The Mushroom Murders

The shocking story of family lunch laced with the world's most deadly mushroom, and a gripping murder trial.

On 29 July 2023, Erin Patterson hosted a lunch at her home in the small regional Victorian town of Leongatha. She had invited her parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson and her husband Ian.

Erin made beef Wellington for her guests, individual beef eye fillets covered in mushroom paste, wrapped in pastry. The following day, all four guests were taken to the hospital, and Heather, Gail and Don died. Ian Wilkinson barely survived. A toxicologist found traces of the poisonous death cap mushroom in the remains of the meal.

At first, it appeared to be a dreadful accident. As the police investigation continued, the evidence mounted, seeming to point one way. Erin Patterson steadfastly claimed she did not intend to harm her relatives. But after a gruelling 10 week trial, the jury found her guilty of three counts of murder, and one count of attempted murder.

Greg Haddrick tells the fascinating inside story of the triple murder trial that gripped the country and made headlines around the world. With details not previously published, it is the compelling story of a troubled family and a poisonous mushroom that is readily found in parks and gardens.