Talking Aussie Books

'Immortal Dark' (Hachette Australia) by Tigest Girma heralds a new and exciting era of vampire fiction. As a debut it is a remarkable, fresh, rich and clever reimagining of a tale as old as time.

An Ethiopian writer based in Melbourne, Tigest is passionate about exploring East-African stories and myths - weaving them with dark and fantastical themes.

'Immortal Dark' is 'Twilight' meets older 'Harry Potter' and 'A Discovery of Witches' all rolled into one utterly compulsive read.

I was delighted to welcome Tigest to the podcast recently to chat about her sensational debut.

Sydney-based Joanne Fedler is an international bestselling author of 15 books.

A writing mentor, women's activist and keen ocean swimmer, Joanne's books have sold over 750,000 copies worldwide.

Earlier this year, Joanne's new novel 'The Whale's Last Song' was released by HarperCollins Australia. And what a beautiful, magical and portentous book it is.

So much so, I knew I had to speak with Joanne about it for the podcast.

Tune in to this wonderful, uplifting chat with a truly talented writer.

Brisbane-based author Christine Wells is the author of sixteen novels and is a powerhouse in the historical fiction space. 

Her new novel, ‘The Paris Gown’ (published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins) is about three women who meet at the Paris Cordon Blue cooking school in the 1950s and become firm friends, only to go their separate ways afterwards. 

Years later, they’re reunited in Paris by a Dior gown, but their lives are much changed. 

Think the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, but with a Dior gown instead. 

A wonderfully entertaining novel about the bonds of friendship, love, romance, haute couture and…of course Paris. 

I enjoyed a delightful chat with Christine for the podcast recently. 

'Double Happiness' (Midnight Sun Publishing)  by Melbourne-based writer, editor and arts journalist Rochelle Siemienowicz is a work of auto fiction and explores the complexities of non-monogamy and what it’s like to love two or more people - equally but differently. 

Set in Melbourne, the book is told from three different perspectives and spans a seven-year period in which Anna, her husband Brendan and her lover Jeremy, try to navigate a polyamorous lifestyle.

Beautifully written, this book is raw, moving and heartfelt. A surprisingly delightful read.

I was thrilled to welcome Rochelle to the podcast recently to chat all things polyamory and this novel.

Listeners, it was a joy to welcome one of my favourite Aussie authors back to the podcast this week.

Tania Blanchard is an Australian, bestselling author whose skill as a storyteller has gone from strength to strength in the 6 or 7 years that I have known her. 

From her debut novel ‘The Girl From Munich’ to her latest, Tania has cemented her place as an international bestselling author and a powerhouse in the historical fiction space. 

I was thrilled to have the chance to chat with Tania about her the most recent career milestone, her 6th novel ‘An Undeniable Voice’ published by HarperCollins Australia. 

A fascinating discussion and well worth the listen.

Tricia Stringer is a multi-award winning bestselling Australian author of 17 novels which include 'Back on Track', 'Keeping Up Appearances', 'Birds of a Feather', 'The Model Wife' and 'Table for Eight' amongst others.

Tricia's brand new novel 'Head for the Hills' has just been released by HQ Fiction and what a joyful, insightful and timely read it is.

I was thrilled to welcome Tricia back to the podcast recently to chat about the problems the people of the fictional town of Jesserton in the Adelaide Hills face when the sale of a deceased estate wreaks havoc on the community.

Julie Bennett is a Sydney-based author of two wonderfully rich, intriguing historical novels. 'The Understudy' published in 2022 and now 'The Lost Letters of Rose Carey' published earlier this year by Simon & Schuster Australia.

Storytelling is in Julie’s blood and that first novel was the most magnificent story - taking readers back to Sydney in 1973, inspired by her own childhood as the daughter of an opera singer as well as the Sydney Opera House itself.

‘The Lost Letters of Rose Carey’ is another glimpse into yesteryear, offering us a page-turning, immersive and fascinating story inspired by a trailblazing Australian woman.

I was delighted to welcome Julie back to the podcast recently to chat about her work.

Christine Paice is the author of the incredible new novel ‘The Oxenbridge King’ which has just been published by HarperCollins Australia. 

Listeners to say that this was a novel I enjoyed, would be an understatement. 

'The Oxenbridge King' takes you back in time, giving you a glimpse into a by-gone era and ruminates on events we can only speculate about. 

A clever, funny and at times heart wrenching story, this book is enthralling and intriguing in equal measures. 

Inspired by the discovery of the bones of Richard III beneath a car park in England back in 2012, Christine has crafted a stunning, beautifully written novel that blends both fact and fiction in an utterly unique way. 

Petronella McGovern is the author of 4 crime novels and two non-fiction titles. 

Her first book, Six Minutes - published in 2019 was an instant bestseller and was shortlisted for the Ned Kelley Awards in 2020. 

The Good Teacher was next, followed by The Liars. 

All masterful stories that examine the human psyche and what makes people behave the way they do. 

Petronella’s latest novel - The Last Trace - was released by Allen & Unwin last month. And listeners, I would say, this novel is Petronella’s best yet. 

A gripping novel about family, about DNA, secrets we keep, parenting, memory, cold cases and so much more. 

Set between the snowy mountains of NSW and the USA, this is a complex, twisty story with a surprise at every turn. 

An absolute page-turner from one of my favourite Aussie writers. 

I was delighted to welcome Petronella back to the podcast recently.

When Lizzy Dent’s new book landed on my desk a couple of months ago, I was excited.

'Just One Taste' (HarperCollins Australia) is a book with all the feels. Unforgettable characters, delightful romance, humour, food to salivate over and destinations to dream of.

An homage to Italy and complete sensory experience from an Aussie author that global bestselling authors Emily Henry, Marian Keyes and Beth O’Leary will happily cover quote for. 

I was thrilled to welcome Lizzy to the podcast recently to chat about 'Just One Taste'.