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:

May 24, 2026First Blood: debuts that reshaped a genre
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Join Helen and Leigh as they explore the top 12 Australian crime debut novels, ranked by success and awards, with fun clues and insights into each book's significance in Australian crime fiction.

Books we discussed
Bay of Fires, by Poppy Gee
The Dark Lake, by Sarah Bailey
The Torrent, by Dinuka McKenzie
Wake, by Shelley Burr
Dirt Town, by Hayley Scrivenor
Boy Swallows Universe, by Trent Dalton
Scrublands, by Chris Hammer
Stiff, by Shane Maloney
The Bluffs, by Kyle Perry
Murder in the Pacific, by Matt Francis
Quota, by Jock Serong
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.
Keywords
Australian crime fiction, debut novels, Ned Kelly Awards, Australian noir, book list, crime writing, Australian authors, mystery novels, literary awards, coastal noir
Key Topics
Top Australian crime debut novels
Awards and success of debut novels
Genre evolution and regional settings in Australian crime
Notable authors and their breakthrough books
Music Credits
Music by Mykola Odnoroh (Jazz Lounge Elevator Music) from Pixabay
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
38min
May 17, 2026The 12 essential crime fiction screen adaptations (Part Two)
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Summary
In part two of our look at the 12 essential crime fiction screen adaptations, we're counting down from six to one. Discover what landed where and how these stories shaped Australian cinema and television, highlighting their cultural significance and cinematic brilliance.
Key Topics
Adaptation of 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' and its cultural impact
The success of 'The Dry' and its influence on Australian crime genre
The role of Australian landscape in storytelling and film
Chapters
Introduction to Australian Crime Novels
Picnic at Hanging Rock: A Classic Adaptation
The Broken Shore: A Deep Dive
Scrublands: A Unique Adaptation Approach
Bad Debts: The Jack Irish Series
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: A Glamorous Detective
The Tie for Number One: The Dry and Its Impact
Resources & links
'Picnic at Hanging Rock' (film)
'The Dry' (film)
Kerry Greenwood's Miss Fisher series
Episode 7 of the Kill City Podcast - Murder in the Dark, celebrating Kerry Greenwood
Easy Tiger Productions (website)
Easy Tiger (IMDB)
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
41min
May 10, 2026The 12 essential crime fiction screen adaptations (Part One)
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Summary
This episode explores the 12 essential Australian crime novel adaptations for TV and film, highlighting their impact, production insights, and cultural significance. Hosted by Helen and Leigh, it features in-depth discussions on adaptations like Silver (Scrublands 2), Stiff, Les Norton, and more.
Keywords

Australian crime fiction, TV adaptations, film adaptations, Australian literature, crime novels, screen adaptations, Australian crime series, Peter Temple, Shane Maloney, Jane Harper
Key Topics
Impact of Australian crime novels on screen
Production insights of adaptations
Cultural significance of Australian crime stories
Films and TV adaptations we discussed
Stiff
Black Tide
Force of Nature
Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears
Silver
Les Norton
Chapters
Introduction to Australian Crime Adaptations
Exploring 'Silver' and Chris Hammer's Universe
The Miss Fisher Phenomenon
Les Norton: A Controversial Legacy
Force of Nature: The Rugged Australian Landscape
Stiff: A Political Satire in Crime Fiction
Deadpoint: The Dark Side of Jack Irish
Resources
Chris Hammer's Silver
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Jane Harper's Force of Nature
Peter Temple's Jack Irish series
Shane Maloney's Murray Whelan series
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.
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
May 03, 2026Hitting the Streets
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Summary
In this episode Helen and Leigh provide a comprehensive overview of Australian crime novels releasing in 2026, featuring insights into authors, themes, and upcoming events. Perfect for crime fiction enthusiasts planning their reading list.
Books we talked about
Dark Desert Road, Tim Ayliffe
Haze, by Sam Elliott
The Gambler, JP Pomare
Click, by Sarah Bailey
Tell me something true, by Michael Robotham
The Long Night, by Christian White *note: we incorrectly had The Long Night coming in June 2026, which we've realised was incorrect. You can find it in-store now! Sorry about that :)
An ill Wind, by Margaret Hickey
Three Reasons for Revenge, by Dervla McTiernan
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.

Chapters
Exploring Australian Crime Novels for 2026
Notable Releases: Tim Aliff and Sam Elliott
JP Pomare and Sarah Bailey: Rising Stars
Historical Crime and New Voices
Returning Favorites: Michael Robotham and Christian White
Margaret Hickey and Vicky Petratus: Rural Noir Queens
Dervla McTiernan: Anticipated Releases
Upcoming Festivals and Author Events
Wrap-Up: The Future of Australian Crime Fiction
Keywords
Australian crime novels, 2026 releases, crime authors, book festivals, crime fiction trends
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
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
April 28, 2026 Cocaine Blues - Chapter One
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In this episode Helen reads the first chapter of Kerry Greenwood's debut Phryne Fisher novel, Cocaine Blues.
Find Cocaine Blues on Booktopia
The London season is in full fling at the end of the 1920s, but the Honourable Phryne Fisher - she of the green-grey eyes, diamant garters and outfits that should not be sprung suddenly on those of nervous dispositions - is rapidly tiring of the tedium of arranging flowers, making polite conversations with retired colonels, and dancing with weak-chinned men. Instead, Phryne decides it might be rather amusing to try her hand at being a lady detective in Melbourne, Australia.

Almost immediately from the time she books into the Windsor Hotel, Phryne is embroiled in mystery: poisoned wives, cocaine smuggling rings, corrupt cops and communism - not to mention erotic encounters with the beautiful Russian dancer, Sasha de Lisse - until her adventure reaches its steamy end in the Turkish baths of Little Lonsdale Street.
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
April 26, 2026Murder in the Dark - celebrating Kerry Greenwood OAM
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Summary
In the episode we explore the life, works, and legacy of Australian crime writer Kerry Greenwood OAM, focusing on her iconic character Phrynne Fisher and her impact on crime fiction and television adaptations.
Key Topics
Kerry Greenwood's contribution to Australian crime fiction
The character of Phrynne Fisher and her significance
The adaptation of the books into the TV series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Greenwood's versatility across genres including crime, historical fiction, and young adult
The social and feminist themes in Greenwood's work
Takeaways
Kerry Greenwood brought joy and social awareness to crime fiction.
Phrynne Fisher's character exemplifies modern feminist ideals in a 1920s setting.
The TV adaptation captured the spirit of Greenwood's work, especially Essie Davis's portrayal.
Greenwood's background as a solicitor enriched her authentic depiction of legal and moral dilemmas.
Her work spans multiple genres, showcasing her versatility as a writer.
Books we discussed
Cocaine Blues
Flying too High
Murder on the Ballarat train
Chapters
Celebrating Kerry Greenwood's Legacy
The Unique Voice of Kerry Greenwood
Miss Fisher: A Bold and Stylish Heroine
Cozy Crime or Something More?
The TV Adaptation: Bringing Miss Fisher to Life
Exploring Other Works by Kerry Greenwood
The Culinary Side of Kerry Greenwood
Kerry Greenwood's Lasting Impact on Crime Fiction
Resources
Kerry Greenwood's Official Website
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (TV Series)
Cooking the Books (Cookbook)
A Taste of Murder (Cookbook)
Miss Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries (TV Series)
Keywords
Kerry Greenwood, Phrynne Fisher, Australian crime fiction, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, crime series, Australian authors, Melbourne crime stories
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.
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
23min
April 21, 2026 Bad Debts: Chapter One
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Leigh reads the first chapter from Peter Temple's acclaimed debut novel, Bad Debts.

Synopsis
A phone message from ex-client Danny McKillop doesn’t ring any bells for Jack Irish. Life is hard enough without having to dredge up old problems: his beloved football team continues to lose, the odds on his latest plunge at the track seem far too long and he’s still cooking for one.

But then Danny turns up dead and Jack has to take a walk back into the dark and dangerous past.
Buy Bad Debts 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.
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
10min
April 19, 2026Red Right Hand; the legacy of Peter Temple
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This episode explores the life and legacy of Peter Temple, a transformative Australian crime writer known for his sharp prose, vivid sense of place, and award-winning novels. Host Leigh Dillon shares insights into Temple's career, writing style, and adaptations, highlighting his impact on Australian literature.

Books we talked about and where you can find them

The complete works of Peter Temple
Bad Debts
Black Tide
Dead Point
White Dog
The Broken Shore
Truth
The Red Hand
In the Evil Day
Shooting Star
An Iron Rose
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.
Movies
The Jack Irish series on ABC iView
Valentine's Day

Chapters
Celebrating Peter Temple's Legacy
The Impact of Peter Temple's Writing
Exploring the Jack Irish Series
Film and Television Adaptations of Temple's Work
The Distinctive Language of Peter Temple
Personal Favourites and Closing Thoughts
Leigh reading the first chapter of Bad Debts (released Wednesday, 22 April, 9am)

Resources
Australian Crime Writers Association - https://australiancrimewriters.com
The 2026 Louie Awards
https://www.austcrimewriters.com/2026-louie-award-winner

Keywords

Peter Temple, Australian crime fiction, Jack Irish, crime writing, Australian literature, awards, Melbourne setting, storytelling, adaptation, literary legacy
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.
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
April 12, 2026Spirit of a bushranger - the 2025 Ned Kelly Awards
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Summary
In this episode of the Kill City podcast, hosts Leigh and Helen delve into the 2025 Ned Kelly Awards, celebrating the best in Australian crime fiction, true crime, and international noir. They discuss the winners, notable mentions, and the significance of the awards in promoting Australian literature. The conversation also highlights upcoming entries for the 2026 awards and the legacy of past winners.
Takeaways

The Ned Kelly Awards are a prestigious recognition in Australian crime writing.
Margaret Hickey's 'The Creeper' won Best Crime Fiction in 2025.
Lisa Kenway's debut novel explores themes of memory and identity.
Steve Johnson's true crime book sheds light on historical injustices.
International crime fiction continues to gain recognition in Australia.
Short story collections like 'Highway 13' deserve more appreciation.
The awards have a rich history of celebrating emerging voices.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of literary awards in the writing community.
Future entries for the Ned Kelly Awards open in March 2026.
Peter Temple's influence on Australian crime fiction is significant.

The 2025 Ned Kelly Award winners
The Creeper by Margaret Hickey - Best Crime
All You Took From Me by Lisa Kenway - Best Debut
A Thousand Miles from Care by Steve Johnson - Best True Crime
A Case of Matricide by Graeme Macrae Burnet - Best International Crime
https://www.austcrimewriters.com/2025-winners
Helen's fave
Highway 13 by Fiona McFarlane
Chapters
Introduction to the Ned Kelly Awards
Celebrating the Winners of 2025
Exploring Best True Crime and International Fiction
Highlighting Notable Mentions and Future Awards
The 2026 Louie Awards
https://www.austcrimewriters.com/2026-louie-award-winner
Keywords
Ned Kelly Awards, Australian crime fiction, true crime, international noir, book recommendations, crime writing, literary awards, Margaret Hickey, Lisa Kenway, Steve Johnson
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.
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
21min
April 05, 2026Recapping the 2025 Scarlet Stiletto Awards
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Summary

In this episode of the Kill City Podcast, hosts Leigh Dillon and Helen delve into the 2025 Scarlet Stiletto Awards, a prestigious event celebrating women's contributions to crime and mystery writing in Australia. They discuss the history of the Sisters in Crime organization, highlight the winners of this year's awards, and explore the diverse categories and emerging voices in the literary scene. The episode concludes with a teaser for future discussions, including the upcoming Ned Kelly Awards and interviews with notable authors.

Takeaways

The Scarlet Stiletto Awards celebrate women's crime writing in Australia.
Sisters in Crime has been active since 1991, promoting female authors.
Over 5,000 stories have been submitted to the awards over the years.
Dr. Sandra Tom Jones won the first prize for her clever story.
Nettie Hilton and Jackie Horswood also received recognition for their unique stories.
The awards include various categories, showcasing diverse talent.
Young writers like Amber Woodburn are emerging in the crime genre.
The podcast highlights the importance of short stories in literature.
Future episodes will feature discussions on the Ned Kelly Awards.
The hosts emphasize the value of supporting women's voices in crime fiction.
Books and things we talked about
17th Cut of the Scarlet Stilettos - eBook
Sisters in Crime website
Melbourne Writers Festival website

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Scarlet Stiletto Awards
04:17 Celebrating Winners and Prizes
13:32 Spotlight on Winning Stories and Authors
17:24 Looking Ahead: The Ned Kelly Awards

Keywords

Scarlet Stiletto Awards, Sisters in Crime, women's crime writing, Australian authors, short stories, crime fiction, literary awards, emerging writers, podcast, book recommendations

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.
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

FAQs about Kill City:

How many episodes does Kill City have?

The podcast currently has 23 episodes available.