International best-selling author Chris Hammer will discuss his latest thriller novel Treasure and Dirt with fans this month during a virtual book tour facilitated by the Bundaberg Library.
His newest read is set in the desolate outback town of Finnigans Gap, where police struggle to maintain law and order.
Thieves pillage opal mines, religious fanatics recruit vulnerable young people and billionaires do as they please.
Chris said the storyline dove straight into dramatics and spent no time in setting up the suspense to hook in the reader.
“The body of an opal miner is discovered crucified down his mine and we follow two police detectives as they investigate; the more they probe the more secrets they uncover,” he said.
“Before long their own careers are on the line as more and more mysteries emerge.”
While Chris was due to tour the region to promote the book, current covid restrictions have meant the event has become virtual, providing guests with two ways to participate.
• From home, 6pm to 8pm. Register here and you will be sent a Zoom link the day before the talk.
• In the library, 5.15pm to 8pm. Register here.
Chris said he was looking forward to a fun conversation with those who tune in, discussing Treasure and Dirt and how he came to write it.
“There’s the opportunity to learn more about the book, but also the background story of how I came to write it and the writing process itself,” he said.
“I’ve done similar events in the past with the same interviewer, Queensland author Ben Hobson, who is the best fun and I am really looking forward to it.”
Having been to Bundaberg once before, Chris said he had been looking forward to visiting the region and would try to travel to the area aagin in person, post covid.
“I visited Bundaberg once, briefly, a very long time ago,” he said.
“I love regional Australia – maybe that’s why my books are usually set in the countryside – and I was so disappointed when covid caused the tour to be cancelled.
“I was looking forward to visiting as part of the book tour for Treasure and Dirt – now I’ll have to write another book, so I can visit post covid!”
Council’s Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the event was a fantastic opportunity for people to come down to the library and hear from a great author.
“The library are putting on a great event despite Chris not being able to be here in person,” Cr Learmonth said.
“I encourage the community to come down to the library and be part of the author talk, while meeting others who might have similar interests.”
With a Q&A session set to be undertaken after the talk, you can email your questions to library@bundaberg.qld.gov.au by 5pm Wed 13 October.
This event has been made possible through event host, OverDrive, and publisher Allen & Unwin
In-library event:
Date: Wednesday 20 Oct
Time: 5.15pm – 8.00pm (refreshments served prior to talk)
Bookings open here.
At-home participation:
Date: Wednesday 20 Oct
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Bookings open here. A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants closer to the talk.
