Penguin Noir returns with an evening of suspense, intrigue and criminally good conversation, featuring some of Australia's most acclaimed crime writers alongside exciting new voices in the genre.
The night begins with Samantha Ross and K.D. Aldyn discussing their latest novels: Possible Springs, a compelling blend of coming-of-age fiction and mystery, and You Girls Play Nice, a chilling revenge thriller.
A panel conversation will follow with Scott Westerfeld and Justine Larbalestier, authors of the action-packed gothic thriller The Mortons, and Amanda Hampson, whose latest novel, The Model Murder, is the newest instalment in her award-winning Australian cosy crime series, The Tea Ladies. The discussion will be moderated by Georgia Harper, award-winning author of What I Would Do to You and Dove.
Enjoy door prizes and exclusive giveaways throughout the evening.
Books will be available for purchase and signing on the night.
About the authors:
Samantha Ross is an author and scriptwriter, who left the cold climes of Melbourne for the more glamorous yet remote country town of Port Douglas.
Samantha has travelled the globe working in the circus of nightclubs, and recording music with DJs and bands. Although her first love was for all things literary. Throw a medium grandmother in the mix and Possible Springs, her first novel, was born.
KD Aldyn lives everywhere and nowhere (home is where the Wi-Fi is). She most often wears black (and sometimes red) and sometimes dances like Elaine from Seinfeld. Sister, Butcher, Sister is her debut.
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.
Amanda Hampson has been writing professionally for more than thirty years and is the bestselling author of novels The Olive Sisters, Two for the Road, The French Perfumer, The Yellow Villa, Sixty Summers, Lovebirds, The Tea Ladies, The Cryptic Clue, The Deadly Dispute and The Model Murder.
A runaway bestseller, The Tea Ladies won the 2024 Danger Awards for Best Crime Fiction and was Shortlisted for the 2024 Davitt Awards - Best Adult Crime and the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards – Best Fiction.
Georgia Harper is the author of What I Would Do to You, which won Best Debut Book at the 2025 Davitt Awards and was shortlisted for Best Crime Fiction Debut at the 2025 Danger Awards. Georgia has worked as a psychologist with both serious violent offenders and victim-survivors of crime. She was also the Senior Inspector Prosecutions for RSPCA Queensland. Georgia is an ambassador for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival. She writes on Kabi Kabi land on the Sunshine Coast.
A darkly funny, action-packed gothic thriller following a modern-day, old-money crime family with murderous intent. It's The Secret History meets The Sopranos, with a dash of Saltburn!