This book starts when Gino Stocco’s parents arrived, as many Italian immigrants did, in the sugar cane country of Ingham in north Queensland, where Gino was born and grew up. Employment was mainly unregulated, cash-based labour on sugar farms where Gino had to compete with backpackers and crooks for work, as well as working on his father’s farms. He had no other legitimate options.

Gino learned early in life that he was an odd man out, did not take kindly to discipline, believed the system was stacked against him and was convinced that he was right in everything he did.

He married his wife early, and had a son, Mark, who later became his soul mate, and a willing participant in future illegal activities. They had both decided that they would never pay for anything again.

The marriage eventually failed. Mark was still a teenager and Gino convinced him to join him in an adventure. Leaving Ingham in a utility truck with only the money left from a property sale. Heading to St George in 2013, Mark walked into a grocery store, filled his pockets with goods, and walked out without paying. He was arrested, but Gino was able to overcome the policeman, and they roared off in the utility.

This began a life on the run. For years they stole food, farm machinery, camping gear, various vehicles and interstate registration plates to avoid detection. They referred to their thieving as ‘going shopping’.

The Stoccos travelled from Cairns in the north to Adelaide in the south, staying mainly inland and covering up to 900 kms at a time, answering advertisements for caretakers.

If they felt that they had been badly treated by an employer they would leave the property, taking vehicles and stealing fuel. They also burned down a barn, killed dogs, and cut fences, allowing cattle or sheep to escape, in revenge.

They spent winter in the north and summer in the south living off their wits, outsmarting frustrated police. They managed to escape detection and arrest for eight years. Their activities became legendry and were reported Australia wide.

The author, Nino Bucci, an investigative reporter with the ABC, became fascinated by the incredible true-life stories of Gino and Mark Stocco. Two years of interviews with victims, police, court files and a psychiatrist were compiled into this fascinating book, and Bucci’s writing deserves great credit.

Reviewed by David Clive