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Michelle Stephens

@mstephens_writer

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Reads. Writes. Melbourne-ite.
Debut mystery novel THE CRACK out Jan 2027 with @allenandunwin
Repped by @highspotlit

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SHE’S HERE!

Behold the book cover of my dreams 💛💛💛

•••

Ren Holbrook was a teenager on a family holiday when her younger sister, Daisy, vanished from Crackerly Bay. With few leads, the case quickly went cold, leaving heartbreak in its wake.

But Ren has always known who killed Daisy. So when another young girl goes missing from the same place eighteen years later, she knows Arthur Bicknell’s murderous habits have resurfaced.

Ren is also facing uncomfortable questions of her own in relation to her mother’s death. This might be her last chance to expose the killer for the monster he is and finally force Arthur Bicknell to pay for the things he has done.

As old secrets and new lies collide, a desperate Ren is forced to ask herself, what lines is she prepared to cross to get her revenge?

•••

THE CRACK officially lands in bookstores from January 5 but is available to pre-order now from all the usual places — especially your favourite local independent bookstores — and via the link in my bio.

In the meantime, let me know in the comments what you’re expecting off the back of this blurb and gorgeous cover…

@mstephens_writer
@allenandunwin

#mysterynovel #aussiecrimereads #complicatedwomen #debutcrew2027
#welcometocrackerlybay by @mstephens_writer

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2 days ago

*HELP PLEASE WRITING COMMUNITY*

Do you know an Australian author who is traditionally publishing a debut novel in 2027? You do? Then please read on…

One of my fave Instagram things has been watching the local #DebutCrews bloom over the last few years. And with my first novel (finally!) releasing in January 2027, I’m pretty keen to get in on some of that loved-up, supportive action!

So if you’ve got a debut book coming out in 2027, and want to ride the ups, the downs, the unknowns, with a group of authors going through the same thing, why don’t we connect? If that’s you, comment below, or DM me and let’s start getting the #debutcrew2027 gang together.

(Thanks to @lisakenway and @sophie.e.stern for their encouragement in starting a callout, and if any past DebutCrewers wanted to help spread the word, well, that would be AWESOME.) 🙏 taken in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia by @mstephens_writer

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8 months ago

Thanks to @darebinlibraries for a fabulous event with the always entertaining @michaelrobotham - who we all could easily have listened to for another hour! (And great to share the night with fellow #debutcrew2027 member @georgie.foster_writer x)

TELL ME SOMETHING TRUE is out now and word on the street is it’s his best yet, so you should all race out to grab your copy right now! by @mstephens_writer

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11 days ago

Why is talking so hard sometimes? 😂😂

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#crimewriter #authorlife #yappingreels #debutnovel by @mstephens_writer

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20 days ago

Guess who’s got a shiny new website? And is starting an author newsletter to celebrate?

Good guess. Meeeeeee.

It’s called ‘Confessions of a Crime Writer’ and will deliver you all the (early) inside goss on The Crack, behind-the-scenes snippets from a crime writer’s desk, as well as feature appearances by fabulous guest author Confessors. The newsletter will only drop every month or so — when there’s something on my radar that’s simply too good not to share — so if that sounds like your thing, I’d love for you to sign up and start a conversation that’s longer than a caption.

You can connect via the link in my bio ⬆️ or at 💻 www.mstephenswriter.com

🙏 🙏 🙏 by @mstephens_writer

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25 days ago

It’s nearly over to you. (In 112 sleeps anyway)

•••

#mystery #debut #crimenovel #aussiewriters by @mstephens_writer

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a month ago

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a month ago

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a month ago

Left the house on a school night to listen to the delightful @emmababbington in conversation with @sarahmclutton . A wonderfully organic chat about Emma’s new book THE GARDENS, writing life, research rabbit holes and the secret life of grandparents. I can’t wait to dive in!

And it was great to finally meet two fabulous Aussie author supporters, Helen @fhclibrary and Brooke @bmichie31 , in person, as well as catch up with #debutcrew2027 regulars @torihope_author @kirstiewrites @georgie.foster_writer (next time @helenjones576 x)

Thanks for a fun night @escape_hatch_books 👏🏻 taken in Escape Hatch Books by @mstephens_writer

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2 months ago

It’s the weekend, the sun is shining and my local, @readingsbooks Carlton, is open for business. What more could a girl want for her lazy Sunday? taken in Readings Carlton by @mstephens_writer

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2 months ago

This week was funnnnnn.
Next week the ‘real’ work begins.
Taking a big swing with Book 3 - wish me luck!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Writing process tips author crime novel mystery thriller novel planning ideation storyboarding getting it done by @mstephens_writer

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2 months ago

A fabulous session last night with four graduates of the 2026 Debut Crew, who generously gave up their time and shared their wisdom on the wild ride that is publication.

Enormous thanks to @inessa_jackson_writer @atprewett @sophie.e.stern @annawoodsauthor for talking to next years’ batch of authors and being excellent literary citizens.

And if you haven’t read their fabulous books yet, get on it now! A wonderfully diverse bag of spooky crime, cosy crime, family drama and literary suspense awaits - I loved each and every one 📚 #debutcrew2026 #debutcrew2027 by @mstephens_writer

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2 months ago