Loading Events

In Conversation with Shelley Burr

April 29 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

$10

Humffray Room

Vanish

Shelley Burr.

Some Stay. Some Leave. Some Disappear...

Author, Shelley Burr | Photo: Yen Eriksen Media

People go to the isolated Karpathy farm looking for a new life… and are never seen again. A chilling thriller from the award-winning and bestselling author of Australian noir, Shelley Burr.

Lane Holland’s crime-solving career ended the day he went to prison. With his parole hearing approaching, he faces the grim reality that an ex-con can never work as a private eye. Yet one unsolved case continues to haunt him: the disappearance of Matilda Carver two decades ago.

Never one to follow the rules, Lane finds a lead – a mysterious farm community led by the enigmatic Samuel Karpathy. His farm attracts lost souls. People who want a more meaningful life. People who are hiding from their pasts. People with nowhere else to go.

But those who go to the farm seem to vanish without a trace.

Is it a commune? Is it a cult? Is it something even more dangerous? Lane goes undercover at the farm to find its dark secret – but could he too find himself intoxicated by the prospect of a new life on the land?

Inspired by a real-life criminal case, Vanish is a nail-biting novel of suspense by the Number One-selling author of Wake and Ripper.

Praise for Shelley Burr’s sensational novels: ‘Compulsive, propulsive, addictive’ New York Times ‘Outstanding . . . A gripping mystery’ The Guardian ‘A yarn that feels so plausible and terrifying, it stays with you’ The Australian Women’s Weekly ‘Shelley Burr is a bright new talent in Australian crime fiction’ Chris Hammer

Vanish | Shelley Burr

About the author

Shelley Burr grew up on Newcastle’s beaches and her grandparents’ property in Glenrowan, and on the road between the two. When not writing, Shelley is working to establish a small permaculture farm and is studying sustainable agriculture at the University of New England.

Her debut novel, Wake, was a Top Five bestseller, won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association’s Debut Dagger Award in 2019, the Australian Book Industry’s 2023 Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year and the Australian Crime Writers Association’s 2023 Ned Kelly Award for best debut crime fiction.

Wake was also shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards Debut Novel Award. Her second novel, Ripper, went straight to Number One on the Australian Fiction Bestseller list and was shortlisted for both the Sydney Crime Writers Festival’s 2024 Danger Awards and the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards for Best Crime Fiction.

Vanish is Shelley’s third book in the Lane Holland series and can be enjoyed as a standalone novel..

Shelley will be hosted by Paula Gleeson

Paula writes mysteries and thrillers for all ages, usually with multiple twists and complicated females at the helm. She is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriting finalist, and nominated non-fiction writer.

She lives just outside of Melbourne, Australia and is often found in her pj’s, drinking tea (wine), and watching horror movies snuggled between her doggo and a big cheese pizza. Her debut thriller, Original Twin, is out now with her second thriller, Boney Creek, out 3 June 2025.

portrait of author
Paula Gleeson

$10 per person plus booking fee & gst 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.

More Author Talks

BMI news

Views: 17
Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing