Join us on Sunday 28th September 2025, 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. for a talk with Australian author Laraine Stephens – A Journey from Librarian to Published Crime Writer.
In her talk, Laraine will discuss how she combined her love of crime fiction and history, along with the skills she acquired in her professional life, to depict historically accurate and lively settings for her Reggie da Costa Mysteries.
After thirty-five years as a teacher-librarian, Laraine Stephens threw off her pink twinset, tartan skirt, string of pearls, sensible shoes and 400 denier tights to find out what life was like on the other side of the bookshelves. Donning a tracksuit and moccasins, she was primed to write crime fiction! Not just everyday crime fiction, but historical crime fiction set in Melbourne in the aftermath of the Great War and during the heady days of the 1920s, when gangs, bootleg liquor and gambling dens inhabited the back streets of Melbourne.Â
Laraine Stephens lives in Beaumaris. With an Arts degree from the University of Melbourne, a Diploma of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Librarianship, she worked in secondary schools as a Head of Library. On retirement, Laraine decided to turn her hand to the craft of crime writing. She now has a seven-book contract with Level Best Books (USA).
When: Sunday 28th September 2025, 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m – including afternoon tea.
Where:Â 8 Waltham St, Sandringham, 3191. Sandringham Library Meeting Room.
(Facilities include accessible parking & toilets, wheelchair access, automatic doors and a hearing loop).
Cost: No Charge for members, $10.00 for non-members.
To book your place: RSVP by providing your name/s and contact number/s via email to sandringhamhistorical@gmail.com
Payment before the event is preferred and can be made by EFT (BSB: 633-000, Account 128 251 360). Please add your surname and the word ‘Event’ in the ref/description section.
