Kate Murdoch is the author of Stone Circle. She exhibited widely as a painter both in Australia and internationally before turning her hand to writing. In between writing historical fiction, she enjoys writing short stories and flash fiction. Her short-form fiction is regularly published in Australia, UK, US and Canada. Stone Circle is a historical fantasy novel set in Renaissance Italy. It was released by Fireship Press December 1st 2017. Her novel, The Orange Grove, about the passions and intrigues of court mistresses in 18th century France, will be published by Regal House Publishing in 2019.
This delightful collection of short stories encompasses a span of human emotions, frailties and flaws as well as a wider perspective on what it means to be human. Sebnem Sanders examines loss, love, despair, joy as well as the philosophical picture of our place in the world and our relationship with nature. In ‘Selma of … More Review: Ripples on the Pond
In this debut novel by Judy Crozier, set in Victorian London, a woman finds her life opening up with possibilities after her husband falls seriously ill and drifts towards death. Adelaide has always done what was expected of her. After a brief time as a debutante she is abruptly married off to George, a friend … More Review: What Empty Things Are These
The Lace Weaver tells the story of two young women, Lydia and Kati, whose lives are swept up by forces of war and displacement. It is a sweeping tale full of love and tenderness, loss and upheaval. Kati is a master weaver, the creation of intricate lace shawls is part of her Estonian heritage, the … More Review: The Lace Weaver
I was delighted to discover that Stone Circle is on the shortlist, along with 11 other authors, for the Chaucer Awards 2018 for pre-1750’s historical fiction. It’s my first shortlisting, and firsts are always very exciting.
Stone Girl moved me and made me think about marginalised youth in a more personal way. It tells the story of Sophie, made a ward of the state after a traumatic incident. She is suffering from low self-worth and grief at the same time as trying to navigate a world where no one appears to … More Review: Stone Girl
The Sisters’ Song is a wonderful read, one of the most absorbing books I’ve read in a while. I liked the simplicity of the linear narrative which drew me quickly into the story, combined with great emotional subtlety. The story explores sibling rivalry, the role of women and the limitations placed on them, and what … More Review: The Sisters’ Song
He is ever alert to the sounds of her. Footsteps upstairs might mean she is coming. She may yet share the couch with him. He will lay his nose on her leg and sigh, tail thumping the upholstery in a contented rhythm. On frost-laden mornings she greets him and lets him out. He hears the … More The Writing Dog
The Secrets at Ocean’s Edge is set in 1930’s coastal Dongarra, but the themes of public versus private identity, what it takes to hold a family together, and the heavy burden of secrets resonate just as much in present day. Lily and her family are forced to start again in Dongarra after their wheat farm … More Review: The Secrets at Ocean’s Edge