GINSIGHTS
Co-presented by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION
GINSIGHTS:
J.P. POMARE
Wednesday 25th March - 6pm
Olims Bar & Bistro, Mercure Hotel
Ainslie Ave & Limestone Ave, Braddon
Join us for an evening of crime fiction, cocktails and conversation as Olims Bar & Bistro hosts Ginsights in the Carlton Lounge, featuring bestselling author JP Pomare in conversation about his gripping new novel, The Gambler.
JP Pomare is a proud Māori (Ngāpuhi) writer who grew up in Aotearoa and now lives in Melbourne. With seven novels to his name, he’s widely regarded as your favourite crime author’s favourite crime author, earning praise from literary heavyweights including Dervla McTiernan, Ian Rankin, Michael Robotham and Benjamin Stevenson.
The Gambler introduces PI Vince Reid in the first book of JP’s brand-new series. Reid is offered what seems like an easy case: why did a respected local woman open fire at a political rally, killing a promising young university graduate? It’s meant to be a sure thing—but as Reid digs deeper, unseen forces begin to surface and the stakes rise dangerously high. Will he walk away a winner, or pay the ultimate price?
Following the success of 17 Years Later, The Gambler is a sharp, timely thriller that reflects JP’s keen insight into how AI and technology are being used by the criminal underworld to scam, radicalise and destroy lives—often with terrifying ease.
Readers may already know JP’s work, but viewers can also catch his latest screen adaptation, Watching You, now streaming on Stan.
The evening will feature a formal Q&A, followed by relaxed, informal conversations over drinks. Our event bookseller Paperchain Bookstore will have copies of JP’s books available for purchase and signing. Olims Bar & Bistro will offer a cocktail of the night featuring Big River spirits, alongside a Big River G&T and their full menu of drinks and dining options.
This informal reader–writer event is proudly co-presented by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION.
GINSIGHTS:
Anne Buist & Graeme Simsion
Thursday 16 April - 6pm
Olims Bar & Bistro, Mercure Hotel
Ainslie Ave & Limestone Ave, Braddon
Join us in the elegant Carlton Lounge at Olims Bar & Bistro for a lively evening of conversation, cocktails, and books as Ginsights welcomes acclaimed authors Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion.
Anne Buist - Chair of Women’s Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and author of psychological thrillers including Medea’s Curse, Dangerous to Know and This I Would Kill For - joins internationally bestselling novelist Graeme Simsion, author of the beloved The Rosie Project series and The Best of Adam Sharp.
Together they created the acclaimed Menzies Mental Health Series, a witty and insightful medical drama set inside the hospital system. Following The Glasshouse (2024) and The Oasis (2025), we’ll be discussing their upcoming third novel, The General Hospital (releasing April 2026).
The novel follows Dr Hannah Wright as she takes on a roving commission across medical, surgical and obstetric wards, confronting the complex intersection of mental and physical health. Alongside demanding hospital shifts, Hannah navigates an unexpected friendship, a promising new relationship with fellow trainee Alex, and a shocking family secret revealed by her grandmother.
The evening will feature a formal Q&A, followed by relaxed drinks and informal conversation with Anne and Graeme. Olims Bar and Bistro will be serving a cocktail of the night featuring spirits from award-winning local distillery Big River Distilling Co, alongside a Big River G&T and their full food and drinks menu.
Our bookseller partner Paperchain Bookstore will have copies of Anne and Graeme’s books available for purchase and signing.
Everyone is welcome to this informal reader-writer conversation, proudly co-sponsored by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION.
