Talking Aussie Books

Kayte Nunn is the internationally bestselling author of 8 novels - novels that include 'The Botanist's Daughter', 'The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant' , 'The Silk House' and 'The Palazzo' just to name a few. 

This year Kayte is back with a twisty, locked room style thriller that had me totally hooked from start to finish.  A book which lovers of the reality show ‘Below Deck’ will absolutely eat up. 

It’s called ‘The Yacht’ (published by HarperCollins a short time ago) it highlights Kayte’s skill as a writer - her deft handling of multiple characters in a fluid sett...

Ayesha Inoon was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka and worked as a journalist in Sri Lanka before migrating to Australia in 2013.  

Her debut novel, Untethered, which draws partly on her own journey as a migrant muslim woman won the 2022 ASA/HQ Commercial Fiction Prize and was awarded a Highly Commended in both the 2024 ACT Book of the Year and the ACT Literary Awards for Fiction. 

This year listeners, Ayesha has a new book out and I’m in love with this story. 

Called ‘The Sisters of Serendib’ it is the story of three sisters s...

Many avid readers and authors both here and abroad are familiar with Australia’s largest online reading community - Better Reading.

Launched by Cheryl Akle back in 2014, Better Reading has become a staple feature of the Australian literary landscape - reaching over 1 million readers each month. 

A testament to Cheryl’s passion and dedication to reading and her standing in   the Australian book industry. 

This year, Cheryl has capitalised on that passion and dedication by launching an Australian reading app. 

Described as ‘if Goodreads and Storygraph had a baby, but the baby was r...

In part 2 of this special collaboration episode, Nick Wasiliev and I chat about challenges for the Australian publishing industry and what challenges in particular writers themselves are facing and what the future holds. We also discuss some of the trends we're seeing (and loving) especially relation to debut novels

We wrap up the conversation with a quick fire round of questions for each of us - the answers to which you may find surprising!

Such a joy to work with Nick on these episodes .

If you want to learn more about Nick and...

Tune into this special episode with Talking Aussie Books friend Nick Wasiliev and host of the wonderful podcast Date with a Debut.

Like me, Nick is a seasoned podcaster as well as an author and facilitator. 

Date with a Debut is currently in it’s fourth season of production and in it, you may know, Nick interviews debut authors, shining a light on their books and journey to publication. 

And in Part 1 of this special episode, I get the lowdown on Nick's decision to start up a new book podcast and his own writ...

Lawyer-turned author Sarah Clutton was last on the podcast back in 2020 when we were discussing her second novel ‘The Daughter’s Promise’ - a thrilling drama dealing with a deep family secret set in the rugged wilds of Tasmania. 

Since that episode was recorded, Sarah’s star has blazed even brighter with the publication of two further novels with Allen & Unwin.

The first, published in early 2025 was called ‘The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains’ and the second published a mere year later and currently gracing bookshelves around the country is called ‘The Bookshop of Buried Pasts’. 

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**Discussion of mature/explicit themes.**

The idea that we should grow old gracefully - particularly that women should grow old gracefully - is a theme that often appears in contemporary fiction. A theme which -  now that I’m in my mid-fifties - I’m more and more intrigued by. 

It's also something Rachel Fox McLeod has explored to great effect with her brilliant, insightful and highly entertaining debut novel ‘Disgraceful’.

Published by Simon & Schuster, ‘Disgraceful’ is the story of devoted wife and mother 49 year-old Grace Miller whose marriage unexpectedly implodes and the unorthodox man...

The last time Dianne Yarwood was on the podcast, we chatted about her then debut - the tender-hearted, funny, life-affirming novel 'The Wakes' - published in 2023.

This year Dianne has released a second novel, 'Margaret, Are You Leaving' (Hachette). Another warm and witty read that celebrates the messiness and beauty of life.

Dianne chatted with Cassie Hamer recently - giving us some remarkable insight into the real-life story that inspired her new novel and the important personal lessons she has learned from her own near-death experience and how these lessons found their way into her...

Camille Booker is a Sydney-based award-winning author, an editor, teacher, literary judge and current PhD candidate. 

Her debut novel ‘What If you Fly’ was longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize in 2019 and published by Hawkeye Publishing in 2021. 

In an interesting twist, this novel underwent a revamp and was re-released this year by Haweye Publishing as ‘Code Name Funnel Web’.  A dark, twisty tale of a young Australian woman’s brave search for her missing brother during WW2 and the lengths she went to in aid of this mission.

Much like Camille’s second novel ‘T...

Kirsty Manning is a Melbourne based author who grew up in Northern NSW and who now has seven novels to her name. 

Her first novel 'The Midsummer Garden' was published back in 2017, followed by the 'The Jade Lily', then 'The Lost Jewels', 'The French Gift'  and 'The Hidden Book'.

In 2022, Kirsty’s writing took a slightly different direction when she launched a new crime series.  

'The Paris Mystery' - set in pre-WW2 Paris was the first book in this new series and features Australian journ...

The last time I interviewed award-winning, international bestselling author Dervla McTiernan was in February 2024. 

Back then we were chatting about Dervla’s new release ‘What Happened to Nina’ which of course went on to win the General Fiction Book of the Year at the 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards. 

And that same book is now currently in development for a screen adaptation - which is super exciting news for all of us who devoured that book. 

But this year, Dervla has a brand new stand alone boo...

Belinda Alexandra is a much-loved international bestselling Australian author whose novels are steeped in history, intrigue and adventure. History with mystery at its finest.

Belinda is the daughter of a Russian mother and Australian father and describes herself as someone with passion for travel, culture, dancing as well as a lover of all creatures. 

She is the author of novels that include 'White Gardenia', 'Wild Lavender' and 'Tuscan Rose' as well as 'The Invitation', 'The Mystery Woman,' 'The Divine Feline' and 'Emboldened' amongst many others. 

Belinda’s latest fiction offering ‘The Italian Corres...

Katie Hoskins is a Sydney-based author whose debut novel ‘When the Party’s Over’ (Pan Macmillan) and has officially been on the shelves around the country since 31 March.  

An astutely crafted novel about motherhood and the power of female friendships with a clever twist at the end that totally blew me away. 

I enjoyed a wide-ranging chat with Katie recently about her writing journey, inspiration, friendship and motherhood.

A delightful conversation with an exciting new voice in Australian fiction.

Ten years on from her husband’s death, Emma Grey has become someone others can look to as an example of how you can not only survive such devastating loss, but thrive. As anyone who has been following Emma’s career over the last few years can readily attest to. 

An award-winning USA Today and Australian best selling author, Emma's books have attracted multiple foreign translations deals and a TV option. They’ve been reviewed in the New York Times, Oprah Daily, The Washington Post and People magazine.

So it’s no surprise that Emma’s new book...

From the bestselling author of 2025 smash hit novel 'The Wolf Tree' comes a brand new novel.

'The Cursed Road' by Laura McCluskey (published by HarperCollins Australia) picks up roughly ten months after the events of 'The Wolf Tree' and sees DIs Georgina Lennox and Richard Stewart head to the Scottish Highlands to investigate the murder of a young woman found on a road in a remote corner of the Highlands - a road with a bloody history and the subject of local superstition and legends.

Still dealing with their experiences on Milan Eardar the year...

In this final episode for 2025, I'm talking to a debut Aussie author whose book is being touted as one of the biggest releases of the summer. 

If you loved Netflix’s The Crown and devoured all the drama when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from the royal family and have wondered what that might have looked like behind the scenes, then this is the perfect book for you. 

It’s been released simultaneously here, the UK and the US and is already enjoying some incredible notoriety in the early weeks following publication. 

The b...

Michael Burge is an author and journalist who lives at Deepwater in the New England region of NSW.

His debut novel ‘Tank Water’ was inspired by old family stories and explores the shameful legacy of unsolved gay-hate crimes, set in a fictional rural community - not unlike the place Michael calls home. 

‘Dirt Trap’ is a follow-up to ‘Tank Water’ - though it can be read as a stand alone.  A brilliant example of the rural noir novel Australians have come to love in recent years, but with Michael’s unique angle exploring the complexity and diversity of...

Libby Iriks is a Perth-based author and former Commissioning Editor of Romance for a boutique publishing house in the UK.

Combining her passion for story and romance has resulted in publication of her debut novel ‘Home to the Heart Country’ - a moving, beautifully romantic story about one woman’s quest to uncover her identity and a sense of belonging. 

Released at the end of November 2025 by HQ Fiction, ‘Home to the Heart Country’ heralds a bright future for this rising star. 

I enjoyed a wonderful chat with Libby for the podcast recently.

The last time I chatted with Pamela Cook for the podcast was back in 2019 - to celebrate her self-published release 'Cross My Heart'.

Six years later and 'Cross My Heart' is being re-released by Vinci Books and I took the opportunity to talk to Pamela about her journey from traditional published author, to indie publishing and back to traditional and the lessons she's learned along the way.

An illuminating discussion about the highs and lows of the writing life and what happens if you keep writing and stay open to new opportunities.

I...

Brooke Crawford is a Melbourne based author of the terrific debut novel ‘Better Than the Real Thing’ published by HQ Fiction.

Described as ‘Notting Hill’ meets ‘Bridget Jones’ Baby’ this novel is smart, pacy, funny, drama filled and utterly romantic. 

I can’t recommend it highly enough!!

The perfect summer read and one I suspect will be filling Christmas stockings around the country before too long. 

I enjoyed a wonderful chat with Brooke about her wonderful novel for the podcast recently.

Darry Fraser is a bestselling Australian author of some twenty books the latest of which is 'The Adventuress of Albany'.

Published by HQ Fiction, 'The Adventuress of Albany ' follows Molly Bentley who in 1881 chafes against the constraints of English society and with her father's help ventures to the unknown in the bustling port city of Albany in Western Australia. What starts out as a quest for freedom turns into perilous journey where secrets are revealed and loyalties tested.

A brilliant new novel from one of Australia's most loved historical fiction authors.

Join...

Darcy Green is a Melbourne-based queer author whose debut novel 'After the Siren' (Penguin) has got readers hot under the collar for all the right reasons.

A footy rom-com inspired by Darcy's own love of AFL and experience as a player, 'After the Siren' is a delightfully playful, sexy novel that will leave you wanting more.

To learn more about Darcy and their book, tune in to this marvellous chat Cassie Hamer recently enjoyed with this talented author and exciting new voice in the Aussie rom-com space.

Fiona McKenzie Kekic's debut novel ‘Eva Reddy’s Trip of a Lifetime’ was published by HQ Fiction earlier this year and what a cracker novel it is!

A tale about one middle-aged woman’s quest to get back to the person she knew she could be. A literal and figurative journey set between Sydney and India that had me laughing out loud.

Funny, insightful and heartwarming, this is a book you'll want to rip through at breakneck speed, but which should be savoured and appreciated like a wonder tour.

A terrific debut from a truly...

Ky Garvey is a Brisbane-based author and host of the Totally Lit Podcast. A podcast dedicated to the celebration of reading, writing and creating literature. 

With 100 episodes on offer right now, Ky has chatted with a wide-range of authors, industry professionals and booksellers while also managing to showcase events and other happenings that are important to her. 

Things like the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Prize which Ky instigated last year to provide opportunities and exposure for Aussie creatives along with the AuthorPenPals program and Books in Homes amongst others. 

Ky is the author of...

'The One Remaining' (Fearless Press) is Paula McLean's debut novel.

A stunningly written story about a novelist coming to terms with the grief and trauma she experienced as a child as she works through the writing of her memoir.

As the first book published by new publishing imprint Fearless Books, it heralds the start of a new and exciting chapter in the lives of novelist Paula McLean and her publisher daughter Ginny Grant.

I thoroughly enjoyed my chat with Paula recently for the podcast.

With thanks to Fearless Press for the...

Rhonda McCoy is a Tasmanian-based author whose debut novel 'Crow' was released by Ventura Press recently.

A gripping family drama combined with medical intrigue, 'Crow' explores the tragic death of Harold Crow following routine surgery and the dark secrets his death exposes that threaten to tear two families apart.

Cassie Hamer enjoyed a wide-ranging, insightful and deeply touching chat with Rhonda about her inspiration for 'Crow' along with her journey to publishing success.

Amy Hutton is a Sydney-based author who grew up on the northern beaches and became an award-winning television producer. But about 7 years ago now, Amy gave up her job in network television to pursue her love of writing. 

‘Sit Stay Love’  - Amy’s first novel - was published by Simon & Schuster in 2023 and Amy followed that up with her second novel ‘Love from Scratch’ only a year later. 

Amy describes herself as the writer of swoony love stories.  And having read all three of her books now, I can definitely...

I recently had the pleasure of chatting to author Holly Cardamone about her sparkling debut novel 'Summer, In Between' (Hawkeye Publishing).

When not writing Holly runs a boutique communications and writing consultancy from Melbourne where she helps people tell their story and grow their brand.

‘Summer, In Between’ won the 2024 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize and has now been officially released into the world. 

An evocative coming of age novel, Holly has captured the essence of a beachside Australian summer along with the teenage angst...

Love Aussie crime novels? Well, what about 'quirky crime'?

This is how publishers are describing Nicole Crowe's debut novel 'The Washup' (Pantera Press).

A book set on idyllic Magnetic Island in Far North Queensland, 'The Washup' is a wonderfully entertaining mix of mystery and suspense delivered with dark humour - which follows Eve and her return to her childhood home on the Island in the wake of her parents' death two years earlier.

When a sky-dive goes wrong, Eve is compelled to find out if this was a tragic accident or well-planned crime...

Katharine Pollock holds a PhD in creative writing from Western Sydney University and is the Program Manager at Writing NSW.

Katharine contributes regularly to 'The Guardian' online and has been published by Fremantle Press, Vitagraph Publishing and 'Folly Journal' amongst many others. 

Katharine’s debut novel ‘Her Fidelity’ was published by Penguin Random House in 2022  - a book I loved and for which Katharine and I had a fabulous conversation for the podcast a couple of years ago. 

But this year, Katharine has a new novel out. 

‘Starry Eyed’ recently published by Wakefield P...

January Gilchrist is a Brisbane-based author  and mother of two whose debut thriller 'The Final Chapter' was recently published by HQ Fiction. 

An atmospheric locked-room thriller reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, 'The Final Chapter' was inspired by January’s stint at the prestigious Varuna Writer’s House in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney and her desire to write about women reclaiming their own narratives. 

Compelling, page-turning and a little spooky, this book was right up my alley.

A thoroughly enjoyable read which has been aptly described as ‘Benjamin Stevenson meets Nine Perfect S...

Tune in as Cassie Hamer chats to Angie Faye Martin about her incredible debut novel 'Melaleuca' published by HQ Fiction.

An evocative, dual time line crime novel that draws on Angie's Indigenous heritage and explores themes of identity as well as racism, intergenerational trauma and corruption.

A propulsive read from a refreshing new voice in Australian fiction.

A wonderful interview which I hope you'll enjoy as much as I did.

Alison Booth writing as AL Booth is the author of 8 novels that include titles  such as 'A Distant Land', 'The Indigo Sky', 'Stillwater Creek', 'The Painting' and 'Bellevue' amongst others. 

Born in Melbourne and raised in Sydney, Alison is not only a novelist, but an award-winning academic and emeritus professor at the Australian National University in Canberra. Alison is a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia and can not only write terrific fiction, but has published extensively in scientific journals. 

A woman of many talents.

Alison’s latest novel ‘Death at Boor...

Apologies to all the Jason Bourne fans out there, but there's a new guy on the block - an Aussie ex-cop turned vigilante called Jack Carlin.

He's starred in other books, but 'High Rise', the new action-packed heart-in-your-mouth thriller from Melbourne-based author Gabriel Bergmoser, is Jack's most death-defying challenge yet.

From the top floor of a crumbling Melbourne high rise building, Jack has to find a way to get his daughter Morgan to safety and in the process battle an army of bounty-hunters eager to claim the price on his head.

From the...

Kimberley Freeman is an award-winning bestselling author of some thirty novels across a variety of genres.

Based in Brisbane, Kimberley is a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and this year her new novel 'The Secret Year of Zara Holt' was published by Hachette Australia.

A novel inspired by the life of Dame Zara Bate - fashion designer and business woman - known as the wife of Australia's 17th prime minister, Harold Holt, who disappeared off the coast of Portsea and whose body was never recovered.

'The Secret Life of Zara Holt...

Marcia van Zeller is a Canadian-born writer who arrived in Australia in the 1980s and embarked on a long career in journalism and professional writing.

Completing her first novel as part of her PhD thesis back in 2015, Marcia's second novel 'Be A Good Girl Valerie' was recently published by Ventura Press.

Exploring issues arising from toxic masculinity in the work place and the often very real consequences for women who stand up for their own rights as well as the rights of other women, 'Be A Good Girl Valerie' is both timely and topical.

Holly Brunnbauer is a Victorian based, multi-award winning emerging fiction author whose debut novel 'What Did I Miss?' was recently released by HarperCollins Australia.

An absolutely delightful kind of coming of age novel with humour and heart that will leave you wanting more.

It was an absolute joy to welcome Holly to the podcast recently to talk about her journey to publication and her inspiration for this memorable story.

Kimberley Allsopp is a Brisbane-based author of two novels who is in the unique position of also working for one of Australia's largest publishing houses as a Senior Campaign Manager.

However, in between working with some of Australia's best authors and raising her children, Kimberley writes clever novels which offer a unique perspective on modern life.

'Rise and Shine' is her new novel and Cassie Hamer chatted with Kimberley for the podcast recently.

I really enjoyed this 'warts and all ' chat about publishing and writing life. Hope you do too.

Emma Babbington is a London- born, Sydney-based author and journalist who not only writes brilliant novels, but works as the News Editor for one of Australia’s bestselling weekly magazines, ‘Woman’s Day’. 

Emma is a dear friend, writing buddy, confidante and all-round talented wonderful woman who’s gripping book, ‘The Neighbours’ was published by HQ Fiction in both the UK and Australia recently. 

I’m proud of my friend’s incredible achievement and was absolutely thrilled to welcome Emma to the podcast recently.

Deb Jordan is a Perth-based author whose debut novel 'The River Whispers' was published by Bloodhound Books UK earlier this year.

A novel set between the Swan Valley and the Margaret River - two wine growing regions of WA - 'The River Whispers' centres around a tragic accident and its deadly aftermath.

A terrific story that was as compulsive as it was entertaining.

I was thrilled to have the chance to speak with Deb about the book for the podcast recently.