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As crime and thriller writing - whether crime fiction or true crime- has evolved from puzzle-like mysteries to modern novels delving deeply into people and place, it has continued to intrigue readers around the world. What makes it so captivating?
The Ngaio Marsh Awards, in association with Auckland Libraries, invite booklovers to a free event as part of the 2026 Mystery in the Library series, where Whangaparāoa writer Stephen Ross is joined by 2025 Ngaios finalist Angus Gillies, a TV producer and true crime writer, along with past Ockhams shortlistee Bryan Walpert, Mangawhai journalist and author Kelley Tantau, and British-born Auckland writer Pat Backley, for a fun and fascinating korero on the art and craft of page-turning writing, the impact of people and place, and how to create memorable characters.
WHEN: Saturday, 23 May 2025
WHERE: Whangaparāoa Library, 9 Main Street, Stanmore Bay
WHEN: 1pm for a 1.30pm panel
Free entry.
Angus is the author of the Ruatoria Killings series of non-fiction investigations. He worked as a journalist and producer at TV3 for 20 years, and has written biographies of sports stars Matthew Ridge, Adam Parore, Justin Marshall, and entertainer John Rowles. Most recently, Angus co-wrote FAR NORTH, an extraordinary true crime tale that was a finalist for the 2025 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Non-Fiction, and was also made into a six-part TV series starring Robyn Malcolm and Temuera Morrison.
Bryan is a poet, fiction writer, literary scholar, essayist, and editor who has published ten books. His novel ENTANGLEMENT was shortlisted for the Ockham NZ Book Awards. His new novel EMPATHY has been described as “fiction of the highest order” (Lloyd Jones) and “a superbly plotted thriller” (Cristina Sanders), and was long-listed for the 2026 Ockham NZ Book Awards.
Kelley is an award-winning New Zealand journalist and author who moved to Mangawhai from Paeroa last year, having lived in the Waikato for more than a decade. In 2023, she was named Best Senior News Journalist at the Community Newspaper Awards, and Runner-Up Best Community Reporter at the NZ Voyager Media Awards. Described as 'an exciting new writer' by NZ Booklovers, Kelly's debut novel THE RUNAWAY MAN was published in 2023.
Pat is an Auckland-based author and speaker who emigrated from England to New Zealand in 2010. Known for her historical fiction, memoirs, and travel writing, she often focuses on social history and the stories of everyday people. Pat's books include the Daisy historical saga series, her memoir FROM THERE TO HERE, coffee table book THE WARRIOR WOMEN PROJECT, and her 2025 whodunnit mystery WAS HE A PERFECT GENTLEMAN?
Stephen is a Whangaparaoa writer whose stories have been published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, several Mystery Writers of America anthologies, and nominated for an Edgar Award, Derringer Award, and Thriller Award. Stephen was a contributor to the DARK DEEDS DOWN UNDER anthology and Agatha Award-winning non-fiction book HOW TO WRITE A MYSTERY. His YA novel, THE BRIDE MUST BE STOPPED! was published in 2025.
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Event Venue
Whangaparāoa Library (Whangaparāoa), 9 Main St, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa 0932, New Zealand, Takapuna
Tickets
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