Crossing the Line cover art

Crossing the Line

The Inside Story of Murder, Lies and A Fallen Hero

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Crossing the Line

By: Nick McKenzie
Narrated by: Stephen Phillips
Try Premium Plus free

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $31.99

Buy Now for $31.99

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
All stars
Most relevant  
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!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This was a fantastic book it showed courage from the authors to get justice for those who were innocent in war.

A Must

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Enjoyed hearing the details of this important case that I previously had only heard bits and pieces of as the trial proceeded. I admire the courage and tenacity of Masters and McKenzie and all those who came forth to testify. The fallout of the revelations of this investigation and trial will be with us for a long time.

Riveting

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
the detail in this book is so thorough and so impressive. the story begs for a tv mini series, so long as it does the book justice :)

so courageous, so inspiring

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A very sad story of ego,money and masculinity turned toxic.Thank you Nick and Chris for your courage and integrity in bringing this into the sunlight. Murder is murder. I hope the Federal Police can now bring charges and this arrogant, weak ex soldier can have his story before a jury and spend his days behind bars. Truth will out.

Thank you for your integrity and courage

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.