Talking Aussie Books

The last time I interviewed award-winning, international bestselling author Dervla McTiernan was in February 2024. Back then we were chatting about Dervla’s new release ‘What Happened to Nina’ which of course went on to win the General Fiction Book of the Year at the 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards. And that same book is now currently in development for a screen adaptation - which is super exciting news for all of us who devoured that book. But this year, Dervla has a brand new stand alone book:  'Three Reasons for Revenge'.  It’s not only Dervla’s 7th full-length novel - but the first to be set in Australia and introduces us to a cast of new characters - including a gritty, determined new female detective.  Published by HarperCollins Australia in late April , 'Three Reasons for Revenge' is an intense, fast-paced, high-stakes novel about three people who each receive a mystery package designed to tear their life apart. https://geni.us/ThreeReasons4RTo sign up to Dervla's newsletter, see:https://dervlamctiernan.com/newsletter/

Belinda Alexandra is a much-loved international bestselling Australian author whose novels are steeped in history, intrigue and adventure. History with mystery at its finest.Belinda is the daughter of a Russian mother and Australian father and describes herself as someone with passion for travel, culture, dancing as well as a lover of all creatures. She is the author of novels that include 'White Gardenia', 'Wild Lavender' and 'Tuscan Rose' as well as 'The Invitation', 'The Mystery Woman,' 'The Divine Feline' and 'Emboldened' amongst many others. Belinda’s latest fiction offering ‘The Italian Correspondent’ was released by HarperCollins at the end of March and listeners its an absolute delight. Set in 1951 Italy - in the years when that country was trying to shake off its fascist past. It’s a story that follows the life and loves of a female correspondent for Vogue magazine who is quickly drawn into a complicated web of deceit.  Her feelings for the three men in her life are complex, but with the world on the edge of a nuclear war, their lives become inextricably entwined and they must work together to prevent catastrophe. I adored this book and was excited to have the chance to speak with Belinda recently about it. 

Katie Hoskins is a Sydney-based author whose debut novel ‘When the Party’s Over’ (Pan Macmillan) and has officially been on the shelves around the country since 31 March.  An astutely crafted novel about motherhood and the power of female friendships with a clever twist at the end that totally blew me away. I enjoyed a wide-ranging chat with Katie recently about her writing journey, inspiration, friendship and motherhood. A delightful conversation with an exciting new voice in Australian fiction.

Ten years on from her husband’s death, Emma Grey has become someone others can look to as an example of how you can not only survive such devastating loss, but thrive. As anyone who has been following Emma’s career over the last few years can readily attest to. An award-winning USA Today and Australian best selling author, Emma's books have attracted multiple foreign translations deals and a TV option. They’ve been reviewed in the New York Times, Oprah Daily, The Washington Post and People magazine.So it’s no surprise that Emma’s new book ‘Start at the End’ has been hotly anticipated.Not only is it another incredible, gut wrenching, sob-inducing read, but a book which commemorates Emma’s loss and grief and celebrates her family’s survival in the years since.I was thrilled to have the chance to chat with Emma recently for the podcast.

From the bestselling author of 2025 smash hit novel 'The Wolf Tree' comes a brand new novel.'The Cursed Road' by Laura McCluskey (published by HarperCollins Australia) picks up roughly ten months after the events of 'The Wolf Tree' and sees DIs Georgina Lennox and Richard Stewart head to the Scottish Highlands to investigate the murder of a young woman found on a road in a remote corner of the Highlands - a road with a bloody history and the subject of local superstition and legends. Still dealing with their experiences on Milan Eardar the year before, both George and Richie are not keen to be working together on this case, but a clue found with the victim links the case to something way more sinister. Atmospheric, gripping and tense, 'The Cursed Road' is every bit as good as 'The Wolf Tree' if not better. I was delighted to welcome Laura back to the podcast recently.

In this final episode for 2025, I'm talking to a debut Aussie author whose book is being touted as one of the biggest releases of the summer.  If you loved Netflix’s The Crown and devoured all the drama when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from the royal family and have wondered what that might have looked like behind the scenes, then this is the perfect book for you. It’s been released simultaneously here, the UK and the US and is already enjoying some incredible notoriety in the early weeks following publication. The book is ‘The Heir Apparent’ by Rebecca Armitage - a Tasmanian author and ABC journalist - who, it will not surprise you to learn, has reported extensively on the royal family in the course of her work.After positively inhaling the book , I am in awe of Rebecca’s immense talent and am more than a little thrilled to have had the chance to chat for the podcast recently. 

Michael Burge is an author and journalist who lives at Deepwater in the New England region of NSW. His debut novel ‘Tank Water’ was inspired by old family stories and explores the shameful legacy of unsolved gay-hate crimes, set in a fictional rural community - not unlike the place Michael calls home. ‘Dirt Trap’ is a follow-up to ‘Tank Water’ - though it can be read as a stand alone.  A brilliant example of the rural noir novel Australians have come to love in recent years, but with Michael’s unique angle exploring the complexity and diversity of Australian country towns. A tense, compelling and rich story, 'Dirt Trap' is about one man’s dogged pursuit of justice and a town having to come clean of generations of secrets. Without a doubt - a five star read!And was delighted to welcome Michael to the podcast recently to chat about his work amongst many other things. 

Libby Iriks is a Perth-based author and former Commissioning Editor of Romance for a boutique publishing house in the UK. Combining her passion for story and romance has resulted in publication of her debut novel ‘Home to the Heart Country’ - a moving, beautifully romantic story about one woman’s quest to uncover her identity and a sense of belonging. Released at the end of November 2025 by HQ Fiction, ‘Home to the Heart Country’ heralds a bright future for this rising star. I enjoyed a wonderful chat with Libby for the podcast recently.

The last time I chatted with Pamela Cook for the podcast was back in 2019 - to celebrate her self-published release 'Cross My Heart'. Six years later and 'Cross My Heart' is being re-released by Vinci Books and I took the opportunity to talk to Pamela about her journey from traditional published author, to indie publishing and back to traditional and the lessons she's learned along the way. An illuminating discussion about the highs and lows of the writing life and what happens if you keep writing and stay open to new opportunities. I loved this chat and hope you will too.

Brooke Crawford is a Melbourne based author of the terrific debut novel ‘Better Than the Real Thing’ published by HQ Fiction. Described as ‘Notting Hill’ meets ‘Bridget Jones’ Baby’ this novel is smart, pacy, funny, drama filled and utterly romantic.  I can’t recommend it highly enough!!The perfect summer read and one I suspect will be filling Christmas stockings around the country before too long. I enjoyed a wonderful chat with Brooke about her wonderful novel for the podcast recently.

Darry Fraser is a bestselling Australian author of some twenty books the latest of which is 'The Adventuress of Albany'.Published by HQ Fiction, 'The Adventuress of Albany ' follows Molly Bentley who in 1881 chafes against the constraints of English society and with her father's help ventures to the unknown in the bustling port city of Albany in Western Australia. What starts out as a quest for freedom turns into perilous journey where secrets are revealed and loyalties tested. A brilliant new novel from one of Australia's most loved historical fiction authors. Join Cassie Hamer as she chats with Darry about her longstanding career and the inspiration for her work.

Darcy Green is a Melbourne-based queer author whose debut novel 'After the Siren' (Penguin) has got readers hot under the collar for all the right reasons. A footy rom-com inspired by Darcy's own love of AFL and experience as a player, 'After the Siren' is a delightfully playful, sexy novel that will leave you wanting more. To learn more about Darcy and their book, tune in to this marvellous chat Cassie Hamer recently enjoyed with this talented author and exciting new voice in the Aussie rom-com space.

Fiona McKenzie Kekic's debut novel ‘Eva Reddy’s Trip of a Lifetime’ was published by HQ Fiction earlier this year and what a cracker novel it is!A tale about one middle-aged woman’s quest to get back to the person she knew she could be. A literal and figurative journey set between Sydney and India that had me laughing out loud.Funny, insightful and heartwarming, this is a book you'll want to rip through at breakneck speed, but which should be savoured and appreciated like a wonder tour. A terrific debut from a truly talented story teller. 

Ky Garvey is a Brisbane-based author and host of the Totally Lit Podcast. A podcast dedicated to the celebration of reading, writing and creating literature. With 100 episodes on offer right now, Ky has chatted with a wide-range of authors, industry professionals and booksellers while also managing to showcase events and other happenings that are important to her. Things like the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Prize which Ky instigated last year to provide opportunities and exposure for Aussie creatives along with the AuthorPenPals program and Books in Homes amongst others. Ky is the author of the kids picture book ‘Easy Peasey’ which was published by EK Books in 2023. In addition, Ky has won or been shortlisted in a number of writing competitions which include the Hunter Writers Centre Grieve Project.

'The One Remaining' (Fearless Press) is Paula McLean's debut novel. A stunningly written story about a novelist coming to terms with the grief and trauma she experienced as a child as she works through the writing of her memoir. As the first book published by new publishing imprint Fearless Books, it heralds the start of a new and exciting chapter in the lives of novelist Paula McLean and her publisher daughter Ginny Grant. I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Paula recently for the podcast. With thanks to Fearless Press for the opportunity to interview Paula.

Rhonda McCoy is a Tasmanian-based author whose debut novel 'Crow' was released by Ventura Press recently. A gripping family drama combined with medical intrigue, 'Crow' explores the tragic death of Harold Crow following routine surgery and the dark secrets his death exposes that threaten to tear two families apart. Cassie Hamer enjoyed a wide-ranging, insightful and deeply touching chat with Rhonda about her inspiration for 'Crow' along with her journey to publishing success.

Amy Hutton is a Sydney-based author who grew up on the northern beaches and became an award-winning television producer. But about 7 years ago now, Amy gave up her job in network television to pursue her love of writing. ‘Sit Stay Love’  - Amy’s first novel - was published by Simon & Schuster in 2023 and Amy followed that up with her second novel ‘Love from Scratch’ only a year later. Amy describes herself as the writer of swoony love stories.  And having read all three of her books now, I can definitely attest to the veracity of that description. I was thrilled to welcome Amy to Talking Aussie Books recently to talk about the publication of her third novel ‘Ghosted’  - a delightfully dark and sexy paranormal romance publised by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. 

I recently had the pleasure of chatting to author Holly Cardamone about her sparkling debut novel 'Summer, In Between' (Hawkeye Publishing).When not writing Holly runs a boutique communications and writing consultancy from Melbourne where she helps people tell their story and grow their brand.‘Summer, In Between’ won the 2024 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize and has now been officially released into the world. An evocative coming of age novel, Holly has captured the essence of a beachside Australian summer along with the teenage angst of being no longer a child, but not yet an adult. Its about teenage romance and future dreams. About family, cultural identity and about belonging. A gorgeously uplifting novel and thoroughly enjoyable read and a chat well worth listening to.

Katharine Pollock holds a PhD in creative writing from Western Sydney University and is the Program Manager at Writing NSW. Katharine contributes regularly to 'The Guardian' online and has been published by Fremantle Press, Vitagraph Publishing and 'Folly Journal' amongst many others. Katharine’s debut novel ‘Her Fidelity’ was published by Penguin Random House in 2022  - a book I loved and for which Katharine and I had a fabulous conversation for the podcast a couple of years ago. But this year, Katharine has a new novel out. ‘Starry Eyed’ recently published by Wakefield Press is a delightfully clever, humorous - sometimes laugh-out-loud novel about one woman’s quest to figure out who she is and more importantly who she wants to be. I thoroughly enjoyed my recent chat with Katharine about this book and how she came to be writing it. For information on the upcoming Writing NSW Course mentioned during the interview, see:https://writingnsw.org.au/whats-on/courses/seminar-setting-up-for-success-build-your-community-and-brand/

January Gilchrist is a Brisbane-based author  and mother of two whose debut thriller 'The Final Chapter' was recently published by HQ Fiction. An atmospheric locked-room thriller reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, 'The Final Chapter' was inspired by January’s stint at the prestigious Varuna Writer’s House in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney and her desire to write about women reclaiming their own narratives. Compelling, page-turning and a little spooky, this book was right up my alley. A thoroughly enjoyable read which has been aptly described as ‘Benjamin Stevenson meets Nine Perfect Stangers’. 

Tune in as Cassie Hamer chats to Angie Faye Martin about her incredible debut novel 'Melaleuca' published by HQ Fiction. An evocative, dual time line crime novel that draws on Angie's Indigenous heritage and explores themes of identity as well as racism, intergenerational trauma and corruption.A propulsive read from a refreshing new voice in Australian fiction. A wonderful interview which I hope you'll enjoy as much as I did.

Alison Booth writing as AL Booth is the author of 8 novels that include titles  such as 'A Distant Land', 'The Indigo Sky', 'Stillwater Creek', 'The Painting' and 'Bellevue' amongst others. Born in Melbourne and raised in Sydney, Alison is not only a novelist, but an award-winning academic and emeritus professor at the Australian National University in Canberra. Alison is a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia and can not only write terrific fiction, but has published extensively in scientific journals. A woman of many talents.Alison’s latest novel ‘Death at Booroomba’ is published by Ventura Press and is in fact Alison’s first foray into crime fiction.  An evocative and immersive story that blends a murder mystery with meticulous research to paint an accurate picture of life in a small town in 1919 along with the political and societal issues facing Australians at that time. I was delighted to chat with Alison about her new book recently for the podcast.

Apologies to all the Jason Bourne fans out there, but there's a new guy on the block - an Aussie ex-cop turned vigilante called Jack Carlin.He's starred in other books, but 'High Rise', the new action-packed heart-in-your-mouth thriller from Melbourne-based author Gabriel Bergmoser, is Jack's most death-defying challenge yet. From the top floor of a crumbling Melbourne high rise building, Jack has to find a way to get his daughter Morgan to safety and in the process battle an army of bounty-hunters eager to claim the price on his head. From the bestselling author that brought you 'The Hunted' 'The Caretaker' and 'The Hitchhiker', 'High Rise' is a thrilling, page-turning story.Tune in to this incredibly entertaining chat with a master thriller writer.

Kimberley Freeman is an award-winning bestselling author of some thirty novels across a variety of genres. Based in Brisbane, Kimberley is a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and this year her new novel 'The Secret Year of Zara Holt' was published by Hachette Australia. A novel inspired by the life of Dame Zara Bate - fashion designer and business woman - known as the wife of Australia's 17th prime minister, Harold Holt, who disappeared off the coast of Portsea and whose body was never recovered.'The Secret Life of Zara Holt' is a poignant, compelling story of love, scandal and betrayal that stretched across more than forty years and the passionate bond that kept Zara imagining that Harold would find his way back to her. A captivating read from an exceptional story-teller. Cassie had a fascinating, wide-ranging chat with Kimberly about this incredible novel. Do tune in.

Marcia van Zeller is a Canadian-born writer who arrived in Australia in the 1980s and embarked on a long career in journalism and professional writing. Completing her first novel as part of her PhD thesis back in 2015, Marcia's second novel 'Be A Good Girl Valerie' was recently published by Ventura Press. Exploring issues arising from toxic masculinity in the work place and the often very real consequences for women who stand up for their own rights as well as the rights of other women, 'Be A Good Girl Valerie' is both timely and topical. Cassie Hamer recently welcomed Marcia to the podcast to chat about the novel and some of Marcia's real-life experiences that inspired Valerie's story. A truly insightful and informative episode.

Holly Brunnbauer is a Victorian based, multi-award winning emerging fiction author whose debut novel 'What Did I Miss?' was recently released by HarperCollins Australia. An absolutely delightful kind of coming of age novel with humour and heart that will leave you wanting more. It was an absolute joy to welcome Holly to the podcast recently to talk about her journey to publication and her inspiration for this memorable story.

Kimberley Allsopp is a Brisbane-based author of two novels who is in the unique position of also working for one of Australia's largest publishing houses as a Senior Campaign Manager.However, in between working with some of Australia's best authors and raising her children, Kimberley writes clever novels which offer a unique perspective on modern life. 'Rise and Shine' is her new novel and Cassie Hamer chatted with Kimberley for the podcast recently. I really enjoyed this 'warts and all ' chat about publishing and writing life. Hope you do too.

Emma Babbington is a London- born, Sydney-based author and journalist who not only writes brilliant novels, but works as the News Editor for one of Australia’s bestselling weekly magazines, ‘Woman’s Day’. Emma is a dear friend, writing buddy, confidante and all-round talented wonderful woman who’s gripping book, ‘The Neighbours’ was published by HQ Fiction in both the UK and Australia recently. I’m proud of my friend’s incredible achievement and was absolutely thrilled to welcome Emma to the podcast recently.

Deb Jordan is a Perth-based author whose debut novel 'The River Whispers' was published by Bloodhound Books UK earlier this year. A novel set between the Swan Valley and the Margaret River - two wine growing regions of WA - 'The River Whispers' centres around a tragic accident and its deadly aftermath. A terrific story that was as compulsive as it was entertaining. I was thrilled to have the chance to speak with Deb about the book for the podcast recently.

I may not have previously shared with my podcast listeners that I'm a huge whisky fan! I love learning about it and have travelled extensively to sample different whiskies. So when I learnt Tasmanian-based author Karen Brooks not only co-owns a brewery/distillery in Hobart where they make their own spirits - including whisky - but has written a book about whisky, I knew I had to chat with her. 'The Whisky Widow' (published by HQ Fiction) is an incredible, sweeping tale about whisky and those involved in its production during a tumultuous period of Scotland's history. And I simply adored this chat with Karen for the podcast recently. If you love whisky (or the idea of it at least), you will enjoy this episode.

Matt Rogers  is a Melbourne-based million copy bestselling writer who’s written more than 36 thrillers. He wrote his first novel at the tender age of 16 and published his first at 18. This year, however, Matt makes his debut in the traditional publishing world with the first instalment of a new series featuring the absolute kick arse ex-contract killer for the CIA, Logan Booth. A thrilling, fast-paced, high-stakes story with a plot twist that will make you gasp out loud, ‘The Forsaken’ was released by Simon & Schuster on 2 July.I was delighted to have welcomed Matt to the podcast recently to chat about this book and his journey to publishing success.

Laura McCluskey is a debut author whose novel was described to me as ‘the hottest debut crime novel of 2025’.Since the book’s release  back in February I have watched in awe at the manner in which this book has shot to success. It was the Book of the Month for QBD Books, Dymocks, Booktopia AND WHS Smith.It’s a spooky Scottish detective mystery called ‘The Wolf Tree’ published by Harper Collins Australia. And I was thrilled to have the chatted with Laura for the podcast recently.  

Fleur McDonald is the author of 24 novels clocking up more than 850 000 book sales across a career that has spanned more than 16 years.She is a best-selling rural crime author and has built a loyal fanbase of readers with her incredible cast of characters and settings - the most popular and recognisable of course is Detective Dave Burrows. But in a move that is set to cement Fleur’s reputation as a master of crime writing, Fleur has released a brand new novel called ‘The Prospect’. Published by HarperCollins Australia, 'The Prospect' is a gripping, high-stakes thriller exploring the Australian gold mining industry, outlaw motorcycle gangs and most interestingly the ever-increasing phenomenon of grey nomads who are hitting the roads across this vast country of ours. A fantastic story which had me hooked from its opening pages and I was delighted to welcome Fleur to the podcast recently to chat about it. 

Hilde Hinton is a bestselling author of three novels, as well as a big sister to Connie and Samuel Johnson. A one-time prison officer and second hand book seller, a mother and carer of people in need of temporary housing and support, Hilde’s stories are filled with the kinds of characters that reflect her larger than life experiences and her writing is infused with empathy and insight into the impact of grief, loneliness and trauma.This year, Hilde’s third novel ‘The Opposite of Lonely’ was released by Hachette Australia. A deeply moving book in which Hilde puts her finger on the pulse of modern Australian society, exposing the tender underbelly of the most vulnerable members of our community and showing that what we need most is often right in front of us. A beautifully written story about friendship, motherhood, family and the quiet strength of ordinary people that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. And I was delighted to have the opportunity to chat with Hilde about ‘The Opposite of Lonely’ for the podcast recently. 

Valerie Miller is a Brisbane-based writer who teaches high school by day and writes stories at night.In late 2024, Valerie decided to self-publish her debut novel 'There's Something About You Olivia Bennett'. A dual-time line historical novel which flips between Sydney of the 1960s and late 1980s. This is a book that Valerie has coloured with her experiences as a child of Italian migrants. A book that explores amongst other things, post-war proxy brides, the difficulties faced by migrants as they tried to assimilate into the Australian way of life, the importance and value of female friendships and the different types of family bonds forged in the absence of biological ones. A heart-warming, nostalgic story that took me back to my own childhood in many ways. I loved this chat with Valerie and hope you will too.

Maithree Wijesekara is an Australian-Sri Lankan writer based in Melbourne who graduated with a Masters in Dentistry in 2021, and who, this year, became a published novelist with her debut novel, 'The Prince Without Sorrow' (Harper Voyager). Now, Maithree splits her time between telling people to brush their teeth, and writing stories inspired by the fantastical and the real world. A richly imagined tale of sibling rivalry and thirst for power, 'The Prince Without Sorrow' is a stunning addition to the fantasy genre.And I thoroughly enjoyed my recent chat with Maithree for the podcast.

Natasha Lester is a international bestselling author whose novels have been translated into 21 languages. Novels which include 'A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald', 'Her Mother’s Secret', 'The Paris Seamstress', 'The French Photographer', 'The Paris Secret', 'The Riviera House', 'The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre' and "The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard'.  Natasha’s latest book is inspired by yet another incredible, brave woman whose story was not widely known. In fact, I had never heard of her before. A woman who was not only a mother, a rally car driver, and journalist  - but a spy who rose to the top of the Gestapo’s most wanted list for her work in the resistance movement during World War II.Called ‘The Mademoiselle Alliance’ this is a most remarkable, moving, inspiring story about a woman whose work to help free France from Nazi occupation went largely unrecognised until recently. And I was thrilled to welcome Natasha back to the podcast to talk to me about the woman who inspired this utterly brilliant novel. 

Chris Flynn is the author of several novels that include the astonishing novel ‘Mammoth’ - told from the point of view of a 13000 year-old fossilised mammoth. A book which was shortlisted for a number of awards in 2021 - and which drew praise from some of the brightest literary minds. His new book, ‘Orpheus Nine’, published by Hachette Australia, is a deeply thought-provoking, compelling book set in a tiny rural Australian town against the backdrop of a mysterious global event killing nine-year old children.A supernatural thriller that will have you turning pages deep into the night and hugging your children close when you’re done. I was thrilled to welcome Chris to the podcast recently to chat about it.

Listeners it’s been almost 3 years since I last welcomed my next guest to the podcast. Back then we were talking about a truly remarkable novel which just over a year later went on to win the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award. That book was, of course, Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens and the author, Shankari Chandran. In the time since that first podcast chat, I’ve watched in absolute awe and wonder at the stratospheric rise of Shankari’s writing career. Earlier this year I was privileged to attend the launch of Shankari’s most recent novel - Unfinished Business (also published by Ultimo Press). An explosive, heart-in-your-mouth thriller that follows CIA Agent Ellie Harper as she travels to Sri Lanka to investigate the death of a local journalist.I was more than a little thrilled to welcome the highly impressive Shankari Chandran back to the podcast a little while ago.

Jackie French is one of Australia's best-loved, bestselling authors and earlier this year, she released another new novel.  Called ‘The Whisperer’s War’ (published by HQ Fiction) it’s an incredible war-time story set in England between 1938 and 1947. A story that examines - amongst many other things - the cost of war and the quest for wealth, power and status that drive it. A unique and entirely gripping account of the war and one woman’s fight to save her country from falling into Nazi hands. I absolutely loved it.  I was honoured to have the chance to speak with Jackie about this novel recently for the podcast.

**Discussion of Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Abuse and Other Mature Themes. Please proceed with caution.**Jo Skinner is a Brisbane based author of two novels, a practising GP as well as a long-distance runner.I connected with Jo online a couple of years ago now and have watched on with delight as she achieved her publication dream last year with the release of her debut novel ‘The Truth About My Daughter’ and again this year with her new novel, ‘A World of Silence’. Published by Hawkeye Publishing, 'A World of Silence' is one of those books you want to press into the hands of every woman you know. A commentary on modern society and the kind of life many women lead, it explores the consequences of speaking up in the face of unspeakable truths and also the consequences of staying silent. A book I had the very great honour of reading ahead of publication and for which I could only offer the highest praise. A remarkable read from a rising talent in Australian contemporary women’s fiction. 

**Discussion of some mature themes**While Lauren K McKellar is no stranger to publishing, this year marks the release of her first foray into women's fiction with a thoroughly delightful, uplifting and thought-provoking novel entitled 'The Calendar Mums'. Published by HQ Fiction, 'The Calendar Mums' is a novel about motherhood and the importance of female friendships. A novel that, to me, was 'The Calendar Girls' meets 'Big Little Lies'. Trust me when I tell you this is a must-read novel for anyone woman who has struggled with post-natal identity, body-image or indeed grief. I enjoyed a wonderful chat with Lauren for the podcast recently.

Cassie Hamer is not only an Australian bestselling author of 3 novels  - 'After the Party', 'The End of Cuthbert Close' and the 'Truth About Faking It' - but a colleague, a writing buddy and most importantly, a dear friend.This month, Cassie has a new novel out. And listener’s it’s an absolute cracker. ‘The Stranger at the Table’ published by HQ Fiction is part crime, part family drama that’s pacy and page-turning. Filled with a cast of flawed but relatable characters and a killer plot twist at the end, 'The Stranger at the Table' heralds an exciting new direction for this bestselling author and with an endorsement from Australian literary legend Markus Zusak  - you know you’re going to be in good hands with this story. Have a listen to this brilliant chat I had with Cassie recently.

Sara Foster is a Perth-based author of six best-selling psychological suspense novels that include ‘You Don’t Know Me’ The Hidden Hours’ and ‘All that is Lost Between Us’, along with the acclaimed dystopian thriller ‘The Hush’.Two of Sara’s novels have been optioned for TV and ‘You Don’t Know Me’ - a book I have read and absolutely loved - was adapted into a chart-topping drama podcast series by Listnr.  Sara’s newest novel ‘When She Was Gone’ was released by HarperCollins earlier this month. And listeners, what a nail-biting thriller this one is. Taut, pacy and utterly compelling, I ripped through this page-turner at break-neck speed. With the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of two small children and their young nanny at the heart of this novel - the story not only pulls at the heartstrings, but shines a spotlight on rich people behaving badly and the tricky interplay between politics, power and justice. An astounding read that I cannot recommend highly enough. I was thrilled to speak with Sara about this new book on the podcast recently.

Listeners, I may have mentioned once or twice on the podcast before that I’m a huge francophile. So whenever I have the chance to read a book that takes me back to France or immerses me in the sensory heaven that is French food and wine, I’ll savour it like a glass of Moet and Chandon. And so when a book called ‘Eat Your Heart Out’ set in France crossed my desk earlier this year, I knew it was going to be something I would enjoy.Published by Affirm Press in February this year, 'Eat Your Heart Out' was to me  an ‘Emily in Paris’ meets ‘Julie and Julia’.  A book about French food and culture and about blogging - set against the backdrop of Paris and the French Riviera.Written by Victoria Brownlee, a writer and editor with experience as a food critic and an international bestselling author of novels that include 'Fromage à Trois' and 'Brioche in the Oven', 'Eat Your Heart Out' is a delightful novel that I gobbled up faster than a wedge of camembert. I was delighted to chat with Victoria for the podcast recently.

Listeners, if you tune in regularly, I’m sure you appreciate that I read eclectically and I’m fascinated by how books come into being - whatever path that happens to take. Indie or trad, I’m interested in it all. So when my fellow writer and friend, Sal Gallaher took the plunge and decided to self-publish her debut, I was keen to have a chat about it. Sal is a writer and photographer. A Dane by birth but has long called Australia home. Her debut novel ‘Secrets in the Lakes’ was published in late 2024. Exploring trauma, mystery and rekindling of long-ago friendships, ‘Secrets in the Lakes’ is a pacy, entertaining read from this emerging writer. And I was delighted to chat with Sal recently about her book and journey to publication.

Listeners I last spoke to my next guest, Maryrose Cuskelly, when her debut novel ‘The Cane’ was published by Allen & Unwin back in 2022. "The Cane" was an atmospheric crime novel set in a fictional sugarcane town in North Queensland in the 1970s. A terrific story reminiscent of 'The Dry' and other Australian rural and outback noir, that became an Australian bestseller and was later shortlisted for a Davitt Award in 2023. Recently, Maryrose’s second novel ‘The Campers’ was released. And listeners, this novel is just as good - if not better - than 'The Cane' in my humble opinion. Nail-bitingly tense and atmospheric, 'The Campers' takes us into some uncomfortable territory. A social commentary novel that forces us to examine a society in crisis at a micro level and leaves us questioning what we would do in the same situation. Told through the eyes of a middle-class woman - a wife and mother - facing her own personal crises, we witness a community whose fabric is severely challenged by the arrival of the itinerant campers.Another stunning read from Maryrose that left me unsettled and yet inspired at the same time. I was thrilled to welcome Maryrose back to the podcast recently. 

Listeners today I’m so excited to introduce you to another Aussie author whose book has simply floored me. Fiona Hardy - a writer, bookseller and reviewer from Melbourne - is the author of a new book published by Affirm Press earlier this year called ‘Unbury the Dead’.  A contemporary crime fiction novel about two best friends who are hired to undertake some morally questionable activities and who then find themselves caught up in a deadly high-stakes drama. Fast-paced, gritty and compulsive, Fiona Hardy is a talented, fresh new voice in Australian crime literature. I was thrilled to have the chance to chat with her on the podcast recently.

Marion Taffe is a Melbourne-based writer who after a 20 year career as a journalist, decided to turn her hand to novel-writing. A graduate of the RMIT degree in Professional Writing and Editing, Marion was named Creative Industries Student of the Year in her graduating year of 2023. She was also runner-up in the Grace Marion Wilson Emerging Writers Prize (non-fiction) in 2022 and a recipient of a Varuna Residential Fellowship in 2023.Marion’s novel ‘By Her Hand’ was released in early March by HarperCollins’s Fourth Estate and what an impressive, wondrous and exploration of an historical era along with some of its major players that I knew next to nothing about. ‘By Her Hand’ is a book that examines the plight of women in the Kingdom of Mercia - a place now known as the English Midlands - in the 10th century and follows the story of a young farm’s girl’s fight to ensure she writes her own destiny.I was thrilled to welcome Marion to the podcast recently to chat about her publishing journey, inspiration, research and more in this wide-ranging, fascinating chat.

When a friend that you've been toiling alongside in the writing space for years can finally call themselves a published author, there's many reasons to celebrate. Chrissie Bellbrae is a talented Australian writer who took control of her writing career by self-publishing her debut novel 'The Florentine Quilt' early in 2025. I'd had the pleasure of reading an early draft of this novel some five years ago and knew then this story was special.To now see it out in the world in all its stunning glory, is immensely satisfying. A novel set across three timelines and written from the point of view of three exceptional women, with history, mystery and magic effortlessly weaved in, this book will appeal to readers of Kate Forsyth and Kell Woods. It was a joy to welcome Chrissie on the podcast recently to talk about her gorgeous book and journey to publication. Well worth a listen.