Kia ora e te whānau and welcome to Kaituhi Kōrero. In this episode Jess chats with New Zealand best-selling crime writer Madeleine Eskedahl about her love of crime fiction, why she sets stories in Aotearoa, and how place and community shape her work.
They discuss what reading really is, an escape and a way to become engulfed in story, and practical tips for keeping readers hooked, including relatable characters, realistic detail, and strong settings. Madeleine explains why the Matakana area inspires her: its coastline, vineyards, small-community dynamics and local rumours provide rich material for storytelling.
Madeleine introduces the Matakana series, including Sergeant Bill Granger and constable Nico Sopoaga, and talks about balancing authenticity with pace, the value of beta readers (including an ex‑police adviser), and the joys and challenges of writing crime fiction.
They also highlight Madeleine’s new release, Angels of Clay, out on 12 October. So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and dive in.
Author Details
Website: https://www.madeleineeskedahlauthor.com/
Instagram: @madeleineeskedahlauthor
The Kaituhi Kōrero Team
Host: Jessica Jack
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