Joanna Buckley is a Melbourne-based author whose debut novel 'Lily Harford's Last Request' (HQ Fiction) blew me away. A novel that was borne out of some of Joanna's personal experiences.

It's a book that makes us confront some of the big issues we face as a society today and the choices we are forced to make along the way.

A thought-provoking, moving and brave novel that I absolutely loved.

I had the joy of welcoming Joanna to the podcast a little while back to talk about this wonderful book.

Cassie Hamer is one of Australia's best-selling authors. With three published titles to her name now, Cassie is fast cementing her reputation as an auto-buy author for meany reader across Australia.

Her new book - with the most fabulous title ever - is called "The Truth About Faking It".

I've read it and loved it. And I know others will feel the same. An absolute must-read.

I was absolutely delighted to welcome Cassie back to the podcast a few weeks back.

Maryrose Cuskelly is an award-winning Melbourne-based author of both fiction and non-fiction.

Her debut novel, "The Cane" was published earlier this year by Allen & Unwin. A gripping, atmospheric crime novel set in the fictional sugarcane town of Quala in North Queensland in the 1970s.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and was delighted to have the chance to speak with Maryrose on the podcast recently.

**Warning: This podcast contains discussion of themes and issues some listeners may find distressing.**

Back in 2020, I had the pleasure of connecting with West Australian author Monique Mulligan and chatting with her on the podcast about her debut novel, "Wherever You Go". A book which occupies a spot on the short list of books in recent times that has made me cry. A beautifully written and heart-achingly real portrayal of grief and guilt.

Earlier this year Monique released her brand new novel, "Wildflower" (Pilyara Press). And, you guessed it...I cried AGAIN!

"Wildflower" is a gut-wrenching novel about the effects of domestic violence on women and children. It shines a light on an insidious problem through the eyes of an 11 year-old girl in the summer of 1979/1980.

A stunning novel that I cannot recommend highly enough.

It was an honour to chat with Monique about this book on the podcast recently.

"The Understudy" (Simon & Schuster) by Sydney-based author Julie Bennett is a brilliant new debut novel inspired by the Sydney Opera House and Julie's own childhood.

A fascinating, page-turning glimpse into the underbelly of the theatre world, along with the rivalries, politics and machinations behind a history-making opera performance in 1973 Sydney.

I am in complete awe of Julie's achievement with this magnificent novel and was delighted to have the chance to speak with her recently for the podcast.

'Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter' (Penguin) is a brilliant debut novel from Lizzie Pook, an award-winning travel writer and journalist.

Spending time in north-western Australia researching the south-sea pearling industry was Lizzie's inspiration for this novel - which not only explores the origin of this treacherous industry, but deals with themes of family, loss, redemption and the lengths a woman will go to to save someone she loves.

A truly beautiful novel that explores the history of a remarkable part of this vast country of ours.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Lizzie on the podcast recently.

Aoife Clifford is an award-winning, bestselling Australian crime writer of three novels including "All These Perfect Strangers", "Second Sight" and now her brand new novel "When We Fall".

Published by Ultimo Press, "When We Fall" is a tense, gripping and propulsive novel with a racing plot that will leave you breathless til the very end.

If you're a fan of crime fiction, you will love Aoife's work.

Aoife and I had wide-ranging and insightful chat for the podcast recently.

Ali Lowe is a Sydney-based author who works as a journalist. I had the great pleasure of meeting Ali at a book launch back in December 2020 and was delighted to learn of her then upcoming debut novel.

The book is now out in the world. Called "The Trivia Night" (published by Hodder & Stoughton) it's a page-turning, rip snorting read that will shock, delight and have you turning pages til the wee hours!

A novel about 4 couples, one reckless night and the aftermath that threatens to rip their seemingly perfect lives apart.

I had the best fun chatting with Ali recently about her book.

Jill Staunton is a North Queensland-based author of two novels, "Reiver's Moon" and "All That He Is". Both published by Boolarong Press.

"All That He Is" was released late last year and boy oh boy, what a terrific read!

This novel grabbed me from its opening pages and didn't let go until the very end.

It had everything you want in a book: a cast of wonderfully depicted, strong and relatable characters, a rich plot, an incredible setting and vivid sense of place; mystery, suspense and a heart-wrenching love story to boot. It's a book that offers an enthralling glimpse into life in the outback, the impact of loss and trauma on our war veterans and hidden threats to our natural environment.

I was absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to chat with Jill about "All That He Is" recently for the podcast.

When an author tells you she was married to a career criminal and that this inspired her debut novel, it cannot fail to pique your interest.

Listening to Loraine Peck talk about her inspiration for her novel, "The Second Son" (Text Publishing) at a writers festival late last year, I knew I had to speak with her on the podcast to learn more.

What followed was a fascinating chat about her life and how she came to write this gripping novel. A novel that has been described as "the modern Godfather".

I had a blast chatting to Loraine about this fascinating and compelling book earlier this year.