It seems that not even world war could stop crime in Sydney. In fact, World War Noir confirms that war and crime – in the form of sex, drugs, alcohol, racketeering and other illicit activities – go hand in hand. A companion book to the later glory days of the Sydney underworld from Sydney Noir, here Michael Duffy and Nick Hordern tell the story of a time when many Australians were not as patriotic as we have been told. With soldiers’ pockets full of cash and the freedom of being on leave, criminal possibilities opened up during World War II. Told from the ground – or the gutter – up, World War Noir is a raw and broad-ranging tale that confounds expectations and reveals a grittier truth.

Sales Points

Vividly describes the leading characters of the Sydney underworld during World War II including corrupt cops, prostitutes, gunmen, sly grog traders and bookmakers
Provides an alternative history of Sydney during World War II, depicting a city far less patriotic, and far more hell bent on pleasure, than we have been led to believe
Taps into the popular non-fiction crime genre
Written in the same bold, engaging style as their successful book Sydney Noir
Duffy and Hordern are experienced journalists known for their interest in Sydney’s crime history
A new way of thinking about war on the homefront, especially around Anzac Day
Duffy and Hordern created and run the Sydney Crime Museum website and its associated Facebook page. [Duffy is about to start posting on the blog and FB again]