Troy Hunter

Author

Troy Hunter is an adult and YA author who works as a marketing and communications consultant. His first YA crime novel, Gus and the Missing Boy, came out in 2024 and was shortlisted for the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards – Best Debut Crime Fiction. His second novel, Gus and the Burning Stones, will be published in August 2025.

He is also the co-host of the Queer Writes Sessions podcast.

Troy offers writing workshops for secondary/senior students across topics including writing crime, writing short stories, queer writing, and developing authentic characters.

Where were you born?

I was born in Melbourne but grew up in Bendigo.

What other jobs have you had?

Outside of marketing and communications, I’ve worked as a casual at a bookshop (my first job), a cook and barman (in the UK), a tax inspector (I was awful), and a graphic designer (which was fun).

What themes are recurring in your work?

Crime, mystery, friendships, identity, fat kids as the heroes, queer kids as the heroes, resilience when things are rough, tricky family relationships. My books also tend to have elements or references to things I love, like Agatha Christie and Doctor Who.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Getting Jane Novak as my agent and then getting a contract from Wakefield Press for my first book Gus and the Missing Boy were both definitely highlights. Having Gus shortlisted for the prestigious Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Fiction is another highlight. Being invited to speak at the 2025 International Agatha Christie Festival in the UK is big highlight too.

Where have your works been published?

Gus and the Missing Boy and the sequel Gus and the Burning Stones are both published in Australia.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about diversity issues, literacy, and telling twisty crime stories.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I have always attended a lot of book events and writers’ festivals – and now I get to speak at them and meet readers, which is amazing!

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I am writing an adult crime novel now.