I may not have previously shared with my podcast listeners that I'm a huge whisky fan! I love learning about it and have travelled extensively to sample different whiskies. So when I learnt Tasmanian-based author Karen Brooks not only co-owns a brewery/distillery in Hobart where they make their own spirits - including whisky - but has written a book about whisky, I knew I had to chat with her. 'The Whisky Widow' (published by HQ Fiction) is an incredible, sweeping tale about whisky and those involved in its production during a tumultuous period of Scotland's history. And I simply adored this chat with Karen for the podcast recently. If you love whisky (or the idea of it at least), you will enjoy this episode.
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Talking Aussie Books with Matt Rogers
Matt Rogers is a Melbourne-based million copy bestselling writer who’s written more than 36 thrillers. He wrote his first novel at the tender age of 16 and published his first at 18. This year, however, Matt makes his debut in the traditional publishing world with the first instalment of a new series featuring the absolute kick arse ex-contract killer for the CIA, Logan Booth. A thrilling, fast-paced, high-stakes story with a plot twist that will make you gasp out loud, ‘The Forsaken’ was released by Simon & Schuster on 2 July.I was delighted to have welcomed Matt to the podcast recently to chat about this book and his journey to publishing success.
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Talking Aussie Books with Laura McCluskey
Laura McCluskey is a debut author whose novel was described to me as ‘the hottest debut crime novel of 2025’.Since the book’s release back in February I have watched in awe at the manner in which this book has shot to success. It was the Book of the Month for QBD Books, Dymocks, Booktopia AND WHS Smith.It’s a spooky Scottish detective mystery called ‘The Wolf Tree’ published by Harper Collins Australia. And I was thrilled to have the chatted with Laura for the podcast recently.
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Talking Aussie Books with Fleur McDonald
Fleur McDonald is the author of 24 novels clocking up more than 850 000 book sales across a career that has spanned more than 16 years.She is a best-selling rural crime author and has built a loyal fanbase of readers with her incredible cast of characters and settings - the most popular and recognisable of course is Detective Dave Burrows. But in a move that is set to cement Flour’s reputation as a master of crime writing, Fleur has released a brand new novel called ‘The Prospect’. Published by HarperCollins Australia, "The Prospect' is a gripping, high-stakes thriller exploring the Australian gold mining industry, outlaw motorcycle gangs and most interestingly the ever-increasing phenomenon of grey nomads who are hitting the roads across this vast country of ours. A fantastic story which had me hooked from its opening pages and I was delighted to welcome Fleur to the podcast recently to chat about it.
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Talking Aussie Books with Hilde Hinton
Hilde Hinton is a bestselling author of three novels, as well as a big sister to Connie and Samuel Johnson. A one-time prison officer and second hand book seller, a mother and carer of people in need of temporary housing and support, Hilde’s stories are filled with the kinds of characters that reflect her larger than life experiences and her writing is infused with empathy and insight into the impact of grief, loneliness and trauma.This year, Hilde’s third novel ‘The Opposite of Lonely’ was released by Hachette Australia. A deeply moving book in which Hilde puts her finger on the pulse of modern Australian society, exposing the tender underbelly of the most vulnerable members of our community and showing that what we need most is often right in front of us. A beautifully written story about friendship, motherhood, family and the quiet strength of ordinary people that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. And I was delighted to have the opportunity to chat with Hilde about ‘The Opposite of Lonely’ for the podcast recently.
Australia