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. 3d ago

    The 2026 Davitt Award winners announced (Bonus Episode)

    Send us Fan Mail The 2026 Davitt Award winners have been announced, and in this bonus episode we look at these thoroughly deserving winners.  A huge congratulations to the below winners of this year's awards.  Learn more about the Davitt Awards and Sisters in Crime.  Best Adult Fiction:  Joanna Jenkins, The Bluff (Allen & Unwin) Best Nonfiction: Kate Wild, The Red House (Allen & Unwin) Best Young Adult Novel: Amy Doak, What Have They done to Liza McLean? (Penguin Random House Australia) Best Children’s Novel: Sarah Armstrong, Run (Hardie Grant Children’s) Highly Commended – Children’s Novel: Amelia Mellor, Oceanforged: The Wicked Ship (Simon & Schuster Australia) Best Debut: Angie Faye Martin, Melaleuca (HQ Fiction)  Kerry Greenwood Readers’ Choice Award: Sally Hepworth, Mad Mabel (Macmillan Australia) 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

    The 2026 Davitt Award winners announced (Bonus Episode)
  2. 5d ago

    Sam Elliott in the spotlight - Part Two

    Send us Fan Mail In part two of our conversation with Sam Elliott, we talk about how he crafts his characters, including the lead character of his novel, Haze, Dahlia Turner (and 2027's Deep Fake).  He also discusses the solitary journey that is writing, the process of writing and re-writing and how his preferred kind of feedback is "brutal honesty, scorched earth... don't sugarcoat anything."  Plus, he talks about not letting anyone "dim your shine." It's an open, honest and insightful chat.  Sam's debut novel, Haze Haze, by Sam ElliottSam's podcast The Write Way (hosted by Sam)About the Write Way A program founded and hosted by author and interviewer Samuel Elliott, that features a broad and disparate range of writer folk guests, ranging from international best-selling authors, to debut novelists or those as-yet unpublished writers.  Regardless of what stage of their career they might be at, all of them are united by a love of writing, as well as having overcome some brutal challenges to get to where they are. This program will discuss not only each guest’s latest and greatest work or project, but also delve into what they’ve faced and conquered along their way to inevitable success. 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

    Sam Elliott in the spotlight - Part Two
  3. Sep 6

    Sam Elliott in the spotlight - Part One

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode Helen and Leigh speak to Sydney crime writer, Sam Elliott, who shares his journey from childhood obsessions to publishing his debut novel 'Haze'. Sam discusses character creation, researching for authenticity, and the intense process of bringing a story to life, including the impact of editing and the significance of Australian settings and themes.  Samuel details his writing process and the importance of community, how he handles feedback, and his upcoming projects including the novel Deep Fake. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of a writing career and offers advice for aspiring authors. Sam's debut novel, Haze Haze, by Sam ElliottSam's podcast The Write Way (hosted by Sam)About the Write Way A program founded and hosted by author and interviewer Samuel Elliott, that features a broad and disparate range of writer folk guests, ranging from international best-selling authors, to debut novelists or those as-yet unpublished writers.  Regardless of what stage of their career they might be at, all of them are united by a love of writing, as well as having overcome some brutal challenges to get to where they are. This program will discuss not only each guest’s latest and greatest work or project, but also delve into what they’ve faced and conquered along their way to inevitable success. 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

    Sam Elliott in the spotlight - Part One
  4. Aug 16

    Crime & Youth - Getting kids hooked on books

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Leigh and Helen explore the vibrant landscape of Australian children's and young adult crime and mystery books. They discuss award-winning titles, influential authors like John Marsden, and upcoming releases, highlighting how these stories shape the next generation of readers and writers. Children's Book Week 2026 https://cbca.org.au/childrens-book-week/Books we discussed The books of John MarsdenThe books of Amy DoakThe books of Aaron BlabeyWe saw what you started, by Carla SalmonTrue South, by Gisela Ervin-WardRun, by Sarah ArmstrongThe books of Kate EmeryKey Topics Australian children's and YA crime booksJohn Marsden's influence on Australian literatureUpcoming Australian crime book awards and nominationsThe role of mystery in young adult fictionNotable Australian authors and series in YA crimeThe importance of nurturing young readers in the crime genre.Keywords Australian children's books, young adult crime fiction, John Marsden, Children's Book Week, Australian authors, mystery books, YA series, crime adjacent stories, Australian literature, book awards 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

    Crime & Youth - Getting kids hooked on books
  5. Aug 2

    Dinuka McKenzie in the spotlight - Part One

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we're joined by Australian crime writer Dinuka Mackenzie, who shares her journey from environmental planner to  author, her writing process, and insights into her series featuring Detective Kate Miles. Discover how she crafts suspense, develops characters, and explores themes of family, identity, and resilience. Dinuka's books The Torrent (Kate Miles, book one)Taken (Kate Miles, book two)Tipping Point (Kate Miles, book three)She Lied First (standalone, released July 2026)Key Topics Dinuka Mackenzie's transition from environmental planning to writingThe creation and development of the Kate Miles seriesBalancing series and standalone novelsResearch and authenticity in crime fictionCharacter-driven storytelling and emotional depthRaising stakes and maintaining suspenseRepresentation of multicultural Australia in her booksWriting process: from first draft to publicationReader feedback and its impact on her writingFuture projects and genre explorationChapters Introduction and guest backgroundThe journey from environmental planner to authorWriting the first draft and industry learningsReactions to her debut and early successDeep dive into the Kate Miles seriesThemes of family, loyalty, and personal struggleWriting the third Kate Miles novel, Tipping PointKeywords Crime fiction, Australian authors, writing process, character development, series writing, psychological thriller, crime series, author interview, storytelling, crime novels 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

    Dinuka McKenzie in the spotlight - Part One

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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