‘Black River hooked me and wouldn’t let me go. You’re going to want to read this one with all the lights on.’ – Tim Ayliffe

A long, burning summer in Sydney. A young woman found murdered in the deserted grounds of an elite boarding school. A serial killer preying on victims along the banks of the Parramatta River. A city on edge.

Born in Parramatta, journalist Matthew Spencer lived with his sister Kate on the 320-acre campus of a boys’ boarding school. Long summers on the largely deserted property while exploring the remnant bush with its tributary of the Parramatta River inspired this debut crime thriller, Black River.

Join him this Thursday 2 June in conversation with Cassie McMcCullagh, presenter of ABC Sydney’s Mornings program and co-host of ABC RN’s The Bookshelf.

Seating is unallocated – another reason to arrive early to secure an optimal spot. Why not make a full evening of it, too, by booking a meal at the Royal Oak before or after the event? One of Balmain’s oldest and best-known pubs, it serves a delicious range of food and beverages.

Black River will be available for purchase at the venue through Roaring Stories, with book signings from Spencer following the discussion.

If you miss out on a ticket, you can still watch the event as it is livestreamed from the Roaring Stories Facebook page (accessible on the Home page and from the Live tab). A recording will also be available to view later as an upload on the Roaring Stories YouTube channel.