Serial Thrillers

Description

Crime pays. Or it did for Australian fiction writers when reading was a major form of entertainment. From the colonial era, local magazines and newspapers employed crime writers whose work was often published in serial form. 

Eileen Davitt, Mary H Fortune, aka Waif Wanderer, and other colonial lady writers abandoned genteel romance and fluffy kittens to explore the darker side of human nature.

In the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, Australian expatriate Guy Boothby made a fortune with his Dr Nikola series and other thrillers. His start came from publication in the UK’s Windsor magazine. 

A few years later, Adelaide’s Arthur Gask was writing murder mysteries in between patients at his North Terrace dental practice. This led to a long career as a popular detective writer. Several of his novels were published episodically in newspapers.

Explore the work of these and other writers with an Australian connection to serial crime.

Image: Cover illustration of Guy Boothby’s Doctor Nikola, illustration by Stanley L Wood SLSA : Z collection: Boothby, Guy: Dr Nikola, 1896

FAQs

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid (metered) street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

There is on-street disabled parking available on the nearby roads. View more information and maps of Adelaide City Council's Disability parking for permit holders.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays.  The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include quiet study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.