Robotham is an award-winning crime writer with a background in journalism whose accolades include two Ned Kelly Awards for Australia’s best crime novel.

In 1993 he became a ghost writer, collaborating with politicians, pop stars, psychologists, adventurers and show business personalities to write their autobiographies.

Twelve of these non-fiction titles were bestsellers with combined sales of more than two million copies.

Mr Robotham’s psychological thrillers (seven to date) have been translated into 22 languages and published in more than 50 countries.

His first novel The Suspect, a psychological thriller, was chosen by the world’s largest consortium of book clubs as only the fifth International Book of the Month, making it the top recommendation to 28 million book club members in fifteen countries. It has been translated into 22 languages.

MRF Chair Melanie Trethowan said she hoped Robotham’s writing would be particularly appealing to the “blokes in the audience” during the August 20-21 event.

“Crime and mystery are such popular reading genres that we are confident of a full house for Michael’s sessions,” she said.

“Michael has been getting a lot of press coverage lately and some great reviews for his latest book “The Wreckage”.

“We are pleased that he is able to be part of our program in between appearances at the Bloody Book Week in South Africa, Byron Bay Writers Festival and the Melbourne Writers Festival.”

Mr Robotham will be appearing in a number of panel sessions as well as an individual In Conversation session during the festival.

The full MRF 2011 program is available now at www.mudgeereadersfestival.com.au.

Tickets to the festival are available from Mudgee Region Tourism office, 84 Market St or online.