Annette Leigh | Updates

Romance Book Fair

Annette Leigh — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Romance Book Fair is on again on Saturday 6 June. This year it will be held at the Wynnum Library (45 Florence Street, Wynnum).

What better way to spend Queensland Day than with local authors and great stories.

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The Ending Writes Itself - Evelyn Clarke

Annette Leigh — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This locked-room mystery by Evelyn Clarke (V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke) is a great read. It has all the elements—a remote castle on an island, no phones, mysterious deaths, a ticking clock, a storm brewing, and a group of writers competing to complete the unfinished manuscript of a famous author. We’ve seen it all before, right?

Not like this. Any resemblance to Christie and And Then There Were None stops there. This is a very clever plot with some very witty writing. But it’s not just the plot—there were many times when I read a line and wished I’d written it first—or Mac (a character from my book) had said it first. The novel is loaded with references that will give readers who are writers an extra chuckle—or at least a smile—especially the comments about the writers of different genres.

The characters and atmosphere are Christie-esque, as are a couple of unexpected twists at the end. Could the reader solve the mystery? I didn’t, but I was happy to be taken along on the fast-paced ride with the authors. Let me know if you worked it out.

This is definitely a book worth packing—or reading tucked up on a rainy day.

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March Update

Annette Leigh — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This month I took a mini retreat for a couple of days to work on the fourth draft of my new Bayswater novel, The Roaring Seas. Just to set the scene properly I found some whispering palms, white sand, and menacing seas and skies—just the perfect fit for Andie and Mac’s new adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.

I am now working on the fifth draft and have locked in my editor for mid-April. People often ask me what I can possibly find to change in the fifth draft—and, by the way, why do I have to do so many drafts when I’m a planner and already know what I’m going to write.

I wish it were that easy. I do plan, but that doesn’t mean things don’t change as the novel progresses and new ideas emerge. By the fifth draft, I’m generally happy with the storyline, and it’s time to polish my work. I listen to my manuscript and work on the beginnings and endings of each chapter, as well as particular sections, to make sure they have the impact I intend for my readers.

In April, I’ll also send my blurb and cover ideas to my cover designer. That’s always an exciting time, because that’s when I feel my novel is really taking shape.

I’m looking forward to beginning a new project while my manuscript is with the editor.

What Is It?

Here’s a question for my readers: there is something that is mentioned in each of my novels and novellas. Does anyone know what it is? If you do, let me know at annette@annetteleigh.com—the first person to do so can name the cyclone in The Roaring Seas.

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The Lakehouse – Joe Clifford

Annette Leigh — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Small-town murders, a psychiatrist with something to hide… and enough red herrings to open a fish shop.

This murder mystery from Joe Clifford is set against the backdrop of high school secrets that are gradually uncovered when Todd Norman returns to Covenant after being acquitted of murdering his wife, April, and sets out to rebuild the Lakehouse.

When a body turns up near the Lakehouse, Police Chief Sobczak is convinced of Norman’s guilt. Things become complicated with the involvement of police from another district, a private investigator on the brink of retirement, a psychiatrist with secrets, and a creepy, new-wave preacher—Uncle Bob.

I really enjoyed Clifford’s descriptions of the small town and its surroundings, his gritty, abrupt writing style, and the twists he created. He plays fair with the reader, and there is a definite clue that points to the guilty person if you read closely enough.

I would have loved The Lakehouse more if Clifford hadn’t used similar names for the female characters—it was sometimes hard to keep track of who was who. And I would really have loved it if the mystery had a definite ending so I could confirm that my suspicions were correct. Instead, I turned the page only to find the acknowledgements.

What?

In my own mind, I’ve worked out what happened— but am not sure if you’ll think the same.

Despite this, I still enjoyed the novel and would recommend packing it, but for those of you who prefer an unambiguous ending—be warned.

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The House of Two Pharaohs

Annette Leigh — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Who isn’t fascinated by the world of the Ancient Egyptians? As a child, I pored over photos of mummies and pyramids in the Time-Life Books, captivated by the mystery surrounding them.

Wilbur Smith’s latest historical thriller, The House of Two Pharaohs, takes us into the world of secret spells, murder, political intrigue, and the race against time to save Taita, the eunuch we first met and fell in love with in The River God, and whose fortunes we’ve followed through subsequent novels.

In this novel, Smith transports us through time to the reign of Ramses. Taita is teamed up again with Piay, now the Nomarch of Memphis. Together, they investigate a series of ritualistic murders that are associated with Anubis, the god of death, and it soon becomes evident that there is some kind of link between the murders and a conspiracy to overthrow the rule of the current Pharaoh.

Although there are graphic fighting scenes—of which I’m not a great fan—there are also some beautiful lyrical images that make me stop and savour the magic of the author’s writing. Although Wilbur Smith passed away in 2021, his team of co-authors, in this case, Mark Chadbourn, have continued his legacy using the notes he left behind.

If you love historical crime filled with intrigue and larger-than-life characters, you’ll enjoy this latest instalment in the Egypt series—but you’ll have to read it to find out if Taita lives to fight another fight.

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Unto us a Son is Given - Donna Leon

Annette Leigh — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This novel is part of Donna Leon’s long-running Brunetti crime series, set in Venice and published in 2019. I have to admit that the setting was, for me, one of the main attractions.

In this latest investigation, Brunetti is once again drawn into using police resources to help gather information—twice. His father-in-law asks him to investigate the young man his elderly friend Gonzalo is considering adopting in order to circumvent Italian inheritance laws. Not long after, his superior, Vice-Questore Patta, pressures Brunetti to look into a family whose teenage son is harassing his wife.

Reluctant to become involved in either matter, Brunetti feels the weight of the others’ expectations.

There is no doubt that there is a certain charm, humanity, intellect and rhythm to Leon’s books that I enjoy. And I always learn something more about the Venetian way of life with each book. Those familiar with the Brunetti series will undoubtedly also enjoy the continued glimpses into Brunetti’s family life.

While this might not win the prize for being the fastest-paced novel, it is still a satisfying read.

A definite winner for lovers of Brunetti and Venice.

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In the Blink of an Eye - Jo Callaghan

Annette Leigh — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Has AI already taken over the world? Everywhere you turn it’s there, making its presence felt and challenging our beliefs and comfort. In the Blink of an Eye, a police procedural with a difference, is one such example.

Kat Frank, the Warwickshire DCS, returns to work after the death of her husband and is paired with AI partner Lock to solve missing persons cases as part of a trial to use AI in the police force.

There are lots of moving pieces in this novel which keep it interesting: the cold cases are compelling, as are the dynamics and conflicts within Kat’s team of investigators—not to mention Kat’s dilemma of having to trust her life to something she doesn’t believe in—AI.

Although the novel moves at a cracking pace, there are also moments of tenderness, poignancy and betrayal, creating a satisfying balance between emotion and action.

I found the growing relationship between Kat and her AI partner as they learn from each other, unique and very touching at times—so unique and touching, in fact, that I’ve bought the sequel.

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A Valentine's Wish

Annette Leigh — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

And don’t forget it’s nearly 14 February—Valentine’s Day—a day to make Valentine’s wishes come true. If you’re dreaming of Venice, with a touch of romance wrapped in the magic of Carnevale, A Valentine’s Wish might be the perfect escape.

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Two Kinds of Stranger – Steve Cavanagh

Annette Leigh — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

After finishing Steve Cavanagh’s psychological thriller, Two Kinds of Stranger, I was left with a question: what makes this book better than the other books I’ve recently read?

It wasn’t just the premise—the way Cavanagh plays to readers’ fears about the dangers of an online presence and how the information we share can be weaponised against us.

It wasn’t just the reappearance of well-loved characters: Eddie Flynn, the conman turned lawyer who fights injustice with the occasional con; his old friend Harry; legal partner Kate; and ‘enforcers’ Lake and Bloch, who do much of the heavy lifting—or should I say hitting.

It wasn’t even the dual investigations and trials—Flynn trying to prove that influencer Ellie Parker didn’t murder her cheating husband and best friend, while Kate defends Christine (Flynn’s ex-wife) and new partner Kevin against charges of killing a man who was threatening them.

And it wasn’t the blend of courtroom drama, fast-paced action and continuous twists.

I’ve come to the conclusion that what makes Two Kinds of Stranger a great read is Cavanagh’s creation of Logan—an even bigger conman than Flynn himself. As the tension builds, it looks like Flynn has finally met his match. I really couldn’t put it down.

I’ll admit that I suspected the final twist, but even when it came, it didn’t disappoint.

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The House in Havana - It's Finally Here...

Annette Leigh — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Is there anything better than opening the package and seeing your book 'in the flesh' for the first time?

There’s that moment of hesitation, the box cutter poised over the tape. Will my cover look as good as I thought it would? Should I have gone with the other cover? Will others love it as much as I do?

I needn’t have worried. Francis from 100Covers came through for me once again. I love the cover—and so do the other people I’ve shared it with so far. Only a couple of weeks now until February 6, when my book will be available through Amazon and IngramSpark.

You can also grab a copy of my book from The Madhatters Bookshop in Manly and Fiction Over Reality in Wellington Point. Yes, it’s moments like these that makes all the hard work and self-doubt worthwhile.

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Exit Strategy - Lee and Andrew Child

Annette Leigh — Wed, 7 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In a chaotic and confused world that at times feels out of control, it’s reassuring to know that there is something consistent—a place where the bad guys lose (and are often killed), where right overcomes wrong, and Reacher is still travelling light on a Greyhound bus with his toothbrush in his pocket and his moral compass showing the way to prevent bad things from happening to good people.

In Exit Strategy, Reacher gets a message from a stranger (Gilmour) not meant for him. His decision to let Gilmour know his message hasn’t reached its intended recipient has Reacher postponing the next leg of his trip to help a man in trouble. What follows is Reacher-justice dealt out to gambling-den owners, kidnappers, blackmailers, and ex-army and government personnel, all part of an ingenious plan to make money by starting conflicts in other countries.

The novel has all the elements of the old Reacher novels—fast pacing, excitement, unflinching revenge—but I found there were too many competing storylines. Although they were tied up by the end, they diluted what I thought was an intriguing central plot. Because of this, there didn’t seem to be enough space for the secondary characters to be fully developed, as they have been in previous novels.

The ending was a little disappointing for me, but as I’ve been reminded, Reacher’s job isn’t to fix lives—it’s to remove the danger and let people make their own decisions.

If you love Reacher, you’ll probably love Exit Strategy.

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The King's Ransom - Janet Evanovich

Annette Leigh — Wed, 7 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Janet Evanovich’s latest crime release, The King’s Ransom, is the second in the Recovery Agent series. The main character, Gabriela Rose, is a recovery agent who wears Louboutin slingbacks, scales fences and shoots assault rifles with the best of them. Accompanying her on her latest adventure is ex-husband Rafer, with whom she has a love-hate relationship that has her, at different times wanting to sleep with him—or shoot him.

Together they romp through a number of countries including Egypt and Italy on the trail of a stolen gold sarcophagus belonging to a mummy called Brendan. (Don’t ask—you’ll have to read it to find out.)

This novel is definitely one for fans of Evanovich. For me, there were just a little too many references to high-end fashion and a few too many attempts at humour that didn’t quite hit the target. Don’t get me wrong. I love Janet Evanovich’s work, but I have to say I love some of her books more than others. I’m a real fan of the Fox and O’Hare series which she wrote with Lee Goldberg and the Stephanie Plum series. (If only to find out if Stephanie ends up with Morelli or Ranger.)

Having said all that, The King’s Ransom was a great holiday read.

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The Proving Ground - Michael Connelly

Annette Leigh — Wed, 7 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This courtroom drama—the latest release in the Lincoln Lawyer series—has been worth the wait. This instalment follows Mickey Haller, who has transitioned from criminal law to civil law, and centres on an intriguing premise: Who is responsible if a teenager creates an AI companion who persuades him to kill his girlfriend—the perpetrator or the company that trained the artificial intelligence?

Haller prosecutes the case on behalf of the parents of both the victim and the killer, suing the AI company. As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of underhanded actions, threats, big money being thrown around—and tense moments when it seems money might triumph over justice.

We see the return of old favourites—Cisco and Lorna (Haller’s ex-wife and case manager)—along with a new player, journalist Jack McEvoy. It even looks for a moment as though ex-wife Maggie and Haller might get back together. Stay tuned on that one.

Could this novel be any better? Only if the AI companion, Wren, itself were forced to take the stand. Not possible for now—but it could easily be a thing of the future.

The Proving Ground comes with a warning about what lies ahead with the advancement of AI technology—and the need to remain vigilant in fighting for justice. We’ll always need people like Mickey Haller.

A captivating legal thriller.

One more thing—life imitating art. I recently read a story in the local newspaper about a lawsuit in America against ChatGPT, OpenAI, and Microsoft for wrongful death in an alleged murder-suicide. I found a link to the story in case you are interested: https://apnews.com/article/97fd7da31c0fa08f3d3ea9efd6713151?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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November News

Annette Leigh — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

LOGAN BOOKFEST

The House in Havana is being formatted, and I’ve finalised the cover. It's due to be released on February 6 and I’m so excited. Here's a sneak preview...

Betrayal, Family Secrets….and Murder.

Raised in Miami by her Cuban-American grandparents, Cate has always longed to be part of a large family. When she inherits her grandmother’s claim to property in Cuba, she seizes the opportunity to search for the villa—and the past her grandmother refused to speak of.

Cate’s joy at finding her great-aunt is short-lived when she is confronted by hostility, the theft of a valuable necklace and a murder that places her in the firing line of suspicion and threatens not just her inheritance—but her life.

As the web of deception and betrayal spreads to include her fiancé, Cate must decide what matters more: the truth she came searching for… or the future she never expected to find.

WHAT'S NEXT?

December will be spent working on the next draft of The Roaring Seas—Andie and Mac’s next adventure—along of course with a healthy dose of Christmas cheer and carols.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year!

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Last One Out - Jane Harper

Annette Leigh — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This latest outback-noir crime novel by Jane Harper is a slow burn—right to the very end. It’s about loss—the loss of a son, a marriage, a home, a lifestyle, friends and community. As such, I think Last One Out will resonate with every reader who has suffered loss of any kind.

This is no fast-paced, clock-ticking thriller loaded with clues and red herrings to challenge the reader, but rather a quiet introspection by Ro Crowley as she returns to the small outback community of Carallon Ridge on the anniversary of her son’s disappearance.

Through the memories of the days leading up to the tragedy, and the notes her son left behind for his research paper, she reflects on her conversations with the handful of residents who remain in Carallon Ridge—a town on its last legs after losing its battle with a mining giant.

Each year the community—still haunted by the earlier death of Warren and the disappearance of Sam Crowley—gathers together on the anniversary of Sam’s disappearance and it is at this memorial that Ro gives an emotional speech, which I have to admit, brought tears to my eyes. The speech triggers a change in those remaining in Carrallon Ridge and leads to the central mystery’s resolution—revealed through a confession rather than deduction.

While not for everyone, I think readers will appreciate the novel’s mood, the haunting sense of place and its emotional depth. And I’m sure fans of Jane Harper will devour it.

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The Proving Ground – Michael Connelly

Annette Leigh — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This courtroom drama—the latest release in the Lincoln Lawyer series—has been worth the wait. This instalment follows Mickey Haller, who has transitioned from criminal law to civil law, and centres on an intriguing premise: Who is responsible if a teenager creates an AI companion who persuades him to kill his girlfriend—the perpetrator or the company that trained the artificial intelligence?

Haller prosecutes the case on behalf of the parents of both the victim and the killer, suing the AI company. As you’d expect, there's no shortage of underhanded actions, threats, big money being thrown around—and tense moments when it seems money might triumph over justice.

Could this novel be any better? Only if the AI companion, Wren, itself were forced to take the stand. Not possible for now—but it could easily be a thing of the future.

The Proving Ground comes with a warning about what lies ahead with the advancement of AI technology—and the need to remain vigilant in fighting for justice. We’ll always need people like Mickey Haller.

A captivating legal thriller that would look perfect under anyone’s Christmas tree.

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October Update

Annette Leigh — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

My Three Wishes series of romance novellas and I had a great day chatting with readers at the Romance Readers Fair at the Carindale Library on Sunday. A big thank you to Carindale Library staff, to Leanne Lovegrove for organising such a great event, and to everyone who came along to say hello.

It was a fantastic day filled with author talks by Heather Reyburn (rural romance), Anna Campbell (Regency romance), and Elise Helliwell (time travel romance).

Next Saturday, I’ll be taking my novellas for another outing—along with my Bayswater crime series—to the Logan Bookfest at 1/19 Showgrounds Dr, Beenleigh, QLD. If you're in the area, I’d love to catch up.

On the writing front, I’ve finished the first draft of The Roaring Seas, and my edits for House in Havana are due back any day now—so November is shaping up to be a busy month.

Finally, I’ll be giving an author talk at the Victoria Point Library on Thursday, 4 November, at 10.00 am. It's free to attend, and you can register here: https://eventactions.com/eareg.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=gers87tyr5xf2u1nkgz1r7mczhae98jn8by32n3bx0cndy1b3kyu.

I’d love to see you there!

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A Slowly Dying Cause – Elizabeth George

Annette Leigh — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

If this latest crime offering by Elizabeth George were a river it would be a long, winding outback river that has experienced a once-in-a-lifetime flood—breaking its banks and spreading slowly in all directions. In this instance, the once in a lifetime flood is the murder of Michael Lobb, owner of a tin and pewter workshop that’s become the subject of a mining company’s offer.

It’s a straightforward crime with a clear motive, yet it takes Detective Beatrice Hannaford the first half of the novel to make very little progress. To be fair, she spends a lot of time dealing with her estranged husband and son. Fortunately, one of Lynley’s ex-partners is the sister of one of the suspects, and she enlists Barbara Havers to assist. But of course Lynley—who’s dealing with his own private drama of having to replace the roof of his ancestral home, Howenstow—finds out and feels obliged to become involved.

This slow-moving river of a story is muddied by subplots and character details that drift far from the main current, slowing the pace and leaving me wondering why they were even included. Take Henshaw, the eco-mining representative, and his relationship with his teenage girlfriend, for instance.

Clearly branded as A Lynley Novel, I was disappointed that Lynley and Havers didn’t enter the action until almost halfway through the novel. However, the setting is evocative, and I was left wanting an invitation to Howenstow—leaky roof and all.

If you choose to travel this river of a book, you’ll see rich landscapes and meet interesting people along the way—just don’t be in any hurry.

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The Last Word - Taylor Adams

Annette Leigh — Thu, 9 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

For readers of thrillers, The Last Word is a wild, tense, hold-your-breath ride from beginning to end. For writers, it’s a masterclass in the use of red herrings, misdirections, and unexpected twists and turns.

Honestly, by the time I reached the end—dizzy from the number of twists in the last few pages—I was still expecting another one to come out of nowhere and sucker punch me.

Amazing.

It has all the elements of a good thriller: Emma Carpenter, a lone woman running from a tragic past with suicide on her mind; a desolate, lonely beach; a quirky neighbour, Deek, with whom she plays hangman using a telescope; Jules, the beach house owner; and Laika, Emma’s faithful dog.

After reading a poorly written novel, Emma writes a scathing review—her first mistake. The author responds and demands she take it down. She doesn’t, of course—her second mistake. And that’s when the fun and games begin.

The mysterious author of several serial killer novels is now trying to kill her—but how did he find her? Desperate to save her dog, Laika, Emma rediscovers the will to live and fight back, outsmarting her would-be murderer in a tense showdown.

I honestly can’t remember when I last enjoyed a thriller this much. The Last Word is a must-read—both for the adrenalin rush and for the brilliance of its construction.

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Legacy - Chris Hammer

Annette Leigh — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Investigative journalist, Martin Scarsden, makes a return in Chris Hammer’s latest thriller, Legacy. The novel starts with a bang, sending Scarsden into hiding in the outback town of Port Paroo. There he discovers feuding families, a historical mystery, stolen paintings, reported treasure, an unsolved murder, and a missing woman alleged to have shot her fiancé.

Scarsden’s life on the run crosses paths with that of Ekatrerina Boland (Ecco), a ghostwriter commissioned to write the history of Longchamp Downs, a property owned by the Carmichaels—one of the feuding families. Ecco is desperate for money, a job and a good story.

Add in the sweeping, sunburned landscape of the outback simmering on every page and you have a novel I couldn’t put down.

A lot for one story? For another writer, it might be. But not for Chris Hammer—he’s known for his multi-layered stories full of intrigue. There were times, I admit, when my suspension of belief was stretched to the limit—but as the author acknowledges, “It is, after all, fiction.”

Lovers of Chris Hammer’s work will devour this one and I wouldn’t be surprised if it attracts plenty of new readers as well.

Thank you Allen and Unwin for the advanced copy.

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