Paul Taylor, whose background includes a stint in journalism, presents real who’s who of the dodgy brothers in this country’s history. In Rip Off!, Taylor provides short backgrounds on many of the well known characters who have committed the most ruthless and cold hearted scams and the like in Australia since The Trial sank in the 17th century of the coast of Western Australia.
Taylor comes across as opinionated and tabloid. He seems to have a preoccupation with the alleged excesses of Whitlam-era federal Labor politicians Lionel Murphy, Jim Cairns and Al Grassby; and he heaps posthumous opprobrium on Cold War-era journalist Wilfred Burchett. Among the living, Taylor pours scorn on disgraced former Federal Court judge Marcus Einfeld, who lied to avoid speeding fines and ended up in jail instead. And there are some very odd choices – including Horrie the dog.
It was an interesting enough read; but nothing special. ( )