Vanessa McCausland is an internationally published author of five contemporary fiction books. She writes literary mystery/book club fiction with a strong sense of place.

Her third novel, The Beautiful Words was shortlisted for the 2022 Davitt Awards for crime writing. 

The Last Illusion of Paige White was named a New York Times Best Thriller of 2025.

Her latest novel, The Heart Note, is forthcoming in the U.S. in Dec 2026 and Aus in Feb 2027.

She lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter.

DISCOVER THE BOOKS

  • ‘Compelling, haunting and beautifully written.’

    Liane Moriarty

  • ‘A stunning, emotive tale and a captivating escape of a book.’

    Hannah Richell, author of The Search Party and One Dark Night.

  • ‘An addictive read.’

    Mikki Brammer, author of The Collected Regrets of Clover

  • ‘A beautiful book, I loved it. Vivid, evocative, haunting.’

    Kate Forsyth, author of PSYKHE

  • ‘McCausland is a thoughtful, subtle writer with a deep understanding of her characters' psyches. What lends a special poignancy to the story are the chapters narrated by Paige, reflecting deep regret for her life’s mistakes.’

    The New York Times

  • ‘Exquisite descriptions of Tasmania’s natural beauty framing a nuanced portrait of close female friendship.’ 

    The Sydney Morning Herald 

  • ‘Easy breezy summer chick-lit this is not. Brace yourself for a foreboding, relatable, intriguing page-turner.’

    The Courier-Mail

  • ‘A compelling story in a uniquely Australian setting, for fans of Hannah Richell or Emily Bitto.’

    Books + Publishing

  • ‘A compelling, gothic-tinged novel . . . Social media takes a dark turn in this intriguing tale of regret.'

    Kirkus Review

  • ‘What seems to be a lyrical generational tale twists surprisingly into a subtle thriller … perceptive … touching … rewarding … A clever and wonderful book.’

    SA Weekend

  • ‘Sizzling . . . The death of an influencer shakes up a small Australian town in this mesmerizing whodunit. . . . When the truth finally comes out, it’s a gut punch.'

    Publisher’s Weekly

The Heart Note

‘A fragrant love letter to France and to mothers and daughters, rich with history, creativity and femininity’

Kell Woods, author of Upon A Starlit Tide and After the Forest

AUS EDITION

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US EDITION

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The Heart Note is a novel of scent memory, the secrets mothers hold close to their hearts, and the daughters who uncover them.

For fans of Pip Williams, Holly Ringland and Kate Morton.

Publishing U.S. December 2026 and Aus Feb 2027.

MORE OF VANESSA'S BOOKS