I Want Everything

The most infamous author in Australia disappeared after a plagiarism scandal.
Now a desperate young writer has found her.

But to uncover the truth, he must lie about who he is — and once he starts, he can’t stop

Everyone remembers Brenda Shales. The brilliant cult author vanished at the height of her fame after a shocking plagiarism scandal — and never spoke publicly again. For years, the mystery surrounding her disappearance has obsessed readers across Australia.

Then an ambitious young writer finds Brenda living quietly in Melbourne.

He knows this is his chance to write the story that will make his career. There’s only one problem: to get close to her, he must pretend to be someone else. What begins as one harmless lie quickly spirals into a dangerous web of deception. As Brenda finally reveals the dark and unsettling truth behind her books, the young writer becomes increasingly unsure whether she’s confessing… or manipulating him.

But the deeper he falls into Brenda’s world, the more he risks losing himself.

Sharp, addictive, and full of jaw-dropping twists, I Want Everything is a gripping literary thriller about ambition, obsession, plagiarism, fame, and the price of becoming successful at any cost.

Perfect for readers of Yellowface, The Secret History, and Big Swiss, this award-winning debut combines psychological suspense with biting literary satire in a novel you won’t be able to put down.

Winner of the 2026 MUD Literary Prize
Winner of the 2025 Readings Fiction Prize

“A brilliant concept, brilliantly executed.” — Bri Lee

“That rare thing, a great contemporary novel.” — Lauren Oyler