Karen Healey is a New Zealander living in Melbourne. Her critically acclaimed 2010 debut novel, Guardian of the Dead, is a paranormal thriller heavily influenced by Māori mythology, and is a finalist for the American Library Association's prestigious William C. Morris award. Her new novel The Shattering (Allen & Unwin, 2011) is set in a small town on the West Coast, which three teenagers discover hides dark secrets. It will be available at the festival by special arrangement, but is due for general release later in 2011. Karen likes World of Warcraft, baking, feminism, and movies about cheerleading.

Karen is supported by Allen & Unwin

Website: karenhealey.com

See also: Jolisa Gracewood on publicaddress.net interviews Karen Healey about her book Guardian of the Dead.