March Newsletter
Author Spotlight:
Laura McCluskey
Laura McCluskey is a writer, editor and actor. Born and raised in Melbourne’s north-east, until early adulthood her entire life existed within a fifteen-minute radius. McCluskey studied journalism at La Trobe University, moved into digital content and marketing, then started acting across theatre, film and television, and co-founded a theatre company in 2019 called Three Fates Theatre Company. Then in 2023, she co-founded a film company, Sybilline Films. Her debut novel, The Wolf Tree, the first in a series featuring Scottish detectives George Lennox and Richie Stewart, was published by HarperCollins in 2025, and her follow up novel The Cursed Road was published on 24 February this year and available in store or online now.
Laura McCluskey comes from a big family, spends a lot of time running around after nephews, and wishes that she was a much better cook. She lives in Naarm/Melbourne.
We are thrilled to be hosting Laura in store for an Author talk on Thursday 26 March at 6:00pm. Event & booking details are below, or you can click here.
The Cursed Road by Laura McCluskey
The hauntingly atmospheric and gripping new novel from the author of The Wolf Tree
In a mountainous region of the Scottish Highlands, a young woman’s body has been found on a remote stretch of road. Though the manner of her death suggests a terrible accident, a name carved into her arm hints at something more sinister.
And when a personal connection to the name is revealed, DIs Georgina Lennox and Richard Stewart are sent to investigate.
As George and Richie question locals, they discover that the road has a bloody history. Fearing that more women will be harmed, they track the killer through a rugged wilderness where ancient feuds, generational curses and the unforgiving elements fight for supremacy.
But there are more secrets to the road than just its history – and the people living along it will do whatever it takes to stop those secrets from coming out.
Instore or online now
Books of the Month
FICTION
Reviewed by Chloe
Stedman provides a compelling example of Australian contemporary fiction with A Far-Flung Life. Brutal and endearing in equal measure, I shed more than a few tears reading this, and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of Australian narrative fiction, historical fiction, or even just a good yarn.
A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman
Western Australia, 1958- here, for generations, the MacBrides have lived on a remote sheep station, Meredith Downs. A million acres, it’s an ocean of arid land.
One ordinary day, on a lonely road, patriarch Phil MacBride swerves to avoid a kangaroo. In seconds, the lives of his entire family are shattered.
Then, instead of leaving them to heal, fate comes back for them in a twist of consequences that will cause one of them to lose their life, and another to sacrifice theirs for the sake of an innocent child. Matt, the youngest MacBride, is plunged into a moral and emotional journey for which there is no map, no guide, as he is forced to choose between love and duty, sacrifice and happiness.
A Far-flung Life explores the lives of a handful of isolated souls and the secrets they shield in order to survive. A tale of family and belonging, of compassion and hope, it’s about people trying to do their best, and each, for private reasons, seeking shelter from the storm of life.
NON FICTION
Reviewed by Tenniell
Another truly insightful book by Dr. Paul Callaghan, with Dr. Paul Gordon. Leading From the Dreaming Path walks us through the 8 Rs of leadership: responsibility, relationships, respect, recognition, reflection, results, resilience and renewal. Both Callaghan & Gordon show us that great leadership doesn’t necessarily come from great skills in your industry, but from a deeper wisdom of knowing yourself. Great leaders understand the importance of learning from everyone around us, a curious mindset and true authenticity in all areas of one’s life.
Leading from the Dreaming by Paul Gallagher
Paul Callaghan, bestselling author of The Dreaming Path, shares how the key to mindset, lifelong learning and leadership excellence exists within Indigenous knowledge systems.
First Nations peoples have known for tens of thousands of years that we are all born to learn and continue learning until we take our last breath, from everyone and everything around us – from teachers, lecturers, books, courses, Elders, children, babies, strangers, friends, life and nature.
In Leading from the Dreaming, Paul Callaghan draws on his business experience and cultural knowledge to walk you through the 8 Rs of Leadership: responsibility, relationships, respect, recognition, reflection, results, resilience and renewal.
By developing this adaptable, curious mindset, you will set yourself up for leadership excellence in your personal and professional lives.
KIDS & YA
Reviewed by Tenniell
An absolute gem! Campfire Kisses is exactly what a camping trip into the Great Australian Bush is like. From the anticipation of finding that special spot, to the “nothing’s silly” attitude we all have as soon as we arrive, and the filling of hours with whatever fun you feel like having. This new picture story book by Shelia Knaggs will certainly inspire you to plan your next camping trip.
Campfire Kisses by Shelia Knaggs
There’s nothing more delightful
than to sleep beneath the stars
and wake up in the morning
to the screech of the galahs.
Come toast a marshmallow and celebrate the universal magic of camping in this heartfelt and joyous ode to holidays in the Great Australian Bush.
March New Release Highlights
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Kids & YA
Events:
Author Talks:
School Holidays:
Book Club:
For full information and booking links, click the images below. More titles will be released soon. But don’t hesitate to book, sessions fill up fast! Get more out of your reading this year, by joining in and meeting some new bookish friends.
Feature Series:
Your Next Read Series
Founded in 2017 as a Facebook community, Your Kid’s Next Read has become Australia’s most trusted resource for children’s reading and literacy. With over 38,000 members and a successful podcast, YKNR focuses on helping young readers find the perfect next book, promoting Australian creators, supporting parents and caregivers in fostering literacy, and advocating for educators and children’s literature.
Launching with 12 titles across two series (Silver for ages 5-8 and Gold for ages 7-9) in 2026 and expanding by a further 24 titles by 2027, Your Next Read features the work of some of Australia’s most respected children’s authors and illustrators. These include Peter Cheong, Jane Godwin, Jade Goodwin, Anita Heiss, Kylie Howarth, Tom Jellett, Maddy Mara, Jasmin McGaughey, Katrina Nannestad, Cheryl Orsini, A. L. Tait, Kate & Jol Temple and more.
With a variety of genres, themes and perspectives, YNR offers every child the chance to find something they love – and then reach for the next book, and the next, and the next.
Gifts of the Month:
Easter Books & Gifts
Get ready for the Easter school holidays with our exciting range of kids’ Easter books & gifts, now available in-store!
Other Services:
