Top US crime writer to tour Down Under

In her latest standalone thriller, US bestselling author Karin Slaughter takes us to the dark heart of 1970s Atlanta — one of the most violent cities in America where ten cops are killed a year and most of the city is a no-go area - even for male officers. It’s also a time of great change and yet for many the fierce desire to keep things exactly the same is still strong.

Slaughter, who’s celebrated for her impeccable research, evokes a confronting cop culture but she believes the themes she’s exploring remain just as relevant to today. They may not be as obvious but they are certainly still there she believes.

“The issues people were struggling with back then are very reminiscent of the ones we are facing now: income inequality, the erosion of the middle class, sexism, racism, xenophobia,” says Slaughter.

Karin Slaughter will be touring to New Zealand in August for “in conversation” library events in Auckland (11 August) and Wellington (12 August). The Wellington event is being co-hosted by the New Zealand Book Council.

Called ‘Cop Town’, Slaughter brings us two new leads in her latest absolutely compelling and gritty offering which Kathryn Stockett, author of The Help, has already described as one of the most powerful and moving reads of recent memory.

Kate Murphy is a new cop on the force and we follow her through her first day and her integration into the Atlanta police force. The other is Maggie Lawson — an old hand. She’s been on the force for five years, comes from a cop family and is blue collar. The story is about their journey as well as about a serial killer who’s on the loose, shooting police officers.

For officers like seasoned Maggie, and fresh-faced new recruit, Kate, every day is a battle and that’s not just on the streets.

  

About the author:

Karin Slaughter grew up in a small south Georgia town and has been writing since she was a child. She is the author of thirteen books that have sold over 30 million copies worldwide in 32 languages. A passionate advocate of reading and the invaluable part public libraries play in local communities, Karin spearheaded the Save The Libraries project (www.savethelibraries.com). She lives in Atlanta.

HEAR KARIN SLAUGHTER IN CONVERSATION:

AUCKLAND:

Date: Monday, 11 August

Time: 5:30pm – 7.30pm

Level 2, Whare Wananga, Central City Library, Lorne St, Auckland

Free entry

WELLINGTON:

Date: Tuesday, 12 August 

6pm-7.30pm

Ground Floor, Wellington City Library, 65 Victoria Street, Wellington                                                                                                                               Free entry