Join true crime writer Caroline Stevenson as she reveals startling insights into one of Queensland’s unsolved cases, the Oxley and Gatton Murders.
Caroline will discuss her book, The Tainted Cross: The Oxley and Gatton Murders Unveiled, at a free Brisbane City Council event at Chermside Library this month, part of the Lord Mayor’s Writers in Residence series.
Caroline said the fact that the crime has not been solved after 126 years made it challenging for any historical true crime writer.
“On Boxing Day 1898, three siblings and their horse were murdered in a paddock just outside of Gatton,” she said. “They had last been seen returning from a trip to Gatton. They were found by their brother-in-law the next day.
“The news of the murder spread quickly around Gatton, and the crime scene was irretrievably damaged by crowds of people. The police investigation was the largest Queensland had ever seen at the time; however, due to bad decision-making by leadership, no one was ever charged.”
Exploring True Crime and Community Impact
Caroline uncovered information for the book through police files, newspaper articles, court and parliamentary documents and interviews with family members.
At the Chermside Library event, she will speak about the history of the murders and the mysteries that remain, her experience writing the book and the reasons she writes true crime. She said true crime was a compelling genre for readers because people love to play detective.
“Also, people seek to understand why people do what they do in order to protect themselves,” she said.
In addition to being a true crime writer, Caroline is a social worker, advocating for those most at risk in the community. She sees true crime casebooks such as The Tainted Cross as a “method of storytelling that shows us the most about ourselves.”
“They are a screenshot of a period of time and serve to explore the social history as well as looking at how the crime affected the family and the broader community,” she said.
She hopes attendees will leave the event with an understanding of the victims’ stories and the community that struggled to face the consequences.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Bookings essential. Call the library on 3403 7200 or click here to book your slots.
Meet Caroline Stevenson
- Thursday, 29 May, 6pm-7pm
- Chermside Library
- 375 Hamilton Road, Chermside
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