From real-life investigations to heart-racing thrillers, many people find crime stories captivating.
At Manly Writers’ Festival, we’re bringing together the best in true crime and crime fiction—stories ripped from the headlines and those crafted from imagination.
Join award-winning journalists and investigators who have uncovered shocking truths in cases that have gripped the Northern Beaches and the nation.
Then, step into the world of crime fiction, where authors and journalists steeped in the politics of mysterious ways take us deep into the minds of detectives, good guys, bad guys, and the morally grey spaces in between.
Whether you’re drawn to the chilling reality of true crime or the adrenaline rush of a perfectly plotted mystery thriller, these sessions will leave you curious about the motivations of the criminals, concerns about justice and the legal system, and the thrill of solving a real-life whodunnit.
TRUE CRIME: Kathleen Folbigg was convicted of killing her four children in 2003. Twenty years later, she was released from gaol and her convictions overturned. It took years of dedication from supporters, including lawyers, to be prepared to question flawed legal principles (such as Meadow's Law) and use groundbreaking and new scientific evidence. Every step of the way, investigative journalist and author, Quentin McDermott was there too and is the subject of his book, Meadow's Law.
Justice for Kathleen Folbigg
Host: Anne Marie Nicholson
Friday 28th March, 12.40pm
More true crime, this time with Michael Adams and Rebecca Hazel, as they explore two stories of betrayal, escape, and the pursuit of justice.They’ll Never Hold Me deals with the case of Kevin John Simmonds, who established himself as an anti-hero to many following a never-before- accomplished escape from Long Bay Gaol, and despite being accused of the murder of a prison warden.The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher, and His Wife, recounts the story of Chris Dawson’s behaviour in plain sight for more than 40 years, with meticulous care and rich research. (His conviction is now subject to appeal).
True Crime: Tales of Betrayal, Escape & Justice
Host: Lia Harris
Saturday 29th March, 9.30am
FICTION: Step into the gripping world of Evelyn Sinclair, the beloved morning television host whose glamorous life takes a dark turn. Adored by the public but on the brink of losing her career, Evelyn escapes to her Southern Highlands retreat for what she hopes will be a weekend of romance. Instead, she is found dead under mysterious and chilling circumstances. A very different new book for acclaimed author, Blanche d'Alpuget.
Special Event: Launch of The Bunny Club
Blanche d'Alpuget
Host: Jeremy Fernandez
Friday 28th March, Manly Spirits Distillery, 6.30pm
FICTION: Dive into the fast-paced world of political intrigue and crime with Tim Ayliffe and Michael Brissenden, two genre masters with journalism in their veins. Drawing from real-world experience, Tim and Michael craft stories that blur the lines between fiction and reality, exposing the darker side of power, corruption, and ambition.
Politics, Power, and the Thrill of the Chase
Host: Darren Mara
Saturday 29th March, 10.50am
FICTION: Step into the evocative landscapes of Australian crime fiction with two rising stars of the genre. Hayley Scrivenor and Patricia Wolf bring their richly atmospheric settings to life, where the land itself becomes a character shaping the stories of secrets, resilience, and survival. This session explores how the sunburned country amplifies tension, deepens mysteries, and provides a canvas for gripping storytelling.
The Heart of the Land: Crime Fiction in the Australian Landscape
Host: Tim Ayliffe
Saturday 29th March, 1.30pm
