Talking Aussie Books

Michael Burge is an author and journalist who lives at Deepwater in the New England region of NSW. His debut novel ‘Tank Water’ was inspired by old family stories and explores the shameful legacy of unsolved gay-hate crimes, set in a fictional rural community - not unlike the place Michael calls home. ‘Dirt Trap’ is a follow-up to ‘Tank Water’ - though it can be read as a stand alone.  A brilliant example of the rural noir novel Australians have come to love in recent years, but with Michael’s unique angle exploring the complexity and diversity of Australian country towns. A tense, compelling and rich story, 'Dirt Trap' is about one man’s dogged pursuit of justice and a town having to come clean of generations of secrets. Without a doubt - a five star read!And was delighted to welcome Michael to the podcast recently to chat about his work amongst many other things. 

Libby Iriks is a Perth-based author and former Commissioning Editor of Romance for a boutique publishing house in the UK. Combining her passion for story and romance has resulted in publication of her debut novel ‘Home to the Heart Country’ - a moving, beautifully romantic story about one woman’s quest to uncover her identity and a sense of belonging. Released at the end of November 2025 by HQ Fiction, ‘Home to the Heart Country’ heralds a bright future for this rising star. I enjoyed a wonderful chat with Libby for the podcast recently.

The last time I chatted with Pamela Cook for the podcast was back in 2019 - to celebrate her self-published release 'Cross My Heart'. Six years later and 'Cross My Heart' is being re-released by Vinci Books and I took the opportunity to talk to Pamela about her journey from traditional published author, to indie publishing and back to traditional and the lessons she's learned along the way. An illuminating discussion about the highs and lows of the writing life and what happens if you keep writing and stay open to new opportunities. I loved this chat and hope you will too.

Brooke Crawford is a Melbourne based author of the terrific debut novel ‘Better Than the Real Thing’ published by HQ Fiction. Described as ‘Notting Hill’ meets ‘Bridget Jones’ Baby’ this novel is smart, pacy, funny, drama filled and utterly romantic.  I can’t recommend it highly enough!!The perfect summer read and one I suspect will be filling Christmas stockings around the country before too long. I enjoyed a wonderful chat with Brooke about her wonderful novel for the podcast recently.

Darry Fraser is a bestselling Australian author of some twenty books the latest of which is 'The Adventuress of Albany'.Published by HQ Fiction, 'The Adventuress of Albany ' follows Molly Bentley who in 1881 chafes against the constraints of English society and with her father's help ventures to the unknown in the bustling port city of Albany in Western Australia. What starts out as a quest for freedom turns into perilous journey where secrets are revealed and loyalties tested. A brilliant new novel from one of Australia's most loved historical fiction authors. Join Cassie Hamer as she chats with Darry about her longstanding career and the inspiration for her work.