Crime Writers Panel: Detectives, Villains & Anti-Heroes
What makes a great crime character? In this panel, leading crime writers explore how they create compelling protagonists, antagonists and morally complex characters that keep readers hooked until the final page.
Event #10 – RACV Torquay Resort
12:30pm-1:30pm
Cost: $35
J.P. Pomare
J.P. Pomare is an award-winning author whose debut novel, Call Me Evie (2018), won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel. In the Clearing (2019) was adapted into the Disney+ Original Series The Clearing, while Tell Me Lies (2020) became a #1 Audible bestseller and was shortlisted for both the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel and the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction.
The Last Guests (2021) received critical acclaim and was adapted into the Stan Original series Watching You. His fifth book, The Wrong Woman (2022), was a top-ten bestseller, as was the highly praised Home Before Night (2023). His 2024 release, 17 Years Later, was shortlisted for the 2025 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction and the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel; it is currently being adapted for the screen. The Gambler (2026) is his eighth novel. Born in New Zealand, Pomare now lives in Melbourne with his wife and daughter.
Christine Keighery
Christine Keighery (who also writes as Chrissie Perry) is the author of more than thirty-five novels for children and young adults. As Chrissie Perry, she wrote thirteen books in the hugely successful Go Girl! series. Her young adult title, Whisper, won a White Raven and IBBY award and was shortlisted for both the CBCA and the WA Premier’s Awards.
Her work has been published in ten countries, including the US, UK, Spain, Brazil, Slovenia, and Korea. Christine is currently writing psychological thrillers for adults; her first book in the genre, The Half Brother (Ultimo Press, 2023), won a Davitt Award for Best Debut. Her second, We’re Not Us Without You (Ultimo Press, 2025), has also received high acclaim.
Mali Cornish
Born in Geelong, Mali Cornish holds a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne. Writing as Mali Waugh, her debut novel, Judgement Day (2023), earned a shortlisting for the Danger Awards Best Debut 2024.
Her newest book – The Missing Mother – is due to be released in April 2026. Beyond her fiction, Mali’s insightful writing has been featured in major publications including the Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian. She currently resides in Melbourne with her family.
Take a look at our other sessions
This year’s line-up also includes bestselling and award-winning authors including Sarah Bailey and J.P. Pomare, who will take to the stage for a special live recording of their podcast, “He Read, She Read”, alongside acclaimed writers Alli Sinclair, Antoun Issa, Melissa Manning, Mark Smith, Tanya Scott, Brendan Cullen and Paul Mitchell, Emma Hardy, Kate Halfpenny and many more.