Tag: Australian stories

#AussieAuthors2025, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Book Industry, Books, challenges, Crime/Mystery, literary fiction, Publishers, Reading, Reviews

Shadow City by Natalie Conyer

Ashleigh

Title: Shadow City Author: Natalie Conyer Genre: Crime Publisher: Echo Publishing Published: 3rd September 2024 Format: Paperback Pages: 368 Price: $32.99 Synopsis: Every city casts a shadow, where evil flourishes. Sydney, Australia: The body of a young woman is found in Chinatown. She’s been beaten, tortured – and tattooed with the image of a sun.… Continue reading Shadow City by Natalie Conyer

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Black Silk and Sympathy by Deborah Challinor

Ashleigh

Title: Black Silk and Sympathy Author: Deborah Challinor Genre: Crime, Historical Crime Publisher: HarperCollins Australia Published: 3rd April 2024 Format: Paperback Pages: 384 Price: $32.99 Synopsis: A dazzling new series from bestselling historical fiction author Deborah Challinor, exploring the fascinating world of Victorian funeral customs and featuring Sydney's first female undertaker. 'Men have been undertakers… Continue reading Black Silk and Sympathy by Deborah Challinor

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2025 Reading Summary

Ashleigh

I write roundups that are broad and focused, and split them into men, women, Australian, non-Australian, children’s, young adult, adult, LGBTQIA, Disabled and co-authored books. There is also a post with everything and a summary at the end. So if people want to look at something in particular, they can. My final reading stats for… Continue reading 2025 Reading Summary

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Return to Sender by Lauren Draper

Ashleigh

Title: Return to Sender Author: Lauren Draper Genre: Mystery Publisher: Pan Macmillan Published: 25th Jube 2024 Format: Paperback Pages: 384 Price: $26.99 Synopsis: SHORTLISTED FOR THE QLD LITERARY AWARDS YOUNG ADULT BOOK AWARD 2025SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUSTRALIAN BOOK DESIGN AWARDS 2025 BEST DESIGNED YOUNG ADULT COVERAfter three years away, seventeen-year-old Brodie McKellon has returned to… Continue reading Return to Sender by Lauren Draper

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2025 reading round up

Ashleigh

In 2025, I read 270 books across every genre, style, and author identity I came across. Reviewing and judging activities meant a lot more reading, and until the end of the year, a lot less time to read the books I wanted to get through on my shelves. It was a delicate balancing act to… Continue reading 2025 reading round up

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Alice-Miranda Shows the Way by Jacqueline Harvey

Ashleigh

Title: Alice-Miranda Shows the Way Author: Jacqueline Harvey Genre: Mystery/Fiction Publisher: Puffin Published: 16th July 2019/1st August 2012 Format: Paperback Pages: 368 Price: $16.99 Synopsis: It’s a race to the finish as Winchesterfield gets set for the annual show. Alice-Miranda has a birthday to celebrate, and a village show to look forward to! One of… Continue reading Alice-Miranda Shows the Way by Jacqueline Harvey

#AussieAuthors2025, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Book Industry, Books, Crime/Mystery, literary fiction, Publishers, Reading, Reviews

It Takes a Town…To Solve a Murder by Aoife Clifford

Ashleigh

Title: It Takes a Town…To Solve a Murder Author: Aoife Clifford Genre: Crime Publisher: Ultimo Press Published: 3rd April 2024 Format: Paperback Pages: 352 Price: $34.99 Synopsis: So many people had reason to hate her, but did anyone have reason to kill her? Everyone dies famous in a country town, but glamorous Vanessa Walton was a… Continue reading It Takes a Town…To Solve a Murder by Aoife Clifford

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Total Women

Ashleigh

Each year, I try my best to read as many books by women as possible, and to read as diversely as possible. In 2025, I read 234, participated in judging an award, and of course, continued to do my reviewing. Reading across as many styles and genres as possible, based on what I had from… Continue reading Total Women

#AussieAuthors2025, animals, Aussie authors, Australian literature, Australian women writers, Book Industry, Books, Children's Literature, humour, Jacqueline Harvey, Junior Fiction, Publishers, Reading, Reviews, series, Willa and Woof

Best Idea Yet (Willa and Woof #8) by Jacqueline Harvey

Ashleigh

Title: Best Idea Yet (Willa and Woof #8) Author: Jacqueline Harvey Genre: Contemporary Publisher: Puffin Published: 8th October 2024 Format: Paperback Pages: 128 Price: $12.99 Synopsis: Adventure, imagination and loads of fun! When Willa accidentally learns that Sunset Views Retirement Village, home of her best old-age friend, Frank, is about to be sold, she has… Continue reading Best Idea Yet (Willa and Woof #8) by Jacqueline Harvey

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Young Adult books read in 2025

Ashleigh

In 2025, I read 50 young adult books, mostly by Australian authors in all sorts of genres and styles, and who all had different identities. Some of these books probably crossed over with middle grade, but they’re here because they could also be enjoyed by a young adult audience, or in the case of the… Continue reading Young Adult books read in 2025