My Life in Crime: A Tapestry of Cases, by John McKechnie AO KC, Upswell Publishing, 2025

Over the course of five decades John McKechnie AO KC – distinguished barrister, prosecutor, judge and anti-corruption commissioner – developed an intimate understanding of how crime impacts society. McKechnie has been involved with some of the most significant prosecutions and court cases in Western Australia. He has also been involved in countless lesser-known criminal and civil cases which nonetheless have caused trauma, loss and/or devastation to victims of crime and wrongdoing.

This engaging book is divided into several parts. The first is an overview of the author’s life and career, including some fascinating insights into the legal system and how it operates. The rest of the book is a compilation of important as well as at times quirky legal cases from multiple jurisdictions, described as ‘historical excursions into moments of legal and personal interest – all written with humour and, above all, great humanity.’

This is a book well-worth reading. The reader doesn’t need to be intimately familiar with legal theory or the history of Western Australia to be able to appreciate the journey of a man who in his formative years became interested in the law, and who built a highly successful career as prosecutor, judge and anti-corruption commissioner.

The book is published by Upswell Publishing. Those wanting to purchase the book can obtain a 10% discount if they purchase it at Upswell's webpage, and use the coupon code: 10%OFF

An interview of John McKechnie can be heard in episode 57 of Policing Australia: The Official Podcast of the Australian Police Journal. Released on 13 March 2026, the episode is available through all major podcast apps or can be heard HERE.