The Briar Club is bestselling author Kate Quinn’s gutsy drama and suspense-filled new historical fiction novel featuring strong female characters. Read my full review. Publicatio… Read More

Ram Murali’s debut novel Death in the Air is a dark satirical take on the classic locked-room crime mystery. Read my review. Publication: Allen and Unwin, June 2024. Genre: Cr… Read More

Shadowheart is the fourth twisting crime mystery and suspense thriller in Meg Gardiner’s bestselling UNSUB series starring FBI behavioural analyst Caitlin Hendrix. Read my review… Read More

What The River Knows is the first entertaining title in Isabel Ibanez’s young adult fantasy romance and adventure duology, Secrets of the Nile. Read my review. Publication: Macmi… Read More

Hangman is the first nail-biting crime thriller in Jack Heath’s bestselling series starring one of a kind protagonist Timothy Blake. Read my audiobook review. Publication: Bolind… Read More

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Sutanto is a charming crime caper with humour that comes with depth and heart. Read my audiobook review. Publication: Harper… Read More

One Long Weekend is another charming read and heartwarming drama from bestselling women’s fiction author Shari Low. Read my review. Publication: Boldwood Books, May 2024 Genr… Read More

The Ministry of Time is a thought-provoking page-turner and inventive genre mashup from debut author Kaliane Bradley. Read my review. Publication: Simon and Schuster, May 2024 Genre… Read More

The Familiar is Leigh Bardugo’s gritty yet magically compelling historical fiction filled with romantic suspense set in the Spanish Golden Age. Read my review. Publication: Pengu… Read More

Maame, Jessica George’s compelling debut has garnered much attention from book clubs. But is it really as funny as marketed? Read my full review. Publication: Macmillan, January… Read More

How to Solve Your Own Murder, Kristen Perrin’s adult fiction debut is a fresh and contemporary treat for bonafide mystery lovers. Read my full review. Publication: Quercus Books… Read More

Donna M Cameron shares with us her inspiration for writing new novel The Rewilding. The Rewilding Synopsis An exhilarating and unforgettable love song for our world. Heartbr… Read More

The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang is diverse, captivating and thrilling female-led historical fiction. Read my full review. Publication: HarperCollins, February 2024 G… Read More

Double Take is the first compelling title in Lynette Eason’s new romantic suspense thriller series Lake City Heroes. I listened to the audiobook. Read my review. Audiobook Public… Read More

Jasper Fforde’s Shades of Grey (2009) became a literary dystopian fantasy cult classic for good reason. Read our full review. Publication: Penguin Books 2011. First published 200… Read More

The Search Party, Hannah Richell’s first foray into the suspense genre, is still jam-packed with contemporary drama. Read our review and book club questions. Publication: Simon a… Read More

One Christmas Eve by Shari Low and The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan make fantastic holiday reads, but are sure to give you the warm and fuzzies anytime of year. One Christmas Eve… Read More

As in years prior, our Best Books of 2023 list includes many books released in 2023 but not exclusively. Top quality fiction has no expiry date, and we try to squeeze novels that have… Read More

Daughter of Ashes is the third and final title in Ilaria Tuti’s gripping crime series starring the indomitable Superintendent Teresa Battaglia. Read our full review. Daughter of… Read More

The Mystery Guest is Nita Prose’ highly anticipated sequel to her debut The Maid. Read our full review and our list of book club discussion questions. The Mystery Guest Book Synops… Read More

The Secret Hours is Mick Herron’s new standalone spy thriller with bite. Read our full review and our suggested book club discussion question list. The Secret Hours Book Synopsis… Read More

Bone Rites is Natalie Bayley’s new compelling literary gothic thriller. Read our review and enter our worldwide giveaway for a chance to win a paperback copy of this novel. Bone Ri… Read More

The Seven is the third highly compelling crime mystery novel starring Chris Hammer’s homicide detective pairing Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic. Read our review. The Seven Book Synops… Read More

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston is a wisely charming novel exploring love and passion, and their inevitable partners in life, loss and grief. Read our review. The Seven Year Slip Bo… Read More

Drowning, TJ Newman’s highly anticipated second novel, is an emotion-fuelled read that will have you holding your breath with its characters. Read my full review. Drowning Book Syn… Read More

Prettier If She Smiled More is Toni Jordan’s engaging follow-up to her wonderful 2022 family drama, Dinner With The Schnabels. Read my full review. Prettier If She Smiled More Syno… Read More

To Catch A Storm is the first thrilling novel in an exciting new action detective series from Mindy Mejia. Read my full review. To Catch A Storm Synopsis When her husband’s c… Read More

The Woman in the Castello is Kelsey James’ highly entertaining suspense-filled and romantic gothic mystery novel set in post-war Italy. Read my full review. The Woman in the Castel… Read More

The Book That Wouldn’t Burn is the utterly captivating novel that begins Mark Lawrence’s new fantasy trilogy for book lovers, The Library. Read my full review. The Book That… Read More

The Bookbinder of Jericho is Pip Williams’ captivating new historical fiction novel, and a companion read to her worldwide bestselling The Dictionary of Lost Words. Read my full revie… Read More

The London Séance Society is a new atmospheric historical fiction novel from Sarah Penner, the first since her breakout 2021 debut, The Lost Apothecary. Read my full review. The L… Read More

We welcome author John Kinsella to discuss the inspiration behind his latest literary work – Cellnight, a verse novel. Disclosure: If you click a link in this post and make a pu… Read More

Thrill Switch is Tim Hawken’s latest thrilling dystopian novel with a kick-arse female protagonist. Read my full review. Thrill Switch Book Synopsis I almost did a fist pump… Read More

Go As A River is Shelley Read’s haunting historical fiction debut about female grit and resilience in response to immeasurable trauma. Read my full review. Go As A River Synopsi… Read More

Mhairi McFarlane’s Last Night is a modern friendship rom-com with uncommon emotional depth and refreshingly unexpected humour. Read my full review. Last Night Book Synopsis (… Read More

When I First Held You by Anstey Harris is a deeply moving, emotionally honest drama about historical wrongs that echo through generations. Read my review. When I First Held You Book Syno… Read More

Hell Bent, Leigh Bardugo’s long-anticipated sequel to her worldwide adult-fantasy bestseller Ninth House, really has been worth the wait. Read my full review. Hell Bent by Leigh Ba… Read More

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson is an impressively original, clever and entertaining meta crime mystery. My audiobook review. Everyone in My Family Has Kil… Read More

Dark Deeds Down Under (edited by Craig Sisterson) is an anthology featuring short stories from several big names in the Aussie and Kiwi crime mystery fiction and thriller scene. Read my ful… Read More

Ninth House, Leigh Bardugo’s impressive adult debut is an engrossing epic, a multi-layered and deeply human fantasy novel. Read my full review. Ninth House Book Synopsis Alex… Read More

Day’s End is the gritty fourth title in Garry Disher’s award-winning Constable Hirsch crime series. Read my full review. Day’s End Book Synopsis Hirsch Book… Read More

The Bookstore Sisters and Everything My Mother Taught Me are two compelling short reads by bestselling author Alice Hoffman. Read my review. Two compelling short reads by Alice Hoffman… Read More

Living Memory by David Walton is the first book in a new science fiction action-thriller trilogy exploring the possibility of resurrecting the past for good and evil. Read my review… Read More

The Tilt (aka Dead Man’s Creek) is Chris Hammer’s fifth novel and Book 2 in new crime series starring detectives Ivan Lucic and Nell Buchanan. Read my review. 4 minutes The… Read More

We welcome author Angela Meyer to discuss the inspiration behind her latest literary novel Moon Sugar. 4 minutes Disclosure: If you click a link in this post and make a purchase, I… Read More

Nicola May’s The Hub and Mark David Green’s The Travel Truth are both entertaining, warm-hearted reads that blend romance, humour and mystery. Read on to learn more about each no… Read More

The Last Girl to Die is a heart-pounding new standalone crime thriller from Helen Fields, author of the bestselling DI Callanach series. Read my full review. 3.5 minutes The Last Girl… Read More

Pachyderm by Hugh McGinlay is the colourfully sassy second title in the highly entertaining Catherine Kint mystery series. Read my full review. 2.5 minutes Pachyderm Book Synopsis… Read More

The Whitewash, Siang Lu’s debut novel is a hard-hitting satire that is scarily closer to fact than fiction. Read my full review. 3 minutes The Whitewash Synopsis The Whitewash… Read More

The Carnival is Over is the taut, atmospheric sequel to Greg Woodland’s wonderful debut historical rural crime novel The Night Whistler. Read my full review. 4 minutes The Carniv… Read More

We welcome author Adriane Howell to discuss the inspiration behind her debut literary novel Hydra, I share my review, plus thanks to Transit Lounge Publishing two lucky AU/NZ readers will wi… Read More

The Cipher is the graphic first novel in author Isabella Maldonado’s bestselling FBI crime thriller series starring Nina Guerrera. Read my full review. 3 minutes The Cipher Book… Read More

The Other Side of Beautiful, Kim Lock’s break out novel, offers a deeply impactful perspective wrapped in a charming warm-hearted package. Read my full review. 4 minutes The Othe… Read More

Cold Cold Bones (Temperance Brennan #21) by Kathy Reichs is a quality addition to and worthy milestone marker for this much-loved series. Read my full review. 4 minutes Cold Cold Bones… Read More

The Stranger Times by C K McDonnell is a hilariously dark comedy novel and brilliant start to a fun urban fantasy mystery series for adults. Read my full review. 3 minutes The Stranger… Read More

The Oceanography of the Moon, Glendy Vanderah’s enchanting third novel, is about shedding secrets, the power of love and redemption. Read my full review. 4 minutes The Oceanograp… Read More

The Ghosts of Paris is the thrilling second novel in Tara Moss’ wonderfully engaging Billie Walker PI historical mystery series. Read my full review. 4 minutes The Ghosts of Pari… Read More

After a shaky start, action-thriller The Island by Adrian McKinty (and its protagonists) find strength from within and prove compelling reading. Read my full review. 3 minutes The Isla… Read More

A Tidy Ending, Joanna Cannon’s third literary release is a captivating journey into the mind of a uniquely compelling protagonist. Read my full review. 3.5 minutes A Tidy Ending… Read More

Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing author JR Laurence. We discuss their inspiration for the newly released international romantic comedy novel I English U, and thanks to publis… Read More

The Paris Apartment, Lucy Foley’s latest psychological thriller is a dark, sinister and deeply unsettling take on the classic whodunnit. Read my full review. 3 minutes The Paris… Read More

Today Tasmanian author Brendan Colley joins us to discuss what inspired him to write his debut novel, The Signal Line and his journey to publication. And, thanks to Transit Lounge Publishing… Read More

The Last Painting of Sara de Vos, Dominic Smith’s fourth novel is a captivating multi-timeline literary mystery exploring the art of life. Read my full review. 6 minutes The Last… Read More

Dinner with the Schnabels features Toni Jordan’s wonderful recipe of intelligent comedic farce, cutting social commentary and heart. Read my full review. 3.5 minutes Dinner with… Read More

Today we welcome author Sean Rabin, author of new novel The Good Captain, to share with us what inspired him to write this ‘cli-fi’ thriller. 4 minutes Disclosure: If yo… Read More

Sarah Lotz’ Impossible is a beautifully executed genre-bending novel that shimmers with romantic tension and pulsates with heart. Read my full review. 3 minutes Impossible Book Sy… Read More

Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing debut author Rae Cairns. We discuss her new thriller The Good Mother, her Ned Kelly Award shortlisting and the experiences that led her there… Read More

Those Who Perish, Emma Viskic’s fourth book and reported finale to the bestselling Caleb Zelic PI series is a white-knuckle reading experience. Read my full review. 3.5 minutes Th… Read More

Today we welcome cozy mystery writer Louisa Bennet, author of The Bone Ranger, to help us define what is a cozy mystery, discuss some of the best cozy mystery books (and cozy mystery series)… Read More

We welcome author Dominique Wilson to discuss the inspiration behind her new historical novel Orphan Rock, I share my review, plus thanks to Transit Lounge Publishing two lucky AU/NZ readers… Read More

Tim Hawken’s Spellraiser is a modern YA fantasy presented in an experimental 100 chapter micro-story format with graphical illustrations by Sofia Behnke. Read my review. 3 minutes… Read More

One for Sorrow, the seventh title in Helen Fields’ DI Callanach Series, is a crime narrative tackling confronting topics that pulsates with emotional depth and gut-wrenching suspense… Read More

Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing prolific crime author Jane Adams. We discuss her Merrow & Clarke crime mysteries, her writing inspiration and process and her extensive ba… Read More

Consolation is the third thrilling instalment in Garry Disher’s award-winning Constable Hirsch crime series. Read my full review. 2.5 minutes Consolation Synopsis Winner of… Read More

Rebekah Campbell’s 138 Dates offers readers candid lessons from one woman’s journey of personal growth and self-acceptance in business, love and life. Read my review. 4 minutes… Read More

Love and Other Puzzles, Kimberley Allsopp’s entertaining debut novel is a cocktail of wit and nostalgic pop-culture minus the hangover. Read my full review. 3 minutes Love and… Read More

Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing Rebecca Zanetti, author of new romantic thriller You Can Run. 4 minutes Disclosure: If you click a link in this post and make a purch… Read More

The Competition by Katherine Collette is an eclectic redemption narrative exuding understated charm, humour and an authentic feel-good vibe. Read my review. 2.5 minutes The Competition… Read More

Today I have the great pleasure of interviewing Harry Colfer, saving lives on the frontline and writing hard-hitting dark humoured crime mysteries in his downtime. And, Harry has generously… Read More

The Maid by Nita Prose is a clever cozy mystery, nuanced character study and emotionally astute and satisfying literature. Read my full review of our Book of the Month for January 2022. 3… Read More

Denise Mina’s Conviction (Anna & Fin, 1) is a thrilling modern spin on mystery metafiction; the audiobook expertly narrated by Cathleen McCarron. Read my full review. 3.5 minutes… Read More

Victoria Brookman’s debut novel Burnt Out is an engaging combination of contemporary drama and climate change advocacy. Read my review. 2.5 minutes Burnt Out Book Synopsis… Read More

Safety in Numbers’ STEM and disability premise holds great promise, but does Sophie Penhaligon’s execution offer more than a romantic sugar hit? Read my review. 2 minutes Sa… Read More

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles is filled with characters that charm but international readers may find the anthemic Americana less beguiling. Read my full review. 2.5 minutes The Li… Read More

Each year I get to read many new book releases thanks to the wonderful publishers I work with, but I still try and make time for older titles because good books have no use-by date. So in th… Read More

Adam Kay’s This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor is a lesson in finding humour in dire situations and supporting those that care for us. Read my full review. This… Read More

Why is it that we find historical fiction so alluring, the mysteries cloaked in the veil of time so captivating? Perhaps it is a yearning for simpler times or a comforting reminder of how mu… Read More

In Wild Place, Christian White delivers another shocking twist-filled domestic thriller laced with thought-provoking social commentary. Read my full review. Wild Place Book Synopsis… Read More

The One Impossible Labyrinth is the 7th novel and triumphant finale in Matthew Reilly’s warm-hearted Jack West Jr action thriller series. Read my full review. The One Impossible Lab… Read More

Yes, it is that season when all things spooky and scary are in vogue….. But, since books will always be better than candy, we have a worldwide multi-genre 4 paperback giveaway to cele… Read More

Muddy People by Sara El Sayed is an engaging and perceptively written memoir illuminating the challenges faced by Muslim girls growing up within secular society. Read my full review. Mudd… Read More

Treasure & Dirt is Chris Hammer’s latest criminally good crime novel set in an evocatively desolate outback opal mining town and the inaugural pairing of detectives Lucic & Buc… Read More

Very pleased to welcome Peter Papathanasiou to discuss the inspiration behind his brand new crime novel The Stoning. Plus, thanks to Transit Lounge Publishing we have 2 ebook copies of Th… Read More

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy is as mesmerising as it is thrilling; the work of an exceptionally talented author. Read my full review. Once There Were Wolves Synopsis… Read More

The Raffles Affair by Vicki Virtue is a fun, modern twist on the classic whodunnit, set in the glamorous surrounds of Raffles Hotel. Read my review. The Raffles Affair Synopsis The… Read More

The Painting by Alison Booth is an art theft mystery and perceptive contemporary exploration of the migrant experience. Read my full review. The Painting Synopsis When Anika Molnar… Read More

The Night She Disappeared is the most recent of worldwide bestselling mystery author Lisa Jewell’s book releases. Read my full review. The Night She Disappeared Synopsis… Read More

We are delighted to welcome Antoni Jach to share with us what inspired him to write his new literary novel Travelling Companions. Disclosure: If you click a link in this post and make… Read More

UPRISING: Walking the Southern Alps of New Zealand by Nic Low is a travel memoir elevated by history, lore and heart. Read my full review. UPRISING: Walking the Southern Alps of New Zeala… Read More

Delighted to welcome Karyn Sepulveda to share with us what inspired her to write her new novel The Women’s Circle. Plus, thanks to the lovely people at Ventura Press we have an eboo… Read More