Tara’s first novel - Diamonds, furs and murder: The many crimes of Mona Hayes - is out now through Ginninderra Press.
Diamonds, furs and murder: the many crimes of Mona Hayes is a historical fiction inspired by the life and crimes of little-known 1930s thief Mona Hayes. Described by police as a well-educated, exceptionally clever crook - if she sees something she wants, she takes it. Most women don’t do that. If the mark is deserving, even better. Diamonds, watches and furs are Mona’s weakness. Not to be deterred by jail time, she hones her craft, performing cons on shop keepers and charming the police.
But when Mona falls in love with the mysterious Albert Sharpe, who will save her? Who will save him? And can Mona finally pull herself out of the life of crime she’s grown accustomed?
Available in Australia and Internationally online. Purchase now at the link below or ask at your local book shop.
Tara Oldfield
“A page turner! Mona Hayes is brought to life not just as a historical figure but as a woman navigating the constraints of her time with extraordinary tenacity.”
About Tara
Tara Oldfield is a communications professional from Melbourne. In 2024 she won a Mander Jones Award for her short historical fiction Bitter salts. Her journal article examining the life of Kate Rounsefell, fiancé and almost victim of serial killer Frederick Bailey Deeming, was published in Provenance in 2025. Through Tara's work with archives, she happened upon the files of a fascinating 1930s criminal, inspiring her first novel -Diamonds, furs and murder: The many crimes of Mona Hayes.
Read Bitter salts.
Read The one who got away: Kate Rounsefell’s story.
Listen to Tara’s episodes of the Look history in the eye podcast.
Follow on Instagram.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday 4 June, Hampton, Rotary Club of Brighton.
Tuesday 28 July, Prahran, Rare Book Week and Sisters in Crime.
INTERVIEWS
