Tess Merlin

 

Red Dirt Blue Lights – 2025 Finalist

For the Courier Mail People’s Choice Queensland Book of the Year Award.

Judges’ comments:

Set in 1970s rural Queensland around the Indigenous community of Cherbourg, a young and inexperienced policewoman juggles her responsibilities with her sensitivities towards the harsh realities of discrimination, racism and authoritarianism. Well researched and drawing on the real-life experiences of the author, this novella received close scrutiny and approbation by Aboriginal Elder Uncle Eric Law AM. 

 

Red Dirt Blue Lights – An Historical Fiction by Tess Merlin was launched at Avid Reader on 24th May 2025 with a moving conversation between Tess, Uncle Eric Law AM and Poppy Gee. Tears, laughter, curiosity and respect contributed to a memorable afternoon. Thank you to everyone who came and offered support.

Tess Merlin’s exciting 2025 release Red Dirt Blue Lights is an Historical Fiction for Adult and Young Adult readers. A snapshot of the history of Cherbourg in the 1970s is brought to life in a compelling story which is also subtly educational. Available via publisher AndAlso Books and listed bookstores.

AndAlso Books

See you at the Book Fest at Bethania on Saturday 4th November 2023 from 9am – 2pm. Come and say hello and chat about RANK and my upcoming release, or about books, reading and writing in general! At Bethania Community Centre 88-118 Station Road.

Only two weeks left to book tickets for the official Launch of RANK on 15th August 6.30pm at Avid Reader Bookstore, West End. I’ll be in conversation with Karen Farrell, Author of A Stella is Born. Tickets here

Tess Merlin’s visits to Independent Book Stores begin on 1st April at 3pm with a Reading, Q & A and Book signing at Baffies Oan Book Store Samford Valley.

Everyone is welcome. This is a free event.

As a member and supporter of book clubs, I am offering a 25% discount for orders for your group. The discount will apply to all orders of three or more books. Please order via email to ensure this discounted price: merlintess@outlook.com

RRP: $29.99

Book Club Price: $22.50 

Bulk delivery to one address available at discounted rate. Normal delivery within Australia $8.50

Only one week to go until publication date 1st February 2023!

If you enjoy a thrilling crime fiction then here is an exciting new author to add to your must read list.

Her debut novel RANK combines factual Police procedure, real life experiences and fiction to make this cross-genre novel a compelling read.