Women Controlling Crime

Georgia Harper’s Dove asks what a day without men might be like; Mercedes Mercier's The Couples Retreat embodies a haunting past in an ex, and Jane Caro’s Lyrebird finds more truth in nature than men. Three of Australia’s best writers speak to the power behind women’s voices in crime fiction, and how that voice changes the violence and challenges the failure of law. Join us for what is sure to be an enthralling talk, and stay for a drink and nibbles with the speakers following their discussion.

Date: Thursday 7th May

Talk Time: 6.00pm – 7.00pm (arrive from 5:30pm)

Drinks Time: 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Location: Henry Carmichael Theatre (Level 1), Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street Sydney

Cost: $35 each

Note: tickets for the talk and drinks are sold separately.

Jane Caro

Jane Caro AM is a Walkley award-winning Australian columnist, author, novelist, feminist, public education activist and social commentator. Once upon a time, she was a multi-award-winning advertising copywriter and an academic. These days, she is a full-time writer, novelist, speaker, MC and TV, radio and media pundit. She has published thirteen books, and now writes domestic noir including the bestselling novel The Mother and Lyrebird, exploring complex social issues like coercive control and power.

Georgia Harper

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 and for child literacy charity Chapters for Change. She writes on Kabi Kabi land on the Sunshine Coast.

Mercedes Mercier

Mercedes Mercier writes ‘just-one-more-page’ crime with twisting plots and relatable characters. As well as writing books, Mercedes has worked in the criminal justice system for over a decade, giving her unique insight into the world of crime and offenders. After a brush with death, Mercedes threw herself into life. She lived overseas, became a black belt in Karate, skydived, and volunteered with animals. Mercedes lives in Adelaide, in a tree-top home surrounded by kangaroos, koalas, kookaburras and the occasional echidna. Her home is busy, fun and slightly chaotic, with her very patient husband, identical twin daughters and beloved German shepherd dog who rules the roost.

With thanks to our sponsors:

Event Partner: Penguin Random House

Venue Partner: Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts

Wine Partner: Tulloch Wines

Catering Sponsor: The Catering Specialists

Bookseller Partner: Abbey's Bookshop