Crime fiction can be deadly serious, but it can also have a lighter, even amusing side. On Friday 28 October, on behalf of Sisters in Crime Australia, I take great delight in interrogating authors Kirsty Manning, Katherine Kovacic, and Lucia Nardo about how their plots and protagonists can lift readers’ spirits and crack smiles … the ideal way to loosen up for the end of 2022. All three of their novels are wildly entertaining.
Kirsty Manning’s latest novel, The Paris Mystery (Allen & Unwin), transports us to 1938 Paris, where Australian journalist Charlie James has come to break news and, even more importantly, to break with her past. Paris is in turmoil as talk of war becomes increasingly strident. Charlie is chasing her first big scoop, but it doesn’t stop her from immersing herself in the fabulous world of fashion…
Kirsty has several other novels under her belt: The Midsummer Garden, The Jade Lily, The Lost Jewel, and The French Gift. She is a partner in the award-winning Melbourne wine bar Bellota and the Prince Wine Store in Sydney and Melbourne.
Katherine Kovacic brought the character of Peregrine Fisher from screen to page in the playful Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries: Just Murdered (Allen & Unwin). She is the author of the award-winning Alex Clayton art mystery series and has also delved into true crime with The Schoolgirl Strangler and The Portrait of Molly Dean.
Katherine has a diverse background ranging from veterinary medicine to art history. When she’s not writing, she divides her time between work in the heritage sector, dog training, and running a family business. Her new book, Seven Sisters, will be published by HarperCollins in January 2023.
In Lucia Nardo’s debut novel, Messy Business (self-published), the week begins like any other in Jacqueline Burne’s messy life. And it just gets worse. Jac’s business is in trouble, her husband is up to no good and her eccentric housekeeper, Draga, is nagging her with unsolicited advice. Then Jac’s annoying teen stepson lands on her doorstep and wants to stay. Everything goes horribly wrong. They soon find themselves on the wrong side of the law, where handcuffs and prison jumpsuits become a real possibility…
Lucia began her career as a social worker and community development manager, later moving into a corporate career as a company executive and business writer for some of Australia’s largest corporations. Since leaving the private sector, she has written non-fiction titles, articles, and short stories. Lucia has taught creative writing in the TAFE sector and conducts writing workshops in the community.
Event details:
Friday 28 October 2022, 8 pm. Rising Sun (upstairs), 2 Raglan Street, South Melbourne.
$12 Sisters in Crime and Writers Victoria members; $10 under 19; $20 non-members; $15 concession. Book here by 3 pm Friday 28 October.
Tickets not sold prior to the event will be available at the door for $22/$18/$15/$10. Dinner from 6.30-7.30 pm. Men or ‘brothers-in-law’ welcome.
Angela Savage 
Oh, that does sound like fun as well as informative, Angela! I’ll bet it’ll be great, and I look forward to your letting us know how it went.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Angela
What a fabulous event this will be, and one I would normally jump at. Sadly, its been scheduled right before a long weekend (kind of) and I’ll be down at the beautiful Apollo Bay. I hope to see you at another event soon though!
Best wishes
Jill Langhammer
>
LikeLike
Will miss you, Jill. Hope to see you down Apollo Bay way before too long…
LikeLike