A Murder Without Motiveis a police procedural, a meditation on suffering, and an exploration of how the different parts of the justice system make sense of the senseless. It is also a unique memoir- a mapping of the suburbs that the author grew up in, and a revelation of the dangerous underbelly of adolescent ennui.
In 2004, the body of a young Perth woman was found on the grounds of a primary school. Her name was Rebecca Ryle. The killing would mystify investigators, lawyers, and psychologists - and profoundly rearrange the life of the victim's family.
It would also involve the author's family, because his brother knew the man charged with the murder. For years, the two had circled each other suspiciously, in a world of violence, drugs, and rotten aspirations.
A Murder Without Motive is a police procedural, a meditation on suffering, and an exploration of how the different parts of the justice system make sense of the senseless. It is also a unique memoir- a mapping of the suburbs that the author grew up in, and a revelation of the dangerous underbelly of adolescent ennui.
'A writer of exceptional moral heft . . . He feels and is felt on every page.' Erik Jensen, author of Acute Misfortune- The Life and Death of Adam Cullen
'At the time of her death, one man stripped away Rebecca Ryle's dignity. In some small way, those involved in the telling of this story have reinstated that dignity with love, thoughtfulness, and a passion to challenge the status quo.' Ken Lay, former Chief Commissioner, Victoria Police
Industry Reviews
'Honest, sympathetic, reflective - this is true crime at its best. A striking debut from McKenzie-Murray, which pursues uncomfortable truths with candour and care.';- Damon Young, author of Philosophy in the Garden and Distraction;;'Martin McKenzie-Murray is a writer of exceptional moral heft. He assays pain and loss with an intimacy few others achieve, never losing sight of the humanity that blooms around trauma. As a journalist, his great project is the unexplainable. Nowhere is that project explored with more clarity than in this book. He feels and is felt on every page.';- Erik Jensen, editor of The Saturday Paper and author of Acute Misfortune: The Life and Death of Adam Cullen;;'As my speechwriter and policy adviser, Martin McKenzie-Murray made our world a better place with his insight, his empathy, and his passion. In A Murder Without Motive, he brings these skills to the story of Rebecca Ryle, at the same time brilliantly challenging the tsunami of brutality and banality that male culture can be. This powerful book gives us a glimpse of a vibrant and much-loved daughter, sister, and friend - and I challenge any parent not to be touched by the courage, resilience, and generosity of spirit shown by Fran and Marie Ryle.;At the time of her death, one man stripped away Rebecca Ryle's dignity. In some small way, those involved in the telling of this story have reinstated that dignity with love, thoughtfulness, and a passion to challenge the status quo.';- Ken Lay, former Chief Commissioner, Victoria Police;;'I can't think of a better, more literate and perceptive reporter.';Jonathan Green, ABC Radio National;;'[Martin McKenzie-Murray] is that increasingly rare thing ... a reporter who will knock on the doors of the bereaved and afflicted, and write humanely about the people he encounters.';- Sybil Nolan, Inside Story;;'McKenzie-Murray has been a columnist with Fairfax in the past, but as the Saturday Paper's chief reporter, he's better than he's ever been. His writing this year has been unmissable for its earnestness, its probing nature, its compassion and its calm authority. More please.' 2014 COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR;- Crikey
