What local authors are reading in 2025

Image: Author Emma Darragh and others share their top reads for 2025.

One of the things that we adore about a new year is the buzz of fresh new book releases!

We reached out to some talented local authors to unearth the new releases that they're itching to read this year. Whether you’re a fan of spine-chilling crime, futuristic fiction, uplifting narratives, or simply a cracking good story, there’s something here to whet your appetite.

Be one of the first to read these exciting new titles and reserve your copy via the Wollongong City Libraries catalogue. Not a member yet? Head in to one of the seven local library locations or join online - it's free and easy.

Catherine McKinnon

Catherine McKinnon is the critically acclaimed author of To Sing of War and Storyland. She has been shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award, the Barbara Jefferis Award, the Voss Literary Prize, longlisted for the Indie Book Award, and Highly Commended in the HNSA ARA Historical Novel Award. Storyland was named one of ABC TV’s The Book Club’s Five of the Best in 2017. Catherine teaches creative writing at the University of Wollongong.

Catherine is reading...

1. Landfall by James Bradley

"James Bradley writes speculative fiction novels, essays about climate change, and other stories as well. I'm reading his book of essays, Deep Water, at the moment, but having loved his earlier novels, I'm hanging out for another speculative fiction book. I don't know anything about it, other than it says 'crime' and 'future' in the media release, and that is enough for me," she said.

2. Always Will Be by Mykaela Saunders

"I was on a writing panel with Mykaela Saunders and was impressed by the way she talked about her forthcoming book and about creativity. She has a passion to re-imagine what is possible for Australia. The stories in Always Will Be are set in the future, all around the one location of the Tweed and I'm looking forward to reading Mykaela's speculative tales."

3. By Her Hand by Marion Taffe

"Marion Taffe is a debut novelist. I know nothing about her writing except that the publisher, Catherine Milne from Harper Collins, was so impressed by it that she signed Marion after a pitch session, when Marion was still at student at RMIT.  I met Marion when I was doing an in-conversation about To Sing of War at Readings Bookstore in Melbourne last year and she told me the story."

Hayley Scrivenor

Hayley Scrivenor is the author of Dirt Town, which was published internationally in 2022 (published as Dirt Creek in the U.S., where it was a USA TODAY bestseller) and quickly became a #1 Australian bestseller. The novel has been shortlisted for multiple national and international awards and translated into several languages. In 2023, Dirt Town won the ILP John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Mystery and the ABIA for General Fiction Book of the Year.  Her second novel, Girl Falling, was released in Australia in August of 2024.

Hayley is reading...

1. When She Was Gone by Sara Foster

Rose Campbell, a former London cop, knows about violence and how it can tear us apart. When Rose’s estranged daughter goes missing in Western Australia – with two children from the wealthy family she is nannying for – Rose will have to dig deep to uncover what happened. This absorbing novel will have you up late into the night, still turning pages. Sara Foster’s wonderful thriller will be out April 20252.

2. Dead Ends by Samantha Byres

Samantha Byres’ debut (coming July 2025) is not a typical crime read. When Nell returns to her small hometown in New Zealand to care for her ailing mother, she is reeling from the end of a relationship that’s now being combed over by HR. A psychic insinuates herself into Nell’s life, promising her family closure on the deaths of two girls that have haunted them. The result is queer, dark and funny.

3. Stillwater by Tanya Scott

Tanya Scott explodes onto the Australian crime scene with this rip-roaring debut that I read in a single sitting. Luke Harris is a decent man trying to play the hand he’s been dealt. What unfolds shows a criminal underbelly in technicolour detail. Stillwater is one of those books that remind you that you need to up your game as a writer. Out in August 2025.

Emma Darragh

Emma Darragh has a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Wollongong where she has worked as an academic since 2019. Emma’s writing has appeared in numerous Australian publications, and her debut novel-in-stories, Thanks for Having Me won the 2024 Readings New Australian Fiction Prize.

Emma is reading...

1. To Sing of War by Catherine McKinnon

I loved Storyland - McKinnon’s writing is both immersive and thought-provoking. The way she activates history makes you realise that the past is never really put to rest and the future is already with us... I have been meaning to get to this book since it came out in May 2024, so I’m very keen to get to it now!

2. Theory & Practice by Michelle de Kretser

I love books that experiment with form and challenge the reader, so I’m really excited about what de Kretser is doing here. I’ve also been spending more time exploring Virginia Woolf’s work lately, so this feels like it might be a perfect match for me.

3.  Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

I discovered Lisa Jewell on Borrowbox in 2024 and I’m addicted. I love crime fiction - especially in audio.  Nicola Walker read one of the parts in None of this is True and it was phenomenal. The premise of this one sounds interesting so I’ll be putting a hold on this one as soon as I can!

D.A. Cairns

Heavy metal lover and cricket tragic, D.A. works as a ghostwriter, has had over 100 short stories published, and has authored seven novels and a superficial and unscientific memoir, I Used to be an Animal Lover. His latest book is the Square Pegs anthology. The third book in his Callumron series, Satan's Choppers, is scheduled for release in January 2025.

D.A. is reading...

1. The Way We Are by Hugh Mackay

What Makes us Tick is the best sociology book I've ever read. I was privileged to hear Hugh speak in person earlier in the year and I can't wait to get into this latest book by a man who knows people better than they know themselves.

2.  Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

I discovered Liane with Big Little Lies and it was love at first read. I've since read Apples Never Fall and now, I'm looking forward to reading her latest book. I love the twists and turns, the intricacies and complexities of ordinary people in extraordinary situations.

3. Never Flinch by Stephen King

Stephen is my writing hero, the man who write the books which made me a reader as a teenager. I've read more of his work than any other author and am busting to get into his new novel which will be published in 2025. I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

Marcelo Baez

Marcelo Baez is a professional illustrator and creative facilitator based in Wollongong, with an international client list including Marvel, Anh Do, Apple and more. He has extensive experience as a creative facilitator and presenter and teaches a variety of drawing comics/character design/visual storytelling for kids.

Marcelo is reading...

1. Life Drawing: A Love and Rockets Collection by Jamie Hernandez

In the late 80’s I was hyper-focused on reading superhero comics, indie comics just weren’t on my radar, until I discovered Love and Rockets. At first I was just attracted to Jamie’s amazing art work, but his characterisation and narrative were on another level, which opened my eyes to what cartooning could achieve on a broader emotional level. The innovation in these comics has inspired an entire generation of comic creators. Did I mention they are a ton of fun as well?

2. Asadora! Vol. 8 by Naoki Urasawa

I’m not the biggest manga reader, but Naoki Urasawa’s “Asadora” series is one of the most engaging stories I’ve read in a long time. His artwork is beyond spectacular, but it’s his charming characters and wild plots that will keep you reading. The protagonist Asadora survives a mystery typhoon in post-war Japan and makes an unusual ally, that makes for one of the most enthralling stories in manga/comics. I can’t wait to read this latest volume.

3. Bowling with Corpses and other strange tales from lands unknown by Mike Mignola and Dave Stewart

I’ve been a huge fan of Mike Mignola’s work since I first encountered his unique visuals reading Marvel comics in the ‘80s - Hellboy remains one of my all-time favourite comics, a dark, off beat fantasy adventure mixing folktales with paranormal adventures.
Bowling with Corpses marks his return to drawing and writing a new blend of weird and bizarre stories by this comics master. Not to be missed if you’re a fan of creepy, weird and whimsical storytelling.

Natasha Chellan

Natasha was born in South Africa and is of Indian heritage. She is a chemical engineer with more than 20 years of experience in the mining and minerals industry. Her passion for children’s literature and her dedication to exploring themes of resilience and courage inspired her to co-author her first children’s book with her 7-year-old son, Satyam. Together, they created Now My Life is New, a heartwarming story about immigration, resilience, and kindness, inspired by their journey from South Africa to Wollongong.

Natasha is reading...

1. Into the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah

This is Trevor Noah’s newest book – a picture book about the power of imagination and how we choose to see the world around us. Through his unique storytelling, Noah reflects on loss, healing, and courage inspired by his South African childhood. As someone who seeks to find beauty in every situation, I am excited to discover how Noah captures meaning in life’s uncertainty and inspires growth through adversity.

2. She Built It by Angela Sedran

As a woman in engineering and a passionate advocate for inclusion, I’m inspired by Angela Sedran’s She Built It. This book celebrates trailblazing women entrepreneurs who’ve defied barriers to achieve greatness. Its focus on creativity, determination, and mentorship aligns with my own values, and I look forward to learning from these empowering stories of leadership and innovation.

3. Murriyang - Song of Time by Stan Grant

Murriyang-Song of Time beautifully intertwines storytelling, culture, and connection to the land. Stan Grant’s reflections on Wiradjuri heritage offer deep insights into identity and belonging. As an immigrant who values cultural diversity, I am eager to explore this powerful narrative that highlights the connection between people, history, and nature.

Jody Cauduro

Local author and former Early Years teacher, Jody Cauduro has written four interactive, engaging children's books including Watching...Wondering.

Jodi is reading...

1. The Ledge by Christian White

Christian is an Australian author of thrillers, and I can't wait to read his newest, fourth book. Heart stopping twists are his thing. Never before have I been stopped in my tracks and physically gasped, needing to reread previous parts of a story to fully comprehend what has happened. Characters feel so real; settings so Australian, and the writing is taut; endings satisfying.

2. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

I'm a huge admirer of Liane; she's a master storyteller. Her books are easy to read, steeped in Australiana and full of intrigue. Engaging characters drive the narrative. I'm looking forward to this book, her tenth novel, as it seeks to tackle some bigger themes of life, fate and death. I'm sure my own views will be challenged whilst enjoying another cracking story from Liane.

3. Pearly and Pig and The Island of Secrets by Sue Whiting

Sue is an award-winning children's book author with countless books to her credit...AND she's local! I'm loving her Pearly and Pig series and have earmarked her third in the series to read in anticipation of gifts for young people in my life (perfect for ages 8 to 11 years). Her website has lots of resources to extend on the stories and these books are chock-full of adventure, cliff hangers and relatable, fun characters who deliver some terrific life lessons.