Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

In Conversation with J Mary Masters *This event has now been CANCELLED*
2025-10-21 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia
Internationally bestselling author Dervla McTiernan comes to Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to discuss her suspenseful new novel about two families at war.

What Happened to Nina?

by Dervla McTiernan

Nina and Simon are the perfect couple. Young, fun and deeply in love. Until they leave for a weekend at his family’s cabin in Vermont, and only Simon comes home. What happened to Nina? Nobody knows. Simon’s explanation about what happened in their last hours together doesn’t add up. Nina’s parents push the police for answers, and Simon’s parents rush to protect him. They hire expensive lawyers and a PR firm that quickly ramps up a vicious, nothing-is-off-limits media campaign. How far will his family go to keep him safe? Soon, facts are lost in a swirl of accusation and counter-accusation. Everyone chooses a side, and the story goes viral, fueled by armchair investigators and wild conspiracy theories and illustrated with pretty pictures taken from Nina’s social media accounts. Journalists descend on their small Vermont town, followed by a few obsessive “fans.” How far will her family go to get to the truth? Nina’s family is under siege, but they never lose sight of the only thing that really matters — finding their daughter. Out-gunned by Simon’s wealthy, powerful family, Nina’s parents recognize that if playing by the rules won’t get them anywhere, it’s time to break them.

About Dervla

Dervla McTiernan is the critically acclaimed author of five novels, including The Murder Rule, which was a New York Times thriller of the year. She has won multiple prizes, including a Ned Kelly Award, Davitt Awards, a Barry Award, and an International Thriller Writers Award. She is also the author of four novellas, and her audio novella, The Sisters, was a four-week number one bestseller in the United States.

Dervla McTiernan | Photo Julia Dunin Photography

Dervla will be In-Conversation with

Local ABC Journalist – Lexie Jeuniewic Lexie is a reporter for ABC Ballarat, covering radio, digital, and television. She previously worked as a senior reporter for 9News Sunshine Coast and as a video journalist for 9News Border North-East. You can follow Lexi on Twitter @LexieGJeuniewic.

Lexie Jeuniewic

Presenting Partner. Presented in partnership The Wheeler Centre

Supported by:

Bookseller. Collins Booksellers on Lydiard

Cost/Bookings: This is a Free event. We will be able to cater for a limited number of walkin places on the night.

Book here

Event Flyer

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.

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