The Vanishing of Vivienne Cameron

Forty Years Searching for the Phillip Island Murderer

By: Vikki Petraitis

Narrated by: Vikki Petraitis

FEATURING AN EXCLUSIVE PODCAST EPISODE HOSTED BY THE AUTHOR

A murdered young woman; a missing wife; a forty-year mystery.

In 1986 on Phillip Island, a young woman called Beth Barnard was savagely murdered and her boyfriend’s wife, Vivienne Cameron, went missing. The police immediately jumped to what they thought was the obvious conclusion: in a jealous rage, Vivienne had killed Beth and then herself. Vivienne’s body was never found.

But Vikki Petraitis wasn’t convinced. The official line didn’t explain all the evidence, and it certainly didn’t seem like the behaviour of a mother with two small boys. Fascinated by both the case and the bias it revealed in investigators, Petraitis wrote her first true-crime book about the murder, with Paul Daley, and decades later made a podcast on the case. Both brought new evidence and testimony to light, and asked questions that were not asked at the time.

Now, to mark the fortieth anniversary of Beth’s murder and Vivienne’s vanishing, Petraitis brings together all her discoveries and true-crime experience in a brilliant forensic investigation into what happened all those years ago, and why.

Sad but riveting story

I’m a huge fan of Ms. Petraitis’ - if you’ve listened to the special Casefile True Crime podcast, this is similar in terms of style and content, but a deeper dive with the latest information and leads on the case of the disappearance of Vivienne Cameron and murder of Beth Barnard. I recommend it and can’t wait for the physical book to be released in the US. While the book is an investigation into the crime(s), it’s also an indictment of men in positions of power or authority who dismiss female voices and perspectives. It is absolutely mind boggling that these cases haven’t been reopened in light of so many similar cases getting attention from law enforcement in recent years - thinking of 7 News podcast series examining murders of women. Not to mention the fact that we have no idea of the physical evidence still exists and could be tested for DNA. Maybe this was mentioned but I don’t recall it. The case has been heavily guarded by the judicial and law enforcement agencies in the area. It is shameful. Thank heavens for storytellers who work so hard and long to get some small bit of justice for these women.

So yes - highly recommended for the discerning true crime reader. I expect you will enjoy listening to the author’s entrancing cadence and chuckle at her wit. Ms. Petraitis refuses to accept a one-dimensional representation of Vivienne and Beth, mainly defined by the men involved. In her refusal, the tragedy of the loss of these women is deeply felt.

Magnificent work

Given that this book took over a decade longer to create in its current form than one of the main characters lived for, you’d be wise to expect magnificent and well-researched storytelling. You will not be disappointed. Beyond the clear and compassionate humanity of the author, whose narration elevates the content from the page and into your heart and mind, this story is notable for the obvious injustice committed against two young women whose lives were ended far too soon.

Thank you, Vikki, for your ongoing fight for justice, truth, and being a voice for the voiceless. You may have felt like you were screaming into a void at times, but you have been heard, and you ensured Vivienne and Beth were both heard too. Their stories, and lives, intertwined with your own so intimately and inextricably, will be remembered and talked about for many years to come. May your satisfaction be matched by the sacred rage we all feel at the lack of justice and humanity shown to Vivienne Cameron and Elizabeth Barnard, all for the sake of a deeply unworthy man.