Crossing the Line cover art

Crossing the Line

The Inside Story of Murder, Lies and A Fallen Hero

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Crossing the Line

By: Nick McKenzie
Narrated by: Stephen Phillips
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About this listen

 SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 WALKLEY BOOK AWARD
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 AUSTRALIAN POLITICAL BOOK OF THE YEAR
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 ABIA GENERAL NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR
WINNER OF THE 2024 DANGER AWARD FOR TRUE CRIME

'There is no doubt the truth would have been concealed and our concerns buried without Nick McKenzie's relentless pursuit of justice.' SAS Afghanistan veteran

War is brutal. But there are lines that should never be crossed. In mid-2017, whispers of executions, and cover-ups within Australia's most secretive and elite military unit, the SAS, reached Walkley Award-winning journalist Nick McKenzie. He and Chris Masters began an investigation that would not only reveal shocking truths about Ben Roberts-Smith VC but plunge the reporters into the defamation trial of the century.

For five years, McKenzie led the investigation, waging an epic battle for the truth to be acknowledged. His fight to reveal the real face of Australia's most famous and revered SAS soldier and examine evidence of bullying, intimidation, war crimes and murder would take him across Australia and to Afghanistan.

As he unearthed the secrets Ben Roberts-Smith had thought he'd long ago buried, McKenzie had to deal with death threats, powerful forces intent on destroying his career and attempts to silence brave SAS soldiers, who had witnessed their famous comrade commit unspeakable acts. McKenzie would break the stories that proved the man idolised by the public, politicians, the media and leading business leaders was a myth. His efforts would help deliver justice to Roberts-Smith's victims and their families.

Explosive and meticulously researched, Crossing the Line shares the powerful untold story of how a small group of brave soldiers and two determined reporters overcame a plot to suppress one of the greatest military scandals in Australian history.

'Extraordinary . . . Riveting . . . An insight into the finest investigative journalism in this country' LAW INSTITUTE JOURNAL©2023 Nick McKenzie (P)2023 Hachette Australia Pty Ltd Armed Forces Law Military Military & War Special & Elite Forces War Inspiring Scary Murder Solider
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A great story of courage against the might of money, power, and toxic masculinity. Although the outcome is well known, the tension could be felt as these brave and moral people stood up for what is right. This book returns some faith in humanity.

A great story well told

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As a fan of Nick McKenzie, I knew most of the story but it was good to hear in it’s totality & would have been even better if Nick had narrated. The earnestness he expresses his hard to replicate.

Journalism must be supported

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A could not put down type of book:
I am a firm believer that what happens in the act of war should always remain internalised within the rank and file of the defence force. That being said, I also expect the defence force to act in the best interest of our country and that they hold those within their ranks accountable for the actions undertaken whilst in the face of combat. Only when the system fails is it the responsibility of external cross-examination to occur. Those that administered the SAS during this time should be removed from office; they do not represent our ANZAC standards "plan, and simply", they failed their watch and have brought Australia's conduct into question.
This is an outstanding documentation by a brave journalist who could have just walked away from a very threatening topic, we are indebted to him for his tenacity for staying the course.

Gripping

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Journalists - love 'em or hate 'em. Without them, we would live inside a cocoon and not know how the world really is.
This account of the pitfalls of arrogance and living within the cocoon of perceived imperviousness one of our finest 'would be's' has emerged as one of finest examples of evil.

The truth will out.

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Excellent work by Nick - incredibly brave going up against the bullying tactics of the defamation lawyers (that's their job). I felt the story got a bit repetitive. Still an excellent listen. I'm listening to Chris Master's version and its very similar as they collaborated on the investigative work. What shines through the book is just how ballsy Nick and Chris were when the whole of the BRS machine was bearing down on them - they meticulously unthreaded the wave of deception before them. Someone in another comment described them as lefties. I didn't get that feeling at all. Having worked in Defence for many years there story was consistent with my experiences. Well done.

Brave journalism at its best

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Very much a supporter of BRS I thought it necessary to read/listen to this. I’m glad I did, incredibly courageous work by the journos and those who testified.

BRS has tainted the SAS, though we spend millions training these men to be ruthless warriors, then send them to war and prosecute them for being ruthless warriors. No winners here.

Courageous work

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Outstanding piece of work that is in the national interest that if left untold would have been a blight on humanity. This story was about what is right and what is wrong and I recall an acquaintance of mine vehemently defending BRS. His unwillingness to accept the facts that was the truth astounded me. In the end I remember thinking that his bias towards BRS was in fact more about his bias that all people different (Afghani) to his way of life are not as worthy.

Nothing but the Truth

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This story is a must for any Australian. Brilliantly written and read, it shows the struggle of journalists when reporting on serious topics and the effects that a couple of rich people can have when they support morally bankrupt people.

A must!

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I listened to this and the Masters book back to back. Very different books but both excellent and fascinating when read together. Highly recommended!

Brilliant

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This was a fantastic book it showed courage from the authors to get justice for those who were innocent in war.

A Must

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