A Journey from Librarian to Published Crime Writer
2 pm, Wednesday 20th March at Beaumaris Seniors – no need to book

After thirty-five years as a teacher-librarian, Laraine Stephens threw off her pink twinset, tartan skirt, string of pearls, sensible shoes and 400 denier tights to find out what life was like on the other side of the bookshelves. Donning a tracksuit and moccasins, she was primed to write crime fiction! Not just everyday crime fiction, but historical crime fiction set in Melbourne in the aftermath of the Great War and during the heady days of the 1920s, when gangs, bootleg liquor and gambling dens inhabited the back streets of. Melbourne.

In her talk, Laraine will describe her journey to becoming a published author with a six-book contract with Level Best Books (USA). She will discuss how she combined her love of crime fiction and history, along with the skills she acquired in her professional life, to depict historically accurate and lively settings for her Reggie da Costa Mysteries.