In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey
Humffray Room
Neighbourhood Watch
‘Neighbourhood Watch is a sharp, stylish thriller with a killer opening hook, a generous dose of dark humour, and a truly distinctive voice.’ Christian White
The annual Curlew Street scarecrow competition is back, and the residents of Melbourne’s inner north have never seen an entry like it. Shirt bloody, head and arms slumped over a scarecrow crucifix: Victoria’s most conservative Supreme Court Judge, Harry ‘The Pope’ Somerton, is dead.
Priyanka Pal, a former psychologist turned homicide detective, is disturbed when her investigation uncovers corruption close to home. Forced to confront the abuses of powerful men – the very reason she left psychology – Priyanka’s faith in the justice system falters.
Emma Bloom is sophisticated, intelligent, and seems to have it all together. But her prickly, estranged sister, Margot, knows the truth. Their attempts at reconciliation spiral into crisis with the death of Emma’s abusive husband, The Pope.
As secrets unravel and Priyanka’s investigation cuts close to home, the sisters risk losing what fragile family ties they have left, and Priyanka’s career is on the edge. None of them will ever feel the same way about themselves (or their neighbours) again.
P.S. Mind the cat.
What Rhymes With Murder?
Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime.
‘I loved this charming story about murder, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY, author of The Housemate.
When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious, apartment-bound, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard, followed by the thump of a body, and the library becomes a crime scene.
Before long, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .
‘Sharp, funny and sneakily profound.’ VIKKI PETRAITIS, author of The Unbelieved
‘Murder, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER, author of Black River.
About the authors
$11 per person plus booking fees, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events.
Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042
This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.
