Talking Aussie Books

Michael Robotham is one of Australia's leading and best-selling crime writers. With 14 novels under his belt now, a swag of awards and a host of TV and film adaptations of his work made or in the pipeline, this writer is scaling the dizzy heights of success and deservedly so. Join me as I chat to this prolific, entertaining writer about his new novel, "Good Girl, Bad Girl" (Hachette), his inspirat...

On this week's episode, I chat to Sydney-based author Suzanne Daniel. A journalist and communications consultant, Suzanne's debut novel, "Allegra in Three Parts" (Pan Macmillan Australia) is one of the most heart-warming, perceptive coming of age stories I've read in a long time. Set in 1970s Sydney, Suzanne takes readers on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we follow 11-year-old Allegra throug...

A former script-writer for 'Home and Away', a long-running popular Australian TV drama, Kaneana May has now cracked the literary market with her intriguing exploration of a reality dating show in her debut novel, 'The One'. It follows the lives of three women - each of whom must decide how far they will go to find the one. . . Join me for this fascinating chat with an exciting new voice in Austral...

It's been just over a week since Tess Woods' latest novel, "Love and Other Battles" (HarperCollins Australia) hit Australian bookshelves and it seems the reading public can't wait to get stuck into this heartwarming story. A multi-generational story that delves into the lives of three women - each a product of their own time - it offers both an insight into our past and a glimpse of challenges we...

This week I chat to Maya Linnell, another fabulous debut Aussie author. Her book "Wildflower Ridge" (Allen & Unwin) was a delightful read that had me yearning to travel in the protagonist's footsteps through country Victoria and into the Grampian ranges. A heartwarming family saga that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Loved it!

In this Episode, I chat to Tabitha Bird about her remarkable debut novel, 'A Lifetime of Impossible Days' (Viking, Penguin Random House 2019). It's a magical story that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. It will make you laugh and cry and no doubt will leave a lasting impression long after you've turned the final page. I was enchanted by the Willas' story and I know you will be too.

Ashley Kalagian Blunt is a Sydney-based writer whose debut book "My Name is Revenge" is a fictional exploration of a significant historical event and its continued effect on the geopolitics of the modern era along with impact of violence as a way of resolving violence. A thought-provoking and informative book and interview.

Christian White's debut novel "The Nowhere Child" has catapulted him to overnight international success. Winner of the 2017 Victorian Premier's Literary Award and shortlisted for the 2019 ABIA's, "The Nowhere Child" is a gripping story of secrets, cults and memories taking readers on a journey full of twists and turns, through the past and present to find out: who took Sammy Went. Join me as Chris...

Josephine Moon is one of Australia's favourite story-tellers. Famously describing her books as being "like chocolate brownies", more and more readers are tucking into these moreish stories. And her new novel, "The Gift Of Life" is another heartwarming tale that will have you flipping pages well into the night. A very special treat! Tune in as we chat organ donation, heart transplants, food, animal...

Richard Beasley is a Sydney barrister who exploded on the Australian literary scene with his first novel "Hell Has Harbour Views". A satirical look at life in a big city law firm, this novel resonated with many a young lawyer and was adapted for TV not long afterwards. After sixteen years and another four books, Richard wrote, "The Burden of Lies", the second in his Peter Tanner series. It's a leg...

With six novels already under her writing belt, Natasha Lester is one of Australia's fastest rising literary stars. Her novels are sweeping tales of love and war; of by-gone eras when women faced significant hurdles in their struggle for social change. Her latest novel, "The French Photographer" is another stunning example of Natasha's skill in the historical fiction space. A novel you won't forge...

Cassie Hamer is yet another fabulous debut Australian author whose book "After the Party" was released by HQ Fiction in February 2019. A heart-warming and humourous look at parenthood, love, marriage and school-yard politics, fans of Liane Moriarty will love this book! Join me for this entertaining chat with Cassie - a new and exciting voice in contemporary Australian fiction.

Dianne Blacklock is the author of ten novels and one of Australia's best-loved story-tellers. A freelance editor and writing coach, Di was and still is at the forefront of the rise in popularity of contemporary womens' stories. Tune in as I chat to Di about her latest offering, "Jack and Kate", writing and much more.

In this Episode, I chat to Sarah Myles about her brand new book, "The Wolf Hour". A gripping, contemporary story about the lengths a family will go to save one of their own and what moments of crises reveal about our true selves. Set in war-torn Uganda, Sarah's book examines the dichotomy that is Africa: on the one hand, a country of incredible beauty and grace; and on the other, one with an ugly...

Although fairly new to the Australian publishing scene, Penelope Janu has well and truly made her mark with three novels in two years as well as winning the XO Romance Prize in 2017 for her most recent novel, "On the Same Page" (Brio Books). Listen in as I chat to this clever lady and find out what inspires her writing, her reading habits and much more.

In the first episode of 2019, find out why everyone is talking about "The Missing Pieces of Sophie McCarthy", Ber Carroll's latest novel. Hear from much-loved author Ber as we chat about her thought-provoking, if somewhat chilling examination, of the ripple effect one tragic incident can have on the lives of many: the victim, the perpetrator, as well as their families and friends. A compelling and...

In this episode, I chat to another fabulous debut Aussie novelist, Joanna Nell. Her novel, "The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village" is a charming and wonderfully funny novel which explores ageing, friendships, love and family in a thoroughly modern context. This novel will have you laughing out loud and glued to your seat until the very last page. I loved this book and so will you!

If you had time again, would you live the same life twice? Would you make the same choices? This is the dilemma Gracie faces when a car accident leaves her unable to remember who she is, including the man she is meant to be marrying in three months time. Join me as I chat to the wonderful Vanessa Carnevale, whose novel "The Memories that Make Us" will leave you breathless with anticipation watchin...

Lucy Marrett is a young Australian author whose debut novel "The Way I See It" is sparking conversations around mental illness and what it's like to walk in the shoes of someone who suffers from debilitating anxiety. It's not a self-help book or manual about how to deal with anxiety, but a realistic portrayal of the fight to do the most basic things in spite of the condition. Listen in as I chat t...

Tricia Stringer is one of Australia's best selling authors. She has won multiple awards for her rural romance novels and has also published historical fiction. Her latest novel, "Table for Eight" is a delightful and uplifting contemporary novel taking readers on a cruise to the South Pacific, following the story of a group of passengers who become unlikely dining companions. Listen in as I chat to...

When a terrible tragedy changes Alice Hart's life forever, she goes to live on a flower farm with the grandmother she never knew and learns the language of flowers to help her say things she cannot speak of. Join me as I chat to Holly Ringland, author of the remarkable debut novel, "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart" and find out why everyone wants to read this book.

Shirley's debut novel, "The Secrets We Keep" is a quintessentially Australian story, that captures the essence and spirit of the the remote mining town of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. A story of love, loss and hope, this novel will have you spellbound until the very end.

Adam Cece is the author of a couple of new and whacky books for kids, called 'The Extremely Weird Thing That Happened in Huggabie Falls' (Book 1) and 'The Unbelievably Scary Thing that Happened In Huggabie Falls' (Book 2).Tune in as I chat to Adam about these wonderfully weird and fun kids' books, his inspiration, his writing journey and much more.

Marita Smith is a mushroom-growing science graduate who writes young adult novels that pack a punch. Dynamic, strong, intelligent characters populate the pages of her science-fiction themed 'Kindred Ties' Trilogy. Tune in to find out the inspiration behind the world Marita has created in Books 1 & 2 in the Series - Convergence and Emergence.

Meredith Jaffé is the author of two stunning novels, The Fence (2016)and The Making of Christina (2017) both published by Pan MacMillan Australia. In this week's podcast we chat about what inspired Meredith to write the harrowing story of a mother dealing with the aftermath of her daughter's sexual abuse at the hand of her long-time partner. We chat gardening, horse stories, rural living and much...