Kill City

By Leigh Dillon & Helen M

Australian crime fiction is our M.O. The Kill City podcast is all about Australian crime writing, crime books and the Australian crime writing industry.

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FAQs about Kill City:

How many episodes does Kill City have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.

Kill City episodes:

July 12, 2026Wouldn't be Dead for Quids - Robert G Barrett, larger than life
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In this episode, we explore the life and work of Australian crime fiction novelist Robert G. Barrett, creator of the Les Norton series. We discuss his background, writing style, cultural impact, and the enduring appeal of his books, despite their controversial content.
Find Robert G Barrett's books on Booktopia
Visit Booktopia
A personal farewell - The Newtown Review of Books
Key Topics
Robert G. Barrett's background and career
The creation and character of Les Norton
The cultural and social impact of Barrett's work
Chapters
Introduction to Robert G. Barrett and Les Norton
The Life and Background of Robert G. Barrett
The Unique Style of Les Norton Novels
Exploring the Appeal of Barrett's Work
The Controversial Humor and Themes
Reflections on Barrett's Legacy
The Impact of Barrett's Writing on Readers
Conclusion and Farewell to Robert G. Barrett
Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
24min
July 08, 2026Deadly reads for NAIDOC Week
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In this episode, Leigh and Helen explore the rich landscape of Indigenous Australian crime writing, highlighting key authors, their works, and the cultural significance behind them. They discuss how these stories deepen our understanding of First Nations' voices and the importance of celebrating Indigenous storytelling year-round.
Books and writers we talked about
Melissa Lucashenko
Killy Darcy
Hard Yards
Too Much Lip
Tony Birch
The White Girl
Angie Faye Martin
Melaleuca
Julie Janson
Madukka The River Serpent
Catherine Titasey
My Island Homicide
Philip Mclaren
Scream Black Murder (unfortunately we've been unable to source a link to this book online)
Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
15min
July 05, 2026Christian White in the Spotlight - Part Two
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In part two of our in-depth conversation with Christian White, we continue to explore his writing process, inspiration, and the secrets behind his bestselling novels.
Christian also answers our rapid fire quick and the curious questions, giving us a peek behind the curtain!
Novels by Christian White
The Nowhere Child
The Wife and the Widow
The Wild Place
The Ledge
The Long Night
Other books we discussed
On Writing, by Stephen King
Key Topics

Christian White's writing journey and influences
The importance of hooks and structure in storytelling
Creating strong sense of place in novels
Balancing horror and thriller elements
Building suspense and misdirection in crime fiction
Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
32min
June 28, 2026Christian White in the Spotlight - Part One
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In this episode, part one of our in-depth conversation with Christian White, we explore his writing process, inspiration, and the secrets behind his bestselling novels, including The Nowhere Child and The Long Night.
Novels by Christian White
The Nowhere Child
The Wife and the Widow
The Wild Place
The Ledge
The Long Night
Contact Christian
Other books we discussed
On Writing, by Stephen King
Key Topics

Christian White's writing journey and influences
The importance of hooks and structure in storytelling
Creating strong sense of place in novels
Balancing horror and thriller elements
Building suspense and misdirection in crime fiction
Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
35min
June 23, 2026 Davitt Awards Longlist Announced - Bonus Episode
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In this episode, we look at the Davitt Awards longlist, which has just been released.
This year, 126 books were entered into the 26th Davitt Awards, across four categories. The judges of the 2026 Davitt Awards have selected a longlist of 28 books that reflect the excellent quality and maturity of stories written by Australian women crime writers. These stories are notable for their originality, depth and high level of the authors’ skills.
View the longlist
https://sistersincrime.org.au/davitt-awards-2026/
Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
14min
June 21, 2026Pride & Crime: queer voices in Australian crime writing
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In this episode we explore the rich history and vibrant present of queer Australian crime fiction, highlighting pioneering authors like Fergus Hume and Dorothy Porter, and contemporary voices shaping the genre today.
Key Topics
History of queer Australian crime fiction
Influence of Fergus Hume's 'The Mystery of the Handsome Cab'
Dorothy Porter's groundbreaking verse novels
Representation of LGBTQ+ characters and authors
Contemporary queer crime writers and their impact
Books and writers we talked about
Troy Hunter
Gus and the Missing Boy
Gus and the Burning Stones
Fergus Hume
Mystery of the Hansom Cab
Sam Elliott
Haze
Hayley Scrivenor
Dirt Town
Girl Falling
GD Gaherty
High Rise Blood
Dorothy Porter
The Monkey's Mask
Chapters
Celebrating Pride Month in Crime Fiction
Fergus Hume: The Pioneer of Australian Crime Fiction
The Impact of 'The Mystery of the Handsome Cab'
Exploring Modern Queer Crime Writers
Dahlia Turner: A Complex Protagonist in 'Haze'
The Evolution of Young Adult Crime Fiction
The Role of Queer Voices in Literature
Upcoming Works and Future Authors
Conclusion and Next Week's Guest
Keywords
queer Australian crime fiction, Fergus Hume, Dorothy Porter, LGBTQ+ authors, Australian crime novels, queer literature, crime fiction history, modern queer crime writers
Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
28min
June 14, 2026January Gilchrist in the spotlight - Part Two
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Join us for part two of our insightful conversation with author January Gilchrist, as she shares her journey into writing, character development, research adventures, and the realities of publishing. Discover tips for aspiring writers, the importance of authenticity, and her favorite Australian crime novels.
Key Topics
Journey into writing and publishing
Character development and grounding
Research methods and strange discoveries
Insights into the publishing process
Favorite authors and genre influences
January Gilchrist on Instagram
Chapters
The Journey to Becoming a Writer
Character Development and Complexity
Research and Inspiration for Writing
Writing Process and Tools
Editing and Word Choice
Community and Support in Writing
Writing for Yourself vs. Commercial Success
The Generosity of Australian Writers
Navigating Feedback from Editors and Readers
The Emotional Impact of Writing
The Journey of Writing and Publishing
Fun and Lighthearted Moments in Writing
Rapid Fire Questions with January Gilchrist
Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
31min
June 07, 2026January Gilchrist in the spotlight - Part One
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In this episode we speak to the wonderful January Gilchrist, whose latest book, The Final Chapter is essential reading.

Join us as we explore her creative process, writing routines, and January's inspiring journey. Discover how she balances multiple genres, her experiences at Varuna, and insights into her upcoming novel 'Slake House' in this engaging interview.
January's books
The Final Chapter
My Sister's Shadow
Things we talked about
The Rise and Fall of Choose Your Own Adventure (YouTube documentary)

Key Topics
Writing routines and process
Experiences at Varuna residency
Development of 'The Final Chapter'
Themes of women and relationships in her books
Upcoming novel 'Slake House' and its themes

Chapters

Introduction and Guest Welcome
January Gilchrist's Writing Routine and Daily Life
The Inspiration Behind 'The Final Chapter'
Character Development and Themes in 'The Final Chapter'
Reader Reactions and Feedback on Her Books
Building a Novel: Character or Scene First?
Research and Historical Accuracy in Writing
Writing Tools and Software Preferences
Experience at Varuna Residency and Creative Inspiration
The Ghost at Varuna and Its Significance
'My Sister's Shadow' and Gothic Inspiration
Writing Sister Relationships and Character Dynamics
Balancing Transient Life and Genre Switching
Upcoming Novel 'Slake House' and Its Themes
Publishing Timeline and Future Projects

Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
37min
June 02, 2026 The Empty Beach - Chapter One
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In this episode Leigh reads the first chapter of the seminal 1983 Peter Corris novel, The Empty Beach.
Find Peter Corris books on Booktopia
Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
12min
May 31, 2026Mean Streets
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Summary
Explore the prolific career of Peter Corris, the godfather of contemporary Australian crime writing, and his impact on the genre. Discover his key works, influences, and legacy in shaping Australian noir and the character of Cliff Hardy.
Key Topics
Peter Corris's influence on Australian crime fiction
The significance of Cliff Hardy in Australian noir
Corris's literary influences, especially Raymond Chandler
The evolution of Corris's writing style over his career
The impact of Australian landscape and society on his novels
Key Frameworks
Australian noir
Sydney as a character in crime fiction
Chapters
The Legacy of Peter Corris
Exploring Key Works of Peter Corris
The Evolution of Cliff Hardy
Themes in Corris's Writing
The Influence of Australian Landscape
Looking Ahead: Future Conversations
More on Peter Corris
Find Peter Corris books on Booktopia
Peter Corris documentary on YouTube
In Competition podcast (Jim and Sean)
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/in-competition/id1724684222
Booktopia Affiliate Program
The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!

At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too.
Disclaimer
The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy.
www.killcitypodcast.com.au
...more
27min

FAQs about Kill City:

How many episodes does Kill City have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.