Monique Patterson
Bio
I'm a journalist/author living in south-west Victoria. I have written two true crime books and I am about to release my third. The titles are United in Grief, about the tragic murder of bride-to-be Stephanie Scott and Tears for Tyler.
Stories (11/0)
Married at First Sight Australia
I've never been ashamed to admit my penchant for trashy reality television. But even I know my slight addiction to Married at First Sight is possibly taking it a bit too far. Truth is, I - like so many others - can't get enough of the trials and tribulations of these people trying to forge a bond with someone they have just met. As always there is an eclectic mix of characters, which makes for good TV. Sadly, it's at the expense of some of the less colourful characters who are probably on the show for the right reasons - not a shot at fame. Last night Bryce was again in the hot seat. The rumour mill was swirling (for a group of people who are apparently living somewhat of an insulated existence, word sure gets around - I'm guessing a few friendly producers may ensure this is the case) with talk that Bryce had a girlfriend on the outside. The source? Bec. Now don't get me started on her. Every other "bride" on the show would happily throw themselves at her husband but she would rather call him out every time he sneezes. Anyway, apparently Bryce and his big mouth let it slip to Bec at the gym about this so-called girl on the outside. He had been talking to a mate about her and spoke to Bec about how he planned to last until the end of the experiment with Melissa - all the while talking about said girl. Apprently the mate asked Bryce if he wanted him to take her a present. Well, good old Bryce, who doesn't seem to know how to think on his feet (surprising for someone who works in radio) flat out denied it. Said there was no truth to any of it. Fast forward to the dinner party and Bryce had to back-pedal faster than Cadel Evans. Yes, he had met a girl a month before marrying Melissa. But no he hadn't spoken about a present. Well, Bryce, I don't think that was the part your new bride was worried about but, whatever, you do you. Not sure what Bryce's deal is but his beetroot-red face sure seems to be a tell that he's been caught in a lie.
By Monique Patterson3 years ago in Humans
Cold Case Files
Dylan Blair often wonders why police refused to listen to him in the days and weeks after his father Kerry disappeared in March 2014. The seasoned fisherman could be heard regularly telling anyone who would listen that he was “living the dream in paradise” by working in a secluded bay in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds. The 55-year-old was also a stickler for following the rules of the sea and the first one is to always tell someone where you’re going. That’s why Dylan can’t understand why his father’s boat was found drifting about 90 nautical miles off New Plymouth – about 340km away from where he supposedly set off from.
By Monique Patterson3 years ago in Criminal
WTAF Facebook?
If you think 2020 was crazy, try this on for size. Australians awoke this morning to news that we are no longer allowed to share news on Facebook. It's insane. I'm a journalist and a large number of readers for the company I work for come to our Facebook page for news. Many even used it as their go-to during bushfires in March last year. The ban not only includes home-grown news, it means we can't post links to international news either.
By Monique Patterson3 years ago in 01
Cold Case Files
Christmas Day is no longer a day of celebration for David Sheppard. Instead it is a time of reflection, of sadness, of wondering why the world is cruel, why the good die young. In David’s case this was proven when his uncle, who was more like a best friend than a relative, disappeared back in 1995. David was 14 at the time, only five years younger than his uncle Daniel Sheppard. In December 1994, Daniel was helping his nephew strip down his BMX bike. He assured David the end result would be the envy of his school mates. He was going to sandblast and powdercoat it at the place he worked and told David: “you’ll have the coolest bike in the school bike rack.
By Monique Patterson3 years ago in Criminal
Cold Case Files
Four decades have passed since Kevin Docherty lost his twin sister. But the pain he feels is still as raw as ever.As is his desperation for answers. Kay Docherty was asked by a girl at her school, Toni Cavanagh, to help her babysit on July 27, 1979. The twins’ mother Jean, who Kevin says was firm but fair, said no. Kay, 15, was bitterly upset – Toni was one of the popular girls at school and she wanted to fit in. “Toni had more freedom than any other girl at that age,” Kevin said. He has since found out that Toni had asked a few other friends at school if they wanted to go out that night for a disco. “Most girls weren’t allowed and my sister definitely wasn’t allowed out after dark.” Kay retreated to her room in tears when her mother refused her request. Kevin said his mother asked him what he thought. “I had band practice and I said to mum ‘I’ll take her there and I’ll pick her up in a couple of hours when I finish’,” Kevin said. Toni’s home was just around the corner from the family’s Warilla home. However, when Kevin returned to Toni’s place later that night, there was no sign of the girls. “Toni’s stepmother said ‘they’re not here, they went to the movies’.”
By Monique Patterson3 years ago in Criminal
The best true crime podcasts
I love true crime podcasts. I'm the weirdo who can't go to sleep without listening to the calming voice of Dateline's Keith Morrison as he tells us the story we are about to listen to has more twists and turns than the world's largest maze or listen to the hosts of Crime Junkie as they take us on a rollercoaster ride into the world of true crime. My only gripe? I binge listen the newest podcast quicker than someone else can drop a new that one grabs my attention.
By Monique Patterson3 years ago in Criminal
My strange addiction: reality TV shows
You know that feeling you get when a nicely wrapped package arrives on your doorstep? The yay it's for me feeling? That's how I feel when I log into hayu and there is a new episode of any one of my favourite reality TV shows. You know that episode of My Strange Addiction when the creepy guy has an obsession with pulling hair out of drains? Sick, right? Well I imagine I get the same rush that he does when he has locked himself in the bathroom at a friend's place and pulled out a long, matted piece of hair when I see that not only is there a new episode of Southern Charm, there's also a new episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County and The Real Housewives of Dallas (to be honest this one is a stretch, but hey a girl's got to get her fix). I unashamedly LOVE trash TV. A dose of the vile and revolting antics of the cast of The Valleys? Yes please. A catch-up with Snooki and JWoww and her TMI confessions that she and her boyfriend never have sex? Sure, bring it on. Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck, Keeping Up With the Kardashians (not a favourite but a back-up when other options have been exhausted) Lindsay Lohan's Beach Club (that girl is nuts!), Ex on The Beach - they all make the cut. But my absolute go-to shows? I can't go past The Hills, The City and Siesta Key. I would be embarrassed to find out just how many hours I have spent binge-watching these shows (it's probably why the couch has a permanent indent from where I sit - LOL). My fiancee and I have watched each episode dozens and dozens of times. Hell, I could probably perform a one-woman show of each and every episode on demand.
By Monique Patterson3 years ago in Geeks
The little black book in the mausoleum
Anna pulled into the McDonald's drive-through. The staff knew her by name and usually had her order waiting. One day I should surprise them, order something else, she thought. Oh who are you kidding, Anna, you're as likely to do that as stick up to your witch of a boss at work. If only she had made a similar impact on the staff at The Area News in Griffith. Sadly the staff at the newspaper she had recently become editor of neither respected or liked her. Anna blamed herself. She had made the mistake of coming in as the new boss with the aim of making friends. She also was of the belief that the editor was in charge of what was printed in the paper, not the office manager - Tracy - who had taken this on as her call.
By Monique Patterson3 years ago in Families