Join author Vanessa McCausland in conversation with Ali Lowe as they discuss her newest release, The Last Illusion of Paige White.

A haunting new mystery for fans of The Lovely Bones, Before You Knew My Name and Everything I Never Told You.

Two women, a tragedy on the lake and secrets beneath the surface.

"Compelling, haunting and beautifully written, The Last Illusion of Paige White is a clever, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You'll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page!" - Liane Moriarty

$5.00 + booking fee

Books will be available for purchase and signing on the night.

Non-alcoholic refreshments and nibbles on arrival.

Bookings required.

Enquiries: 8495 5028 or libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Vanessa McCausland is a former news and arts journalist turned author who has published four contemporary fiction novels. Her fifth, The Last Illusion of Paige White, is having its US debut with Crown Publishing in June 2025. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction addressing contemporary issues with a strong sense of place. Her third book, The Beautiful Words, was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Crime Awards. It was also included in the 2022 HSC English exam.

She studied English and Australian Literature at Sydney University and graduated with honours in Theatre and Performance Studies. She worked as a cadet and then a news, medical and arts journalist for The Daily Telegraph and she has been published in numerous other publications over a twenty-year career.

Ali Lowe has been a journalist for 20 years. She has written for bridal magazines, parenting titles, websites and newspapers in London and then Australia, after she moved to Sydney eighteen years ago on a trip that was meant to last a year. She was Features Editor at OK! in London, where she memorably stalked celebrities in Elton John's garden at his annual White Tie and Tiara ball. She is the author of The Trivia Night, The Running Club and The School Run.