointed focus on the wrong suspects, evidence not followed up it was frustrating to me how he could evade capture for so long.
The level of detail in this book, uncovering new information that lead to apprehending this killer I would recommend picking this up for True crime or a thriller fan.
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia and Bret Christian for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 8, 2021
I enjoy the true crime genre but limit myself to two or three books a year. It’s often hard to read gruesome details of rapes, murders and other crimes and know that the events actually did take place. Also, in this particular instance, the hunt for the Claremont killer took over 20 years to solve - the crimes being committed in the mid 1990s and the perpetrator brought to justice only very recently. It’s known as Australia’s longest running homicide investigation. That’s unimaginable anguish and horror for the victims’ families to go through. The local community was also stricken with panic and on tenterhooks. I felt the most sympathy for the family of Sarah Spiers, whose body has never been found and who never got justice as the lack of firm evidence meant the judge just could not say for certain that Bradley Robert Edwards had done it. Also, the police relentlessly hounded a couple of innocent people, including the local mayor, and have to accept a lot of responsibility for how long the investigation dragged on. They had blinkers on and just could not look outside the box, they were so convinced that they were on the right track. I had some sympathy for these innocent people too, their lives were ruined by the endless speculation and harassment by the police and the community.
I will give this 4 solid stars. It was very well researched and written. If you enjoy true crime I recommend this book. I’ve taken a star off as I felt the author didn’t spend enough time on the killer. We didn’t get much insight into his personality and his circumstances. The dates of the various crimes were linked to particular times in his life when things weren’t going well. For example, one of the crimes was committed when his long term relationship had ended. Well, can you give us something more than this? Lots of people go through stressful situations but don’t go out and rape and kill someone when something bad happens to them. What made this man different? Why did he stop killing in the 1990s? I believe he refused any sort of psychological or psychiatric assessment but I wanted to know more about this horrible man and how he became such a cold-blooded killer.
I will give this 4 solid stars. It was very well researched and written. If you enjoy true crime I recommend this book. I’ve taken a star off as I felt the author didn’t spend enough time on the killer. We didn’t get much insight into his personality and his circumstances. The dates of the various crimes were linked to particular times in his life when things weren’t going well. For example, one of the crimes was committed when his long term relationship had ended. Well, can you give us something more than this? Lots of people go through stressful situations but don’t go out and rape and kill someone when something bad happens to them. What made this man different? Why did he stop killing in the 1990s? I believe he refused any sort of psychological or psychiatric assessment but I wanted to know more about this horrible man and how he became such a cold-blooded killer.
Read
February 23, 2021Holds the strands together well and a command of the details to build a competent narrative of the long running case. The title is appropriate, in that Christian focuses on the intrigues and effects on Claremont itself, which he portrays as a 'village'. Despite being in the midst of the case as the local newspaper editor, Christian stays out of the narrative, referring in third person to 'the Post editor'. The prose is not as overwritten as most true crime but lapses sometimes, along with some cliches. The murderer remains opaque, but that's just the reality of the case, particularly as he didn't testify.
January 20, 2021
Exactly as the title states, this book is about the hunt for a serial killer. It is the true story of the disappearance and murder of three young women between 1996 and 1997 from an upmarket suburb of Perth in Western Australia after nights out at a local club. Sara Spiers disappeared during the early hours of January 27th 1996, her body has still yet to be found. Jane Rimmer disappeared on June 9th, 1996, she was found a few short weeks later brutally murdered. Then in August 1997, Ciara Glennon disappeared, her body also found a few weeks later.
Stalking Claremont painstakingly takes you through the details of the disappearance and subsequent murders of these young women and what would become a twenty year man hunt by the Western Australian Police to catch who they would come to term as the Claremont Killer.
The author, Bret Christian, is noted as a newsman and reporter and it’s evident in his writing of this book. It’s a long read which is thoroughly researched throughout, chronologically detailed from the early sexual attacks of women in the Claremont area in the early 1990’s through to the eventual charging and conviction of the perpetrator almost twenty years later. I cannot even begin to imagine the time and effort that must have gone into the writing of this book, such is the detail.
I’m a huge fan of true-crime documentaries and can often be found watching the Crime Channel on Foxtel as well as reading true-crime books and this one had me mesmerised from the very first page. I felt horror, sadness, anger and such absolute frustration as I devoured every page. Of course hindsight is a wonderful thing but to read through how much evidence was missed over the years, how many years were wasted on the wrong “suspects”, and how disjointed the investigation seemed to be over such a long time, I often found myself verbally yelling at the book as if it was to blame for not taking a particular piece of evidence seriously, or looking in the wrong direction for the killer.
Again, evident in the authors background, the book in no way sensationalises the story and is extremely respectful to all those involved in these horrible crimes, especially towards the victims and their families. That is one of the things I loved most about the book, it was just a true factual story about how these poor girls died, how their killer was able to remain free for so long and ultimately how the police were finally after almost two decades, able to catch The Claremont Killer.
Broken down into short chapters, each detailing an important step in the investigation, Stalking Claremont is an absolute must-read for any true-crime or thriller fan. Obviously it is at times distressing, with a few graphic and upsetting sections in the book about the sexual attacks and murders, more especially so knowing this is a true story, but again, the author keeps his story very fact based, it is not written for shock value.
Highly recommend grabbing a copy of what for me was a 5 star read.
Stalking Claremont painstakingly takes you through the details of the disappearance and subsequent murders of these young women and what would become a twenty year man hunt by the Western Australian Police to catch who they would come to term as the Claremont Killer.
The author, Bret Christian, is noted as a newsman and reporter and it’s evident in his writing of this book. It’s a long read which is thoroughly researched throughout, chronologically detailed from the early sexual attacks of women in the Claremont area in the early 1990’s through to the eventual charging and conviction of the perpetrator almost twenty years later. I cannot even begin to imagine the time and effort that must have gone into the writing of this book, such is the detail.
I’m a huge fan of true-crime documentaries and can often be found watching the Crime Channel on Foxtel as well as reading true-crime books and this one had me mesmerised from the very first page. I felt horror, sadness, anger and such absolute frustration as I devoured every page. Of course hindsight is a wonderful thing but to read through how much evidence was missed over the years, how many years were wasted on the wrong “suspects”, and how disjointed the investigation seemed to be over such a long time, I often found myself verbally yelling at the book as if it was to blame for not taking a particular piece of evidence seriously, or looking in the wrong direction for the killer.
Again, evident in the authors background, the book in no way sensationalises the story and is extremely respectful to all those involved in these horrible crimes, especially towards the victims and their families. That is one of the things I loved most about the book, it was just a true factual story about how these poor girls died, how their killer was able to remain free for so long and ultimately how the police were finally after almost two decades, able to catch The Claremont Killer.
Broken down into short chapters, each detailing an important step in the investigation, Stalking Claremont is an absolute must-read for any true-crime or thriller fan. Obviously it is at times distressing, with a few graphic and upsetting sections in the book about the sexual attacks and murders, more especially so knowing this is a true story, but again, the author keeps his story very fact based, it is not written for shock value.
Highly recommend grabbing a copy of what for me was a 5 star read.
March 29, 2021
My View:
I predict a Walkley!
This is a book of powerful emotions. At first my interest was piqued as the crimes and circumstances happened in my home state, in social situations I was familiar with/was involved with …the narrative, like the crimes committed felt very personal. As I started reading, I was surprised at how quickly I was transported back to that era and how suddenly I got the “chills” and locked my open sliding door opposite my seat on the lounge where I sat reading. I felt discomfort, no I felt fear.
This uncomfortable feeling, this apprehension did not leave but was overtaken by anger when I continued to read and discover the many civil liberties that were trashed, individual’s health and lifestyles destroyed, for no concrete reasons, during this lengthy and mostly narrow sighted investigation. How did/could things go so wrong for so long? There are many questions that needed asking, an enquiry that needs to be made (if it’s not happened already/or is happening), reassurances that this sort of flawed investigating never happens again.
I continued reading, again aghast at why useful information was not made public, why first-hand useful information was ignored…then I read details of the murders that had not been released to the public…oh dear! These poor girls. Sorrow, grief…so many more emotions.
This is a book that I highly recommend you read; this excellently researched and written book is astonishing in the facts it illuminates, the wrongs it sets right by clearly announcing to the general public that the publicly persecuted persons of interest were not at all involved with the crimes, and had no physical evidence linking them to the crimes, ever, etc (where is the public apologies? Where is the compensation, though how you can compensate for this level of distress and intrusion caused to blameless individuals I do not know)? I am outraged as you may have gathered. And I hope that somehow, someone reading this book will recall a vital piece of information that will bring Sarah Spiers home. I hope Bradley Robert Edwards is never released from prison.
What a read! I don’t think a book has ever incensed me like this.
I predict awards for Bret Christian. Thank you for shining the light on this controversial investigation.
I predict a Walkley!
This is a book of powerful emotions. At first my interest was piqued as the crimes and circumstances happened in my home state, in social situations I was familiar with/was involved with …the narrative, like the crimes committed felt very personal. As I started reading, I was surprised at how quickly I was transported back to that era and how suddenly I got the “chills” and locked my open sliding door opposite my seat on the lounge where I sat reading. I felt discomfort, no I felt fear.
This uncomfortable feeling, this apprehension did not leave but was overtaken by anger when I continued to read and discover the many civil liberties that were trashed, individual’s health and lifestyles destroyed, for no concrete reasons, during this lengthy and mostly narrow sighted investigation. How did/could things go so wrong for so long? There are many questions that needed asking, an enquiry that needs to be made (if it’s not happened already/or is happening), reassurances that this sort of flawed investigating never happens again.
I continued reading, again aghast at why useful information was not made public, why first-hand useful information was ignored…then I read details of the murders that had not been released to the public…oh dear! These poor girls. Sorrow, grief…so many more emotions.
This is a book that I highly recommend you read; this excellently researched and written book is astonishing in the facts it illuminates, the wrongs it sets right by clearly announcing to the general public that the publicly persecuted persons of interest were not at all involved with the crimes, and had no physical evidence linking them to the crimes, ever, etc (where is the public apologies? Where is the compensation, though how you can compensate for this level of distress and intrusion caused to blameless individuals I do not know)? I am outraged as you may have gathered. And I hope that somehow, someone reading this book will recall a vital piece of information that will bring Sarah Spiers home. I hope Bradley Robert Edwards is never released from prison.
What a read! I don’t think a book has ever incensed me like this.
I predict awards for Bret Christian. Thank you for shining the light on this controversial investigation.
April 6, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Claremont serial murders are one of Australia’s most lengthy and costly crime investigations. West Australian based reporter Bret Christian brings this notorious manhunt to our full attention through his book, Stalking Claremont. It is a compelling and chilling true crime novel that takes the reader back to a time of great fear in Perth.
Stalking Claremont is the shocking true crime tale from experienced newsman Bret Christian. Stalking Claremont features thirty-nine gripping chapters, beginning with an opening preface that sets the scene and a first chapter that outlines a prior crime connected to the murders. The bulk of Stalking Claremont reveals a great deal of information surrounding the location, the victims, the murder scenes, the resulting investigation, the various investigative bungles and the eventual court case. Bret Christian rounds off his true crime text off with an afterword, notes, sources and acknowledgements section. Preceding the book’s bulk text is a map of the Claremont area in which this cold-blooded killer operated. This extra addition really helps to set the scene. Bret Christian ensures that he leaves no stone unturned in Stalking Claremont. Christian considers all aspects of this complex case. These include prior assaults, the painstaking police work, the detailed forensics and the legal work involved to convict the killer. Much of the book concentrates on the impact of this heinous killer’s actions on the loved ones left behind, those who were involved in the investigation and the general public touched by this case. What remains clear in this true crime novel is that it is a truly heart-breaking case, especially as one victim has never been found and the killer has shown no remorse, or provided a clear explanation for his actions.
Stalking Claremont is a book I have wanted to read for some time, but as the content is quite sickening, I found it hard to read and review. There was definitely a gut churning feeling that followed me throughout Stalking Claremont. It would be wrong of me say that I loved this text, but I very much appreciated what was presented to me thanks to the long-standing efforts of Bret Christian. Despite the sick feeling that I had while reading Stalking Claremont I felt the urge to keep reading this book. Although I thought I knew all there was to know about this case, I was shocked to discover many extra details and pertinent information that had not previously been released to the public. It also took me back to a time in my past, which in some respects was nostalgic but also difficult to return to due to the nature of this case. I think what struck me the most about this text was the sense of anger I felt towards those figures who were wrongly accused of this awful crime, the bungled police work, atrocious recordkeeping, the many missed attempts to capture this murderer sooner and the cost that was assigned to a case that yielded little by way of results. It definitely left a nasty taste in my mouth and I’m not sure my faith in the WA police investigation system will be restored in a hurry.
Stalking Claremont is a carefully compiled, informative and respectful text. Bret Christian’s background as a newsman lends to an engaging and communicative style of writing that enhanced this book. The format was clear and each preceding part of this true crime jigsaw allows the reader to fully engage with each sentence, paragraph, page and chapter, encouraging you to read on, despite the disturbing circumstances. Stalking Claremont is thoroughly researched, offering a comprehensive perspective on one of Australia’s most devastating cases. Bret Christian adopts a balanced approach, issuing the core facts of this true crime, with moments of sensitivity. The author gives us an insight into the world of the killer, but Christian is careful in ensuring that he does not glorify this man. In his treatment of the victims both deceased and those who survived his attacks, the families, the police, authorise, legal team, reporters and many more who were a part of this haunting investigation, Christian is very respectful.
I hope Staking Claremont will serve as a vital text to ensure that the heinous loss of innocent young women’s lives, the tragic impact of these terrible crimes on all involved and an investigation of this magnitude should never be repeated. This is an essential read for West Australians and true crime fans.
*I wish to thank HarperCollins AU for a copy of this book for review.
The Claremont serial murders are one of Australia’s most lengthy and costly crime investigations. West Australian based reporter Bret Christian brings this notorious manhunt to our full attention through his book, Stalking Claremont. It is a compelling and chilling true crime novel that takes the reader back to a time of great fear in Perth.
Stalking Claremont is the shocking true crime tale from experienced newsman Bret Christian. Stalking Claremont features thirty-nine gripping chapters, beginning with an opening preface that sets the scene and a first chapter that outlines a prior crime connected to the murders. The bulk of Stalking Claremont reveals a great deal of information surrounding the location, the victims, the murder scenes, the resulting investigation, the various investigative bungles and the eventual court case. Bret Christian rounds off his true crime text off with an afterword, notes, sources and acknowledgements section. Preceding the book’s bulk text is a map of the Claremont area in which this cold-blooded killer operated. This extra addition really helps to set the scene. Bret Christian ensures that he leaves no stone unturned in Stalking Claremont. Christian considers all aspects of this complex case. These include prior assaults, the painstaking police work, the detailed forensics and the legal work involved to convict the killer. Much of the book concentrates on the impact of this heinous killer’s actions on the loved ones left behind, those who were involved in the investigation and the general public touched by this case. What remains clear in this true crime novel is that it is a truly heart-breaking case, especially as one victim has never been found and the killer has shown no remorse, or provided a clear explanation for his actions.
Stalking Claremont is a book I have wanted to read for some time, but as the content is quite sickening, I found it hard to read and review. There was definitely a gut churning feeling that followed me throughout Stalking Claremont. It would be wrong of me say that I loved this text, but I very much appreciated what was presented to me thanks to the long-standing efforts of Bret Christian. Despite the sick feeling that I had while reading Stalking Claremont I felt the urge to keep reading this book. Although I thought I knew all there was to know about this case, I was shocked to discover many extra details and pertinent information that had not previously been released to the public. It also took me back to a time in my past, which in some respects was nostalgic but also difficult to return to due to the nature of this case. I think what struck me the most about this text was the sense of anger I felt towards those figures who were wrongly accused of this awful crime, the bungled police work, atrocious recordkeeping, the many missed attempts to capture this murderer sooner and the cost that was assigned to a case that yielded little by way of results. It definitely left a nasty taste in my mouth and I’m not sure my faith in the WA police investigation system will be restored in a hurry.
Stalking Claremont is a carefully compiled, informative and respectful text. Bret Christian’s background as a newsman lends to an engaging and communicative style of writing that enhanced this book. The format was clear and each preceding part of this true crime jigsaw allows the reader to fully engage with each sentence, paragraph, page and chapter, encouraging you to read on, despite the disturbing circumstances. Stalking Claremont is thoroughly researched, offering a comprehensive perspective on one of Australia’s most devastating cases. Bret Christian adopts a balanced approach, issuing the core facts of this true crime, with moments of sensitivity. The author gives us an insight into the world of the killer, but Christian is careful in ensuring that he does not glorify this man. In his treatment of the victims both deceased and those who survived his attacks, the families, the police, authorise, legal team, reporters and many more who were a part of this haunting investigation, Christian is very respectful.
I hope Staking Claremont will serve as a vital text to ensure that the heinous loss of innocent young women’s lives, the tragic impact of these terrible crimes on all involved and an investigation of this magnitude should never be repeated. This is an essential read for West Australians and true crime fans.
*I wish to thank HarperCollins AU for a copy of this book for review.
October 20, 2023
This is a great true crime story I’d never known of, about a serial killer hunting suburban Perth in the 90’s.
You can tell the author is a journo as the book is very process and fact-based, rather than using a fiction-like narrative structure to describe true events. So for that reason the pace of it was a bit less enjoyable for me. (Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story!!)
But a cracker of a tale, albeit very creepy & very tragic.
You can tell the author is a journo as the book is very process and fact-based, rather than using a fiction-like narrative structure to describe true events. So for that reason the pace of it was a bit less enjoyable for me. (Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story!!)
But a cracker of a tale, albeit very creepy & very tragic.
April 11, 2021
There’s two books that came out pretty much as soon as the judge made his decision on Bradley Edwards and this one is probably better than the other one because the other was published by the newspaper that seemed to conspire with the WA Police to pin the crimes on 3 other people.
Bret Christian follows up his other book about crime and investigations in WA with another well researched and thorough examination of the mystery that caught the imagination and fear of us Western Australians for 25 years.
Publishing a newspaper in the area of Claremont throughout this time certainly gave him access to all the people impacted by these three horrendous abductions (and several other crimes in the years leading up to 1996). And here he thoughtfully tells the tale in chronological order, not mentioning the perpetrator until the second half.
The Police probs should have got Christian to solve the crime back in the day, but the Popo got there in the end, thankfully.
Bret Christian follows up his other book about crime and investigations in WA with another well researched and thorough examination of the mystery that caught the imagination and fear of us Western Australians for 25 years.
Publishing a newspaper in the area of Claremont throughout this time certainly gave him access to all the people impacted by these three horrendous abductions (and several other crimes in the years leading up to 1996). And here he thoughtfully tells the tale in chronological order, not mentioning the perpetrator until the second half.
The Police probs should have got Christian to solve the crime back in the day, but the Popo got there in the end, thankfully.
October 1, 2023
Educational, if not exactly (or, at all) entertaining. Reads like the longest Wikipedia article ever. I don’t want to be too harsh as I’m sure some people would appreciate that level of detail, just not me, not in this case at least.
August 26, 2021
It's not the authors fault that I've been reading so much Ann Rule lately, but I can't help but think what she would have done with this. A point comes when the WA police are about to give up and put this case on the shelf; the once 100+ team has been whittled down to just two men who stubbornly refuse to give up, and end up making the breakthrough that leads to Edwards' arrest. Ann Rule would have made heroes of those two men! The focus and attention she gave to their efforts to solve this case would have been the backbone of the whole book, not just few chapters. It would have exactly what I kept coming back to this genre for; good people not giving up.
But as I say, I can't fault one author for not being another. I picked this up because the Claremont serial killer is a close to home one for me; Sarah, Jane and Ciara's faces are three I remember so vividly from childhood news broadcasts. It was such a shock when their killer was arrested after 20 years and I wanted to know how they did it. I figured probably DNA, which turned out to be not the whole story.
So the book did give those answers, but it also gave me a lot of police wrongdoings and a focus on the men innocently accused that wasn't what I was looking for. It was also straight up hilarious how obvious it was that the author worked for the Post newspaper, even if he didn't say. It was all 'the Post was first to break this story...' 'thanks to the Post's thoughtful reporting....' 'other newspapers ruined these men's lives but the Post was always fair and perfect....' I assume the Post's Pulitzer will be arriving any day now.
But as I say, I can't fault one author for not being another. I picked this up because the Claremont serial killer is a close to home one for me; Sarah, Jane and Ciara's faces are three I remember so vividly from childhood news broadcasts. It was such a shock when their killer was arrested after 20 years and I wanted to know how they did it. I figured probably DNA, which turned out to be not the whole story.
So the book did give those answers, but it also gave me a lot of police wrongdoings and a focus on the men innocently accused that wasn't what I was looking for. It was also straight up hilarious how obvious it was that the author worked for the Post newspaper, even if he didn't say. It was all 'the Post was first to break this story...' 'thanks to the Post's thoughtful reporting....' 'other newspapers ruined these men's lives but the Post was always fair and perfect....' I assume the Post's Pulitzer will be arriving any day now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2023
Overall: 3 stars.
I knew nothing about the Claremont Serial Killer going into this book, so it was interesting to learn about something new to me as a true crime nerd. However, the book itself was....fine. I understand the approach the author took in telling things in a simple chronological fashion, but I question the decision to dwell so heavily on the years where police botched the investigation and then....nothing happened for decades. I get the value in shining a light on police corruption and inadequacies, but so much of the book's length focused on that and proportionally very little on what happened once the real killer was caught: the pacing felt very uneven and unbalanced.
Still, the author did a fantastic job of really highlighting the victims' families and the effect of the crimes on the community (even if that effect was harassment of suspects who turned out to not be the killer). This case had the police harassing and chasing 3 men who weren't the killer for literal decades, making their lives miserable, and those sections of the book were really hard to read (it didn't help when the community joined in the harassment of the "persons of interest"), so be warned that this book can be difficult - not because of gore but because of the absolutely infuriating miscarriages of justice that took place before the right killer was found.
I knew nothing about the Claremont Serial Killer going into this book, so it was interesting to learn about something new to me as a true crime nerd. However, the book itself was....fine. I understand the approach the author took in telling things in a simple chronological fashion, but I question the decision to dwell so heavily on the years where police botched the investigation and then....nothing happened for decades. I get the value in shining a light on police corruption and inadequacies, but so much of the book's length focused on that and proportionally very little on what happened once the real killer was caught: the pacing felt very uneven and unbalanced.
Still, the author did a fantastic job of really highlighting the victims' families and the effect of the crimes on the community (even if that effect was harassment of suspects who turned out to not be the killer). This case had the police harassing and chasing 3 men who weren't the killer for literal decades, making their lives miserable, and those sections of the book were really hard to read (it didn't help when the community joined in the harassment of the "persons of interest"), so be warned that this book can be difficult - not because of gore but because of the absolutely infuriating miscarriages of justice that took place before the right killer was found.
March 21, 2021
This is no ordinary crime procedural by Bret Christian, editor of the 'Claremont Post', but provides critical insights into the police probe that went on for years and failed to catch a killer, and the impact of the Western Australian police approach to solving the crime on the 'persons of interest' they were focused on in those years. The book reveals much about the workings of Perth society and media. The remaining story, of how the Claremont killer was arrested and tried and sentenced is fascinating. A great book.
September 12, 2021
A thorough and balanced account of the investigation into the Claremont Serial Killer, from beginning to end. Christian deals with to well-known issues surrounding the case fairly - neither shying away from the devastation some officers wreaked through their tunnel-vision obsession with three particular suspects; but also offering appropriate credit to the tenacity of those officers who eventually brought justice (whether directly or indirectly) to all the women this man terrorised.
April 16, 2021
A very good and chilling read. So close to so many of us in WA. Hindsight is wonderful, but this is a great police procedural as well - the rabbitholes these guys went down and also the rigid, group thinking at times. A number of people's lives were ruined as a result of the police. And of course, the women who died.
June 25, 2021
What an interesting true crime book! I had heard of the unsolved murders through a podcast so I was kinda familiar with the story.
July 18, 2025
Really enjoyed listening to this audio book. Very procedural and just the facts but keeps you in to the story.
February 11, 2022
Interesting read especially explaining the narrow-minded views of the day and how subsequent dna advances helped identify the killer.
June 28, 2022
This book should horrify you, and not just for the crimes of the Killer. Brent Christians history as journalist of note is evident through this book. The writing style and short easily digested chapters make the book flow without feeling like your bogged down in information.
Christians clearly has no hero complex about the police, set amongst WAs height of corruption in its police force, Christian doesn’t shy away from laying out their mistakes and down right horrifying vilifications of people in this case. To me this is some of the most horrifying aspects.
I really valued his take on the victims and survivors often putting them in the spotlight of hero’s, what they fought to achieve through their stories and last moments where the real clinches in getting justice, the breakthroughs coming from their actions.
I don’t care that there wasn’t much on the killer themselves, to be honest I care little about a loser who decided he could take and murder women at his will. Christian rightly focused the book around the victims and the actual hunt for justice.
This is a fantastic true crime book, and a through look into one of Australia’s longest running cases. You do your self a disservice not to dive in.
Christians clearly has no hero complex about the police, set amongst WAs height of corruption in its police force, Christian doesn’t shy away from laying out their mistakes and down right horrifying vilifications of people in this case. To me this is some of the most horrifying aspects.
I really valued his take on the victims and survivors often putting them in the spotlight of hero’s, what they fought to achieve through their stories and last moments where the real clinches in getting justice, the breakthroughs coming from their actions.
I don’t care that there wasn’t much on the killer themselves, to be honest I care little about a loser who decided he could take and murder women at his will. Christian rightly focused the book around the victims and the actual hunt for justice.
This is a fantastic true crime book, and a through look into one of Australia’s longest running cases. You do your self a disservice not to dive in.
March 15, 2021
Incredible. Amazing police work in the end. Very well-researched. Would have been good to hear more about other potential victims - there were 3 more that could have fit. Hard without bodies. How wonderful would it be if he confessed!
Overall well-written, occasionally it was a little cliche. Some phrases could have been left out. The truth was remarkable, it didn't need extra sensationalism.
A lot of stuff I can't stop thinking about. Like how the police focused on 3 wrong suspects and ruined their lives.
But would it have been solved earlier? Maybe it was good the DNA was left for so long because technology was better by the time they tested some of the samples. Thank goodness they never gave up!
Overall well-written, occasionally it was a little cliche. Some phrases could have been left out. The truth was remarkable, it didn't need extra sensationalism.
A lot of stuff I can't stop thinking about. Like how the police focused on 3 wrong suspects and ruined their lives.
But would it have been solved earlier? Maybe it was good the DNA was left for so long because technology was better by the time they tested some of the samples. Thank goodness they never gave up!
March 9, 2021
An excellent portrayal of the tragic Claremont serial killings, including a balanced evaluation of the many early mistakes made by the investigating team, and the impact of those errors on the people suspected of the crimes as well as the victims' loved ones.
January 10, 2022
Great insight into the murders of three young WA women and the debacle that was the police investigation, which led to several innocent men being wrongly accused, and the real killer remaining free for 20 years. I couldn’t put this down.
March 6, 2021
The eBook contained a lot of spelling/grammar mistakes. This book felt like a rushed release, and quite disjointed.
June 3, 2024
"Stalking Claremont: Inside the Hunt for a Serial Killer" by Bret Christian is an enthralling delve into the gripping narrative of a real-life crime mystery. As I turned the pages of this book, I found myself completely drawn into the meticulous and dedicated investigation that unfolded in pursuit of justice for the victims.
Christian's narrative style is both engaging and informative, seamlessly weaving together the intricate details of the case with the human element of the story. Through his vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, I felt as though I was right alongside the investigators, experiencing the highs and lows of their relentless pursuit of the truth.
One of the most commendable aspects of "Stalking Claremont" is Christian's commitment to presenting a balanced and comprehensive account of the events. He doesn't shy away from the complexities of the case or the challenges faced by law enforcement, but rather confronts them head-on with honesty and integrity.
Moreover, Christian's deep understanding of the subject matter shines through in every chapter, offering readers valuable insights into the psychology of both the perpetrator and the investigators. His meticulous research and attention to detail are evident throughout the book, lending credibility to the narrative and ensuring that readers come away with a thorough understanding of the case.
Overall, "Stalking Claremont: Inside the Hunt for a Serial Killer" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will captivate true crime enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Bret Christian has crafted a masterful account of a haunting and tragic series of events, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Christian's narrative style is both engaging and informative, seamlessly weaving together the intricate details of the case with the human element of the story. Through his vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, I felt as though I was right alongside the investigators, experiencing the highs and lows of their relentless pursuit of the truth.
One of the most commendable aspects of "Stalking Claremont" is Christian's commitment to presenting a balanced and comprehensive account of the events. He doesn't shy away from the complexities of the case or the challenges faced by law enforcement, but rather confronts them head-on with honesty and integrity.
Moreover, Christian's deep understanding of the subject matter shines through in every chapter, offering readers valuable insights into the psychology of both the perpetrator and the investigators. His meticulous research and attention to detail are evident throughout the book, lending credibility to the narrative and ensuring that readers come away with a thorough understanding of the case.
Overall, "Stalking Claremont: Inside the Hunt for a Serial Killer" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will captivate true crime enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Bret Christian has crafted a masterful account of a haunting and tragic series of events, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
January 14, 2022
This is a chronological account of the hunt for the Claremont serial killer, based on Bret Christian's many years of reporting the case as editor of the Post newspaper.
But as someone who grew up in WA and remembers these events well, I also read it as a measured & quietly damning account of a police culture and wider community that failed to recognise a deeply disturbed & violent man, despite so many red flags. What Edwards got away with, even before he began murdering women, is almost unbelievable.
Growing up, any talk of the Claremont Serial Killer, as he was then known, always ended with the line: 'the cops know who he is, they just can't prove it.'
That man, Lance Williams, was followed for years by police, to the point that if his routine changed he would ring them to let them know. Unsurprisingly, he suffered from anxiety and depression and eventually died without compensation or an apology. He came to police attention for following women, sometimes driving them home, because he lived nearby and knew they were in danger; he 'didn't like women to be where they shouldn't.' It's telling that such a man was more of an anomaly than Bradley Edwards.
No one who lived through that time will forget his victims or their families. This book cuts through much of the secrecy and rumour around the investigation with straight-up facts. It gives voice to his living victims and clears the names of those who were unfairly blamed. It's very well written, with compelling, detailed and impeccable reporting. But it's also a painful read. Nothing can ever repair the wreckage left by this brutal man and those who enabled him.
But as someone who grew up in WA and remembers these events well, I also read it as a measured & quietly damning account of a police culture and wider community that failed to recognise a deeply disturbed & violent man, despite so many red flags. What Edwards got away with, even before he began murdering women, is almost unbelievable.
Growing up, any talk of the Claremont Serial Killer, as he was then known, always ended with the line: 'the cops know who he is, they just can't prove it.'
That man, Lance Williams, was followed for years by police, to the point that if his routine changed he would ring them to let them know. Unsurprisingly, he suffered from anxiety and depression and eventually died without compensation or an apology. He came to police attention for following women, sometimes driving them home, because he lived nearby and knew they were in danger; he 'didn't like women to be where they shouldn't.' It's telling that such a man was more of an anomaly than Bradley Edwards.
No one who lived through that time will forget his victims or their families. This book cuts through much of the secrecy and rumour around the investigation with straight-up facts. It gives voice to his living victims and clears the names of those who were unfairly blamed. It's very well written, with compelling, detailed and impeccable reporting. But it's also a painful read. Nothing can ever repair the wreckage left by this brutal man and those who enabled him.
August 26, 2021
I read a fair amount of true crime but rarely is it ever about something that has happened in my own backyard. There’s something more ‘real’ about it - more personal. Not only am I familiar with the locations, buildings, and areas mentioned, but I was close to the same age as the victims and the killer. Infact, during these attacks, I was one of the young women going out nightclubbing in Perth, and although I was not frequenting the areas where the perpetrator was operating in, the wariness was there, regardless.
When the perp was caught and was going to court, I began listening to the podcast about it. While it was interesting, it often got bogged down in the minutiae of the highly technical forensics, and often became repetitive and rather dry at times. In this book, the author manages to capture all the pertinent details and retells this story in a clear way, which makes the book informative and easy to follow. This would have been no mean feat, considering the case stretched over decades and involved so many people, police actions, investigations, profiling, red herrings, linked cases, etc.
Well worth a read, even if you have not lived in Perth or even Australia, and especially if true crime interests you.
When the perp was caught and was going to court, I began listening to the podcast about it. While it was interesting, it often got bogged down in the minutiae of the highly technical forensics, and often became repetitive and rather dry at times. In this book, the author manages to capture all the pertinent details and retells this story in a clear way, which makes the book informative and easy to follow. This would have been no mean feat, considering the case stretched over decades and involved so many people, police actions, investigations, profiling, red herrings, linked cases, etc.
Well worth a read, even if you have not lived in Perth or even Australia, and especially if true crime interests you.
June 7, 2021
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars on this audiobook. I loved the voice of the narrator, Ant Neate, even though his soothing sounds often lulled me to afternoon naps.
There seemed to be a lot of research done by author Bret Christian in order to be able to present a cogent account of these serial rapes/murders. I admired that. However, there were many repetitions of small pieces of the information. I think somehow this book could have been written in a lot fewer words. Maybe if I had lived near Perth, Australia the extra information would have been more welcome.
The horrible way three of the suspects were hounded by police was very frightening to me. Also, leakage to media of police suspicions appalled me. That information needs to be in any book about these murders to warn people remember that there are good reasons to strive to believe someone is innocent until proven guilty. We also need not to jump to conclusions as a way to avoid being afraid.
There seemed to be a lot of research done by author Bret Christian in order to be able to present a cogent account of these serial rapes/murders. I admired that. However, there were many repetitions of small pieces of the information. I think somehow this book could have been written in a lot fewer words. Maybe if I had lived near Perth, Australia the extra information would have been more welcome.
The horrible way three of the suspects were hounded by police was very frightening to me. Also, leakage to media of police suspicions appalled me. That information needs to be in any book about these murders to warn people remember that there are good reasons to strive to believe someone is innocent until proven guilty. We also need not to jump to conclusions as a way to avoid being afraid.
December 16, 2021
This was my local area at the time and so like many others was always in my mind. Mr Christian's writing triggered a lot of memories. To have been amongst the people populating the area at the time in various capacities really does hit home.
Bret Christian's style is easy to read. I was impressed with his objective writing, for what at times may have seemed biased in a certain direction almost always balanced out. He was respectful to everyone he wrote about, with no exceptions. His use of factual information and not being drawn into fanciful stories, exagerrated drama or the wish for "likes,views or going viral" culture that permeates journalists and want-to-be social media stars today.
Left in other hands, I can imagine what could/would have been printed. The Claremont Killings was always going to be written about, there is no question about that and Christian has proven that it could be done factually, with respect for the victims, their families and other affected.
Bret Christian's style is easy to read. I was impressed with his objective writing, for what at times may have seemed biased in a certain direction almost always balanced out. He was respectful to everyone he wrote about, with no exceptions. His use of factual information and not being drawn into fanciful stories, exagerrated drama or the wish for "likes,views or going viral" culture that permeates journalists and want-to-be social media stars today.
Left in other hands, I can imagine what could/would have been printed. The Claremont Killings was always going to be written about, there is no question about that and Christian has proven that it could be done factually, with respect for the victims, their families and other affected.
September 16, 2022
The disappearance of three young women in the Claremont area after nights out occurred in 1996-97 - the bodies of two were subsequently found - played out during my first years in Australia and I never forgot it. The crimes captivated the public and interest in them remained high over a period of more than two decades. The investigation was derailed for a long period due to the police's fixation on three suspects - a classic and very tragic case of tunnel vision. The level of harassment endured by these three suspects is hard to believe - as are the reasons why they were singled out in the first place- and the focus on them led the police to ignore following up other leads. A more forensic approach instigated by an independent review by outside experts ultimately led to the breakthroughs required to capture the culprit. There are clear take-away lessons for the police here which I hope have fully been implemented since. The story is well told and really held my attention.
April 3, 2021
Stalking Claremont is the detailed account of the attacks on young women in Claremont, the investigation through the Macro Taskforce and the arrest in trial in the 2010's to 2020.
This book is extremely detailed, and quite graphic. A strong trigger warning is required for sexual assault, graphic description of crime scenes and murder scenes.
This is a detailed account of the crime in Australia known as the Claremont Serial Killings. It starts on similar attacks, prior to kidnappings and murders, and finishes with a "where are they now" segment. It is well researched and written. I enjoy listening to crime podcasts, and would probably recommend one of those instead of this book, simply because its far more condensed. If you love all the small details in investigations and murders, then you will enjoy this book.
This book is extremely detailed, and quite graphic. A strong trigger warning is required for sexual assault, graphic description of crime scenes and murder scenes.
This is a detailed account of the crime in Australia known as the Claremont Serial Killings. It starts on similar attacks, prior to kidnappings and murders, and finishes with a "where are they now" segment. It is well researched and written. I enjoy listening to crime podcasts, and would probably recommend one of those instead of this book, simply because its far more condensed. If you love all the small details in investigations and murders, then you will enjoy this book.
June 17, 2021
Back in the late 90's the abduction and murder of three woman from the Claremont area in Western Australia was the fixation of the nation. The location of two of the women's bodies did not bring any resolution to the mystery and for decades it remained that.
Christian in 'Stalking Claremont' expertly researches the late 90's, the victims, the persons of interest, the investigation by the police, the eventual arrest and court case. The focus of the book is on the police process that led to the arrest of a person that was never on the radar and the eventual trial.
If you are seeking an examination of the reasons behind these crimes then this book will not provide that. It does not diminish from the discovering how the eventual perpetrator was uncovered. A good examination of how the Claremont killer was caught.
Christian in 'Stalking Claremont' expertly researches the late 90's, the victims, the persons of interest, the investigation by the police, the eventual arrest and court case. The focus of the book is on the police process that led to the arrest of a person that was never on the radar and the eventual trial.
If you are seeking an examination of the reasons behind these crimes then this book will not provide that. It does not diminish from the discovering how the eventual perpetrator was uncovered. A good examination of how the Claremont killer was caught.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews