On Book Matters today Kate chats with debut author Lauren Keegan about her book “All the bees in the hollows” an atmospheric, original, folkloric mystery set in a remote Lithuanian beekeeping community in the 16th century. Then Courtney speaks with best-selling Sydney author Pip Drysdale about her latest book “The Close-Up”, an electrifying, dark a…

On Book Matters today we speak to two Australian authors who take us to Italy during two different eras. First up Janine speaks to Perth based author Tess Woods about her fourth women's fiction novel The Venice hotel; where the lives of four very different women become entangled in a boutique hotel where dark secrets unravel and where not everyone …

This month Janine chats with Victorian author Jock Serong about his new novel "Cherrywood" an imaginative, darkly playful and deeply meaningful delight, a novel about legacy, community, wonder, love and reinvention. Then Courtney speaks with debut novelist Brooke Hardwick about her novel The Fog - a spine-chilling gothic thriller, where a woman on …

In this episode Janine chats with Sydney writer Nicola Moriarty about her new domestic thriller 'Every Last Suspect' - a gripping thriller that masterfully intertwines suspense and drama, leaving readers hooked from the very first page. Then Sam chats to debut author Finegan Kruckemeyer about his novel 'The End and everything before it' which is a …

On this episode of Book Matters we are thrilled to be talking to two fabulous writers about their latest releases. First off Janine chats with Canadian crime writer Robyn Harding about her latest thriller The Haters; a twisted tale of fame, obsession, and the dark recesses of social media. Then Kate speaks to Australian author Lia Hill about her no…

On Book Matters today Janine and Courtney speak with two Australian authors. Janine speaks with Aoife Clifford about her new mystery novel ‘It takes a town’ which is a vivid story of small-town allegiances and secret grudges. Then Courtney chats with Amy Hutton about her romantic comedy novel ‘Love from Scratch’ which is a delectable story for dog-…

On Book Matters today Kate speaks with debut author Kyra Geddes about her novel 'The Story Thief' where fact and fiction meld into one in this stirring family saga set against shifting landscapes and pivotal moments in Australian history. Lynda then chats with Jo Peck about her memoir 'Suddenly Single at 60' - This inspiring, witty and at times hil…

Here at Book Matters we are great supporters of Australian writers, especially those who are publishing their first novels. Today we shine a light on two debut novelists Lynne Johnson is an Australian writer and the author of crime fiction novel, The Bait trap. She writes crime with feeling, that deals with gritty social issues, like addiction. The…

In this special Australian Rural Crime episode, Courtney talks to Sydney author Dinuka Mackenzie about her novel – Tipping Point, the third instalment of the Detective Kate Miles series which features, a suicide. a shooting. and a reckoning, decades in the making. We hear about her writing process and her inspiration for her crime novels, we hope y…

On this episode we have two Australian mystery rural crime writers to chat to. Courtney speaks with Vikki Wakefield about her latest release “To the River” about a fire in a remote caravan community which kills 9 people. Then Janine speaks with Glenna Thomson about her novel “Gone” which is a gripping rural crime novel of a grieving family and thei…

WELCOME BACK TO BOOK MATTERS, WE HOPE YOU ALL HAD A LOVELY SUMMER BREAK. ON OUR FIRST EPISODE OF SEASON 5 WE HAVE TWO VERY DIFFERENT AUTHORS AND BOOKS TO TALK ABOUT. FIRST UP, JANINE CHATS WITH CANBERRA BASED AUTHOR KAREN VIGGERS ABOUT HER LATEST NOVEL ‘SIDELINES’, WHICH EXPLORES WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A TEENAGE SOCCER GAME DESCENDS INTO A BRAWL AFTER A…

In our final episode for the year we have two Australian Historical Fiction writers to hear from. Janine speaks with Sydney author Tania Blanchard about her new novel A Woman of Courage - A gripping, uplifting new Victorian era novel about passion, love, loss, self-discovery and the right to be heard, inspired by a true story. Then Kate speaks with…

Janine speaks with UK author Wendy Holden about her novel ”The Princess” which is the final novel in Wendy Holden's trilogy about royal outsiders, and fictionalises Princess Diana's little-known early years. Then Kate speaks with Melbourne writer Kirsty Manning about her new novel “The Hidden Book” which is a compelling novel based on a true story …

On Book Matters this month Kate speaks with Irish author Emma Donoghue about her mesmerizing new novel set in 1805 "Learned by Heart", which tells the heartbreaking story of the tangled lives of two women whose intense, and unlikely, relationship will change them for ever. Then Lynda chats with Sydney writer Fiona Britton about her mystery novel "V…

In this episode Connected Libraries celebrates History Month where our Local History Librarian Kate speaks with Heather Arnold about her research and her new book Enchanted Beneath the Bluff - Agnes & Geraldine's pursuit of Elwood's elusive Black Diamonds. A fascinating story set in Elwood and St Kilda in the days of suffrage and spiritualism set i…

On Book Matters Janine speaks with South Australian author Meredith Appleyard about her latest women’s fiction novel Daisy & Kate which is a compelling exploration of the waxing and waning of friendships; how precious they are, and the heartbreak that happens when it all comes undone. Then Sam talks to Brisbane author Susan Johnson about her memoir…

On Book Matters we like to shine a light on authors who are publishing their first book and in this special episode Courtney talks to debut Australian author Lucy Campbell about her compelling mystery novel ‘Lowbridge’ which is a heart-wrenching mystery about the girls who are lost, the ones who are mourned, and those who are forgotten, in a town s…

Ïn this special episode we celebrate ''Wear It Purple Day'' with well -known Australian author Will Kostatskis. Wear it purple day strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. Today Courtney chats to Will about his latest novel We could be something, a story which takes readers on a wonderful y…

Today on the podcast Janine speaks to US author T J Newman about her writing and her latest novel Drowning which is an unforgettable thriller about a family’s desperate fight to save themselves and the people trapped with them—against impossible odds. Then Sam speaks with debut novelist Pip Finkemeyer about her novel Sad Girl where A young woman tr…

In this episode we have two debut authors to chat to. Courtney speaks with author Naima Brown who speaks about her debut novel The Shot which shines a light on reality television, then Janine speaks with Kate Solly about her delightful novel Tuesday Evenings with The Copeton Craft Resistance, which is a heartwarming story of friendship in an imperf…

On the podcast today Sam speaks with debut Australian author Michael Thompson about his novel How to be Remembered which is a heartwarming, poignant and ultimately inspiring novel about the important things in life. Then Kate talks to Tara Calaby about her debut Australian historical fiction novel House of Longing which is set in 1895 and takes pla…

On Book Matters this month Janine chats to Sydney based crime writer Rae Cairns about her heart stopping thriller Dying to Know which is a page turning novel about A desperate phone call. A decade of questions and A deadly race to find the truth. Then we go across the world to New York City where Sam speaks with debut novelist Mikki Brammer about h…

This month on Book Matters we have a Historical Fiction episode. First up Janine talks to South Australian author Victoria Purman, where we find out all about her new novel “A Woman’s Work’’ which takes us back to Australia in the 1950’s and the Australian Women’s Weekly cooking competition, where two women have the possibility of a new kind of fut…

Today on the podcast Janine speaks with Sydney Author Genevieve Gannon who is an award-winning Sydney-based journalist and author of four novels. Her new book The Gifted Son, explores the subject of “one punch” when a talented student is a victim and the consequences of everyone around him. Genevieve is fast becoming the Australian version of Jodi …

In our first episode for 2023 we celebrate Library Lovers Day! Courtney speaks with Nina Kenwood about her new novel Unnecessary Drama which is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story. And a coming-of-age story, and a moving-out-of-home story, and a making-new-friends story, and a dealing-with-anxiety story. And according to the author it’s funny! Then…

Back in lockdown during 2021 we had the pleasure of speaking with historical fiction writer Fiona McIntosh. She was just launching her new novel ‘The Spy’s Wife’ which takes us from the windswept moors of the Yorkshire dales, to the noisy beer halls of Munich, and grand country estates in the picture-book Bavarian mountains. This is a lively and hi…

Sue shares an interview with author Heather Morris who tells us about her global bestselling novel "Three Sisters" which is based on the incredible true story of the Meller sisters - a beautiful story of hope in the hardest of times and of finding love after loss. Three Sisters is her third novel, and the final piece in the phenomenon that is the T…

Back in February last year we had the pleasure of speaking with Sydney author Mary-Anne O’Connor for Library Lovers Day. She spoke about her writing process and told us all about her inspiration for her new novel “Dressed by Iris”, which is a vivid, romantic story of Sydney in the 1930s Depression - the heartbreak, the glamour, the dark underbelly,…

Welcome to our Summer Series where we look back at some of the In-Conversation online events over the previous year. Back in lockdown we had the utmost pleasure in speaking with Australian Author Judy Nunn via Zoom who told us all about her new novel Showtime, which will take you from the cotton mills of England to the magnificent theatres of Melbo…

In our final episode for 2022 Carol has a wonderful chat with Christine Courtenay who has written a memoir about her late husband Bryce Courtenay. From his humble beginnings in Africa to his dazzling success in advertising and as a bestselling author, Bryce’s extraordinary, rags-to-riches life story reads like one of his epic novels. It was a life …

Welcome to this very special episode of Book Matters to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism. Casey Cardinia Libraries is proud to support the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender based Violence campaign. And what better way to contribute to the conversation than with books. We have an interview with Manjula Datta O'Connor about her enlighten…

We talk to two authors about their very different novels. Courtney chats to Tom Baragwanath about his crime novel Paper Cage set in Masterton New Zealand about a small community where children have gone missing which is a nail-biting thriller and a beautifully written, acutely observed portrait of a community. Janine then chats to Tasmanian author …

Today on Book Matters we are bringing you a bonus Australian Crime lovers special - Courtney delves into 'The Tilt ' which is a stunning multi-layered novel by Chris Hammer who is the acclaimed and award-winning author of the international bestsellers Scrublands, Silver, Trust and Treasure & Dirt. Then Janine chats with Australian author Petronella…

On Book Matters today Janine speaks with the lovely Tricia Stringer about her new novel Keeping Up Appearances which is a delightful novel full of practical wisdom and dry humour that examines female friendship, buried secrets and why honesty is (usually) the best policy. Then Lynda chats to author Alex Sarkis about her novel Something Blue which i…

Today at Book Matters we enjoy chatting to two fabulous Australian authors. First up Sam talks to acclaimed writer Meg Bignell about her newest novel The angry women's choir - a laugh out loud tale of friendship, music and the incredible capability of women to achieve wonderful things. Jess then speaks to debut YA author Miranda Luby about her nove…

Here at Book Matters we recognise and celebrate the importance of diversity in books as they serve as both a mirror and a window into different human experiences. This month we celebrate the many wonderful LGBTQ books and authors in honour of Wear it purple day. Wear It Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environment…

Today at Book Matters we welcome two phenomenal Australian authors. First up Courtney speaks with Sulari Gentill about her new literary adventure novel The woman in library, which examines the complicated nature of friendship and how words can turn into a deadly weapon. Then Janine speaks with debut author Neela Janakiramana about her compelling an…

On the podcast today we speak to two exceptional Australian crime writers. Emma Viskic is author of the internationally acclaimed Caleb Zelic series. Her novels have won numerous prizes, including a Ned Kelly Award and an unprecedented five Davitt Awards. We hear about Those Who Perish which concludes the Caleb Zelic series. Then we chat to debut n…

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate i…

In our annual Debut Author special we have three new Australian authors to chat to. First up Janine chats to Bernadette Jiwa about her debut novel The Making of Her which is is a page-turning mother-daughter love story, spanning the 1960s to 1990s, charting one woman’s journey to escape the legacy of the society that shaped her. Courtney then speak…

In this episode we travel across to the USA where we chat to New York times best selling Women's Fiction author Jane Green from her home in Westport, Connecticut, about her new novel Sister Stardust in which she re-imagines the life of troubled icon Talitha Getty in this transporting story from a forgotten chapter of the Swinging ’60s. We then talk…

On this episode we chat to Sydney writer Mark Lamprell about his new novel "The Secret Wife" which takes us back to the 1960's in suburban Sydney - a perfect example of the powers of female friendship. We also talk to Mary-Rose Cuskelly about her debut novel "The Cane" which is set in the cane fields of Queensland and is an evocative and atmospheri…

In this episode we chat to two very different authors. Benjamin Stevenson is an Australian award-winning stand-up comedian and author who chats about his new murder mystery novel Everyone in my Family has killed Someone. Then we go across to North Carolina in the USA and talk to Women's Fiction author Kristy Woodson Harvey about her Peachtree Bluff…

In this episode we speak with young adult fantasy and science fiction author Astrid Scholte about her new novel League of Liars where four teenagers are charged with the illegal use of magic get together to devise the ultimate jailbreak. A thrilling YA fantasy novel full of twists and turns. We also chat to debut author Lizzie Pook about her novel …

In this episode we speak with Australian author Diana Reed about her contemporary novel Love & Virtue Feminism where power and sex play out through the eyes of young Australian uni students in a contemporary narrative that is fiercely authentic, and also with Australian rural suspense writer Fleur McDonald about her new novel Deception Creek about …

Episode four of our Summer Series features a look back on our chat with International bestselling author, Martha Hall Kelly as well as some usual reviews and recommendations for you! https://www.connectedlibraries.org.au https://www.instagram.com/ConnectedLibrariesCasey Cardinia Libraries

In this episode we revisit our chat to Melbourne based writer Sally Hepworth about her writing experience and her novel, The Good Sister. https://www.connectedlibraries.org.au https://www.instagram.com/ConnectedLibrariesCasey Cardinia Libraries

In Episode 2 of our Summer Series, we look back on our conversation with American bestselling author, Deborah Rodriguez. Deborah talks about her writing journey, her inspiration and her book The Little Coffee Shop of Kaboul. https://www.connectedlibraries.org.au https://www.instagram.com/ConnectedLibraries…

Our Summer Series kicks off with a look back at our conversation with leading Australian crime fiction novelist Chris Hammer, author of international bestsellers Scrublands, Silver and Trust. https://www.connectedlibraries.org.au https://www.instagram.com/ConnectedLibrariesCasey Cardinia Libraries

In our last episode for 2021 we chat to Australian authors, Louise Guy and Jodie Gibson. Louise talks to us about her latest novel "Her Last Hope" while Jodie takes us away to Italy with her new release "The Five Year Plan". As ever, our talented team also have some great Summer reading recommendations you can take away on your Summer holidays! Rev…