Masters of Suspense

Carl is a Jaru/Gija man from Halls Creek in the Kimberleys in Western Australia. Carl loves spending time out bush with his family; playing football, fishing, hunting and swimming in waterholes. Carl is passionate about sharing stories of his lived experience and writing engaging books for disengaged readers. 

Hakea is an avid reader, nature lover, vege eater, writer, artist and adventurer. She loves to spend time imagining and daydreaming on long drives, in baths and around the garden. In her other life she is a teacher. Hakea has a passion for literacy improvement through story and connection.

Amy Doak is a lifelong lover of books, reading and writing. Following a career in media: advertising, radio, television and magazines, Amy now works as a freelance writer and her debut novel, Eleanor Jones Is Not A Murderer, is a YA Mystery Thriller. Amy lives in regional Victoria with her husband, teen, tween, dog, and a very grumpy cat. 

Tristan Bancks is an author for kids and teens. His latest book, Scar Town, is a suspense-thriller (age 10+). His other books include Two Wolves, The Fall, Detention, Cop & Robber, Ginger Meggs and Tom Weekly. His books have won and been shortlisted for many awards, including the CBCA, Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and YABBA children’s choice. Tristan is an author-advocate for literacy non-profit Room to Read. He is working with producers to develop his books for the screen. 

Genevieve Kruyssen is a children's book specialist. She has been a bookseller and the events manager at Where the Wild Things Are Children's Bookshop for 8 years. Genevieve loves working with authors and illustrators to create inspiring launches and events. Her main aim is to delight in stories with kids. She runs book clubs for kids and teenagers, where they read curious new releases that often end up being adventurous and lyrical. She is a confident speaker, having interviewed some of her heroes for online and in-person launches including Neal Shusterman, Kate DiCamillo, Emily Gravett and Levi Pinfold. In 2021 she won ABA Penguin Random House Young Bookseller of the Year. In 2022 she judged the Qld Literaray Awards Children's Book Award and the Penguin Literary Award.