Crime fiction showcase with Penguin Noir

Join us for an exclusive evening of suspense, intrigue and criminally good conversation featuring some of Australia's most acclaimed crime writers alongside exciting new voices in the genre for Penguin Noir's WA debut.

Be among the first to hear Rachael Johns and Mercedes Mercier introduce their forthcoming new series, #1 Insta Detectives. They will kick off the evening with this exciting exclusive, in conversation with Michael Trant.

A panel conversation will follow with Scott Westerfeld and Justine Larbalestier, authors of the action-packed gothic thriller The Mortons, and Margaret Hickey, whose latest novel, Cold River, returns readers to the rugged Victorian High Country.

Penguin Noir Nouvelle Crime Talent Mercedes Mercier writes ‘just-one-more-page’ crime with twisting plots and relatable characters. As well as writing books, Mercedes has worked in the criminal justice system for over a decade, giving her unique insight into the world of crime and offenders.

Rachael Johns is an award-winning Australian author whose novel The Patterson Girls won the 2016 Australian Book Industry Award for General Fiction. After a brief stint as an English teacher, she turned to writing and never looked back. She lives in the Swan Valley, co-hosts the podcasts Reading Between Deadlines and Dear Rach and Soph, and runs the vibrant RJ Book Club. Readers can connect with Rachael and sign up to her newsletter at www.rachaeljohns.com for book news, behind-the-scenes updates, and a glimpse into her writing life.

Michael Trant is a Western Australian author whose gripping rural crime novels are set against the stark and compelling landscapes of the outback. Drawing on a diverse career spanning farming, pastoral work, and FIFO life, his writing brings an authentic voice and lived experience to contemporary Australian crime fiction. He is the author of Ridgeview Station, Wild Dogs, No Trace, and Blood and Gold, and is recognised for his fast-paced storytelling and vivid sense of place. 

Justine Larbalestier & Scott Westerfeld are the authors of The Mortons, their joint adult debut, slated for simultaneous publication in 2026. Justine is an award-winning author of several novels for young adults, including My Sister Rosa, How to Ditch Your Fairy, Liar, Razorhurst, and Zombies v Unicorns (with Holly Black). Scott is best known as the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 20 books for adults and young readers, including the Uglies and Impostors series, and the Leviathan trilogy. Justine and Scott are married and split their time between Sydney and NYC.

Margaret Hickey is an award-winning author and playwright from North East Victoria. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and is deeply interested in rural lives and communities. She is the author of six crime novels - Cutters End, Stone Town, Broken Bay, The Creeper, An Ill Wind and Cold River - and a collection of short stories, Rural Dreams. Cutters End was awarded the BAD Crime Sydney Festival’s Danger Prize, and was also shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for First Fiction. Margaret won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Fiction in 2025 for The Creeper.

Don’t miss this exclusive evening of crime and conversation!

Enjoy door prizes and exclusive giveaways throughout the evening. 

Books will be available for purchase and signing on the night.

Light refreshments will be provided.