Join us for afternoon tea, author ‘meet and greet’, book signings, and a spine-tingling crime author panel. Queensland’s most talented writers will share tips on the dark art of crafting murder and mystery in mudflats and on pristine beaches, in swanky apartments, lush hinterland, close-knit country towns, and secretive suburbia.
Author of ‘Billie King,’ Shannon Kelly-White on women in the background of Australian history and why a sister at your back is worth a hundred men.
26th Davitt Awards for best crime books by Australian women will be presented by Dervla McTiernan and hosted by Louise Milligan.
The judges of the 2026 Davitt Awards have selected a shortlist of 16 books from 126 entries that reflect the excellent quality and maturity of stories written by Australian women crime writers. These stories are notable for their originality, depth and high level of the authors’ skills.
Author Chloe Wilson reflects on the secret world of funeral homes and how they came to form the backdrop of her new book, The Thornbacks.
Author Sharon Kernot reflects on writing in free verse and the influence of Dorothy Porter on her latest work.
Author Mali Cornish on the enduring tropes of crime fiction and a sub-genre in its own right, the ‘missing person’ story.
Drawing on the rich tradition of lawyers dominating crime and legal fiction are three Australian authors Rebecca Lim (The Graduate), Joanna Jenkins (Bad Neighbours), and Eve Thomson (Smother). Their investigations traverse top male-dominated law firms, an Art Deco apartment complex, and an elite school’s girls’ football team. They’ll be admitting all to host, Melbourne author, Lyn Yeowart.
Penguin Random House is generously donating twenty copies of Possible Springs by Samantha Ross for the Crime Stack for June. Samantha is a refugee from Melbourne and now lives in Port Douglas in FNQ. Her debut novel blends small-town mystery, romance and magical realism. This is a special offer for members of Sisters in Crime. Join now and be in the running for a complimentary paperback copy of Possible Springs.
Three authors – Sarah Bailey, Sherryl Clark, and Mali Cornish. – explore the many dimensions of ‘the gone’ -the missing – with crime writer, Katherine Kovacic.