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 2002 Davitt Awards for crime writing. 

Her latest book, The Last Illusion of Paige White, is being published in Australia and the US.

She lives in Sydney with her husband and daughter.

  • ‘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

  • ‘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 natural storyteller.’

    Herald Sun

  • ‘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 superbly atmospheric, absolutely gripping read.’

    Better Reading

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

    SA Weekend

 The Last Illusion of Paige White

‘Compelling, haunting and beautifully written, The Last Illusion is a clever, page-turning modern mystery as well as a thoughtful exploration of female friendship, family dynamics and the complex impact of social media on self identity. You’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page!’

Liane Moriarty, #1 New York Times bestselling author

AUS EDITION

US EDITION

The Last Illusion of Page White is an atmospheric small town mystery. It’s a breathtaking novel about two women, a tragedy on the lake—and secrets beneath the surface.

For fans of The Lovely Bones and Before You Knew My Name.

Publishing Australia December 2024 and US June 2025.