Tom Gilling Book order

He escaped from Singapore's Changi prisoner of war camp to become one of Australia's great World War II guerrilla fighters.

The narrative centers on the valiant struggle of 2000 Australian soldiers stranded in Java during World War II, who faced overwhelming odds against the Imperial Japanese Army. Led by Brigadier Arthur Blackburn VC, these soldiers, alongside support personnel, managed to resist until surrendering under orders from Dutch allies. The book highlights their resilience, with many later suffering as POWs on the Thai-Burma Railway and in harsh conditions in Taiwan and Japan. Utilizing personal diaries and survivor interviews, it captures their remarkable fortitude and spirit.

Set during the Cold War, the narrative explores the covert operations of Australia's Pine Gap facility, a CIA listening station disguised as a research center. Initially focused on monitoring Soviet missile tests, it reveals the stark contrast between public denial of nuclear threats and secret government preparations for potential disaster. The book uncovers the evolution of Pine Gap into a pivotal asset in the Pentagon's war on terror, highlighting the involvement of Australians in critical roles. Drawing from declassified documents, it presents an uncensored account of this secretive site.

Focusing on the evolution and influence of the Calabrian mafia in Australia, this book reveals its origins in the 1920s and its expansion into a formidable crime syndicate involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. With a history marked by violence and intimidation, the mafia has been linked to numerous murders while maintaining a façade of non-existence despite evidence to the contrary. Utilizing court documents, intelligence reports, and interviews, the authors expose the reality of this organization and its ties to Calabria, challenging prevailing misconceptions.

The narrative highlights the bravery of Australian soldiers from the 2/3 Machine-Gun and 2/2 Pioneer battalions, who were redirected to Java to confront the superior Japanese forces instead of returning home. Condemned by political leaders, they faced a futile battle alongside Dutch troops before being forced into surrender. Captured, they endured three and a half years of brutal conditions as prisoners of war, with many families left in despair over their fate. The survivors later played crucial roles in war crimes trials against their captors.

The assassination of Donald Mackay ignited a fierce resistance among Griffith's citizens against the mafia's grip on their town, notorious for drugs and violence. Through Terry Jones' personal diaries and insights as a local newspaper editor, the narrative uncovers new evidence surrounding this infamous unsolved murder. It vividly depicts the community's ongoing struggle to reclaim its identity and confront its criminal history, highlighting the impact of organized crime on small-town life in Australia.

Organized crime in Australia has reached alarming levels, with at least $10 billion laundered annually, primarily from the drug trade. Clive Small and Tom Gilling illustrate how local crime gangs collaborate with international syndicates, exploiting weak law enforcement to import narcotics from various continents. They delve into the controversial case of Mark Standen, whose conviction revealed deep-seated corruption within the New South Wales Crime Commission. This exposé uncovers systemic failures and ongoing vulnerabilities that allow Australia to remain a target for drug trafficking.

Drawing from firsthand experience, a former Assistant Police Commissioner unveils the harsh realities of the multi-million dollar heroin trafficking business. This gripping account provides an insider's perspective on the complexities and dangers of the drug trade, revealing the gritty details and challenges faced by law enforcement in combating this pervasive industry.

A modern thriller that explores the theme of identity reinvention, this novel captivates with its compelling narrative and skillful writing. The story follows characters navigating the complexities of self-discovery and transformation, drawing readers into a gripping journey filled with suspense and intrigue. The author, recognized by the "New York Times," delivers a tale that is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.

Set in turn-of-the-century Sydney, this novel explores the intertwined lives of two young daredevils who share a passion for flight and a quest for true love. Praised as "wonderful and magical," it captures the spirit of adventure and aspiration during a transformative era. The characters' journeys reflect their dreams and the challenges they face, making it a compelling tale of ambition and romance.