NT Writers' Centre
My Account Membership
Cart [0]
  • Home
  • About
  • For Writers
    • Workshops
    • First Steps of Writing (FAQs)
    • Writing Groups & Events
    • Member Profiles
    • The Chief Minister’s NT Book Awards
    • Book Reviews
    • Current competitions
    • Submit your writing competition
  • NT Writers Festival
    • About
    • Previous Festivals
    • Watch or listen
    • Get Involved
    • Contact
  • Membership
  • Shop
    • Gift voucher: $100
    • Gift voucher: $50
    • All
    • Anthologies
    • Children’s
    • Indigenous
    • Non-Fiction
    • Novels
    • Poetry
    • Stage and Screen
    • Online Shop Submissions
  • News
  • Donate
  1. Home
  2. Book Reviews
  3. Mandatory Murder
18 Sep 2019 Book Reviews

Mandatory Murder

Steven Schubert

HarperCollins, 2019

Review by Kingsley Gittins

STEVEN SCHUBERT’S MANDATORY MURDER examines in great detail the scenario which led to the 2011 murder of Ray Nicefero down the track in Katherine. The former ABC Katherine reporter, now based in Alice Springs, systematically separates fact from rumour and highlights supposition with the careful ease of a practiced journalist.

The first two thirds of the book deal with the complicated background and relationships of Nicefero and those involved with his murder, as well as the sometimes-farcical investigation into his death.

What’s interesting is that, despite well-researched details on the facts of the case, the book actually raises more questions than it answers. How have young men become so naïve and removed from society that they don’t even recognise they’re part of a conspiracy to murder? How do we tackle domestic abuse in remote areas of the NT? Is it possible to bridge the significant social divides in outback communities? All these issues lie at the heart of Ray Nicefero’s murder.

The second part of the book deals primarily with the trial of Zak Grieve, who is currently serving the longest sentence, despite [most likely] not being present for the actual murder. Whether you believe him to be gullibly innocent or as guilty as those who physically carried out the act, his lengthy time behind bars raises important questions about mandatory sentencing laws in the NT, and across Australia.

Ultimately, it is his story that makes this book relevant and a necessary read.

Events

Just Write!

2020 Chief Minister's NT Book Awards

Wild Words

Workshops

Poetry in a Changing World

Just Write!

Gift vouchers now available!

Contacts

  • Darwin
  • Alice Springs

Darwin Head Office

Level 2, Harbour View Plaza
8 McMinn Street
Darwin 0800
executive@ntwriters.com.au
+61-8 8941 2651

Postal Address

GPO Box 2255
Darwin, NT 0801

Alice Springs

Red Hot Arts Space
67 Bath Street
Alice Springs NT 0870
alice@ntwriters.com.au
+61-8 8952 3810

Postal Address

PO Box 4080
Alice Springs, NT 0871

Become a member

Find out more about membership benefits.

Join Now

Subscribe to our free e-Bulletin

Share

Facebook Twitter

Please show your support

Donate

Copyright © 2021 NT Writers' Centre. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of User | Sales and Refunds