THE story of a grisly triple murder in Central Victoria will come to Mount Gambier Library when award-winning author Maryrose Cuskelly launches her true crime book Wedderburn.
The author will discuss the book and field questions about it from 7pm tomorrow night.
Library programs team leader Kristi Leamey said the book was inspired by Ms Cuskelly’s desire to investigate the complexity of human characters and behaviours and the dark secrets that fester within small towns.
Ms Cuskelly wrote Wedderburn using factual evidence, her time spent at the trial and interviews with the local community.
“In October 2014, 65 year old Ian Jamieson secured a hunting knife in a sheath to his belt and climbed through the wire fence separating his property from that of his much younger neighbour Greg Holmes,” Ms Leamey said.
“Less than 30 minutes later, Greg Holmes was dead, stabbed more than 25 times.
“Ian Jamieson returned home, grabbed his two shotguns, walked across the road and shot his neighbour’s mother and step-father.
“He then returned to his home, with a trail of blood following him and called the police to report the crimes.”
Ms Learney said until the crime, Mr Jamieson was “unassuming, hardworking, law-abiding farmer”.
“He was close to fulfilling his dream of retiring in Tasmania, with property already purchased,” she said.
“And now he will most likely die behind bars.”
Ms Cuskelly is no stranger to the world of true crime, having won the Thunderbold Prize for crime writing for her essay Well Before Dark based on the abduction of Mackay schoolgirl Marilyn Wallman.
The event will be facilitated by ABC South East presenter Selena Green.
This is a free community event with limited seating.
Contact the Mount Gambier Library for further information.
