PODCAST: Mali Cornish on Life, Law & Her New Novel

PODCAST: Mali Cornish on Life, Law & Her New Novel

Cheryl talks to Mali Cornish about her relationship with her own mother, her career in law, and how becoming a parent reshaped her perspective on life. They also explore the inspiration behind her new book, The Missing Mother, which is out now.

About the author

Mali Cornish was born in Geelong. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne. Her debut novel Judgement Day (2023, as Mali Waugh) was shortlisted for the Danger Awards Best Debut 2024. Her writing has been featured in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian. She lives in Melbourne with her family.

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Q&A: Mali Cornish, Author of The Missing Mother

News | Author Related

4 May 2026

Q&A: Mali Cornish, Author of The Missing Mother

Publisher details

The Missing Mother
Author
Mali Cornish
Publisher
Allen & Unwin
Genre
Fiction
Released
28 April, 2026
ISBN
9781922928139

Synopsis

A razor-sharp psychological suspense thriller for fans of Gillian Flynn about the family secrets that bind us - and break us.When Elspeth returns from New York to her hometown of Geelong, it's not for a holiday - it's because her mother has vanished.While her sister, Aoife, and Elspeth wait for news, they circle around their father's death years earlier, reopening old wounds. But Elspeth's own behaviour soon unsettles those around her, and the police begin to wonder if she's hiding something.Elspeth teams up with a local crime reporter to search for the truth, leading to the discovery of her mother's unfinished memoir. It includes letters that expose long-buried betrayals and shocking secrets. As the investigation tightens, so does the net around Elspeth. Is she an investigator, a grieving daughter, or someone more dangerous?In a family built on lies, digging too deep can be deadly.
Mali Cornish
About the author

Mali Cornish

Mali Cornish was born in Geelong. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne. Her debut novel Judgement Day (2023, as Mali Waugh) was shortlisted for the Danger Awards Best Debut 2024. Her writing has been featured in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian. She lives in Melbourne with her family.

Books by Mali Cornish

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  1. Travis Reed says:

    Really enjoyed listening to Mali Cornish speak about balancing personal experiences with the legal world while shaping a compelling story. The discussion around character depth and real life influences made the episode especially engaging. I also came across some interesting perspectives while reading through https://butlercountycourts.org which added another layer to how legal narratives connect with everyday experiences. Looking forward to hearing more conversations like this that blend storytelling, law, and life so naturally.

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