Book Matters
Books & Literature
About
A monthly podcast about books and the people who write them. Packed with reading recommendations, author interviews and insightful advice on finding books for you and your family from the helpful staff at Connected Libraries.
Episodes
- Victoria Purman - Back to Chat
Adelaide writer Victoria Purman returns to Book Matters to discuss her novel "The Marriage Trap." The book examines the 1960s in Australia, focusing on the effects of societal shifts, new ideas, and the pill on ordinary women.
- Back to Chat - Fiona Lowe
Fiona Lowe discusses her latest novel,
- Mercedes Mercier & Kathy Lette
Book Matters features Australian writers Mercedes Mercier discussing her novel The Couple's Retreat and Kathy Lette discussing her novel The Sisterhood Rules.
- Shailee Thompson & Courtney Peppernell
Courtney Peppernell interviews author Shailee Thompson about Thompson’s debut novel “How to kill a guy in ten dates.” Peppernell also discusses her own new novel, “The Last Poem.”
- Rebecca Heath & Susi Fox
This episode features conversations with two authors: Rebecca Heath discusses her novel 'The Last Encore,' an Australian thriller, and Susi Fox talks about her psychological suspense novel 'The Other Child.'
- Chris Hammer - Summer Series
This episode features Chris Hammer discussing his novel Legacy and the character Martin Scarsden. The conversation was recorded live at the library.
- Jane Harper - Summer Series
This episode features a recording of an author event with Melbourne author Jane Harper. Harper chats with Courtney about her writing process and her latest novel, Last One Out.
- Libby Iriks & Brooke Crawford
Book Matters features interviews with Australian authors Libby Iriks and Brooke Crawford. Iriks discusses her novel "Home to the Heart Country," a small-town romance about belonging and neurodivergence. Crawford talks about her debut novel…
- Sally Hepworth - Back to Chat 2025
This special episode of Book Matters marks the show's fifth anniversary, welcoming back author Sally Hepworth to discuss her new novel, Mad Mabel.
- Toni Jordan & Louise Wallace
This episode of Book Matters features interviews with Toni Jordan, author of ‘Tenderfoot,’ a novel about a young girl in 1970s Australia from a family of gamblers, and Louise Wallace, author of ‘Ash,’ a novel exploring motherhood, love, an…
- Jessica Mansour-Nahra & Jess Kitching
This episode of Book Matters features two author interviews. Janine discusses Jessica Mansour-Nahra's novel "The Farm," which explores themes of women's bodies and control. Kiara interviews Jess Kitching about her novel "The Life Experimen…
- Kate Halfpenny & Sinead Stubbins
This episode of Book Matters features two interviews: Sam speaks with Kate Halfpenny about her memoir Boogie Wonderland, concerning a sea change during Melbourne
- Leonie Kelsall & Matt Rogers
This episode features Adelaide writer Leonie Kelsall discussing her rural fiction novel, The Path Through the Coojong Trees, and her writing process. It also includes a conversation with Victorian crime writer Matt Rogers about his publish…
- Kelly Rimmer - Back to Chat 2025
Book Matters celebrates its fifth anniversary with a special episode featuring author Kelly Rimmer. The discussion covers her stories and inspirations, with a reference to a previous 2020 episode.
- Jodi McAlister & Sarah Clutton
Jodi McAlister discusses her rom-com novel “An Academic Affair,” about two English professors in a fake relationship. Sarah Clutton talks about her novel “The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains,” a story of family and self-discovery.
- Lenora Thaker - NAIDOC Week Special Episode
This NAIDOC Week special episode features a conversation between librarian Kate and Lenora Thaker about Thaker's historical novel, 'The Pearl of Tagai Town'. The novel tells the story of a young Torres Strait Islander woman's life in Austr…
- Maya Linnell - Back to Chat 2025
Book Matters celebrates its fifth anniversary with author Maya Linnell. This special episode catches up with her, discussing her stories and contributions to the book world.
- Sally Gould & Michelle Prak
In this episode of Book Matters, Courtney interviews paramedic Sally Gould about her memoir Frog. Additionally, Janine discusses the writing process and the suspense novel Barren Cape with author Michelle Prak.
- Jane Caro - Australian Crime Special Episode
Jane Caro joins Book Matters to discuss her novel Lyrebird, which features a retired detective investigating a cold case.
- Madeleine Cleary & Lauren K McKellar
This episode of Book Matters features two author interviews. First, Madeleine Cleary discusses her historical novel "The Butterfly Women," set in 1863 Melbourne. Second, Lauren McKellar talks about her book "The Calendar Mums," which focus…
- Catherine Greer & Victoria Brownlee
Sam chats with author Catherine Greer about her novel The Bittersweet Bakery Café, followed by an interview with author Victoria Brownlee regarding her book Eat Your Heart Out.
- Vanessa McCausland & Ella Ward
The podcast features two author interviews. Janine discusses Vanessa McCausland
- Kylie Ladd & Leonie Norrington
Book Matters features interviews with authors Kylie Ladd and Leonie Norrington. Ladd discusses her novel "The Mix-Up," about a mix-up involving two children. Norrington talks about her book "A Piece of Red Cloth," based on Yolngu oral hist…
- Summer Series - Candice Fox & Kerryn Mayne
Crime writer Candice Fox discusses her writing, collaboration with James Patterson, screen adaptations of her novels, and her newest book “High Wire” with fellow crime writer Kerryn Mayne. The discussion was recorded live.
- Summer Series - Julie Goodwin
Julie Goodwin discusses her memoir “Your time starts now” with Courtney, sharing her experiences with depression, anxiety, addiction, and her journey toward healing after being hospitalised.
- Leesa Ronald & David Lindenmayer
This episode features debut author Leesa Ronald discussing her novel Special Delivery, followed by a conversation with David Lindenmayer about his book The Forest Wars.
- Lauren Keegan & Pip Drysdale
Book Matters features interviews with debut author Lauren Keegan about her novel “All the bees in the hollows” and best-selling author Pip Drysdale discussing her thriller “The Close-Up.”
- Tess Woods & Emily Maguire
The podcast episode features Australian authors Tess Woods and Emily Maguire. Woods discusses her novel "The Venice Hotel," which follows four women in a hotel with dark secrets. Maguire discusses her historical fiction novel "Rapture," ce…
- Jock Serong & Brooke Hardwick
This episode features two author interviews: Janine chats with Jock Serong about his novel "Cherrywood," exploring themes of legacy and love. Courtney speaks with Brooke Hardwick about her gothic thriller "The Fog," a story about uncoverin…
- Nicola Moriarty & Finegan Kruckemeyer
The episode features author Nicola Moriarty discussing her thriller 'Every Last Suspect' and debut author Finegan Kruckemeyer talking about his novel 'The End and everything before it'.
- Robyn Harding & Lia Hill
The podcast episode features Canadian crime writer Robyn Harding discussing her thriller 'The Haters' and Australian author Lia Hill discussing her novel 'The desert knows her name'.
- Aoife Clifford & Amy Hutton
Book Matters features interviews with Australian authors Aoife Clifford and Amy Hutton. Clifford discusses her mystery novel 'It takes a town,' while Hutton shares insights into her romantic comedy 'Love from Scratch.'
- Kyra Geddes & Jo Peck
This episode of Book Matters features debut author Kyra Geddes discussing her novel 'The Story Thief' and Jo Peck sharing her memoir 'Suddenly Single at 60'.
- Lynne Johnson & Abbey Lay
This episode of Book Matters features Australian debut novelists Lynne Johnson, author of the crime fiction novel "The Bait Trap," and Abbey Lay, author of "Lead Us Not." Johnson
- Australian Rural Crime Episode featuring Dinuka McKenzie
In this episode of Book Matters, host Courtney speaks with Australian author Dinuka McKenzie about her crime novel 'Tipping Point.' The discussion covers her writing process and inspiration for the Detective Kate Miles series.
- Vikki Wakefield & Glenna Thomson
This episode features Australian rural crime writers Vikki Wakefield and Glenna Thomson. Wakefield discusses her novel "To the River," and Thomson discusses her novel "Gone."
- Karen Viggers & Megan Norris
This episode of Book Matters features two author interviews. Janine speaks with Karen Viggers about her novel ‘Sidelines,’ which focuses on a teenage soccer game dispute. Courtney interviews Megan Norris about her true crime book “Look Wha…
- Tania Blanchard & Darry Fraser
Book Matters features Australian historical fiction authors Tania Blanchard, discussing her novel 'A Woman of Courage,' and Darry Fraser, discussing 'The Milliner of Bendigo.'
- Wendy Holden & Kirsty Manning
The episode features interviews with authors Wendy Holden and Kirsty Manning. Holden discusses her novel "The Princess," which fictionalizes Princess Diana's early life. Manning talks about her novel "The Hidden Book," inspired by a true s…
- Emma Donoghue & Fiona Britton
The Book Matters episode features discussions with Irish author Emma Donoghue regarding her novel "Learned by Heart" and Sydney writer Fiona Britton about her mystery novel "Violet Kelly and the Jade Owl".
- History Month - Heather Arnold
Heather Arnold joins Connected Libraries to discuss her new book, Enchanted Beneath the Bluff, focusing on the historical figures Agnes and Geraldine and their search for Elwood's Black Diamonds during the era of suffrage and spiritualism.
- Meredith Appleyard & Susan Johnson
This episode features South Australian author Meredith Appleyard discussing her novel "Daisy & Kate" about female friendships, and Brisbane author Susan Johnson discussing her memoir "Aphrodite's Breath" about moving in with her elderly mo…
- Lucy Campbell- Debut Author
Lucy Campbell, a debut Australian author, discusses her mystery novel ‘Lowbridge’ with Courtney on Book Matters. The book explores themes of lost, mourned, and forgotten girls within a town marked by divisions.
- Will Kostakis - Wear it purple day
This episode of Book Matters features Australian author Will Kostakis discussing his novel "We Could Be Something." The conversation coincides with Wear It Purple Day, an initiative focused on creating inclusive environments for rainbow yo…
- T. J. Newman & Pip Finkemeyer
This episode features two author interviews. Janine speaks with T. J. Newman about her thriller novel Drowning, and Sam discusses Pip Finkemeyer's debut novel Sad Girl.
- Kate Solly & Naima Brown
This episode features debut authors Naima Brown, discussing her novel
- Michael Thompson & Tara Calaby
This episode features debut Australian authors Michael Thompson discussing his novel How to be Remembered and Tara Calaby discussing her historical fiction novel House of Longing.
- Rae Cairns & Mikki Brammer
Book Matters features interviews with crime writer Rae Cairns about her novel Dying to Know and debut novelist Mikki Brammer discussing The Collected Regrets of Clover.
- Victoria Purman & Jackie French
Book Matters presents a historical fiction episode, featuring discussions with Victoria Purman about her novel "A Woman’s Work," set in 1950s Australia during a cooking competition, and Jackie French about her novel "Becoming Mrs Mulberry,…
- Genevieve Gannon and Simon Rowell
The podcast features two authors: Genevieve Gannon discusses her novel The Gifted Son, which centers on a "one punch" incident involving a student. Simon Rowell talks about his crime thriller series, with his latest novel, Wild Card, set a…