Kill City

Leigh Dillon & Helen M

Australian crime fiction is our M.O. The Kill City podcast is all about Australian crime writing, crime books and the Australian crime writing industry. Tune in for author interviews, catch up on the latest industry news and book releases, and everything else happening in the Australian crime fiction  scene. 

  1. Mean Streets

    6d ago

    Mean Streets

    Send us Fan Mail Summary Explore the prolific career of Peter Corris, the godfather of contemporary Australian crime writing, and his impact on the genre. Discover his key works, influences, and legacy in shaping Australian noir and the character of Cliff Hardy. Key Topics Peter Corris's influence on Australian crime fictionThe significance of Cliff Hardy in Australian noirCorris's literary influences, especially Raymond ChandlerThe evolution of Corris's writing style over his careerThe impact of Australian landscape and society on his novelsKey Frameworks Australian noirSydney as a character in crime fictionChapters The Legacy of Peter CorrisExploring Key Works of Peter CorrisThe Evolution of Cliff HardyThemes in Corris's WritingThe Influence of Australian LandscapeLooking Ahead: Future ConversationsMore on Peter Corris Find Peter Corris books on Booktopia Peter Corris documentary on YouTube In Competition podcast (Jim and Sean) https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/in-competition/id1724684222 Don't miss our conversation with January Gilchrist. Part one drops Monday 8 June, part two Monday 15 June. Booktopia Affiliate Program The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!  At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too. Disclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. www.killcitypodcast.com.au

    27 min
  2. First Blood: debuts that reshaped a genre

    May 24

    First Blood: debuts that reshaped a genre

    Send us Fan Mail Join Helen and Leigh as they explore the top 12 Australian crime debut novels, ranked by success and awards, with fun clues and insights into each book's significance in Australian crime fiction. Books we discussed Bay of Fires, by Poppy GeeThe Dark Lake, by Sarah BaileyThe Torrent, by Dinuka McKenzieWake, by Shelley BurrDirt Town, by Hayley ScrivenorBoy Swallows Universe, by Trent DaltonScrublands, by Chris HammerStiff, by Shane MaloneyThe Bluffs, by Kyle PerryMurder in the Pacific, by Matt FrancisQuota, by Jock SerongBooktopia Affiliate Program The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!  At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too. Keywords Australian crime fiction, debut novels, Ned Kelly Awards, Australian noir, book list, crime writing, Australian authors, mystery novels, literary awards, coastal noir Key Topics Top Australian crime debut novelsAwards and success of debut novelsGenre evolution and regional settings in Australian crimeNotable authors and their breakthrough booksMusic Credits Music by Mykola Odnoroh (Jazz Lounge Elevator Music) from Pixabay Don't miss our conversation with January Gilchrist. Part one drops Monday 8 June, part two Monday 15 June. Booktopia Affiliate Program The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!  At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too. Disclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. www.killcitypodcast.com.au

    38 min
  3. The 12 essential crime fiction screen adaptations (Part Two)

    May 17

    The 12 essential crime fiction screen adaptations (Part Two)

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In part two of our look at the 12 essential crime fiction screen adaptations, we're counting down from six to one. Discover what landed where and how these stories shaped Australian cinema and television, highlighting their cultural significance and cinematic brilliance. Key Topics Adaptation of 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' and its cultural impactThe success of 'The Dry' and its influence on Australian crime genreThe role of Australian landscape in storytelling and filmChapters Introduction to Australian Crime NovelsPicnic at Hanging Rock: A Classic AdaptationThe Broken Shore: A Deep DiveScrublands: A Unique Adaptation ApproachBad Debts: The Jack Irish SeriesMiss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: A Glamorous DetectiveThe Tie for Number One: The Dry and Its ImpactResources & links 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' (film)'The Dry' (film)Kerry Greenwood's Miss Fisher seriesEpisode 7 of the Kill City Podcast - Murder in the Dark, celebrating Kerry GreenwoodEasy Tiger Productions (website)Easy Tiger (IMDB)Don't miss our conversation with January Gilchrist. Part one drops Monday 8 June, part two Monday 15 June. Booktopia Affiliate Program The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!  At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too. Disclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. www.killcitypodcast.com.au

    41 min
  4. The 12 essential crime fiction screen adaptations (Part One)

    May 10

    The 12 essential crime fiction screen adaptations (Part One)

    Send us Fan Mail Summary This episode explores the 12 essential Australian crime novel adaptations for TV and film, highlighting their impact, production insights, and cultural significance. Hosted by Helen and Leigh, it features in-depth discussions on adaptations like Silver (Scrublands 2), Stiff, Les Norton, and more. Keywords Australian crime fiction, TV adaptations, film adaptations, Australian literature, crime novels, screen adaptations, Australian crime series, Peter Temple, Shane Maloney, Jane Harper Key Topics Impact of Australian crime novels on screenProduction insights of adaptationsCultural significance of Australian crime storiesFilms and TV adaptations we discussed  Stiff Black TideForce of NatureMiss Fisher and the Crypt of TearsSilverLes NortonChapters Introduction to Australian Crime AdaptationsExploring 'Silver' and Chris Hammer's UniverseThe Miss Fisher PhenomenonLes Norton: A Controversial LegacyForce of Nature: The Rugged Australian LandscapeStiff: A Political Satire in Crime FictionDeadpoint: The Dark Side of Jack IrishResources Chris Hammer's SilverMiss Fisher's Murder MysteriesJane Harper's Force of NaturePeter Temple's Jack Irish seriesShane Maloney's Murray Whelan seriesDisclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. Don't miss our conversation with January Gilchrist. Part one drops Monday 8 June, part two Monday 15 June. Booktopia Affiliate Program The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!  At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too. Disclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. www.killcitypodcast.com.au

    27 min
  5. Hitting the Streets

    May 3

    Hitting the Streets

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode Helen and Leigh provide a comprehensive overview of Australian crime novels releasing in 2026, featuring insights into authors, themes, and upcoming events. Perfect for crime fiction enthusiasts planning their reading list. Books we talked about Dark Desert Road, Tim Ayliffe Haze, by Sam Elliott The Gambler, JP Pomare Click, by Sarah Bailey Tell me something true, by Michael Robotham The Long Night, by Christian White *note: we incorrectly had The Long Night coming in June 2026, which we've realised was incorrect. You can find it in-store now! Sorry about that :) An ill Wind, by Margaret Hickey  Three Reasons for Revenge, by Dervla McTiernan  Booktopia Affiliate Program The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!  At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too. Chapters Exploring Australian Crime Novels for 2026Notable Releases: Tim Aliff and Sam ElliottJP Pomare and Sarah Bailey: Rising StarsHistorical Crime and New VoicesReturning Favorites: Michael Robotham and Christian WhiteMargaret Hickey and Vicky Petratus: Rural Noir QueensDervla McTiernan: Anticipated ReleasesUpcoming Festivals and Author EventsWrap-Up: The Future of Australian Crime FictionKeywords Australian crime novels, 2026 releases, crime authors, book festivals, crime fiction trends Disclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. www.killcitypodcast.com.au Don't miss our conversation with January Gilchrist. Part one drops Monday 8 June, part two Monday 15 June. Booktopia Affiliate Program The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!  At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too. Disclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. www.killcitypodcast.com.au

    27 min
  6. Cocaine Blues - Chapter One

    Apr 28

    Cocaine Blues - Chapter One

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode Helen reads the first chapter of Kerry Greenwood's debut Phryne Fisher novel, Cocaine Blues.  Find Cocaine Blues on Booktopia The London season is in full fling at the end of the 1920s, but the Honourable Phryne Fisher - she of the green-grey eyes, diamant garters and outfits that should not be sprung suddenly on those of nervous dispositions - is rapidly tiring of the tedium of arranging flowers, making polite conversations with retired colonels, and dancing with weak-chinned men. Instead, Phryne decides it might be rather amusing to try her hand at being a lady detective in Melbourne, Australia.  Almost immediately from the time she books into the Windsor Hotel, Phryne is embroiled in mystery: poisoned wives, cocaine smuggling rings, corrupt cops and communism - not to mention erotic encounters with the beautiful Russian dancer, Sasha de Lisse - until her adventure reaches its steamy end in the Turkish baths of Little Lonsdale Street. Booktopia Affiliate Program The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!  At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too. Disclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. www.killcitypodcast.com.au

    12 min
  7. Murder in the Dark  - celebrating Kerry Greenwood OAM

    Apr 26

    Murder in the Dark - celebrating Kerry Greenwood OAM

    Send us Fan Mail Summary In the episode we explore the life, works, and legacy of Australian crime writer Kerry Greenwood OAM,  focusing on her iconic character Phrynne Fisher and her impact on crime fiction and television adaptations. Key Topics Kerry Greenwood's contribution to Australian crime fictionThe character of Phrynne Fisher and her significanceThe adaptation of the books into the TV series Miss Fisher's Murder MysteriesGreenwood's versatility across genres including crime, historical fiction, and young adultThe social and feminist themes in Greenwood's workTakeaways Kerry Greenwood brought joy and social awareness to crime fiction.Phrynne Fisher's character exemplifies modern feminist ideals in a 1920s setting.The TV adaptation captured the spirit of Greenwood's work, especially Essie Davis's portrayal.Greenwood's background as a solicitor enriched her authentic depiction of legal and moral dilemmas.Her work spans multiple genres, showcasing her versatility as a writer.Books we discussed Cocaine BluesFlying too HighMurder on the Ballarat trainChapters Celebrating Kerry Greenwood's LegacyThe Unique Voice of Kerry GreenwoodMiss Fisher: A Bold and Stylish HeroineCozy Crime or Something More?The TV Adaptation: Bringing Miss Fisher to LifeExploring Other Works by Kerry GreenwoodThe Culinary Side of Kerry GreenwoodKerry Greenwood's Lasting Impact on Crime FictionResources Kerry Greenwood's Official WebsiteMiss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (TV Series)Cooking the Books (Cookbook)A Taste of Murder (Cookbook)Miss Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries (TV Series)Keywords Kerry Greenwood, Phrynne Fisher, Australian crime fiction, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, crime series, Australian authors, Melbourne crime stories Disclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. Booktopia Affiliate Program The Kill City Podcast is a part of the Booktopia Affiliate Program, meaning that when you purchase a book from Booktopia using one of the above the links, we get a small commission. Or as they'd say in the crime world, a kick back!  At the Kill City Podcast we love celebrating and promoting the work of Australian writers, publishers and bookstores, and we hope you do too. Disclaimer The episode transcripts are auto-generated, and while all efforts are made to ensure their accuracy, there may be some instance of incorrect spelling and/or errors in the accuracy. www.killcitypodcast.com.au

    22 min

About

Australian crime fiction is our M.O. The Kill City podcast is all about Australian crime writing, crime books and the Australian crime writing industry. Tune in for author interviews, catch up on the latest industry news and book releases, and everything else happening in the Australian crime fiction  scene. 

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