The inciting crime and small-town dynamics

Outlouders, welcome to the third and final instalment of our Summer Book Club where we’re going out strong. 🔥

Em Vernem, Jessie Stephens and Holly Wainwright dissect Melaleuca by Angie Faye Martin — the Australian debut crime novel we did not see coming and now can’t stop thinking about.

This episode has it all: small-town secrets, outback noir vibes, corrupt cops, missing women, a brilliant Indigenous protagonist, and a twist that genuinely divided the hosts. We talk sense of place, why crime novels are such powerful social mirrors, and yes — the chickens. (You’ll understand.)

⚠️ Full spoilers ahead — this one’s for listeners who’ve read the book and are ready to argue lovingly about pacing, plausibility and that ending.

Plus: why we’re thrilled Angie Faye Martin is writing a sequel and why Renee Taylor is a protagonist we want to follow anywhere.

📚 Outlouders, we know how many of you love these special episodes so... would you like us to keep the MMOL Book Club going? Let us know by emailing outloud@mamamia.com.au.

Support independent women's media

Don't miss an episode of Mamamia Out Loud

We’re giving away a Your Reformer Pilates bed (worth $3,400) Subscribe to enter.

MOVE by Mamamia is the app that helps you fit movement into your every day. Whether you have 10 minutes, or 45, we've got the workout that fits your time, space and body. Get $20 off an annual subscription until the end of January when you use code OUTLOUD at checkout. Start your free trial today. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media 

Watch Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube

What to read: 

• A definitive list of the books everyone will be reading this summer.
• The 40 best books to inhale in a weekend, according to Mamamia readers.
• 'I’m obsessed with audiobooks, here are 10 of the best I’ve ever heard.'
• 11 of the very best beach reads to lose yourself in this summer.
• The 22 best books Reese Witherspoon has recommended.

What To Listen To Next: 

• Listen to our latest episode: "Hold On, I Just Need To Vent"
• Listen: Jessie's Twins Update & What We Really Did Over The Holidays
• Listen: Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Revealing Texts & A Masterclass In Awkward Conversations
• Listen: Brooklyn Beckham, That ‘Inappropriate’ Dance & The Downfall Of A Family Brand
• Listen: Brooklyn Beckham Goes Nuclear: An Emergency Meeting
• Listen: The Superstar Podcaster Who’s Been ‘Red-Pilled’ & Was JLo Really That Rude?
• Listen: We’ve Entered The Year Of Friction-maxxing
• Listen: Our Best Heated Rivalry Theory & Taylor Swift's Mum
• Listen: Summer Book Club: All Fours - Miranda July
• Listen: Summer Book Club: Great Big Beautiful Life - Emily Henry
• Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts

THE END BITS: 

Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com

GET IN TOUCH:

Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au

Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message.

Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show.

Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloud

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.