I Catch Killers

The Life and Many Deaths of a Homicide Detective

By: Gary Jubelin, Dan Box - contributor

Narrated by: Rob Carlton

Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Here I am: tall and broad, shaved head, had my nose broken three times fighting. Black suit, white shirt, the big-city homicide detective. I've led investigations into serial killings, child abductions, organized crime hits and domestic murders. But beneath the suit, I've got an Om symbol in the shape of a Buddha tattooed on my right bicep. It balances the tattoo on my left ribs: Better to die on your feet than live on your knees. That's how I choose to live my life.

As a cop, I got paid to catch killers and I learned what doing it can cost you. It cost me marriages and friendships. It cost me my reputation. They tell you not to let a case get personal, but I think it has to. Each one has taken a piece out of me and added a piece, until there's only pieces. 

I catch killers—it's what I do. It's who I am.

Gary Jubelin was Australia's most celebrated homicide detective, leading investigations into the disappearance of William Tyrrell, the serial killing of three Aboriginal children in Bowraville and the brutal gangland murder of Terry Falconer. During his 34-year career, former Detective Chief Inspector Jubelin also ran the crime scene following the Lindt Cafe siege, investigated the death of Caroline Byrne and recovered the body of Matthew Leveson. In 2020, Jubelin was found guilty of illicitly recording conversations during the Tyrrell investigation. This is his story.

©2020 Gary Jubelin and Dan Box (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Nothing to do with True Crime

I couldn’t finish this book. It’s the only audible book I have never finished. It has nothing to do with the crimes he has solved, but everything to do with his ego. It’s a memoir about a guy who praises his wife (whom he eventually feels doesn’t understand his impact on the low life’s he must deal with while she blissfully goes about an air headed existence raising his children) before he meets, and has an affair with Pam whom he is sure shares his super cop ideals. Don’t know if this relationship works out or not because I felt greasy and stopped listening. He throws a few of his colleagues some “bones of acknowledgment” along the way during his career. But as far as I could tell the book highlights his genius as a crime fighter, meditation guru, Kung fu fighter, etc. I have no idea of his guilt or innocence because I couldn’t get that far. But I can tell you he trips all over his ego and self importance through part 2. I love Auzzy accents, people and their independent attitudes. But this was not my cup of tea.

It’s ok

He’s constantly talking about how stressed he is. How guilty he feels about the amount of time he spend at work. But he keeps doing the same old thing. What’s the definition of insanity?
I don’t understand Australia’ legal or court system. It seems kinda backwards. But what do I know.

Surprising and illuminating.

I have a fascination with law and order. This book delves deep and gives an insider look at policing and politics. Gary is a great character. Fascinating. I also listen to his podcast. He contributes daily to the betterment of mankind. Highly recommend this book.

I Had No Idea What To Expect

This book is wonderfully written and beautifully read. I was taken along on the journey of a life lived in service to others. Intriguing and engaging. I highly recommend it!

Great read

This book is so interesting as it provides much insight to the politics and issues within the police, and the wider justice system. If you enjoy reading about true crime, this book should definitely be on your list.

Starts strong

Starts strong, ends weak. I really dislike when an author uses their work to bash former employers, especially when they're culpable. I blame the editor, as Gary probably has many good stories that could have been told instead.

loved this book

loved the story. would recommend this as a book to listen to. narrative was very good

This is an excellent roller coaster of a story!

I loved this book. It was so addicting to go through this life in such detail. I couldn't stop listening. I am very proud of the determination to succeed described in the book and am glad that Gary never backed down at any point in the story. I am feeling regret for those families left hanging out to dry but hope that someone will have the guts to do right by them in the future.

A chance at redemption

An interesting read that gave insight into the working and professional life of a man who has fought to bring justice for others. I enjoyed being able to hear in Gary’s own words why he made some of the decisions he made and it’s clear that he did his best in some horrible situations. I only wish that Gary had been the narrator.

One Man, one hell of a cop!

really enjoyed listening to the life story of this man's struggle to bring criminals to justice when all the odds seemed against him, lack of funds and support and petty bureaucracy did not temper his determination to do what was right and just, so much so his personal life took a massive hit in the process of his quest to do his job to the best of his ability. A formidable Detective with dogged determonation and a forensic mindset when it came to catching criminals. an excellent Listen.