Mildura Rural City Council Libraries' popular Libraries After Dark initiative is set to take people behind the scenes of the popular 'Monsters of the Mallee' true crime series.
Penned by Mildura-based author Nathan Carnie, Monsters of the Mallee Volume 1 and 2 detail forensic facts about murders committed in our region.
Mr Carnie will be the guest speaker at the Thursday 27 April Libraries After Dark event, leading a Q&A session regarding his works.
Audience members will also find out about the third volume in the series, and Mr Carnie's plans for several new books.
"I'm really looking forward to the night and discussing the books, what went into publishing them and what's planned for the future," Mr Carnie said.
"I'm still taken aback regarding the success and popularity of Monsters of the Mallee, and the Libraries After Dark event will provide people with a chance to ask about the process and background of the series, or simply talk about a particular case covered."
Mr Carnie's passion for true crime started at the young age of 12 after attending a forensics camp.
He has studied forensic science at Swinburne University and human anatomy at the University of Adelaide, with Monsters of the Mallee starting a hobby.
"When I was studying I would often look into court reports and forensic reports of local murders, and I started compiling reports for myself really," Mr Carnie said.
"A friend of mine was having a look and thought it would make a good book, and here we are nearly three volumes in with more to come."
Councillor for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Healy said the upcoming Q&A session would provide a great insight into the popular true crime series.
"Our Libraries After Dark initiative has provided some sensational programming since its inception, with Mr Carnie's visit to be the latest must-attend event," she said.
"I certainly encourage anyone with an interest in true crime to come and celebrate a local author and learn more about the series."
Libraries After Dark is a Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation-funded program that supports communities by extending evening opening hours in participating libraries, essentially creating a community lounge.
It aims to reduce social isolation by offering a community venue to participate in social activities like crafts, small workshops or guest speakers.
Libraries After Dark is available every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm at the Mildura Library, find out more at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/LibrariesAfterDark
