Abandoned: The Sad Death of Dianne Brimble

by Geesche Jacobsen

Drugs, sex, and a pack of unscrupulous men circling, circling, it was always going to get ugly but none foresaw the tragic death of a young woman. On September 24, 2002, Queensland mother, Dianne Brimble, was found dead in a cabin on the cruise ship Pacific Sky, less than 24 hours into what was to be the holiday of a lifetime. The cabin belonged to four men from Adelaide who were part of a group of eight colourful characters, whom the media would later describe as the most hated men in Australia.

Within hours of her death it emerged that she had been showered, and dressed before medical help was called. Soon there were rumors of drug use and group sex, which grew into allegations of rape and murder. P+O personnel failed to secure the cabin, allowing the men back in to collect their belongings thus making the truth even more difficult to determine.

A police investigation, a high-profile inquest, a grieving family, and a criminal trial probed what went on in those few crucial early morning hours ending in her death. This extraordinary case, which captivated Australia, highlights the lines between criminal and moral responsibility and how easily things can get out of hand when care is abandoned.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

298 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[chon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very hard to get through this book. I'm struggling now to find the words to string together this emotional ride...

I believe Dianne in her death was stripped not only of her dignity but her desire and privacy as a human being. In my eyes, Dianne's death was not in itself a tragedy for what happened on the ship but for the nitpicking of her life that ensued.

[Carolyn]

This was such a sad book to read about a women who partied too hard on her first night of her cruise and got involved with some thugs who happened to have taken drugs on board. Although the men were chauvinist pigs I don't believe they were guilty of murdering her. So many mistakes were made on the ship by the crew that resulted in an inquest that ended up with no charges laid. However, many positive changes were made on the ship so nothing like this can happen again. May Diane Brimble rest in peace and her beautiful soul shone on forever.

[Sue Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book is well written and very informative... the story is so sad... frightening this could happen so easily.... while everyone recognized that there was something not good going on with the group of guys right from the start.......

[Joanne Flanagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was so much information. So much. I read a digital copy so it was tedious to try to keep track of who was whom.

The book starts slowly as the author sets up the situation, picks up speed with an inquest, and then ends.

[SK · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is difficult to rate a book that documents such a sad and grubby story. On the whole, it is well-written; the first half which is the account of the events leading to Dianne's death is very interesting and exceptionally, truly sad. The second half focuses on the legal aspect.

Some of the photographs would have been better left unpublished; they are quite confronting not to mention heartbreaking for her family.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes you feel so sad for Dianne, here she was on a holiday & she ends up dead. It opens your eyes to always be on the lookout for dodgy people wherever you are

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sad story, one that could easily happen to many people who decide to go on P&O the fun ship to party and play hard.