
This month I’ve been fortunate enough to catch three great author talks right here in Brisbane. Author talks are a great way for readers to connect with their favourite authors and for writers to learn more about the writing process. You can grab a signed book for your home library and have the chance to chat amongst like-minded souls. I love author talks!
My first in – conversation was at Books at Stones where I listened to the wonderful Australian crime writer, Sarah Bailey in conversation with local author and GP, Jo Skinner. I have been reading Sarah’s books since her first novel ‘ The Dark Lake’ was published in 2017. ‘ Click’ is Sarah’s sixth book and is a modern police procedural set in Melbourne.
In this story we revisit the character of Olive Groves, journalist and podcaster. Readers first met Oli in the book ‘ The Housemate’. The other side of the coin is Penelope Kibbs, a rookie detective who is working on a gruesome crime where the killer taunts police and the media by sending photos of the victims. The story shares themes of domestic violence, media ethics, policing in a modern world, social media and the dark side of digital life. It’s a very modern, fast paced thriller which will keep you turning the pages long into the night.

Another of my favourite genres is historical fiction so I was excited to catch Mary -Lou Stephens in conversation with one of my romance writing friends, Leanne Lovegrove. Mary-Lou writes books set in Tasmania and her meticulously researched stories share stories of real events and places. Her new novel is called ‘ The Hobart Hotel’ and is her first dual timeline novel.

The story begins in 1939, Australia with the grand opening of the Wrest Point Riviera. The glamorous Sabine Winters has recently arrived from war – ravaged Europe seeking a quieter life. Little does Sabine expect that she will be recruited as a spy and taken to the viper’s nest that is South America during the rise of Nazi power.
1973 sees the grand opening of Tasmania’s Wrest Point Hotel Casino. Jenny Davies is stunned to be asked to be one of the casino’s croupiers, a Ladybird. But Jenny’s career choice creates a devastating chain of events that could destroy her life. Can a mysterious letter and key from a long lost relative be the answer to all her problems?
Mary – Lou Stephens brings to life the forgotten stories of Australian history filled with strong women, glamour and mystery.

My last author talk was from talented Irish born Perth writer, Dervla McTiernan. Dervla is a wonderful speaker and author whose crime novels always shoot up the bestseller lists straight to Number One. A former lawyer, Dervla took a risk on writing after coming to Australia and is one of the best crime authors in the world. She is certainly one of my favourites and an automatic buy for me.
I first met Dervla at a small author talk at Ashgrove Library when she toured with her first wonderful book ‘ The Ruin’. Since those early days Dervla’s talks now pack out huge auditoriums. I was part of a 370 strong crowd at Brisbane City Hall.
This latest book, ‘ Three Reasons for Revenge’ is set in Melbourne. It’s her first book set in Australia. Three very different people are sent three mysterious parcels. Each reacts in a different way as readers ponder the question of how are these characters are linked. Dervla hinted that her next book will be set back in Dublin. I’ve just visited Ireland and Dublin recently so was very excited about this development.

If you haven’t been to an author talk in a while check out the guides in your local bookshops, libraries and watch out for the terrific events hosted by Brisbane Writer’s Festival. These events inspire, entertain and foster debate as national and international authors share insights into their books, writing processes and so much more. Which author talks would you love to see?



















































































































