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The Ngaio Marsh Awards, in association with Waimakariri Libraries, invite booklovers to a thrilling evening of criminally good conversation with four talented Kiwi storytellers. Crime and thriller writing has evolved from the puzzle-like mysteries of Agatha Christie and Canterbury's own Dame Ngaio Marsh to modern novels delving deeply into people, places, and psychology. Crime and thriller fiction has continued to be one of the world’s most popular form of storytelling, for adults and kids alike, on page and screen.
Canterbury psychiatrist and mystery writer Karen Zelas is joined by policeman and thriller writer Stef Harris, a 2024 Ngaio Marsh Awards longlistee; filmmaker and debut novelist Syd Knight; award-winning Ōtautahi Christchurch YA author and teacher Heather McQuillan to discuss what inspires them as writers, and how they create memorable characters and page-turning stories. Internationally published Oxford poet Doc Drumheller will keep the peace and cross-examine the witnesses.
WHEN: Friday, 23 May 2025
WHERE: Rangiora Library, 141 Percival St, Waimakariri
WHEN: 7pm panel discussion
This is a free event, however registration is essential. Please register at any of branch of Waimakariri Libraries, or by phoning Rangiora Library on (03) 311 8901, or via Facebook messenger.
Refreshments will be provided.
Karen Zelas is a Canterbury poet, author, and former former psychiatrist and psychotherapist who draws on her own experiences to expertly navigate issues facing New Zealand families. Her poetry appears in many anthologies and five of her own book collections. She is author of THE TRIALS OF MINNIE DEAN, a genre-busting verse biography the woman to be hanged in New Zealand. SAFEKEEPING is the second novel in Karen's new mystery series starring lawyer for child Rebecca Eaton.
Stef Harris is a filmmaker, author, and frontline police officer who has served over 30 years in Wellington, Christchurch and Nelson. His film adaptation of his debut novel, THE WAIKIKAMUKAU CONSPIRACY, won four best film awards around the world including the Screen Directors’ Guild Best Feature Film. His third novel, the crime thriller DOUBLE JEOPARDY, was longlisted for the 2024 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel.
Syd Knight is a crime fiction writer and cinematographer who grew up in Canterbury. He has travelled the world as an award-winning filmmaker, and works as a Senior Lecturer in Screen Arts at a university in Wellington. LIE DOWN WITH DOGS is his first novel, and introduces Christchurch detective Kyle William, who is back on the job and hanging on by a thread after being shot during a disastrous undercover investigation.
Heather McQuillan is an award-winning Sumner author, poet, and short story writer. When not writing in her studio at the top of a spiral staircase Heather can be found as the Director and a tutor with Write On School for Young Writers in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Her tales for younger readers have won the Tom Fitzgibbon Award, been Storylines Notable Books, and been shortlisted for the Tessa Duder Award. Her latest book, YA thriller TRUTH NEEDS NO COLOUR, is published in March 2025.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Waimakariri Libraries, 141 Percival Street,Rangiora, New Zealand
