It’s easy to judge the wives and girlfriends of the notorious Australian criminals that populate our news stories, but in reality, the stories of these women are much more complicated than they appear. Journalist Rochelle Jackson has the stories of those in the other half of terrifying relationships that include men from gangster Bob Trimbole, wife-killing Joe Korp, and literary criminal figure Mark Chopper Read. The book for those who have ever wondered about the motivations of these women to stay, leave, or even assist these men.

Fiona Hardy sells books and talks too much to customers at Readings Carlton, and puts together Dead Write for the Readings Monthly. She blogs haphazardly about movies and books (and sometimes music) and you can follow her on twitter - @readwatchtweet.