Awards

• Long-listed for ALCS Gold Dagger for Non-fiction 2019 (UK)
• Long-listed for Walkley Book Award 2018 (Australia)
• Short-listed for Sisters in Crime Davitt Award for Debut Author 2019 (Australia)
• Short-listed for Sisters in Crime Davitt Award for Nonfiction 2019 (Australia)
• Winner of Walkley Innovation award 2017 (Australia)

Overview

The whole place seems cold, and he feels a terrible sense of dread. He calls out, but gets no reply. Taking a knife from the cutlery drawer, he unlocks the back door as an escape route. Then he sees her on the floor. Her eyes and mouth are open, and there is blood everywhere. He’s too late. After a strange phone call with his ex-wife, John James had sensed something was wrong and raced over to her house. As he stood in her bedroom doorway, transfixed by the sight of her body, the killer was almost certainly just a breath away, hiding behind the door. Had John walked in, he could have been the next victim. Instead, he left to call the police. The culprit escaped, taking with him the secret of a shocking murder that has shown no sign of being solved for nearly 40 years — until now. Based on the international #1 podcast, Trace re-examines the 1980 murder of Maria James — the single mother of two sons, one with a disability — revealing abuse in the Catholic Church, cult activities, and claims of incompetence and corruption at the highest levels. Investigating possible conspiracies and uncovering fresh evidence, Rachael Brown's riveting investigation has won multiple media awards and may lead to the reopening of this chilling case.

Full Product Details

9781911617853

Table of Contents

Reviews

`Brown's relentless quest for the truth shines through in this book, yet she never compromises the dignity of and respect for Maria James and her family ... Trace the book will appeal to fans of the mega-popular Serial and S-Town podcasts from This American Life, that have helped catapult this genre into the mainstream.' `You may know her from the `Trace' podcast but the book is meritorious on its own - excellently written. Gripping but not exploitative or gratuitous like poorly-handled true crime can be. I find myself taking notes of lines and expressions, and I definitely resent having to put it down!' -- Bri Lee, author of <i>Eggshell Skull</i> `The podcast was a hit, and this behind-the-scenes account of her investigation is a detailed, personal and sobering encapsulation of where the case, and those tied to it, currently stand. Trace is both forensic in its investigation and compassionate towards those forever connected to it ... Her propulsive narrative and the many unsettling aspects of this still-open case make Trace a standout among true-crime titles.' * Books+Publishing * An outstanding work of long-form audio journalism which crossed platforms, revealing an innate understanding of how audiences would wish to interact with the story. * Judges' comments from the 2017 Walkley Awards * `Trace the podcast is a tour de force of investigation and storytelling against the odds. Trace the book is the story behind the story. Compelling listening turned into compulsory reading.' -- Andrew Rule `There is an irresistible formula to Trace. The bright-eyed investigative journalist teamed with the dogged homicide detective enjoined in the dark art of enquiry - discerning the outline of evidence then calculating the in-between. The experience of Trace reaches beyond a murder mystery to the interior of the craft - ten parts exhaustion and exasperation to one part excitement and enlightenment. And there is more. Rachael Brown engages a time-honoured hard dig with a fresh form that welcomes and involves the reader. This is a special work, a cold case brought to life via the energy of enquiry and, extraordinarily, given its starting point, the redemptive warmth of humanity.' -- Chris Masters `What grit, what faithfulness! It's enthralling to track Brown's stubborn little lantern as she forges into these dark forests.' -- Helen Garner

`Brown's excellent podcast has been transformed into an addictive true-crime book that traces the clues, suspects, and devastation left in the wake of Maria James's 1980 death in the Thornbury bookstore where she worked and lived. With revelations that upend the 1982 inquiry, this is, nearly forty years later, still a nail-biting case.' * Readings `Best Crime of 2018' * `It is absorbing, and elicits immense respect for the author. Outstanding investigative journalism is not dead.' -- Graeme Barrow * <i>Northern Advocate</i> * `Bearing the traces of its origins as a podcast, Trace is a polyphonic narrative about revisiting the cold-case murder of Melbourne bookshop owner Maria James. The consequences of opening old wounds - for James' sons, for the original detective on the case and for Rachael Brown as she uncovers new evidence and testimony - are central to the slowly mounting tension and urgency of Trace.' * <i>Sydney Morning Herald</i> * `Gripping.' * <i>Newcastle Herald</i> * `A must-read.' * <i>Elle</i> * `Brown's relentless quest for the truth shines through in this book, yet she never compromises the dignity of and respect for Maria James and her family ... Trace the book will appeal to fans of the mega-popular Serial and S-Town podcasts from This American Life, that have helped catapult this genre into the mainstream.' `You may know her from the `Trace' podcast but the book is meritorious on its own - excellently written. Gripping but not exploitative or gratuitous like poorly-handled true crime can be. I find myself taking notes of lines and expressions, and I definitely resent having to put it down!' -- Bri Lee, author of <i>Eggshell Skull</i> `The podcast was a hit, and this behind-the-scenes account of her investigation is a detailed, personal and sobering encapsulation of where the case, and those tied to it, currently stand. Trace is both forensic in its investigation and compassionate towards those forever connected to it ... Her propulsive narrative and the many unsettling aspects of this still-open case make Trace a standout among true-crime titles.' * Books+Publishing * An outstanding work of long-form audio journalism which crossed platforms, revealing an innate understanding of how audiences would wish to interact with the story. * Judges' comments from the 2017 Walkley Awards * `Trace the podcast is a tour de force of investigation and storytelling against the odds. Trace the book is the story behind the story. Compelling listening turned into compulsory reading.' -- Andrew Rule `There is an irresistible formula to Trace. The bright-eyed investigative journalist teamed with the dogged homicide detective enjoined in the dark art of enquiry - discerning the outline of evidence then calculating the in-between. The experience of Trace reaches beyond a murder mystery to the interior of the craft - ten parts exhaustion and exasperation to one part excitement and enlightenment. And there is more. Rachael Brown engages a time-honoured hard dig with a fresh form that welcomes and involves the reader. This is a special work, a cold case brought to life via the energy of enquiry and, extraordinarily, given its starting point, the redemptive warmth of humanity.' -- Chris Masters `[If] you devoured Serial or love real-life crime books - especially the unsolved ones - it'll deliver the goods for you.' -- Darragh McManus * Irish Independent * `Brown, with obsessive doggedness, tracks old leads in every direction - and in so doing uncovers viscerally shocking stories of child abuse within the Catholic church ... Gripping ... She never loses sight of the ongoing cost of murder: the bewilderment and pain in those it leaves behind.' -- Jenny McCartney * The Mail on Sunday * `It's a testament to Brown's sense of duty of care that Maria James is portrayed as a human being rather than a murder victim ... Brown bristles at the notion that Trace could be seen as entertainment.' * The Guardian * `What grit, what faithfulness! It's enthralling to track Brown's stubborn little lantern as she forges into these dark forests.' -- Helen Garner

`Trace is a brilliant and compelling look into a horrific crime that affected countless lives ... Brown's work enthralls while never forgetting the burden of care.' -- Lauren O'Brien * Shelf Awareness * `Where did a DNA-saturated quilt go? Could a priest be to blame for the horrific homicide, or not? In real life, even the best investigators in law enforcement and in journalism can't always neatly tie up cases with a bow. But it sure is hard to put down this cold-case story.' * Booklist * `Brown skillfully balances an impartial, investigative tone with a more personal perspective, notably addressing her own fears of reopening old wounds and becoming overly consumed by the case ... Those seeking concrete answers may not be satisfied-but as true crime enthusiasts know, the thrill is in the investigation.' * Publishers Weekly * `The power of this investigation lies in how Brown shines a light on injustices.' -- Stephanie Van Schilt * Weekend Australian * `Rachael Brown achieved an Australian first: turning a number one true-crime podcast into a Walkley-shortlisted book. Trace: Who killed Maria James? is a gripping read.' -- Astrid Edwards * ABR's `Books of the Year 2018' * `Trace's narrative style mimics the podcast form itself - it allows Brown to tell Maria's story (as well as her own) in multiple voices and from multiple perspectives.' -- Ellen Cregan * Kill Your Darlings * `Brown's excellent podcast has been transformed into an addictive true-crime book that traces the clues, suspects, and devastation left in the wake of Maria James's 1980 death in the Thornbury bookstore where she worked and lived. With revelations that upend the 1982 inquiry, this is, nearly forty years later, still a nail-biting case.' * Readings `Best Crime of 2018' * `It is absorbing, and elicits immense respect for the author. Outstanding investigative journalism is not dead.' -- Graeme Barrow * <i>Northern Advocate</i> * `Bearing the traces of its origins as a podcast, Trace is a polyphonic narrative about revisiting the cold-case murder of Melbourne bookshop owner Maria James. The consequences of opening old wounds - for James' sons, for the original detective on the case and for Rachael Brown as she uncovers new evidence and testimony - are central to the slowly mounting tension and urgency of Trace.' * <i>Sydney Morning Herald</i> * `Gripping.' * <i>Newcastle Herald</i> * `Brown's relentless quest for the truth shines through in this book, yet she never compromises the dignity of and respect for Maria James and her family ... Trace the book will appeal to fans of the mega-popular Serial and S-Town podcasts from This American Life, that have helped catapult this genre into the mainstream.' `The podcast was a hit, and this behind-the-scenes account of her investigation is a detailed, personal and sobering encapsulation of where the case, and those tied to it, currently stand. Trace is both forensic in its investigation and compassionate towards those forever connected to it ... Her propulsive narrative and the many unsettling aspects of this still-open case make Trace a standout among true-crime titles.' * Books+Publishing * An outstanding work of long-form audio journalism which crossed platforms, revealing an innate understanding of how audiences would wish to interact with the story. * Judges' comments from the 2017 Walkley Awards * `Trace the podcast is a tour de force of investigation and storytelling against the odds. Trace the book is the story behind the story. Compelling listening turned into compulsory reading.' -- Andrew Rule `There is an irresistible formula to Trace. The bright-eyed investigative journalist teamed with the dogged homicide detective enjoined in the dark art of enquiry - discerning the outline of evidence then calculating the in-between. The experience of Trace reaches beyond a murder mystery to the interior of the craft - ten parts exhaustion and exasperation to one part excitement and enlightenment. And there is more. Rachael Brown engages a time-honoured hard dig with a fresh form that welcomes and involves the reader. This is a special work, a cold case brought to life via the energy of enquiry and, extraordinarily, given its starting point, the redemptive warmth of humanity.' -- Chris Masters `[M]oving, enraging and engaging.' * Human Givens * `[If] you devoured Serial or love real-life crime books - especially the unsolved ones - it'll deliver the goods for you.' -- Darragh McManus * Irish Independent * `Brown, with obsessive doggedness, tracks old leads in every direction - and in so doing uncovers viscerally shocking stories of child abuse within the Catholic church ... Gripping ... She never loses sight of the ongoing cost of murder: the bewilderment and pain in those it leaves behind.' -- Jenny McCartney * The Mail on Sunday * `It's a testament to Brown's sense of duty of care that Maria James is portrayed as a human being rather than a murder victim ... Brown bristles at the notion that Trace could be seen as entertainment.' * The Guardian * `A must-read.' * <i>Elle</i> * `You may know her from the `Trace' podcast but the book is meritorious on its own - excellently written. Gripping but not exploitative or gratuitous like poorly-handled true crime can be. I find myself taking notes of lines and expressions, and I definitely resent having to put it down!' -- Bri Lee, author of <i>Eggshell Skull</i> `What grit, what faithfulness! It's enthralling to track Brown's stubborn little lantern as she forges into these dark forests.' -- Helen Garner

An outstanding work of long-form audio journalism which crossed platforms, revealing an innate understanding of how audiences would wish to interact with the story. * Judges' comments from the 2017 Walkley Awards * `Trace the podcast is a tour de force of investigation and storytelling against the odds. Trace the book is the story behind the story. Compelling listening turned into compulsory reading.' -- Andrew Rule `There is an irresistible formula to Trace. The bright-eyed investigative journalist teamed with the dogged homicide detective enjoined in the dark art of enquiry - discerning the outline of evidence then calculating the in-between. The experience of Trace reaches beyond a murder mystery to the interior of the craft - ten parts exhaustion and exasperation to one part excitement and enlightenment. And there is more. Rachael Brown engages a time-honoured hard dig with a fresh form that welcomes and involves the reader. This is a special work, a cold case brought to life via the energy of enquiry and, extraordinarily, given its starting point, the redemptive warmth of humanity.' -- Chris Masters `What grit, what faithfulness! It's enthralling to track Brown's stubborn little lantern as she forges into these dark forests.' -- Helen Garner

`You may know her from the `Trace' podcast but the book is meritorious on its own - excellently written. Gripping but not exploitative or gratuitous like poorly-handled true crime can be. I find myself taking notes of lines and expressions, and I definitely resent having to put it down!' -- Bri Lee, author of <i>Eggshell Skull</i> `The podcast was a hit, and this behind-the-scenes account of her investigation is a detailed, personal and sobering encapsulation of where the case, and those tied to it, currently stand. Trace is both forensic in its investigation and compassionate towards those forever connected to it ... Her propulsive narrative and the many unsettling aspects of this still-open case make Trace a standout among true-crime titles.' * Books+Publishing * An outstanding work of long-form audio journalism which crossed platforms, revealing an innate understanding of how audiences would wish to interact with the story. * Judges' comments from the 2017 Walkley Awards * `Trace the podcast is a tour de force of investigation and storytelling against the odds. Trace the book is the story behind the story. Compelling listening turned into compulsory reading.' -- Andrew Rule `There is an irresistible formula to Trace. The bright-eyed investigative journalist teamed with the dogged homicide detective enjoined in the dark art of enquiry - discerning the outline of evidence then calculating the in-between. The experience of Trace reaches beyond a murder mystery to the interior of the craft - ten parts exhaustion and exasperation to one part excitement and enlightenment. And there is more. Rachael Brown engages a time-honoured hard dig with a fresh form that welcomes and involves the reader. This is a special work, a cold case brought to life via the energy of enquiry and, extraordinarily, given its starting point, the redemptive warmth of humanity.' -- Chris Masters `What grit, what faithfulness! It's enthralling to track Brown's stubborn little lantern as she forges into these dark forests.' -- Helen Garner

Author Information

Broadcast journalist Rachael Brown is an RMIT graduate who began her career with the ABC in 2002 as its Melbourne cadet. She has since held several postings, including Europe correspondent from 2010 to 2013. In 2008, she won the Walkley Award for Best Radio Current Affairs Report for her investigation into the Victorian Medical Practitioners Board, whose negligence had contributed to the sexual assaults of 14 women. Rachael was the creator, investigator, and host of the ABC's first true-crime podcast, Trace, which reviewed the cold case of Melbourne mother Maria James. Trace won the 2017 Walkley Award for Innovation for the way the podcast tapped into broad community grapevines and attracted vital new leads from the public that were rolled into subsequent episodes, which allowed Trace to evolve as it went to air.

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