Crime writers to headline Singleton Library Author Talk event

Published on 09 September 2025

Two of Australia’s most celebrated journalists turned crime writers – Michael Brissenden and Paul Daley – are teaming up for an author talk at Singleton Library on Wednesday 17 September from 9.30am.

Readers will hear first-hand how these award-winning journalists transitioned from breaking headlines to writing page-turning thrillers, with Brissenden set to discuss his latest release Dust while Daley will share insights into The Leap. Morning tea will be served at 9.30am before the talk begins at 10am.

Singleton Council’s Director Corporate and Community Services, Dwight Graham, said the author talk would be a highlight for local crime fiction fans and a great reason to rediscover the Library.

“Michael Brissenden and Paul Daley are not only household names in journalism, but they have also proven themselves masters of the crime thriller,” he said.

“Having the opportunity to welcome them to Singleton Library is incredibly exciting – it’s fantastic for our community to have such intimate access to authors of this calibre.”

Mr Graham said that events such as this create space for conversation, for people to be inspired to pick up a book, and for our library to be a place where stories come alive.

“Libraries are not just about borrowing books – they’re about connection, learning and discovery. Events like this remind us how good it feels to fall into a great story, and I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t visited our library in a while to come along, enjoy a cup of tea, and get back into reading,” he said.

“And Singleton Library’s crime writing calendar won’t stop in September – on Thursday 9 October, acclaimed journalist and author Matthew Spencer will take the stage to talk about his latest novel Broke Road, set in our backyard in Pokolbin.”

With decades of experience between them as foreign correspondents and political reporters, Brissenden and Daley bring the same sharp eye for detail and gripping storytelling to crime fiction.

• Brissenden’s Dust follows the acclaimed success of Smoke, a thriller that cemented him as one of Australia’s most talked-about new crime writers.
• Daley’s The Leap is a pulse-pounding literary thriller that blends humour, horror and historical truths with an unforgettable final twist.

The author talk is free, but bookings are essential. Reserve your free ticket here at  https://tinyurl.com/y8w3eny9

ENDS