Crime & Justice Literary Festival

This year’s Crime and Justice Festival, to take place The Abbotsford Convent, sees the world of justice, human rights and the law meet head on with the best of local and international crime writing in a weekend of talks, debates, discussions and some of the best conversation around town.

Best selling British crime writer, David Hewson, will join award-winning frontline journalist and documentary filmmaker, James Brabazon, as international guests of honour for the 2010 event.

David Hewson is best known as the author of the acclaimed Nic Costa series of novels, while James Brabazon’s brutally honest account of a journey without maps in My Friend the Mercenary is currently receiving great reviews around the world.

Local crime writers Kerry Greenwood, Garry Disher, Robert Gott, Adrian Hyland, Shane Maloney, PD Martin, Angela Savage and Felicity Young will be there for what is fast becoming the AGM of Australian crime writing. Lucy Sussex will once again trace the roots of Australia crime fiction – this time all the way back to Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

Outside the world of crime writing Simon Caterson will look at great Australian hoaxes, Maria Tumarkin will provoke some thoughtful discussion on trauma and justice, Arnold Zable will re-examine the refugee crisis and Shaun Berg will speak on Aboriginal native title. And herself the subject of much justice and injustice, Catherine Deveny will speak on ... well, whatever is the hot topic of the day.

Crime and Justice is the sister event to Writers at the Convent, both produced by leading Melbourne book retailer Reader’s Feast Bookstore. Both events use the visually stunning backdrop of the Abbotsford Convent for a weekend that celebrates reading and writing and focuses some of the big ideas of the day.

Crime and Justice is the sister event to Writers at the Convent, both produced by leading Melbourne book retailer Reader’s Feast Bookstore. Both events use the visually stunning backdrop of the Abbotsford Convent for a weekend that celebrates reading and writing and focuses some of the big ideas of the day.