Centennial Supper Club with Joan Sauers

Ever suspected someone of M**der... even in the charming Southern Highlands?

After our next Centennial Supper Club, you'll wonder what secrets you might need to uncover in your street.

Join us to interrogate local author Joan Sauers about her latest cosy crime novel, M**der at Thornwood Park - set right here in the Southern Highlands. It's a witty take on village life, intriguing characters and a quirky newcomer: historian turned detective Rose McHugh.

And yes... you can absolutely ask Joan which real-life people inspired the characters in her third Rose McHugh Mystery. We know Joan's in-conversation partner and acclaimed crime novelist Matthew Spencer will be just as curious!

Expect banter, behind-the-scenes publishing stories and the answer to why they both named their detective 'Rose'.

We can promise an entertaining night out.

And we suspect you’ll leave wanting to read more books, message your friends and side-eye a few locals on your way home.

Your ticket includes dinner and wine at Centennial Vineyards Restaurant.

About M**der at Thornwood Park

Who doesn't want to curl up with a fabulous lead character and great supporting cast in a setting made for M**der and crime-solving?

When historian Rose McHugh is left a mysterious bequest after the death of the reclusive heiress of Thornwood Park, she's excited to visit the estate. But when Rose realises she may have found evidence of women going missing, she unearths a WWII-era story involving the women of Robertson Hotel and lavish parties thrown by Thornwood's wealthy owners.

Unearthing a decades-old mystery is a challenge... and someone in the misty Southern Highlands will do anything to keep the killer's identity hidden.

About Joan Sauers

Born in New York, Joan Sauers is a screenwriter, producer and author who worked in London, Los Angeles and New York before settling in Australia. She has lectured in screenwriting in Sydney, London, Paris, Berlin and Casablanca, and has had 17 books published in Australia, the US, India and Japan. Joan has written for television series including Heartbreak High, Wakefield and Ladies in Black, and currently has a comedy feature film in development with Denim Pictures. She lives with her family in the Southern Highlands.

About Matthew Spencer

Matthew Spencer is the author of crime novels Broke Road and Black River. He was a journalist at The Australian for 20 years, has written for newspapers and magazines in Uganda and Kenya and been published in Australian Financial Review and Sydney Morning Herald. Born in Parramatta and the son of teachers, he lived with his sister Kate on the sprawling campus of a boys' boarding school. Long summers on the largely deserted property while exploring the remnant bush with its tributary of the Parramatta River inspired his first novel, Black River. Matthew lives in Sydney with his wife, Ritu Gupta, and their 3 children.

More about the event

Your ticket includes dinner - one course and a glass of wine. The bar will be open for side dishes, drinks and desserts.

Our guests will both sign books on the night.

If you have food allergies, please let us know at least a week before the event by emailing [email protected] - after that time, we might not be able to change the menu.

If you are unable to attend this event but would like a signed copy of one of our guests' books, please call The Bookshop Bowral on 02 4862 1634 to place your order. We can even arrange to have a book dedicated to you or a friend.

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