Talking Aussie Books

Karen Herbert is a Perth-based author whose debut crime novel was recently released by Fremantle Press.

Called "The River Mouth", it's a haunting, evocative novel which centres on the shooting death of 15 year-old Darren Davies and his mother's struggle to come to terms with his death.

This book has everything book lovers enjoy in a crime novel. A stunning debut that had me guessing til the very end.

I was thrilled to chat with Karen about "The River Mouth" earlier this year.

Maria Papas is a West Australian author who won the 2020 City of Fremantle Hungerford award for her unpublished manuscript which went onto become her debut novel "Skimming Stones".

Published by Fremantle Press, "Skimming Stones" is a beautiful novel which explores the trauma inflicted on families (and siblings in particular) when children suffer life-threatening illnesses. A heartbreaking portrayal of the tragedy of illness and how it can tear families apart - leaving a life-long legacy of unhealed wounds.

Such a compelling read.

I welcomed Maria to the podcast a little while ago to chat about her wonderful novel.

Sara Foster is a West Australian author of six international bestselling psychological suspense novels. Titles that include 'Come Back to Me', 'Beneath the Shadows', 'Shallow Breath', 'All That is Lost Between Us' and the 'Hidden Hours'.

Two years ago now, her last book 'You Don't Know Me' was released and I had the privilege of chatting with Sara on the podcast back then.

This year Sara is back with a brand new book - a near-future thriller - that explores a society that is close to tipping point.

A multi-generational female-led thriller with real-life parallels highlighting the power of female friendships and the need for women to take back control of their lives.

Called 'The Hush' (HarperCollins), this book heralds an exciting new breed of thriller and I was excited to have the chance to chat with Sara again on the podcast recently.

Sally Hepworth is a best-selling author of seven novels. Her 2020 novel, "The Good Sister" was an instant best-seller and her 2019 novel, "The Mother-in-Law" has been optioned for a TV series by Hollywood actress and producer, Amy Poehler. Sally's books are available all over the world and have been translated into 20 languages.

"The Younger Wife" is Sally's most recent novel (published by Pan Macmillan). This is a compulsive, must-read novel that had me turning pages into the early hours. A terrifically engrossing domestic thriller about a garage full of stolen goods, a hot water bottle stuffed with cash and a blood-soaked wedding.

I had so much fun chatting with Sally on the podcast a while back.

Robyn Mundy is a Tasmanian-based author of three novels whose work forms an exploration of nature in its wildest forms.

Her fiction draws inspiration from her own adventures through Svalbard (a territory of Norway), Greenway, Antartica, the Norwegian Coast and Scotland.

Her latest novel, "Cold Coast" (published by Ultimo Press) is a completely immersive and enthralling exploration of the majesty and brutality of nature through one woman's brave journey in a world exclusively occupied by men.

The more I read, the more captivated I became. A brilliant novel!

I was thrilled to welcome Robyn to the podcast a little while ago.

If you're listening to this podcast, I'm sure that like me, books are something that you'll definitely be popping under the tree. And one book you'll definitely want to gift this Christmas is Joanna Nell's brand new novel "The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital" (Hachette).

I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to chat with Joanna before on this podcast. First, when in 2018, her debut novel "The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village" was released and then last year when her third novel "The Great Escape From Woodlands Nursing Home" came out.

And now I get to do it all over again for Jo's brand new utterly charming, heartwarming and humorous read about the vagaries of ageing from one of Australia's favourite, bestselling story-tellers. Tune in to this terrific chat!

"Hitler's Assassins" is the second book in Steve Matthew's Nazi trilogy (released by Big Sky Publishing).

A book that takes us behind the scenes of Hitler's megalomania and paranoia during his reign as Fuhrer through the eyes of his personal staff and his closest military advisers.

Listeners, this book is unlike anything I've ever read before and offers another eye-opening, chilling insight into what can only be described as a reign of absolute terror.

And if you're a history buff, then this book will certainly offer a unique glimpse into events of our recent past.

I was delighted to have the chance to chat with Steve again recently.

I met Sydney-based author Vanessa McCausland in early 2020, just after the release of her debut novel, "The Lost Summers of Driftwood". A hauntingly beautiful story that has stayed with me ever since. . .

Following that meeting, Vanessa has gone on to write another two novels: "The Valley of Lost Stories" and now a brand new novel called "The Beautiful Words."

Just published, "The Beautiful Words" is set between Sydney's northern beaches and a remote island off the Tasmanian coast.

A book that is as romantic as it is dark, as evocative as it is compelling. Exploring friendship and betrayal, love and forgiveness, the stories we tell ourselves and the healing power of words.

A brilliant new novel, by a born storyteller.

I first met Vanessa McCausland in early 2020 when her debut, "The Lost Summers of Driftwood" was released by Vanessa McCausland. A hauntingly beautiful story that has stayed with me ever since. . .

Following that meeting, Vanessa has gone on to write another two novels: "The Valley of Lost Stories" and now a brand new novel called "The Beautiful Words."

Only just released, "The Beautiful Words" is set between Sydney's northern beaches and a remote island off the Tasmanian coast.

A book that is as romantic as it is dark, as evocative as it is compelling. Exploring friendship and betrayal, love and forgiveness, the stories we tell ourselves and the healing power of words.

A brilliant new novel, by a born storyteller.

Fleur McDonald is a bestselling Australian rural fiction writer. She's lived and worked on farms for most of her life and currently co-owns an 8000 acre property in regional WA.

With 18 novels under her belt now and over 650,000 books sold, Fleur is well-recognised as a leader in this genre - having well and truly earned her title as the "Voice of the Outback".

Fleur's new book "Deception Creek"was recently published by Allen & Unwin. A rich suspenseful story about a small town with many secrets and sudden divided loyalties. A terrific read I must say.

I was absolutely delighted to welcome Fleur to the podcast recently.