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Betrayed: The incredible untold inside story of the two most unlikely drug-running grannies in Australian history
The relentlessly fascinating, sometimes hilarious and often jaw-dropping true story of two American women who became unwitting drug mules by driving a hashish-laden campervan from Stuttgart to Bombay, then later to Australia, where they were arrested and jailed.
Think of the two most unlikely drug dealers you can imagine and you'll probably come up with the Drug Grannies: Vera Hays and Florice Bessire, who were 59 and 61 respectively in 1977 when Vera's nephew, Vern Todd, persuaded them to drive a campervan from Germany to India, then on to Australia.
Little did the women know that Vern and his accomplices had packed two tonnes of hashish into the campervan in what was a creative but ultimately destined-to-fail drug trafficking attempt that would go down in Australian history.
Betrayed is the shocking, real-life inside story of 'Toddie' and 'Beezie' - as they were known - drawn from journalist Sandi Logan's experience reporting on the ground at the time, combined with intensive research, including access to the women's own diaries. It chronicles their wild ride across continents and oceans to our shores, where they were busted by Australian Federal Narcotics Bureau agents, arrested and jailed, including what came after.
Were the Grannies none the wiser to the highly lucrative - and highly illegal - cargo they transported here, as they claimed? Were they set up and betrayed by Vera's nephew? Or could they have been the unlikely masterminds behind the entire plot?
Now, 45 years after they set out on their ill-fated journey, it's time to tell their story.
Think of the two most unlikely drug dealers you can imagine and you'll probably come up with the Drug Grannies: Vera Hays and Florice Bessire, who were 59 and 61 respectively in 1977 when Vera's nephew, Vern Todd, persuaded them to drive a campervan from Germany to India, then on to Australia.
Little did the women know that Vern and his accomplices had packed two tonnes of hashish into the campervan in what was a creative but ultimately destined-to-fail drug trafficking attempt that would go down in Australian history.
Betrayed is the shocking, real-life inside story of 'Toddie' and 'Beezie' - as they were known - drawn from journalist Sandi Logan's experience reporting on the ground at the time, combined with intensive research, including access to the women's own diaries. It chronicles their wild ride across continents and oceans to our shores, where they were busted by Australian Federal Narcotics Bureau agents, arrested and jailed, including what came after.
Were the Grannies none the wiser to the highly lucrative - and highly illegal - cargo they transported here, as they claimed? Were they set up and betrayed by Vera's nephew? Or could they have been the unlikely masterminds behind the entire plot?
Now, 45 years after they set out on their ill-fated journey, it's time to tell their story.
- GenresTrue Crime
352 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 25, 2024
Unbelievable!
August 23, 2025
After reading this book, I am not sure on the guilt or otherwise of the 2 "drug grannies". Did they know more than they claimed? or were they completely conned by Vera's nephew?
A detailed recollection of events which led to their arrest and imprisonment.
The relentlessly fascinating, sometimes hilarious and often jaw-dropping true story of two American women who became unwitting drug mules by driving a hashish-laden campervan from Stuttgart to Bombay, then later to Australia, where they were arrested and jailed. Think of the two most unlikely drug dealers you can imagine and you'll probably come up with the Drug Grannies: Vera Hays and Florice Bessire, who were 59 and 61 respectively in 1977 when Vera's nephew, Vern Todd, persuaded them to drive a campervan from Germany to India, then on to Australia. Little did the women know that Vern and his accomplices had packed two tonnes of hashish into the campervan in what was a creative but ultimately destined-to-fail drug trafficking attempt that would go down in Australian history. Betrayed is the shocking, real-life inside story of 'Toddie' and 'Beezie' - as they were known - drawn from journalist Sandi Logan's experience reporting on the ground at the time, combined with intensive research, including access to the women's own diaries. It chronicles their wild ride across continents and oceans to our shores, where they were busted by Australian Federal Narcotics Bureau agents, arrested and jailed, including what came after. Were the Grannies none the wiser to the highly lucrative - and highly illegal - cargo they transported here, as they claimed? Were they set up and betrayed by Vera's nephew? Or could they have been the unlikely masterminds behind the entire plot? Now, 45 years after they set out on their ill-fated journey, it's time to tell their story.
A detailed recollection of events which led to their arrest and imprisonment.
The relentlessly fascinating, sometimes hilarious and often jaw-dropping true story of two American women who became unwitting drug mules by driving a hashish-laden campervan from Stuttgart to Bombay, then later to Australia, where they were arrested and jailed. Think of the two most unlikely drug dealers you can imagine and you'll probably come up with the Drug Grannies: Vera Hays and Florice Bessire, who were 59 and 61 respectively in 1977 when Vera's nephew, Vern Todd, persuaded them to drive a campervan from Germany to India, then on to Australia. Little did the women know that Vern and his accomplices had packed two tonnes of hashish into the campervan in what was a creative but ultimately destined-to-fail drug trafficking attempt that would go down in Australian history. Betrayed is the shocking, real-life inside story of 'Toddie' and 'Beezie' - as they were known - drawn from journalist Sandi Logan's experience reporting on the ground at the time, combined with intensive research, including access to the women's own diaries. It chronicles their wild ride across continents and oceans to our shores, where they were busted by Australian Federal Narcotics Bureau agents, arrested and jailed, including what came after. Were the Grannies none the wiser to the highly lucrative - and highly illegal - cargo they transported here, as they claimed? Were they set up and betrayed by Vera's nephew? Or could they have been the unlikely masterminds behind the entire plot? Now, 45 years after they set out on their ill-fated journey, it's time to tell their story.
June 29, 2025
This book blew me away. I cannot believe this actually happened in our country!
I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by the author Sandi Logan, and I just fell in love with listening to his stories, his interactions and his memories with the “drug grannies”.
My heart genuinely went out to Vera and Florice, and their horrible experience inside an Australian jail after being manipulated into smuggling hashish into Australia by Vera’s despicable nephew Vern Todd and sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment.
Sandi Logan does an impeccable job of bringing these two women to the surface, and the human element behind them, when the media made them out to be monsters. To hear their journals, the letters and phone calls, their ongoing battles with appeals and the sadness of being so far away from loved ones made the story so much more heart wrenching.
So glad I took the time to sit down and listen and read this one. I appreciate the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by the author Sandi Logan, and I just fell in love with listening to his stories, his interactions and his memories with the “drug grannies”.
My heart genuinely went out to Vera and Florice, and their horrible experience inside an Australian jail after being manipulated into smuggling hashish into Australia by Vera’s despicable nephew Vern Todd and sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment.
Sandi Logan does an impeccable job of bringing these two women to the surface, and the human element behind them, when the media made them out to be monsters. To hear their journals, the letters and phone calls, their ongoing battles with appeals and the sadness of being so far away from loved ones made the story so much more heart wrenching.
So glad I took the time to sit down and listen and read this one. I appreciate the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2026
This was an absolutely breathtaking true-crime masterpiece that kept me up reading until the early hours of the morning. I saw a promotional display for this book floating around a massive biographies and memoirs hub, and the concept of the "Drug Grannies" immediately caught my eye. The sheer level of betrayal these poor women suffered at the hands of a trusted family member is completely jaw-dropping and deeply emotional. Sandi Logan handles the narrative beautifully, balancing the sharp procedural details of the Australian legal system with genuine empathy for the victims. Reading the direct excerpts from their personal diaries made the whole prison experience feel so raw, terrifying, and completely heartbreaking. It deserved every bit of the Ned Kelly Award win and stands out as a shining example of top-tier investigative reporting. If you love deep, historical true crime that exposes systemic flaws, you need to grab a copy immediately.
June 25, 2026
What an incredible, wild ride from start to finish! I first heard about this crazy case on a true-crime broadcast discussion and immediately ran over to track down a copy of the book. It chronicles the perilous journey of two innocent ladies who thought they were just taking a dream vacation in a campervan, completely blind to the hidden cargo. The pacing is absolutely brilliant, carrying you seamlessly across continents right alongside them up until the shocking arrest by federal bureau agents. The writing is incredibly vivid, atmospheric, and avoids all the standard boring tropes you usually find in historical crime deep-dives. It really exposes the cold, political nature of the justice system at the time and makes you appreciate the fierce fight for their freedom. It’s an essential addition to any book shelf, and I’ll definitely be leaving a highly enthusiastic recommendation over on Goodreads.
June 25, 2026
I am a massive enthusiast of historical memoirs, so when this book popped up on my dashboard feed with such high ratings, I jumped right in. The story of Toddie and Beezie is simultaneously fascinating, terrifying, and deeply frustrating to read as a human being. Seeing how easily they were manipulated by a nephew, and subsequently crushed by a harsh judicial system, invoked so many intense emotions. The author’s unique perspective as the journalist who was actually on the ground back in 1978 gives the book an unmatched level of authority. It doesn't just focus on the sensational crime; it digs heavily into their daily emotional struggles and adaptation to a foreign prison life. The detailed appendices and photographs included in the back added such a fantastic layer of historical context to the era. A definitive five-star read that completely earns all of its prestigious international literary awards.
October 13, 2022
I remember the media swirl around the Drug Grannies and the debate about letting them go or keeping them locked up but also of not giving them a second thought as they spent their time in prison. So I was interested in reading about them and this is an interesting book.
Logan brings the ‘grannies’ (although neither of them had children let alone grandchildren) to life as real live humans and the trauma they went through because of trusting a beloved nephew.
I think Logan’s book also shines a light on the inherently cruel misogynistic culture that abounds in Australian government and society. Why? for example, were many younger women ‘drug runners’ given lighter sentences than Toddie and Beezie? Was it because these two were ageing women without husbands or children and as such were invisible and therefore expendable…?
Logan brings the ‘grannies’ (although neither of them had children let alone grandchildren) to life as real live humans and the trauma they went through because of trusting a beloved nephew.
I think Logan’s book also shines a light on the inherently cruel misogynistic culture that abounds in Australian government and society. Why? for example, were many younger women ‘drug runners’ given lighter sentences than Toddie and Beezie? Was it because these two were ageing women without husbands or children and as such were invisible and therefore expendable…?
May 4, 2025
I listened to the book on Audible, very well read by the author himself. And what an amazing story this is of two women who were betrayed by family, political actors and the judicial system.
The author - who deservedly won several awards for BETRAYED - spent many hours talking to the women while they were in prison and had been given their diaries and photos after their release. Sandi Logan spent years collating information and interviewing key figures in this saga. It resulted in a well written and spell binding true crime story where two older women were made an example of while the true criminals and drug kingpins escaped the law.
It’s an excellent read, funny in parts, and also gives a great insight into Australian politics in the late 1970s and into the 1980s.
I highly recommend BETRAYED.
The author - who deservedly won several awards for BETRAYED - spent many hours talking to the women while they were in prison and had been given their diaries and photos after their release. Sandi Logan spent years collating information and interviewing key figures in this saga. It resulted in a well written and spell binding true crime story where two older women were made an example of while the true criminals and drug kingpins escaped the law.
It’s an excellent read, funny in parts, and also gives a great insight into Australian politics in the late 1970s and into the 1980s.
I highly recommend BETRAYED.
June 25, 2026
I stumbled across this book after seeing a featured post inside my favorite True Crime online reading community, and I am so glad I clicked the link. The premise sounded completely unbelievable two elderly American women unwittingly smuggling an absolute mountain of hashish across international borders in 1977. The author does an extraordinary job breaking down the journey from Germany through Asia, pulling directly from private diaries to reveal the human heartbreak behind the headlines. It makes you feel incredibly protective of Toddie and Beezie as you read about their unfair treatment by narcotics agents. You can tell real journalistic integrity went into this, creating a deeply atmospheric thriller that handles a terrible miscarriage of justice with great care. It is an unforgettable piece of history that I will be recommending to everyone in my circle.
June 25, 2026
An absolutely riveting piece of investigative journalism that reads exactly like a fast-paced cinematic thriller. I discovered this title through a highly recommended book billboard shared in an exclusive online crime-reader hub last week. The story of two unsuspecting American grannies transporting two tonnes of hashish over the hippie trail is simply mind-blowing. Sandi Logan does an immaculate job reconstructing the entire timeline, utilizing his exclusive access to personal diaries and historical narcotics records. You can feel the exhaustion, confusion, and despair of these women as they are thrown into an unfamiliar, unforgiving foreign prison system. It is a powerful testament to real investigative reporting and a stark reminder of how innocent people can get caught in global wheels. This is top-tier storytelling that stays with you long after you turn the final page.
June 25, 2026
I cannot praise this book enough it is hands down one of the most compelling true-crime biographies I have read all year. I saw it recommended in a public group dedicated to historical deceptions, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The author writes with a perfect blend of journalistic precision and deep, heartfelt compassion for the two central women. You are right there in the campervan with them, feeling the tension build as they navigate across continents toward an ambush they never saw coming. The legal battle in Australia and the subsequent grassroots campaign to get them released had me completely glued to the pages. It is a tragic but utterly necessary exposure of a major miscarriage of justice that deserves global awareness. Do yourself a favor and secure a copy of this brilliant, award-winning book as soon as possible.
June 25, 2026
This book is an absolute masterpiece of historical reporting, and it completely blew me away from the very first chapter. I saw a promotion for it inside a true-crime reader hub with over fifteen thousand members, and the reviews were right. The story of Vera and Florice being used as unwitting mules for an international drug syndicate is completely heartbreaking. The author’s dedication to uncovering the absolute truth of their innocence shines brightly through every single sentence. It’s an incredibly detailed account that doesn't sacrifice the human element for the sake of sensationalized headlines. Watching their health decline in a foreign jail while people fought fiercely for their freedom was profoundly moving to read. A brilliant, cinematic, and deeply emotional book that completely deserved its UK True Crime Award for investigative reporting.
June 25, 2026
A genuinely phenomenal read that perfectly captures a bizarre, forgotten piece of international criminal history. I picked this up after reading an enthusiastic recommendation on a specialized book platform, and it was worth every penny. The narrative explores how two ordinary American women were completely betrayed by family and left to rot in an Australian prison. Sandi Logan’s writing is masterfully structured, ensuring the timeline flows smoothly while keeping the reader deeply invested in the characters. The inclusion of personal diary entries allows the authentic voices of Toddie and Beezie to shine through beautifully. It highlights a massive, unfair systemic overreach and showcases the power of dedicated advocacy in the face of government pressure. This is an elite piece of literature that every serious true-crime fan needs to experience.
June 25, 2026
I was completely spellbound by this book from start to finish, and I am still thinking about it days later. I came across it through a digital promotional feature in my favorite online biographies community, and the cover alone pulled me in. The reality of what these two poor women endured because of an international drug operation is completely mind-boggling. The book does an exceptional job exploring their emotional state, their confusion upon arrest, and how they adjusted to life behind bars. It is incredibly well-researched, authoritative, and written by someone who spent decades actively fighting for their eventual deportation and freedom. It beautifully honors their memory while delivering a gripping, high-stakes piece of investigative reporting that reads like fiction. An absolute triumph of a book that deserves a prominent spot on everyone's reading list.
June 25, 2026
This is an incredibly powerful, jaw-dropping account that every single fan of the true-crime genre needs to read. I saw a brilliant billboard advertisement for it in an online reading hub and knew I had to grab a copy. The journey of these two elderly ladies across the globe, completely oblivious to the massive weight of narcotics hidden in their vehicle, is stunning. The author paints a wonderfully vivid picture of the late 1970s, making the entire atmosphere feel incredibly real and cinematic. The frustration you feel on behalf of Toddie and Beezie as they navigate a hostile legal system is intensely real. It’s a masterful blend of personal diaries, government records, and investigative passion that leaves a lasting impact on your heart. An elite, award-winning piece of history that I will enthusiastically champion online.
June 25, 2026
I remember hearing vague details about the "Drug Grannies" years ago, so finding this definitive book was a massive treat. I noticed it being highly praised in a premium true-crime group, and it completely lives up to all the international hype. The author provides a flawless, highly detailed breakdown of how these two innocent women were completely duped by a trusted nephew. The writing is incredibly engaging, balanced, and perfectly captures the high-stakes tension of the international narcotics landscape in 1977. Reading about their arrest, their subsequent sentencing, and the exhausting campaign for their release was deeply moving. It is an extraordinary piece of investigative journalism that rights a historical wrong and keeps you hooked the entire time. A magnificent, five-star piece of literature that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a brilliant read.
June 25, 2026
This book is a stunning, deeply moving tour de force that I simply could not put down once I started. I discovered it through a targeted promotional campaign in a public biography community, and it completely stole my weekend. The heartbreaking reality of what happened to Vera and Florice is told with an incredible level of respect, care, and depth. Sandi Logan brilliantly utilizes his personal connection to the case to deliver an insider account that no one else could write. The emotional weight of these elderly women dealing with a foreign prison system is portrayed with such gripping, raw honesty. It’s a beautiful tribute to their resilience and a fascinating look at the backend of international drug enforcement operations. A masterful, deeply atmospheric thriller that fully deserves all of its widespread global recognition.
June 25, 2026
An absolute masterclass in true-crime writing that handles a delicate, bizarre case with absolute perfection. I stumbled on this gem through a book layout shared inside a massive online community for investigative journalism fans. The sheer scope of the deception pulled on these two American women is completely terrifying to contemplate. The author maps out their cross-continental trip with such rich detail that you feel like a passenger in that fateful campervan. The subsequent legal drama, bureaucratic hurdles, and the ultimate fight for justice keep the narrative moving at an intense pace. It beautifully captures the essence of the era while delivering a timeless message about friendship, betrayal, and perseverance. This is a top-tier, award-winning book that stands far above the standard crime novels on the market today.
June 25, 2026
I am absolutely blown away by how fantastic, emotional, and gripping this entire book turned out to be. I saw it featured in a prominent true-crime and memoirs hub, and the incredible premise immediately grabbed my attention. Learning about Toddie and Beezie’s wild journey and the immense injustice they faced in Australia was deeply eye-opening. The author does a marvelous job weaving their personal diary entries seamlessly into the overarching legal and investigative timeline. It creates an incredibly intimate portrait of two companions facing an unimaginable nightmare together in a foreign land. The writing is polished, authoritative, and incredibly compelling, making it a true joy to read from start to finish. A beautiful piece of historical journalism that deserves all the praise and reviews it is getting globally.
June 25, 2026
This is easily one of the most fascinating and well-written true-crime books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I saw a glowing review of it in a specialized literary group and immediately went to secure my own copy. The story of two American grannies unknowingly driving two tonnes of hashish across international borders is completely wild. The author’s firsthand knowledge as a reporter embedded in the aftermath gives the entire book an incredible sense of realism. It masterfully exposes the dark underbelly of international drug syndicates while keeping the focus squarely on the innocent victims. The emotional depth, the historical accuracy, and the fast-paced narrative structure make it an absolute page-turner. A phenomenal, award-winning triumph that completely blew my expectations out of the water.
June 25, 2026
What a beautifully written, tragic, and utterly captivating book this turned out to be for my collection. I discovered it via a premium digital showcase in a true-crime hub, and it is an absolute standout. The narrative surrounding the infamous "Drug Grannies" is handled with such wonderful empathy, elegance, and journalistic precision. You cannot help but feel a deep sense of outrage at how these innocent women were exploited and penalized. Sandi Logan’s immense dedication to their cause and his deep friendship with them elevates this book to something truly special. The pacing is wonderful, the historical context is fascinating, and the emotional resonance stays with you long after. A brilliant, definitive masterpiece that completely earns every single one of its five-star reviews worldwide.
June 25, 2026
If you are looking for a true-crime book that is deeply research-driven but reads like a high-end thriller, this is it. I saw this masterpiece promoted inside a massive public group for biography enthusiasts, and I was immediately hooked. The incredible story of how Toddie and Beezie were completely tricked into smuggling a massive narcotics shipment is mind-boggling. The author lays out the facts with incredible clarity, pulling from exclusive dairies, interviews, and federal bureau records. It provides a fascinating, deep look into the mechanics of 1970s drug trafficking and the harsh realities of the legal system. The fight for their eventual freedom is inspiring, heartbreaking, and completely gripping to read. A truly elite piece of investigative reporting that deserves a spot on every global bestseller list.
June 25, 2026
This book is an absolute treasure for any historical true-crime enthusiast, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I saw a striking digital layout for it in a popular online reading group, and it completely captivated me. The tragic story of Vera and Florice being brutally betrayed by family and incarcerated in Australia is told magnificently. The writing is incredibly immersive, making you feel the intense heat of the Asian roads and the cold walls of prison. The author’s ability to bring these women’s authentic voices to life through their private journals is deeply moving. It is a powerful exploration of loyalty, systemic injustice, and the relentless pursuit of truth by a dedicated journalist. An absolute five-star masterpiece that thoroughly deserves all its prestigious international accolades.
June 26, 2026
This is hands down one of the most well-researched and emotionally resonant true-crime books I have ever encountered. I saw a brilliant promotional ad for it in an exclusive crime-reader hub and ordered the digital edition immediately. The sheer scale of the manipulation these two innocent American grannies faced from their own family is devastating. The author’s flawless execution of the timeline and his deep, personal connection to the case makes this an unparalleled read. You are completely immersed in their struggles against a rigid, uncaring political and judicial system overseas. It is a gripping, high-stakes narrative that perfectly balances systemic exposure with deeply personal human elements. A masterclass in investigative reporting that deserves every bit of its five-star status.
August 21, 2023
A ripping read
If ever there was a book that I “…couldn’t put down…” this was it. I remember the story of the drug grannies well as from 1977 to 1980 I was working for Australian immigration in the US. I had an idea that this was probably a miscarriage of justice but thanks to Sandi I now know it was. A great story brilliantly told by a brave and determined man. You were a true friend to the Gracie’s Sandi.
If ever there was a book that I “…couldn’t put down…” this was it. I remember the story of the drug grannies well as from 1977 to 1980 I was working for Australian immigration in the US. I had an idea that this was probably a miscarriage of justice but thanks to Sandi I now know it was. A great story brilliantly told by a brave and determined man. You were a true friend to the Gracie’s Sandi.
December 6, 2023
Unfortunate situation two senior Americans find themselves in when they're tricked into drug smuggling by a nephew. Detailed discussion of the unfairness of their sentence and criticism of the Australian government for discriminating against them on basis if their citizenship. An interesting read overall.
August 23, 2022
Engaging read. Had me hooked from the first page. Just enjoyed the writing style and well researched.
September 19, 2022
The incredible true story of the 'Drug-running grannies', betrayed by someone closest to them who threw them under the bus in order to escape the law himself.
October 9, 2022
The book slows down during the courtroom hearings. You discover how bad politics/politicians can have an adverse impact on innocent people.
May 16, 2023
What a book what a story, and its all true, loved it well written. When someone makes you an offer that is to good to be true, it isn’t true. Be warned.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews