Tara Moss's Blog

The Subversive Power Of Trousers

There is an oft-talked about scene in my new book The Ghosts of Paris where my main character, private inquiry agent Billie Walker, enters the famous Hôtel Ritz Paris in 1947. Parisians and foreigners are happily drinking and going about their post-war lives less than two years after the Gestapo were in residence, having taken over sumptuous Place Vendôme side of the hotel. Entering the reception, Billie is called out for the great sin...

Why Classic Crime Fiction Was Obsessed With Fashion

Early in my career as a novelist, I received a critical review of my work complaining that I described, in too much detail, the garments worn by my characters. It may have been fair comment. I was in my twenties at the time, a debut crime novelist. My writing instinct was correct, though, if perhaps not my delivery, and twelve books later, I’d like to explain why:

Furnishing the reader with details of the appearance of characters, an...

Seven Indomitable Women of World War II

In these times of unrest, lockdowns and change, and on the 75th Commemoration of the End of World War II, it feels more appropriate than ever to see what lessons we can take from pivotal moments in history, and the actions of those who came before us. After all, as George Santayana wrote in 1905: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

In looking back on history, it is imperative we re-examine, expand our understanding, and in some cases, take inspiration.

I have ...

A Damn Fine Walking Stick

Did you know that July is Disability Pride Month? What better time to write a few words on being a disabled woman and taking pride in my damn fine walking stick, ‘Wolfie’.

Many people with disabilities, injuries, chronic illness, or simply age, benefit from the use of a mobility aid. For some, however, the transition to using mobility aids may be a tough, due to stigma in the community, negative attitudes in their family, or internalized ableism. Mobility aids make disability more visible, an...

Publishers Weekly Reviews The War Widow

Set in 1946, this spirted series launch from Canadian-Australian author Moss (the Makedde Vanderwall books) introduces Billie Walker, a former war correspondent who reopens her dead father’s private inquiry firm after the Sydney newspapers she works for sideline her. When German immigrant Netanya Brown hires Billie to find her 17-year-old son, Adin, Billie assumes the boy is off with friends or a secret lover; then she discovers that ...

Pandora English Resurrected

Back in 2015 I wrote a blog that began with the words, ‘Dear Pandora Englishfans, thank you for your patience…’

I want to reiterate that statement today, and follow it up with some rather excellent and long-awaited news. When I last blogged about Pandora English, it was about needing to find a new home for her series. Well, we found it.

Pandora’s full story to date is being republished by Echo Publishing,and with gorgeous new covers Great Aunt Celia would surely appreciate. Pandora’s...

Where I Write

The good folks from HarperCollins Books dropped by my writing and craft room where I’m currently penning and researching my 12th book, which is set in 1940s Australia.

Watch now:

https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1yPEdRsmWg

 

The post Where I Write appeared first on Tara Moss.

Manus Island – An insider’s report

UPDATE, Nov 2017: Manus Island Detention Centre will finally close, but that is not the end of the story for the men imprisoned there. I recommend reading Diary of disaster: the last days inside Manus Island detention centre, by Behrouz Boochani.

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I feel it is appropriate to begin with a brief background and disclaimer:

I have been a crime novelist for over 15 years, and in that time I have had the honour of meeting and researching with international military personnel, FBI agents, homicide...

Visiting Japan With Tattoos

I love tattoos. I also love travel.

Tattooing exists in practically every part of the world in some form, and perhaps like me, when you think of Japan, their famously rich tattoo culture is one of the first things that come to mind. After all, Irezumi, or traditional Japanese tattooing, goes back many centuries, and modern tattoo culture in the West draws heavily on Japanese influences, sometimes directly appropriating Japanese styles and symbols. However, the tattooed traveller needs to be a...

Cyberhate and Beyond : Tara Moss at The National Press Club

Cyberhate – ‘It’s not coming out of ‘the internet’, it’s coming out of us.’

Last week I had the privilege of speaking at the National Press Club on the subject of cyberhate, or online abuse. My address, ‘Cyberhate and Beyond’ was televised and can be viewed here. My speech is transcribed below. For the full address including audience and press gallery questions, please watch the video at the link above. To watch my documentary on the subject, Cyberhate with Tara Moss, click here.

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Thank you...