Books & Bubbles: A Night of Crime

**Join us for a sparkling – and suspense-filled – evening at Books & Bubbles: Night of Crime, a signature event of Words Out West 2026, on Saturday 13 June.**

Enjoy chilled bubbly, delicous hors d’oeuvres, and an atmosphere charged with intrigue as we dive into the world of major investigations and true-crime storytelling.

This year’s Books & Bubbles event brings together two of Australia’s most respected investigative journalists. We’re thrilled to welcome Hedley Thomas, the award-winning journalist behind The Teacher’s Pet and The Night Driver, and Matthew Condon, acclaimed author of the Three Crooked Kings series and one of Queensland’s leading chroniclers of corruption, crime and justice. Together, they peel back the curtain on the stories behind the headlines – the investigations, the twists, and the truths.

Whether you’re a true-crime addict, a podcast binger, or simply curious about the craft of uncovering the untold, Books & Bubbles: Night of Crime promises an electric and compelling evening.

We can’t wait to raise a glass with you, and dive into the darker side of storytelling.

Where and When

Saturday 13 June
Chinchilla Cultural Precinct
6.30–10pm

Cost: From $90, packages available

Ticket includes hors d’oeuvres and glass of bubbles on arrival. Dress Code: Cocktail.

About Hedley Thomas

Hedley Thomas is an award‑winning investigative journalist and podcaster, known for his deep‑dive reporting into unsolved murders and major crimes. His internationally acclaimed podcasts — including The Teacher’s Pet, The Night Driver, Shandee’s Story and Bronwyn — have been downloaded more than 110 million times and helped expose and solve serious crimes.

He has won eight Walkley Awards, including two Gold Walkleys, and has been named Australia’s Journalist of the Year. Hedley is also the author of two true‑crime books, Sick to Death and The Teacher’s Pet. A former foreign correspondent, he has worked across Europe, Asia and Australia.

A father of two, he has lived in Brisbane with his wife Ruth since 1999.

About Matthew Condon

Matthew Condon is an award-winning journalist and the author of more than 18 works of both fiction and non-fiction, including the bestselling true crime triology – Three Crooked Kings, Jacks and Jokers, and All Fall Down. His other books include The Trout Opera and The Motorcycle Café. In 2019 he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community. He is a senior writer and podcaster for The Australian.

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Shell QGC is proud to support words Out West, helping strengthen regional storytelling, creativity and community connection across the Western Downs. Their partnership enables diverse programs and opportunities that enrich our region.

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