A Murder without Motive: the killing of Rebecca Ryle
Martin McKenzie-Murray

A Murder without Motive: the killing of Rebecca Ryle
Martin McKenzie-Murray
Review
by Nina Kenwood
I’ve long been a fan of Martin McKenzie-Murray’s journalism, and I think his work for The Saturday Paper is outstanding. He is skilled at approaching difficult topics with sensitivity, compassion and empathy. I am still haunted by the series he wrote in 2014 on the horrific, senseless murder of a baby in Bendigo.
McKenzie-Murray’s debut book A Murder Without Motive: The Killing of Rebecca Ryle builds on his journalistic work, and examines the tragic murder of 19-year-old Rebecca Ryle in Perth in 2004. This particular death has long resonated with McKenzie-Murray because it happened in his local area, and his brother knew the man charged with Ryle’s murder. McKenzie-Murray is a natural storyteller, and this is evident in the way he lays out the facts of the case – he puts you right there beside Ryle on the night she was killed, following her and her murderer James Duggan through the moments that eventually bring them together at Mindarie Primary School, the site of the crime.
Following in the footsteps of Helen Garner’s This House of Grief, McKenzie-Murray deep dives into the case, and he spends significant time with Ryle’s family. Some of the most heartbreaking, and fascinating, parts of the book are McKenzie-Murray’s interviews with Ryle’s parents, as they reflect on their grief and detail how they survived the ten years following their daughter’s death.
A Murder Without Motive is thoughtful, careful and intimate in its approach. It digs into issues of masculinity, violence and Australian culture, and McKenzie-Murray examines the murderer’s possible motives from all angles. I found it hard to read at times because my heart ached for Ryle and her family, but this is an important work by a talented writer, and a book I urge you to read.
Nina Kenwood is the marketing manager for Readings.
This item is in-stock and will ship in 2-3 business days
We are currently experiencing delays in processing and delivering online orders. Click here for more information.
Please note, our stock data is updated overnight, and availability may change throughout the day. Prices are subject to change without notice.Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.

The Dry
$19.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Rules of Backyard Cricket
$29.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Black Teeth
$29.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Dr. Knox
$31.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Serpent’s Sting
$29.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Widow
$22.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

A Murder without Motive: the killing of Rebecca Ryle
$27.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

R&R
$32.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Before it Breaks
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Certain Admissions: A Beach, a Body and a Lifetime of Secrets
$32.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

A Murder without Motive: the killing of Rebecca Ryle
$27.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Killing Love: How I survived unimaginable family tragedy
$29.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Good Money
$29.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Amplify: A Billy Lime Thriller
$32.95Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Our Magic Hour
$29.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Other Side of Summer
$16.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Folded Clock
$28.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Sympathizer
$22.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

A Murder without Motive: the killing of Rebecca Ryle
$27.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

A Few Right Thinking Men
$22.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Sidekicks
$19.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

The Family with Two Front Doors
$14.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...