Miles Franklin shortlist defies 'shaggy' trend in Australian publishing
ABC experts unpack the shortlist of Australia's biggest book prize: who made it, who missed out and who they think will win.
Topic:Awards and Prizes
Wed 29 Jul 2026 at 9:03am
Kate Evans
Dr Kate Evans has a PhD in history and too many books. She regrets neither.
She has worked in publishing, universities, TV and radio, and joined Radio National in the 1990s. Since then, she has worked as both producer and presenter, on historical programs like Hindsight and Rear Vision, ideas programs including Australia Talks, Movie Time and Life Matters, and in recent years has specialised in interviews with authors on Books and Arts, Books Plus and (now) The Bookshelf. She regularly interviews both local and international authors onstage; writes monthly reviews for ABC online, and appears on TV as a critic and books commentator.
Kate has co-hosted The Bookshelf — with Cassie McCullagh — since its inception in 2018.
Latest by Kate Evans
The 10 books our critics couldn't put down in July
This month's best new books include an erotic novel set in a Tasmanian lighthouse, a 'wonderfully weird debut' about a woman's obsession with a cat and a Harlem heist novel.
Topic:Books
Sun 26 Jul 2026 at 12:12pm
The nine books our critics couldn't put down this month
June's best books include an Irish saga by Maggie O'Farrell, a gritty memoir by Ralph Jackman and a comic Italian romp by Andrew Sean Greer.
Topic:Books
Sun 28 Jun 2026 at 4:44am
The nine books our critics couldn't put down in May
Sweet teen love, gay football stars, alien abductions and a murderous PhD student bent on revenge — this month's best new releases have it all.
Topic:Books
Thu 4 Jun 2026 at 8:40am
A guide to the six books vying for the $60,000 Stella Prize
A memoir by Geraldine Brooks and a historical novel by actor-turned-author Tasma Walton are among the eclectic works up for one of Australia's most prestigious literary awards.
Topic:Awards and Prizes
Sat 2 May 2026 at 4:30am
The 10 books that knocked our critics' socks off this month
This month's top picks include new works from Steve Toltz and Colm Tóibín, a satire inspired by Yellowface and an investigation into the death of a London teen who masqueraded as the son of a Russian oligarch.
Topic:Books
Tue 16 Jun 2026 at 3:55pm
The nine books that knocked our critics' socks off this month
Wondering what to read next? Gothic crime fiction, a cult Japanese bestseller and a fantastical twist on the Blitz are among our critics' latest recommendations.
Topic:Books
Mon 30 Mar 2026 at 11:55am
Our critics pick the 11 best books of the summer
Wondering what to read next? Buzzy debuts, gripping thrillers and lyrical literary fiction are among our critics' latest recommendations.
Topic:Books
Tue 24 Mar 2026 at 1:03pm
The 14 books that knocked our critics' socks off in 2025
An exciting Australian debut, a bevvy of award-winning literary fiction and more than one heart-wrenching memoir are among our critics' favourite reads of the year.
Topic:Books
Tue 16 Dec 2025 at 4:00pm