“O’Brien’s storytelling prowess is evident.”
“A standout in contemporary fiction.”
“His skills as an exceptional storyteller shine through.”
Online Book Club
Books
Khanjar
A deadly game of deceit
A fast-paced terrorist investigation set in New York, where political intrigue is always just below the surface. FBI Agents Bec Bekele and Musa Halmat investigate a bomb attack on New York’s water supply that takes place soon after Palestinian engineer, Paul Shehadeh, arrives in America to lecture at Columbia University.
“Khanjar is a real page-turner, with a fantastic premise based around the simple need for water. The final chapters will keep you engaged as you race to the conclusion of this well-researched and written thriller.”
“Fast paced…Interesting plot involving different political powers - Chinese, American, Israeli and Palestine.”
“Khanjar stands out as the finest crime thriller novel I’ve encountered this year.”
“Khanjar is a heart-pounding thriller that expertly weaves together the complicated worlds of Middle Eastern politics, international intrigue and personal ambition.”
Water Barons
Money, politics and control of water in Australia
Since the arrival of the first fleet, money has been made from supplying water. Now, anyone can own water, and the buying and selling of water has seen the creation of water barons, private individuals in Australia and overseas investors who own water licences valued at millions of dollars.
“A well balanced book.”
“The author’s knowledge edge of the topic well makes it worth the read.”
Young Blood
The story of the Family Murders
South Australia has an international reputation for being the home of some very strange murders. During the 1970s this capital city was shocked when a series of young men disappeared one by one. One was the son of the city’s television news presenters. He was held captive for six weeks before he was murdered.
“A book for real crime enthusiasts.”
“Well written…couldn’t put this book down.”
“Interesting to look at the detail of a police investigation of murder by one of the police involved at the time.”
“Bob O’Brien has written a great true crime book.”
About
Bob O’Brien is a proven author who wrote the true crime bestseller, Young Blood: the story of the family murders, published by HarperCollins. The book was nominated for Best True Crime in the Melbourne Writers Festival.
As a homicide detective, Bob investigated some of the country’s most notorious crimes, including cases of murder, drug running and violence. He methodically explained how a series of horrific murders occurred, he answered rumours about politicians and prominent people in the community who were suspected of being involved in the murders of five young men, and he and his partner arrested Bevan Spencer von Einem, one of Australia’s worst murderers.
Bob left policing after thirty years to complete his doctoral dissertation about police serving as peacekeepers. He then turned his hand to running his own business. That business involved the buying and selling of water licences in Australia. He purchased water to the value of over $100 million dollars for an American investment firm.
As a business owner and a water trader, Bob wrote papers about water markets, shared his knowledge of them at national conferences and explained how they worked to visiting overseas delegations. He also co-authored academic papers about the trading of water.
Now Bob turns his hand to writing about his experiences with our most precious resource – water.
The high value of water has increased the community’s interest in the theft of water occurring in Australia.
Politicians have made historic changes to the control of water. These changes have caused states to bicker about its use. As well, our political masters have allowed the creation of water markets that trade water licences valued at millions of dollars. This trade has created a new class of people – water barons.
Bob’s experience as a police officer, academic, author and water trader, made him realise that there is an important story to be told about water in Australia.
Water Barons: money, politics and the control of water in Australia is that important story.
Now, his latest book, Khanjar: a deadly game of deceit, has been released. Bob continues with crime. Fiction this time with Middle Eastern politics and the growth of China providing a modern backstory.
Contact Bob O'Brien
Get in touch with Bob using the form below.